A Mega-Awesome Doubleheader!!

Good afternoon everyone.

Well, my loyal and faithful readers out there in the vast hinterlands of the good ole U S of A, Billi Pod is happy to report that yesterday’s Broadway entertainment doubleheader met and even exceeded his expectations.

So, let’s get this posting started with my report cards on the individual shows --

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET==>A. This admittedly “jukebox musical” has been running for almost a year despite rather mixed reviews. To me, from my terrific 5th row orchestra seat, the cast seemed to be energized for the entire intermission-less show - and so did the audience.

Each of the performers bore a passable resemblance to the rock ‘n’ roll legends they were portraying. Each of the characters performed their gold record hits in basically a jam session format.

Billi Pod has to admit that it brought back a lot of memories since it was set in 1956, when he was a mere 22 years old and beginning to really get into rock music. I left the theatre with a smile on my face and my ears ringing.

I don’t know how much longer the show can run so if you haven’t seen it, you should ASAP.

Now ...

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING==>A++<==this is gonna be a major hit, without a doubt. I had a great seat, 7th row orchestra, house right. Before the show everyone, and I mean everyone, around me was talking about how excited they were to be at the show. The crowd ranged from early teens to way older than me.

I had read postings etc. about how well Daniel Radcliffe sang and danced so I had pretty high expectations, but, folks, this young man far exceeded them. It was, in Billi Pod’s humble opinion, a Tony-worthy performance in all aspects, acting, singing and dancing.

There seemed to be great interaction and enthusiasm between Radcliffe and the rest of the cast members, particularly in the high-voltage dance numbers. Make no mistake about it, the role of J. Pierrepont Finch is extremely physically demanding. Oh, and two totally unrelated things -- (1) there are no traces of an English accent, and (2) he is only 5 feet 5 inches tall.

His costar, John Larroquette, who plays J. B. Biggley, the President of the World Wide Wicket Company, also gives an award-winning performance.

At intermission there was an additional 10 minute delay as a result of one of the ensemble members becoming ill. The delay did nothing to curb the audience’s excitement for Act II.

When the show was over we in the roaring audience leapt to our feet to give the cast its well-deserved standing ovation.

Let me also add that the sets and staging are also awesome. Now, yes ... it is a bit dated, but so what, we knew that coming in didn’t we? Yes we did.

I could go on and on my loyal and faithful readers but I won’t. Bottom-line==>this was one of my best theater experiences in a long long time. Now, if you have the opportunity to score tickets while it is still in previews you better do it because once this show opens it is gonna be one of the hottest tickets on Broadway.

Now on to other things ...

Billi Pod’s entertainment event for tonight ...

WINKIE - “When a mild-mannered teddy bear finds himself on the wrong side of America's War on Terror, he becomes trapped inside the jaws of a society rabid with fear and paranoia. Is Winkie the evil mastermind behind dozens of terrorist attacks? Or is he an innocent scapegoat for zealots on both sides of the terror wars?” (Off-Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket)

Yeah, I know, from HOW TO SUCCEED to a show about a teddy bear, but ... it is playing at the 59th Street Theatre, one of my favorite venues and is based on a highly successful novel written by Clifford Chase.

BREAKING NEWS==>opening night for SPIDER MAN: Turn Off The Dark has been postponed yet again and Julie Taymor is history. A new creative team is on board and the show will probably be shut down for 4 weeks for major reworking with Bono taking a major role in trying to repair this disaster.

Good luck, but it ain’t gonna happen because, in Billi Pod’s opinion, it ain’t fixable.

GO GATORS AND 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.”

Wednesday Is Another Awesome Doubleheader

Good morning my loyal and faithful readers.

Today will be an awesome (damn, I am using awesome way too much lately) Broadway entertainment doubleheader for Billi Pod.

But first, Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s THE MILK TRAIN DOESN’T STOP HERE ANYMORE==>B<==I actually liked it a lot more than I thought I would, due mainly to the terrific performance by Olympia Dukakis. I also now understand why it is one of Tennessee Williams’ least performed plays - it gets a bit tedious and unbelievable in parts. Still, I am glad I saw it.

Now about today’s awesome Broadway doubleheader --

2:30==>MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - “Is inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever." (Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

I have been wanting to see this show, so when it showed up on TDF I immediately booked it. It has received mixed reviews, mainly because so many of the so-called “theater-elite” hate jukebox musicals and it is, of course, a jukebox musical.

Then, tonight I have ...

8:00==>HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING - “Daniel Radcliffe stars as J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer who begins a meteoric rise from the mail room to Vice President of Advertising at the World-Wide Wicket Company, where his unorthodox and morally questionable business practices jeopardize not only his career but also his romance with Secretary Rosemary Pilkington.” (Broadway - discounted ticket)

This show is in previews and the advance buzz is highly favorable, especially regarding Radcliffe and his costar John Larroquette. I have a feeling that once it opens it will become a very hot ticket, so I am so happy that I will be seeing it with a discounted ticket, located in the orchestra. Ah yes ...

Yesterday I also booked another Broadway show in previews==>WONDERLAND, details in a later posting.

GO GATORS AND 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.”

It Is Tuesday In The Big Apple.

Good morning everyone from a bright but still cold Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Last night’s ORATORIO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK concert @ Carnegie Hall was wonderful. My comp. seat was awesome==>second row, center orchestra. It couldn’t have been better, both location and program. It was a great evening of Saint-Saëns, Debussy and Poulenc.

A bit of background on The Oratorio Society of New York ...

The Oratorio Society, composed of volunteer singers and musicians, was founded in 1873 and in 1891 helped inaugurate the concert hall that came to be known as Carnegie Hall. It has performed there ever since, with the exception of 1960 when the Hall didn’t accept bookings because of impending demolition (which, of course, didn’t happen).

Tonight’s entertainment event is --

7:30==>THE MILK TRAIN DOESN’T STOP HERE ANYMORE - “This revival of the haunting Tennessee Williams drama stars Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis as a wealthy American widow who has detached from the world in order to write her memoirs.” (Off-Broadway - Roundabout subscription series)

The show has received very mixed reviews, so ... we will see ...

Last night I added yet another Broadway musical to my upcoming itinerary==>MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. I have been wanting to see it, so when it showed up on TDF I immediately booked it. Will give the details about the show in a later posting.

So, in closing ...

Earth to Charlie Sheen==>SHUT THE F**K UP!!!

GO GATORS AND 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.”

Good Monday Morning From The Big Apple

Good morning everyone. I hope your weekend was awesome. Let’s get started with report cards on Billi Pod’s Sunday doubleheader --

BRIDGE BOY==>B<==again a great cast saved the day. It was mega-dysfunctional family members interacting, screaming, cussing and crying.

Yeah, I know, I have only myself to blame but I thought it was to be more comedic than dramatic. The very small venue was sold-out.

When the show was over it had begun to lightly rain and it continued to rain for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

I seriously considered skipping my 8:00 show, which I could have done without any problem since I had a “paid-for” ticket, but I didn’t, so ...

THE WORD: A House Party For Jesus==>C<==pretty much a disappointment. Cliché-ridden but somewhat saved by giving the audience free bowls of vegetarian chili.

Before the show had a nice conversation with a late 20s guy who was born in Manhattan, earned a BA from NYU, but ... had recently graduated from ... gasp ... the University of Alabama law school. We exchanged Gator/Tide barbs. He has just started a 2 year job Clerking for a Federal District Court Judge in Manhattan.

It was mega-nasty weather wise after the show. Raining and very very windy. Barf!!

Monday is the usual errands day and then tonight --

8:00==>ORATORIO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK @ Carnegie Hall -“French Choral Masterworks by Saint-Saëns, Debussy and Poulenc.” (complimentary ticket).

OMG!! In checking my daily log I find that between now through March 23rd the only open date I have without some entertainment event is this coming Saturday, March 12th, and that “vacancy” won’t last long. WOW!!

GO GATORS AND 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.”

BREAKING NEWS & DOUBLEHEADER REPORT CARD

BREAKING NEWS==>attention my loyal and faithful readers!! Read on and you will be the first out there in the vast hinterlands to learn that there is now a new verb in the English language.

What is it you are no doubt breathlessly asking? Well, get ready to hit the “Save” button ... it is ...

“SHEENING” - meaning partying, questionable decision making and public humiliation. It can also mean wasted.

While Billi Pod would like to take credit for this revelation, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting, he cannot ... the source is none other than page 1 of The Style Section of this Sunday’s print edition of the New York Times.

You are so very welcome.

Now on to other things ... like my report card on Saturday’s entertainment doubleheader==>A<==both events were excellent.

4@15: FOUR NEW FIFTEEN-MINUTE MUSICALS @ The York Theatre featured 32 very talented students from the NYU Program in Vocal Performance/Music Theatre. They performed, tada, 4 15 minute musicals. The house was full and very enthusiastic

Seated to my right was a very nice lady from Long Island whose 20yo son was performing. She had brought with her 5 of their neighbors. She was so excited and it sorta rubbed off on those of us around her. I have to say that her son was really good looking and has an excellent voice.

It made an enjoyable afternoon even better.

TRIXIE & MONKEY: ALL OR NOTHING @ Ars Nova was bizarrely entertaining @ only 1 hour. In the 1 hour they touched on love, betrayal, homelessness, revenge, murder, dumpster-diving, and redemption, but ... it was all in fun. I left the sold-out theater with a smile on my face.

Billi Pod has another doubleheader today ...

3:00==>BRIDGE BOY - "What happens when trusting your gut doesn't turn out the way you intended?" Trevor is at a turning point in his life: WHEN did his fiancée stop wearing his ring? WHERE did his father disappear to? WHAT is going to happen to the bar his family owns? HOW can he still trust his family? ... and WHY is the mysterious woman he meets under the bridge so eerily accurate about the events of his life? (Off-Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Then ...

8:00==>THE WORD: A House Party For Jesus - “A tent. A preacher. A sermon extolling the glories of voyeurism and the perils of playing with gasoline. The Word is the Truth, with sex, drugs, and chili.” (Off-Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket).

This is a one-man piece written and performed by Brian Osborne. Just the way to end a Sunday in The Big Apple. Amen brother, Amen!!

Oh, before I close ... I previously posted about scoring discounted tickets for 3 upcoming highly anticipated shows ... well, I now have added a 4th - BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO, starring Robin Williams in his Broadway debut. It is not a musical.

Have a great Sunday!!

GO GATORS AND 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.”

A Saturday Doubleheader

OMG!! It was 50º @ 8:30am this morning. We actually have warmish weather in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

I want to start with Billi Pod’s report card on WHITE PEOPLE==>B-<==Outstanding acting saved this from being just another cliché-ridden dysfunctional family soap opera-ish knockoff.

The small Off-Broadway theater was sold-out and you need to be warned that: (1) the elevator isn’t working but the venue it is only one steep flight up, and (2) the theater itself is so far West that it is almost in New Jersey.

Is it worth seeing? Yeah, I guess so, for the acting alone.

Today Billi Pod has another one of his entertainment doubleheaders --

3:00==>4@15: FOUR NEW FIFTEEN-MINUTE MUSICALS @ The York Theatre - “Let’s Face It;” “Maybe One Day-A Musical Fable;” “Lotta’s Fountain;” and, “Time To Kill.” (Off-Broadway - discounted ticket).

I like what the York Theatre does, especially in its developmental series, which this is one, so I am looking forward to an interesting afternoon.

Tonight is:

8:00==>TRIXIE & MONKEY: ALL OR NOTHING - "Acrobatic burlesque superduo Trixie Little & The Evil Hate Monkey are taking their act to the limit--will they end up superstars or dumpster divers? Either way, this high-flying, glitter-fueled, tassel-twirling duo is leaving it all on stage in their frenzied scramble to the top." (Off-Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket);

Playing at the cutting-edge Ars Nova and it should be fun.

So, I hope that you loyal and faithful readers will have a great and productive weekend out there in the vast hinterlands. Be well.

GO GATORS AND 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.”

Why Billi Pod Loves The Big Apple

Wantta know why I love living in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, even during the Winter months?

Well, my loyal and faithful readers, just check out Billi Pod’s entertainment stats for the month of February 2011 --

5 Broadway shows (Driving Miss Daisy; La Cage Aux Folles; That Championship Season; John Leguizamo Ghetto Klown; and, The Importance of Being Earnest); and

20 Off-Broadway shows; and

5 Classical music concerts; plus

Face time with friends, including Scott Reed, Paul Hughes, Dian Crystal and

Vera Olichney.

And, despite the nasty ugly cold weather, the number of days/nights that Billi Pod stayed in PHC without attending some entertainment event -- A BIG FAT ZERO!!!

I rest my case==>AWESOME!!

Report card on last nite’s NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC CONCERT==>A<==as in amazingly terrific.

Billi Pod’s entertainment event for tonight is:

7:00==>WHITE PEOPLE -“Set on a single day in 1975 the play is a bruising family comedy in which the long repressed conflicts of a middle class WASP family finally explode.” (Off-Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Oh yes, another dysfunctional family so-called comedy.

And, speaking of entertainment, I am happy to report that the rest of the month should be just as amazing because I have just scored discounted tickets to 3 of the most highly anticipated Broadway musicals, in previews:

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, with Daniel Radcliffe; and,

THE BOOK OF MORMON by the creators of “South Park;” and

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

And how about this -- starting with today, Friday, March 4th through Wednesday, March 23rd, there are only 2 days/nights that I haven’t already scheduled/booked some entertainment event.

Yes, I know it sounds a bit obsessive/compulsive, but it is what it is --- Billi Pod’s lifestyle in The Big Apple and why he loves living here, so ...

Have a great weekend everyone ...

GO GATORS AND 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.”

Wednesday's Doubleheader Report Card

Burrrrrrrrr!!! 18º and windy at 8:00am this morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In the World. At noon it is only 25º.

Well, my loyal and faithful readers, Billi Pod has to admit, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting, that yesterday’s entertainment doubleheader wasn’t what he had expected it to be. What am I talking about you are no doubt breathlessly asking?

Let’s get right to Wednesday's doubleheader report card -

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO BEATLES ON BROADWAY==>A<==a very very enjoyable afternoon. The audience was really into the show, from the very first song until the final encore. This was my second visit.

As I wrote in my original posting following my first visit, it is amazing how this group captures both the sound and the appearance of The Beatles, without the addition of any pre-recordings or sound augmentation. Left the theater with a smile on my face. I would see it again in a heartbeat.

Then, in the evening there was ... puke... barf ... gag ...

ARCADIA==>F<==Unfortunately, the stellar cast lead by Billy Crudup and Raul Esparza can’t save this pretentious and monumental bore, timing in at 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Hated it! The 50s lady seated to my left and the young guy seated to my right were both asleep midway into the first act. At intermission I concluded that I would prefer to gouge out my eyes with an ice pick than stay for the second act, so ... Billi Pod left, along with a steady stream of other highly disappointed theatergoers.

Bottom-line==>if you are into S & M then this is the show for you. If not, stay the f**k away.

Yes, I know, I know ... Stoppard fans are known for their inability to accept criticism, so they are probably gonna try to lynch me, but ... remember, please ... Billi Pod calls’em as he sees’em, the consequences be damned ... so ... bring it on ...

Billi Pod’s entertainment schedule for tonight is --

7:30==>NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA @ Avery Fisher Hall - Szymanowski’s (who??) Violin Concerto No. 1, performed by Concert Master Glenn Dicterow; and, Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. (complimentary subscriber ticket).

What is a “complimentary subscriber ticket?” If you subscribe (or renew) early you are awarded one free ticket, in basically the same seating area, for each series. I subscribe to 3 series, so I get 3 free tickets. A really good perk.

My entertainment stats for February are outstanding, particularly considering the terrible weather. I will probably post them later this afternoon.

OMG!! The view from PHC right now is just awesome and it is calling for me to get out and walk around the ‘hood, but ... it is still freezing cold and the wind is howling off of the Hudson River, so ... I guess Billi Pod will just pass.

GO GATORS AND 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.”

A Wednesday Doubleheader For Billi Pod

Good morning to everyone.

It is a bright but cold day in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World and this is the forecast for the next several days.

Last night, when I had returned from my concert, I finished up the details in updating the proposed lease renewal agreement and this morning delivered the signed and initialed documents to the leasing office in this building, so ... my loyal and faithful readers ... it is now a done-deal and Billi Pod knows where he will be for the next 27 months, until May 31, 2013 ... in PHC!!

Now, I know what will happen next ... it will undoubtedly be the dreaded “signed lease regrets syndrome” also known as “WTF have I just done?” It happens almost every time to almost everyone, including Billi Pod in the past. Oh well ... I will just have to deal with it ...

Now on to other things, like ...

Billi Pod’s Report card on last night’s NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC concert==>A<==Beethoven’s 5th was wonderful. It was a great way to end an awesome day.

Today’s entertainment schedule is a Broadway doubleheader --

2:00==>RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO BEATLES ON BROADWAY - “A compelling re-capture of The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania.” (Broadway-complimentary ticket).

I first saw this show in early previews and loved it. When this performance showed up on one of my ticket services I just couldn’t pass up a return visit with a free ticket.

Then ...

8:00==>ARCADIA - “A revival of the Tom Stoppard comedy/drama that straddles a couple of time periods to meditate on chaos theory, Newtonian physics, gardening, infidelity and literary scholarship, with a stellar cast, including Billy Crudup and Raul Esparza.” (Broadway - discounted TDF ticket).

In early previews. Very good advance buzz.

Have just completed the entertainment stats for February and they are “awesome.” Details will be in a later posting.

I don’t know about the rest of you loyal and faithful readers but Billi Pod has had enough of Charlie Sheen. This guy is in serious trouble.

It is reported that last night the judge presiding over his divorce proceedings ordered the removal of the twins from Charlie’s care and residence. Hopefully the judge will now have the balls to order a total mental evaluation by a court-selected mental health professional before Sheen is granted any visitation rights.

GO GATORS AND 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.”

BREAKING NEWS==>AGREEMENT REACHED ON PHC!!!

Breaking News==>Billi Pod will remain in apartment PHC, on the 41st floor (penthouse) of 420 W. 42nd Street, with an awesome northern view of Manhattan, for the next 2 years, beginning June 1, 2011

Thank You Higher Power!!

Yes, my loyal and faithful readers, I have just reached an agreement with the leasing office and will sign the new lease agreement tomorrow. There is an increase in the monthly rent, but it is substantially less than their original proposal of almost 18%.

I have greatly appreciated the supportive emails, texts and face-to-face over the last 10 days.

I cannot express how relieved I am to have this issue behind me. Now I can make some plans for the future.

GO GATORS AND 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.”

Tuesday In The Big Apple

Let me start this rather brief (for Billi Pod) posting with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s CACTUS FLOWER==>A<==excellent acting and a very funny story line that earned lots of smiles and laughs from an enthusiastic audience. Terrific sets, utilizing classic rock background music during numerous scene changes.

Billi Pod highly recommends this show if you are in the mood to just have a good time in the theater.

After the show had some face time with My Lady, Dian Crystal, and our mutual friend, Vera Olichney, at the Westway Diner in the ‘hood.

Alas, I have to report, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting, that Dian miserably failed the unexpected “pop-quiz” in which her professed “daily reading” of Billi Pod Blogs was brought into serious question.

She very tearfully admitted her transgressions and begged for forgiveness.

Well, being known for his compassion for the less-advantaged, Billi Pod accepted Dian’s emotional apology and her promise to be a better loyal and faithful reader in the future.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:30==>NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA @ Avery Fisher Hall - 'Britten’s Violin Concerto, performed by Janine Jansen; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.' (subscription series)

Really looking forward to this because Beethoven’s 5th is one of my favorite symphonies.

Let me close by saying that I have just had another round of negotiations with my leasing office and we may be somewhat nearer to an agreement. Will keep you advised, of course.

GO GATORS AND 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.”