Being sick when you are retired is a lot
easier than when you have a job or family responsibilities. I didn’t have to
advise anyone or worry about anything, I just rolled over and went back to
sleep. At least yesterday, although I stayed in bed, I could stay awake and
watch some TV.
I watched Act One, a dramatization of Moss Hart’s autobiography of the same
name. James Lepine adapted the story for the stage; it was produced at Lincoln
Centre and it stared Tony Shalhoub, Andrea Martin and Santino Fantana.
Observations:
- Big names can ensure shows get “green lit,” and James Lepine is a big, big name, but I am not convinced that the money involved with this rich, rich show was worth it.
- Andrea Martin has become a terrific force on Broadway and seems to be a much different person that the Andrea who slayed us as Edith Prickly on SCTV (that was filmed in Edmonton).
- Santino Fantana was a total joy to watch.
- And Tony Shaloub was nothing short of spectacular as Moss Hart’s father and as George S. Kaufman. I am a fan now.
This show is part of the PBS Fall Arts
Festival. It has been a really fabulous series. Unity, the Michael Jackson tribute by Latino musicians was
incredible—especially in that it showcased (very modestly) the absolutely
majestic talent of Tony Succar.
Billy
Elliot was another hit of this series as was First You Dream, the Music of Kander and Ebb.
I did not see the other shows in the series but if they were as good as the
ones I viewed this is a series no one who loves Broadway should miss.
And I recently watched a documentary called
Every Little Step that records the
process of putting together the revival of A
Chorus Line. I love both the show and the film for so many reasons, but a
highlight is when the role of Cassie is won by the daughter of Jacques d’Amboise
who is one of my heroes. He was a principal dancer of George Balanchine, the
greatest ballet choreographer of the modern world.
•
Next I watched Eddie Murphy being awarded
the Mark Twain Prize for humour. I have seen the same award presentation to
Lily Tomlin and Tina Fey—the event is a fundraiser for the Kennedy Centre. I
loved Eddie Murphy as a young man. We all did. But watching his skits had me
never crack a smile. It all seems dated. He is from another time and I loathed
his movies. I thought it was a low point of the Mark Twain inductions.
•
I feel so much better today than yesterday so my dinner planned for Sunday is not threatened in any way. This morning I drafted a menu:
- I'm considering an Ahi tuna tartar salad as the first course.
- And for course #2: Tourtière... because Beth loved the look of my deep-dish, woven pastry version. This time, the goal will be to cook it differently so that is stays moist. I will layer it, for fun, as I continue to make it my own dish. I will use couscous on the bottom to absorb moisture and I am thinking I will add some layers of asparagus and carrot inside as well so it is attractive when sliced.
- To accompany the tourtière, I am thinking:
- Duchess potatoes. I have never made them and they would look awesome on the plate. I plan to practice cooking them tonight.
- Red Chard and caramelized onions. I have never cooked chard but it looks gorgeous on the plate.
- And for dessert, my latest favourite: Apple Cake dripping with a creamy maple sauce and velvety ice cream. Mmmm. The point of life.
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