PIECE OF MY HEART==>A

Thursday==>Well my loyal and faithful readers and followers, let’s get started without all of the usual weather reports and stuff and get right to the important things ... like ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s AWESOME new Off Broadway show ... 

PIECE OF MY HEART: The Bert Berns Story, this new musical is based on the life and songs of legendary songwriter Bert Berns, who died tragically at the age of 38, leaving behind his children, his legend, and music that would live on forever, including “Twist and Shout,” “I Want Candy,” “Hang on Sloopy,” and the immortal title song, “Piece of My Heart”==>A

This was the first preview performance and the show is in amazing shape. It doesn’t officially open until July 21st.

Twenty-six songs from Berns’ song catalog are interwoven into an emotionally involving and thought provoking story line that traces his rise in the often troubled world of song-writing and producing. He produced 51 hits in just 7 years

The focus is on the efforts of one of his daughters, Jessie, impeccably played by Leslie Kritzer, to learn the truth about  the life and times of a father she never knew.

Zak Resnick does an amazing job in the role of Berns, creating a character who is fanatically driven to reach fame and fortune while being emotionally and physically fragile.

The rest of the cast is stellar, the dancing and choreography is terrific, and the sets are great, especially the ones set in Cuba.

The house for this first preview performance was sold-out and everyone around me was really into the show.

Billi Pod says==>you gotta see this show.

Now ... in the name of fair and unbiased reporting I have to reveal, as I did in yesterday’s posting, that the Executive Producer of the show, Jack Thomas, is a friend. I talked with Jack briefly before the show and then in more detail after the show. You know, honestly, had it not been for my connection with Jack and this being the first preview performance Billi Pod would probably have given the show an A+.

Remember, your favorite blogger is not, repeat, is not, a shill.

This show is playing at The Signature Theatre Complex on West 42nd Street, has a running time of 2:20, with intermission, and runs through August 31st.

Moving on ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is an Off Broadway show ...

7:30==>THE PASSING SHOW - “Hard-boiled Broadway agents, tap-happy temps, and deliriously lustful in-laws raise a racket in this outrageous fun-fest filled with an exciting nod to the British music hall, a pair of celebrity-crazed theatre producers, and all-new material.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show is playing at the MTC Creative Center on West 43rd Street and runs for only 5 performances through June 29th. I have been unable to find the running time.

Moving on some more ...

You know, my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the morass known as cyberspace, Billi Pod has long believed that one must listen to one’s body when things just don’t feel right. Well, yesterday Billi Pod’s body suddenly spoke up and said: “Hey, old man, I’m kinda tired ... it’s time to give me a break.” And ... that is just what I did. No walk and wander sessions and only a meager 1.52 miles on my Pedometer.

Never fear ... today I feel great and my body has given me the OK to return to my usual walking schedule.

Just thought you would like to know this ... now ... on to the sports scene ...

Last night in Toronto The Yankees (40-37) broke out of their slump by beating AL East leading Toronto (44-36) 5-3 to avoid being swept. We got a decent outing from Hiroki Kuroda and a critical 2-run homer from Mark Teixeira.

Interestingly, the losing pitcher, Drew Hutchison, is from Lakeland, FL.

Anyway ... The Yankees have today off. On Friday they will return to Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed and Ego Built, to begin a 3-game series against the loathsome Boston FuckSox. 

This is advance warning ... your favorite blogger will be ensconced in front of his new (to him) 42” TV to watch all three games.

Man ... I really feel the need for a major walk and wander session so ... time to post this ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>1.52 miles (or, 3,332 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>677.54 miles (average 3.85 miles per day)

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

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