GRANDKID’S EYE VIEW
From Padua to Xanadu.
By James Feinberg
“Brush up your Shakespeare/ Start quoting him now/Brush up your Shakespeare/And the women you will wow.” The highlights for me were William Ryall (left) and Gordon Joseph Weiss as those jolly gangsters who quote very loosely and hilariously from the Bard of Avon.
“I’ve Come to Wive It Wealthily in Padua,” says Petruchio (Mike McGowan) to Katherine (Michele Ragusa).
Kiss Me, Kate
It’s Too Darn Hot,
So Brush Up Your Shakespeare
To Pass the Time.
Paper Mill Puts on Yet
Another Memorable Musical
Paper Mill Playhouse
22 Brookside Drive
Millburn, NJ
973-376-4343
Concluding Performance, May 18.
Some would claim that the original Kiss Me, Kate could never be put on with just as much glory and wonderful acting. I don't know who these disbelievers are, but Paper Mill Playhouse, New Jersey's own version of Broadway, proved them wrong. Those who know the tale of Fred Graham/Petruchio and Lilli Vanessi/Katherine know that the musical is the greatest piece the legendary Cole Porter ever wrote. But Paper Mill, if this is possible, made the show more exciting then ever, complete with detailed scenery, bright and showy costumes, and actors who truly make the part! One of the biggest surprises of the show for me was that the gangsters are literally called in the show, First Man and Second Man. Their croaky singing voices and tap-dancing skills made Brush Up Your Shakespeare a pleasure. The perfect match of Lilli and Fred were portrayed hilariously by the acting wonders Michele Ragusa, and Mike McGowan, who made the parts so original the audience began to think the two invented the roles. In short, the play was an ultimate success, full of surprises. and laughs. An incredible spectacle for young and old, Kiss Me, Kate captivated all and gave memories that will keep forever.
Kira and Sonny Malone (Cheyenne Jackson)
Kira (Kerry Butler) elicits a hearty laugh from her Muse-sisters, (Top Row, from left: Mary Testa, Curtis Holbrook, Andre Ward, Jackie Hoffman; Bottom Row, from left: Anika Larsen, Kenita Miller) as she contemplates the idea of falling in love with a mortal! Photos: Paul Kolnik Studio
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
XANADU, THE WORST MOVIE EVER,
BECOMES A MUST-SEE
AT THE HELEN HAYES THEATER
240 W. 44th St.
212-944-9450
Fans of the movies of lore will look back on their favorite films with a complete understanding of their titles. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The sound the car made) Kiss Me, Kate (The command of Shakespeare’s Petruchio) , Xanadu. (Named for … )
Wait a minute.
Named for what?
Only those of you who look the word up in the dictionary before seeing the play (I suggest you do) are liable to understand its meaning.
Xanadu is the combination of three fabled subjects- Greek myths, the 1980s, and roller-skating. An amazing play, inside and out, you’re not likely to find this kind of entertainment anywhere else. As incredible as this all may seem, there was one problem for the playwright: The movie that is the origin for this play was, quite frankly, horrible. Dan Knechtges, the choreographer, was not permitted to see the film as a child. He now reflects*, “I used to think there was something dirty about it, but really now I think they were protecting me because it was so bad.” So making horrible wonderful should have been difficult, but obviously wasn’t for the amazing playwright Douglas Carter Beane. The show tells the story of the artist wannabe Sonny Malone (Cheyenne Jackson) and the Muse (one of the goddesses of inspiration) of History, Clio - or in her disguise as Kira (Kerry Butler), an Australian, to assist Sonny in his “quest for artistic achievement.” Their destinies intertwine in a fun and action-filled tale full of flying horses, optimistic Cyclopses, harsh gods, sugar cube-eating centaurs, vengeful sisters, and forbidden love.
With scenery based on 1980 drawings, amazing special effects, a dynamic orchestra, and random humor (the actors often make jokes about the people sitting in the seats onstage**, such as a crack at three girls wearing the same sweatshirt from a Muse about “matching people”), this is tons of fun for young and old. A must-see!
*See Xanadu: The Book! (Seriously) available in many shops near the theater.
**Special seats are provided onstage.
Spy Museum Kidspy®800 F St., NW Washington, DC 20004
202-654-2842 (Att: Jackie Eyl)
James and his sister Lily participated in the Spy Museum’s initial Kidspy Festival on Sunday, May 18 at which they were fingerprinted, polygraphed, and had their handwriting analyzed. James will report on their experiences in his next Grandkid’s Eye View column. Meanwhile, if you plan on visiting Washington on any of these dates, phone Jackie Eyl, the Museum’s Manager of Youth Education for details. Admission to the Museum itself covers Kidspy participation.
SPIES ON SCREEN
STORMBREAKER
JUNE 18, 1–3 P.M.
SPY MAGIC
July 13: 10:30–11:30 A.M. or 12:30 – 1:30 P.M.
KIDSPY SPY CAMP
OPERATION BEAT THE HEAT
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 8;
9 A.M. –3 P.M.
