Billi Pod Says==>HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Thursday==>HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the morass known as cyberspace.

And ... a very special shout-out to Her Druidness aka Sandy Mullon of Anna Maria, FL.

The weather here in the Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, is overcast but much warmer==>69º @ noon. There is a 30% chance of rain in the evening hours, meaning ... here in Hell’s Kitchen there will probably be more tricking than treating (get the pun??).

One thing for certain ... your favorite blogger ain’t gonna be out on the streets amidst the costumes and drunken chaos. Thankfully, he has booked a show at the Theatre Row Complex on his block, details below.

So ... let’s get this posting started with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s classical music concert ...

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA @ Avery Fisher Hall, performing works by Ravel, Salonen (who??) and Sibelius==>EXCELLENT, as usual.

For me the highlight of the evening was the Sibelius work, Symphony No. 5, which was a mere 30 minutes in duration, with only 3 movements.

Before the concert the weather was acceptable, so I walked from my apartment up 8th Avenue to Lincoln Center. I usually don’t like walking a long distance to a performance/show because I hate to arrive all sweaty and gooky, but this wasn’t a problem last night with the cold and windy conditions.

When the concert was over the weather was still acceptable so I walked back to the apartment and it felt good.

Moving on ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

8:00==>SMILE - “This Marvin Hamlisch & Howard Ashman musical chronicles the backstage intrigue and exploits of the fictional 1985 California Young American Miss beauty pageant.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket)

This show is part of the Musicals Tonight series, is playing at The Theatre Row Complex on my block, has a running time of 2:30, with intermission, and runs through November 3rd.

OK ... now ... let’s close this posting on a very positive note (Oh, God ... this is gonna hurt) and that is ...

CONGRATULATIONS to The Boston Red Sox for winning The World Series.

The Red Sox finished off The Cardinals in 6 games, 6-1, for their 3rd championship in 10 seasons and the first clincher at Fenway Park since 1918.

Remember, in an earlier posting Billi Pod predicted that they would win.

As a baseball fan I have to admit that what The Red Sox accomplished in 2013 was totally amazing as they went from their worst season ever in 2012, mired in last place, to winning The 2013 World Series in 6 games. AWESOME!!

Frankly, this doesn’t bode well for the future of The Yankee/FuckSox rivalry.

OK ... can’t write any more (pant ... gasp ... double gasp ... that was sooooooooo painful) ... so ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.26 miles (or, 11,498 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>421.21 miles (average 3.45 miles per day)

GO GATORS!!  

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

LA SOIREE==>B+

Wednesday==>It is a kinda gray and overcast day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, but the good news is==>it is a good bit warmer, 55º @ noon and the forecast is for it to reach the low 60s later on in the afternoon. Very nice for a Fall day.

I think I will take advantage of the decent weather by having an extended walk and wander session uptown somewhere, probably in the 70s in the Upper Westside. 

So ... let’s get this posting started with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment event ...

LA SOIREE, a heady cocktail of cabaret, burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety==>B+

As a whole the show was very entertaining and in parts it was very risqué, including full-frontal female nudity, which featured discovering the whereabouts of a small red handkerchief, ostensibly in a body cavity (I can’t be more specific but I think you get the picture - meow).

The male acrobatic duo was absolutely incredible.

My theater-buddy Dian Crystal aka My Lady was also at the show and she liked it a lot.

My only quibble is that our comp. seats were in the balcony making some of the sight lines kinda awkward.

The show is playing down at The Union Square Theatre in, tada, Union Square, has a running time of 2:00, with intermission, and has a limited run through March 30, 2014.

Billi Pod says==>if you like an X-rated indoor traveling circus, then see this show ... if not, stay far-far away.

Moving on ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:30==>NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA @ Avery Fisher Hall - The program is: 

Ravel - Mother Goose Suite; 

Salonen (who??) - Violin Concerto; and,

Sibelius - Symphony No. 5 

(season subscription series)

Yeah, your favorite blogger is definitely is need of a classical music fix.

With the good weather forecast I will walk back to the apartment when the concert is over.

On the sports scene ... for you Marty aka Whatever ... as a welcome back home ...

Tonight at 8:00pm is game 6 of The World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and The Boston FuckSox from that fetid cesspool known as Fenway Park.

It is a “win-or-go-home” situation for the Cards and, unfortunately, Billi Pod’s gut is telling him that the Fat Lady is already exercising her vocal cords in anticipation of singing tonight.

OK ... time to post this and then head out ...

Oh ... yesterday was also a good walking day ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.09 miles (or, 11,126 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>415.95 miles (average 3.44 miles per day)

GO GATORS!!  

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Billi Pod’s Reason For Today’s Delayed Posting

Tuesday==>Sorry for the delay in this posting but, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, your favorite blogger has a good reason for the lateness ... and here it is ...

This morning he was in the audience for a taping of a promo. clip from the Broadway musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, to be shown on CBS sometime during The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

My FaceBook friend Daniel Nickle  forward me the information about the event and it sounded interesting, so I signed up with the group known as The Black List NYC. 

Was directed to be at The Lyceum Theater on West 45th Street no later than 9:45am. I was there on time, signed in and then met up with Daniel.

We were let into the theater around 10:10am and were taken to our assigned seating, the first 4-rows in the center orchestra. The stage and theater was set up with all of the camera gear and stuff.

We were given instructions to loudly clap when directed and to “act like you are at a rock concert.”

The star of the show is Mary Bridget Davies. She sang “Me and Bobby McGee” about 6-8 times in several slightly different versions with her backup orchestra. She also made a promo. announcement.

Each time we applauded at the beginning, clapped along during parts of the song and gave a roaring round of applause when she finished.

It was 11:10am when we left the theater.

It was a fun experience and I am glad I opted to accept the invitation.

The show itself opened on October 10th to very mixed reviews. As you might remember, Joplin died of an overdose of heroin and alcohol at 27.

So ... there you have it ... let’s now move on to Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment event ...

SIX WIVES, the story of Henry VIII and the six women he married: Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, Katherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour, and Katherine Parr==>A

This one-night concert staging was at The York Theatre, in the basement of Saint Peter’s Church on West 54th Street. It is one of my favorite venues.

The performance level was incredible and the cast was outstanding, headed by Alexander Gemignani as Henry VIII.

The house was full with extra seats in the aisles.

It was yet another fine job by Producing Artistic Director Jim Morgan (also a Florida Gator) and his outstanding staff.

I left the theater with a smile on my face.

I subwayed back to the warm and cozy confines of PHC to watch the final innings of game 5 of the World Series.

As you sports fans know, The Boston FuckSox won 3-1 behind a stellar outing from lefty Jon Lester. The FuckSox are now up 3-2 and are a win away from winning their 3rd Series in the last decade. Barf!!

Game 6 will be on Wednesday @ 8:00pm from that fetid cesspool known as Fenway Park.

Well ... let’s move on to tonight’s entertainment event ...

8:00==>LA SOIREE - “A heady cocktail of cabaret, burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety, this pioneering show has garnered rave reviews, audience adulation and a cabinet full of awards.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Tonight is the first preview performance and the show is playing down at The Union Square Theatre in, tada, Union Square, and has a limited run through March 30, 2014.

I have a gut feeling that this is gonna fall in the “loved it or hated it” category. We will see.

Again ... I am sorry for the delay in this posting and I hope you loyal and faithful readers and followers will grant your favorite blogger here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, your forgiveness and understanding. 

If not, then he will hunt you down and bitch slap you and then ... ooooooops ... sorry ... guess I got a bit carried away ... anyhoo ... gotta go grocery shopping ... so ... whatever ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.90 miles (or, 8,531 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>410.86 miles (average 3.42 miles per day)

GO GATORS!!  

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Yesterday’s Doubleheader Was Excellent!

 Monday==>Good afternoon my loyal and faithful readers and followers.

Sorry about the lateness in this posting but I kinda have a legitimate excuse because: (1) I had a morning appointment with my ear doctor, Rose DuLude, whose office is way over on the Upper Eastside; and (2) I decided to do some of my things and chores on the way back to PHC after the appointment was over.

I clocked 2.57 miles in making the round trip to and from her office and, I subwayed. Yep, she is way over on the Upper Eastside.

I am happy to report that the results of the now “annual” hearing exam, without the ear thingys in, was satisfactory, at the same level as this time one year ago. 

So ... now ... let’s get started with my report cards on yesterday’s excellent doubleheader, two shows that are part of the All For One Theater Festival @ The Studio at the Cherry Lane Theatre in The West Village ... starting with ...

A LITTLE POTATO AND HARD TO PEEL, the writer and performer, David Harrell, takes the audience on a journey that begins with the day he was born without his right hand==>A.

It was extremely well written and performed. Yes, the story line is a bit troubling as it deals with his efforts as a child to be viewed as being “normal.” The overall effect is very emotionally involving. He is extremely fortunate that he had a very supportive family, especially his rather tough no-nonsense father.

The show's running time is about 50 minutes, without intermission.

Billi Pod says==>see this show.

The remaining performance date is: Saturday, November 9 @ 7:00pm

When the show was over I had a nice walk and wander session in The West Village, found a place for a good slice, and then it was time for the second show ...

KNYUM, about Guy, who attempts to learn Khmur in order to document his parents stories of sacrifice as survivors of the genocide in Cambodia, all while working at Hotel East Houston in NYC==>A

This show was well written and performed by Vichet Chum. I learned a lot about Cambodia in the 1970s and the rampant genocide. Chum’s parents were lucky to have escaped (actually, I am assuming the play is about him and his real parents).

The running time is about 1:30, without intermission.

Billi Pod says==>see this show.

The remaining performance dates are: Saturday, November 2 @ 1:00pm; Sunday, November 3 @ 4:00pm; and, Friday, November 8 @ 7:00pm.

When the show was over I came back to the warm and cozy confines of PHC and watched the remainder of game 4 of the World Series, won, dammit, 4-2, by The Boston FuckSox.

The game had another bizarre ending when the St. Louis runner got picked-off lst base for the final out in the bottom of the 9th.

The series is now tied 2-2 and game 5 is tonight @ 8:00pm from St. Louis.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:30==>SIX WIVES - “This one night concert is the story of Henry VIII and the six women he married: Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, Katherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour, and Katherine Parr, and examines his historical image from a modern-day perspective.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

This show is being performed at The York Theatre (one of my favorite venues) in the basement of Saint Peter’s Church on East 54th Street.

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, this brings you up-to-date. Sorry about the delay ... now ... I still have stuff to do on this errands Monday, so ...

Oh, yesterday was also an excellent walk and wander day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.64 miles (or, 12,333 steps)

Total mileage for the week==>19.33 miles (average 2.76 miles per day)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>406.96 miles (average 3.42 miles per day)

GO GATORS!!  

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Today Is A “All In One Theater Festival” Doubleheader

Sunday==>It is another beautiful Fall day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World ... so ... let’s get today's posting started with your favorite blogger's report card on yesterday’s entertainment event ...

THAT HOPEY CHANGEY THING, about the Apple family reflecting on family, memory, manners and politics==>A-

The show is very well acted with an interesting story line that, among other things, skewers local and national politicians and both political parties.

It would have gotten an even higher grade except for the annoying blocking that has the actors speaking important dialogue while their backs are 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 6 rows back and I had difficulty at times hearing/understanding. I had the same complaint about the other 2 shows in the Apple family series.

My theater buddies Dian Crystal aka My Lady, Kim, and Will MacAdam were also at the performance and they each gave it high marks.

The show is playing at The Public Theater downtown and has a running time of 1:40, without intermission.

When the show was over I originally thought that I would head over to the movie house on Houston Street to see the Daniel Radcliffe movie KILL YOUR DARLINGS, but as I was walking to the theater I suddenly felt the urge/need for some sports ... so ...

I came on back to the cozy confines of PHC and settled in front of the tube for college football and then game 3 of The World Series.

The South Carolina Gamecocks had an amazing double-overtime win over Missouri. Way to go ‘Cocks!!

As most of you sports fans know, game 3 of the FuckSox/Cardinals World Series was a real nail-biter with the Birds winning 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th on a controversial base running interference call. They now lead 2-1.

Now ... let’s move on to Billi Pod’s entertainment schedule for today ... which will be another doubleheader ... first is ...

4:00==>A LITTLE POTATO AND HARD TO PEEL - “The writer and performer David Harrell takes the audience on a journey that begins with the day he was born without his right hand. What starts out as one man’s challenge to accept his own strengths and limitations becomes a compelling charge for us all.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show is at The Studio of the Cherry Lane Theatre down in The West Village and has a running time of 55 minutes, without intermission.

When the show is over I will do some walking and wandering in The Village, including having a slice, because my second show is also at the same venue ...

7:00==>KYNUM - “To supplement his meager artistic life, Guy works graveyard shifts at the Hotel East Houston in New York City. Between the hours of 11pm and 7am, the hotel lobby transforms into a theater for Guy’s dreams. There he encounters his parents, Ma and Ba and their stories of sacrifice and survival during the Cambodian genocide. (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show is written and performed by Vichet Chum and is also at The Studio at the Cherry Lane Theatre. It has a running time of 90 minutes, with no intermission.

Both of these shows are part of The All for One Theater Festival which is dedicated to the advancement of solo performance. The Festival has been running since October 11th and runs through November 9th.

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers ... there you have it ...

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.02 miles (or, 6,609 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>401.32 miles (average 3.40 miles per day)

GO GATORS!!  

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”