Billi Pod Blogs: It Was A Stellar Weekend

Good morning to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers. I hope your weekend was stellar because Billi Pod’s certainly was beginning with the awesome 37-26 win over HALF ASS U and then a stellar entertainment doubleheader for Sunday, so ...

Let’s get this posting started with Billi Pod’s report cards on Sunday’s doubleheader ...

MESSIAH: REFRESHED @ Avery Fisher Hall==>A<== a perfect way to start the holiday season.

The enhanced orchestration of Handel’s classic, supported by a full orchestra and a 175+ person chorus, filled the auditorium with gloriously beautiful sounds that transfixed the audience.

The performance, done with one intermission, clocked in at 2:30 but the time passed quickly.

Whenever I hear The Messiah I remember back to high school (Summerlin Institute in Bartow, FL) where I was a member of the Glee Club for 3 years, under the iron-fisted direction of Miss Margaret Clark (who was one tough lady, especially on the guys).

We performed The Messiah each season, but our version ended with the Hallelujah Chorus, omitting the final 4 numbers in the original format. Frankly, I still like our format better.

In response to an inquiry about standing during the Hallelujah Chorus ...

On March 23, 1743, The Messiah was performed for the 1st time in London. Present was King George II. The king was so moved by the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, he spontaneously stood to his feet and remained standing until the end of the Chorus. (And when the king stands up, EVERYBODY stands up.) Ever since that day it has been customary for the audience to stand whenever the Hallelujah Chorus is sung.

You are so very welcome.

Then for the evening was a drama down at the newly refurbished Public Theater @ Astor Place ...

SORRY, about the Apple family in Rhinebeck, NY, as they sort through personal and political feelings on Election Day 2012==>B

I really wanted to like this show a lot more. This was the 3rd part of the series. I had seen the 2nd part called SWEET AND SAD, so I was familiar with the underlying story line and the characters.

This production would have gotten a higher grade except for the staging that had the actors speaking important dialogue while their backs were turned to large portions of the audience. It is staged in the 3/4s round (if that makes any sense to you). I was on the side only 4 rows back and I had difficulty hearing and understanding, even with my hearing aid thingys.

I had the same complaint about SWEET AND SAD ... Oh well ...

Was able to log in some walking time before and after the show.

As I said above, THE MESSIAH was an excellent way to get the holiday season started for Billi Pod. Well, tonight he is taking another step down the road to Christmas with the following show ...

7:00==>LET’S KILL GRANDMA THIS CHRISTMAS - “After a rough year filled with economic difficulties, some family members ponder the question ... at 80 years old, how much longer does Grandma need to hold onto her vast fortune?” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Yeah, this sounds like the show I need to maintain my festive ‘tude.

Well, my loyal and faithful readers, as you all know, Monday is Billi Pod’s errands and stuff day, so he will post this picture of his darling great-granddaughter Saylor Falletta and then start doing things ...