SASQUATCHED! THE MUSICAL==>Thumbs Up!!

Wednesday==>Good afternoon to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the wastelands, hinterlands and boondocks.

It is a humid and overcast day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, with a 50% chance of an afternoon shower. The temperature at noon is 81º.

This posting is just a bit late because your favorite blogger has spent some extra time lining up shows in the New York Music Festival (NYMF) - pronounced “nymph” by the staff.

As I have done in the past for NYMF shows, I will not assign letter grades to these musicals, which are basically one step beyond the developmental-reading stage. Instead, Billi pod will give them:

THUMBS UP;

ON-THE-FENCE; or

THUMBS DOWN

Counting last night’s show, details below, I have already scheduled 6 productions and more will be added later on in the month. NYMF runs through July 28th.

So, let’s get started with last night’s NYMF musical ... 

SASQUATCHED! THE MUSICAL, about Arthur the Sasquatch, his new young friend Sam and two exploitive TV reporters==>THUMBS UP

Excellent music and lyrics, funny story line, and well-performed by a talented cast, especially young Cole Canzano playing the 10yr. old Sam.

The house at the Pearl Theater on West 42nd Street was full and was very much into the show. This was the first performance.

Yes, I totally enjoyed the evening and left with a big smile on my face.

Today is going to be a very interesting entertainment doubleheader for Billi Pod, beginning with a NYMF show ...

5:00==>JULIAN PO - “A darkly-humorous, modern-day musical myth that follows a mysterious drifter as he enters a sleepy small town and causes a sensation with his novel plan of taking his own life. But his encounters with the townspeople and a young woman looking for love threaten to change his mind and alter his ultimate destiny.” (NYMF - full price ticket)

In the stellar cast is Chad Kimball and Malcolm Gets, both Tony nominees.

The show was inspired by the 1997 film starring Christian Slater.

Then for the evening is ...

9:00==>THE WOOLLY MAMMOTH PANIC ATTACK - “Comedian Matt Nagin discusses drugs, travel, dating, celebrities, and the importance of being weird.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This one-hour standup show is playing at the 59E59 Theatre Complex, one of my favorite venues.

So, there you have it my loyal and faithful readers and followers. I hope you will agree that it sounds like a lot of fun.

OK, what isn’t the least bit fun is the downward spiral of The Wankies, who lost last night to Kansas City 3-1, their 3rd consecutive loss.

Our titular ace CC Sabathia had a decent complete-game outing but he was totally letdown by The Wankies continued failure to get hits at crucial points in the game.

I am glad I had something else scheduled so I didn’t watch any part of the game on the tube.

To add to our misery==>On Friday A-Rod will meet with the higher-ups in MLB to discuss the allegations of his use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) and the buzz is that he will ultimately be suspended for 100-games. Oh the drama ... 

Tonight’s game is @ 7:05pm, out at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built, and it will be Ivan Nova (3-2) on the mound for The Wankies vs. Wade Davis (4-7) for The Royals. This is game 3 of the 4-game series.

Moving on ... 

Oh ... in response to a couple of posts and texts ... I am fine-tuning both the June entertainment stats posting and the 1726.52 mile stats posting ... so ... just calm down and stay tuned ... they both are forthcoming.

On this happy note will post this and do a bit of a walk and wander session before it begins to rain.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.08 miles (or, 8,918 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>33.04 miles (average 4.13 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.”

Last Night==>Not Entertaining

Tuesday==>OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, let’s get this posting started with Billi Pod’s “entertainment” event for yesterday. The world entertainment is in quotes because it was anything but entertaining.

What am I talking about I know you are all rather anxiously asking your inner selves? Well ... inner selves ... the so-called “entertainment” event for last night was the YANKEES/KANSAS CITY game out at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built.

To start with, the weather was forecast as being “iffy” but it was OK at the first pitch at 7:10pm. In the bottom of the 3rd inning we were already down 2-0 when the rain started coming down in torrents and the ground crew quickly put on the tarp.

In about 30-minutes the rain stopped but it took the crew another 30-minutes to get the field back into playing condition. That was pretty amazing in its own right. The game finally resumed after an hour rain delay.

Our bats continued to be virtually nonexistent, especially with runners in scoring position. This, of course, has plagued this team for the entire season. The boo-birds were out for most of the game. Frustration was evident throughout the stadium.

The score was 5-1 going into the bottom of the 9th and the stadium was virtually empty. I don’t know why I was still there, but I was.

Then, OMFG, we loaded the bases with no-outs. Could we make a comeback? “I am so glad I stayed” thought I.

Answer==>No! The Royals closer Greg Holland struck out the top of our batting order to strand all 3 runners. Zip, nada, zilch.

The loss sent us back to 4th place in the AL East.

It was after midnight when I opened the door to PHC and I wasn’t a happy camper. Yes, I was really pissed off.

Now, before you flamers get started ... I, of course, don’t expect The Yankees to win every game ... but I do expect them to be competitive and this team, as presently composed, just isn’t. 

Look, I pay $90 per game for my partial season ticket package and I think I have every right to expect to be entertained and this team this season just isn’t entertaining. And, frankly, the rest of the season doesn't look to be much better.  

Oh well ... thanks for sticking with me this far ...

Moving on to tonight’s entertainment event, which is a part of the New York Musical Festival ... 

8:00==>SASQUATCHED! THE MUSICAL - “Arthur the Sasquatch is an intelligent, gentle, loquacious and dignified creature. When he becomes lost in Columbia National Park, he is befriended by young Sam. Together, they encounter quirky locals and elude a ruthless TV crew investigating “Bigfoot” – as the stage erupts into hilarious social commentary on human-Sasquatch relations and a fun, rockin’ musical romp through the woods.” (Off Broadway - full price ticket)

This show is part of the Tenth Annual New York Musical Festival (NYMF) that is playing in theatres in my immediate ‘hood from July 8 - 28.

In the past nine years NYMF has presented over 350 new musicals, of which 24 have been transferred to Off Broadway, 86 have gone on to further productions, and 3 have opened on Broadway (Chaplin, Next to Normal, [title of show]).

In the past I have been very pleased with their productions and find them usually to be very entertaining. I have already booked 3 additional shows and I know I will see even more.

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, your favorite blogger (hopefully he still is) has a couple of chores left over from yesterday, so will post this rather blah posting and then get the rest of the things and stuff done.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.08 miles (or, 8,918 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>33.04 miles (average 4.13 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.”

THE NANCE==>A

Monday==>It is going to be another hot and humid day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. At 10:30am we have pale blue skies, wispy clouds, high humidity, light breeze and temperature of 79º.

The forecast for this evening is a 30% chance of rain at 7:00pm, the starting time for the Yankees game (details below).

As you loyal and faithful readers and followers know, Monday is Billi Pod’s usual errands and chores day, so ... let’s get today’s blog started with his report card on yesterday’s entertainment event ....

The Broadway drama THE NANCE, about Chauncey Miles whose outrageous antics on stage are in sharp contrast to the unfunny dangers of his clandestine off-stage exploits in 1930s NYC==>A

It has a very troubling story line about the dangers of being an “out” homosexual in the 1930s in NYC. The oppression instigated by the administration was, IMHO, eerily similar to the mantra of the Rudy Giuliani administration in the 90s. Jus sayin ...

There is incredible acting from an awesome cast, headed, of course, by Nathan Lane, who gives a Tony-worthy performance.

The final scene is perplexing. Still not sure what it meant. All of the reviews I read share this view.

My discounted TDF ticket was in the second row of the mezzanine, far house left. The sight line was OK but, man, are the seats in the ancient Lyceum Theatre uncomfortable

Billi Pod says==>if you want a well-acted, thought-provoking drama, then this is the show for you.

When the show was over I came back to PHC and basically chilled for the remainder of the day/evening. Once the sun went down I had a very nice 90-minute walk and wander session in and around my Hell’s Kitchen ‘hood.

Now, about tonight ...

7:05pm==>YANKEES/KANSAS CITY @ Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built.

This game is part of my partial season-ticket package and the only game scheduled for the month of July.

On the mound for The Bronx Bombers will be Phil Hughes (4-7) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (7-6) for The Royals.

As I mentioned above, the weather forecast is for a 30% chance of rain at game-time. Barf!!

Yesterday afternoon our usual reliable closer, Mariano Rivera, blew a save, giving up a 2-run homer in the top of the 9th as we lost 2-1 to the Orioles, breaking our 6-game winning streak. Oh well ... 

Moving on ... 

I have complied the entertainment stats for the month of June, and, of course, they are pretty awesome. Plan to post them tomorrow ... so stay tuned.

A MAJOR HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT TO GINA FALLETTA, of Columbia, SC.

Hope you, Army Guy and Saylor have a great time.

Love, hugs and kisses from Granddaddy.

And ...

KNOCK ‘EM DEAD JOHN SCOTT REED as you begin your new adventure with Facebook.

I am soooooooo happy for you and, yes, mega-proud.

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, it is time to post this and begin work on my errands and chores ... so ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.70 miles (or, 12,469 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>28.96 miles (average 4.14 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.”

New York Philharmonic Concert==>AWESOME!!

Sunday==>Good morning to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the morass known as cyberspace.

Isn’t it a miracle that more people weren’t killed or seriously injured in the crash at San Francisco International Airport? Yes, it really really is.

I hope each and everyone is having a great weekend. Yes, your favorite blogger here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, is having a lot of fun, which he would like to share with you now ... so ... why don’t we get started with ...

Billi Pod’s comments on last night’s concert at Lincoln Center ... 

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC @ Avery Fisher Hall - “The Planets - An HD Odyssey,” which was==>totally AWESOME!!

The concert was part of the Summertime Classics and was conducted by Englishman Bramwell Tovey. The theme was all “space-related.” The first half of the program was works by John Adams, Offenbach, and Jos. Strauss. Really nice!

The second half was the highlight of the evening ... "The Planets" by Gustav Holst:

Mars, the Bringer of War

Venus, the Bringer of Peace

Mercury, the Winged Messenger

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age

Uranus, the Magician

Neptune, the Mystic

As the orchestra played each work there was incredible footage of actual images of the planet, provided by NASA, projected on a huge screen behind the orchestra. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

It was almost overwhelming in its musical drama. The sold-out house, including moi, was transfixed. What a concept.

When the 39-minute work was concluded the orchestra and director received a well-earned and deserved standing ovation.

Yes, I left the concert with a huge smile on my face and that remained as I walked back to the apartment, PHC, on West 42nd Street.

Moving on ...

Today’s entertainment event is a Broadway show starring Nathan Lane ...

3:00==>THE NANCE - “Chauncey Miles (Nathan Lane) is a headline ‘nance’ performer in NYC’s 1930s burlesque world, who also happens to be a homosexual. His outrageous antics on stage are in sharp contrast to the unfunny dangers of his clandestine off-stage exploits.” (Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

A “nance” was stereotypically campy and effeminate homosexual characters, most times played by a straight performer.

The show has received basically favorable reviews and Lane was nominated for a Tony (but didn’t win).

The running time is 2:30, with an intermission, and it runs through August 11th.

I am really looking forward to this because Nathan Lane is one of my favorite actors.

Now, on the sports scene ...

Well, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting, I must admit that this time one week ago your favorite blogger had pretty much written off The Yankees for the rest of the reason, predicting, rather snarkily, that they were headed down the sewer pipe to last place in the AL East.

I regret selling my favorite team short and overlooking their determination and resolve. My bad!! 

As most of you know, The Yankees have won 6-straight games and are currently in second place in the AL East. What a difference a week makes. 

Yesterday they won game 2 of the 3-game series against Baltimore by a score of 5-4, on clutch hitting from Eduardo Nunez, making his first start since coming off the DL. Andy Pettitte gave a so-so performance

This afternoon @ 1:10pm out at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built, will be the final game of the series, with Hiroki Kuroda (7-6) on the mound for The Bronx Bombers vs. Jason Hammel (7-5) for The Birds.

I am also happy to report that both Jeter and A-Rod are progressing through their minor-league rehab games. They should both return to the team shortly after the All-Star break.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.04 miles (or, 8,839 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>23.26 miles (average 3.88 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.”

THE CASTLE==>C-

Saturday==>It is a typical summer day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. We have light blue skies, puffy clouds, high humidity, a breeze and temperature of 84º @ noon.

It might get into the low 90s, meaning that for only the second time this summer Billi Pod will consider turning on the AC. Yeah ... that’s right ... your favorite blogger has been quite comfortable thus far with open windows and fans.

Hey ... relax ... remember ... I was born and raised in the middle of Florida ... so I know how to handle hot humid weather.

Anyway ... why don’t we get started with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s “entertainment” (when you read further you will understand why entertainment is in quotes) event, the Off Broadway show ...

THE CASTLE, about the plight of a band of Crusaders returning “home” after being away for 7 years. Things aren’t the same and woman now seem to be in control.

When I left the theater after the show I was uncertain what my final grade would be, so I allowed myself to process my feelings until this morning. At the theater I met up with my theater-buddies Michael Pederson and Dennis Dohman and their friend Inez and each of them expressed uncertainty about their feelings for the show.

Well, it is now 14-hours later and ... now I know ... and Billi Pod will give the show the benefit of the doubt with a grade of==>C-

Act I is tolerable but a totally incomprehensible second act sinks this unpleasant ship. During the entire performance there is way-too-much yelling, screaming and cussing. The talented cast does their best with this mystifying material but they cannot save it.

I think I understand why the show has been rarely performed here in the US of A.

It is playing down at The Atlantic Theatre Stage 2 on West 16th Street, has a running time of 2:20, with an intermission, and runs through August 4th.

So ... Billi Pod says==>you are warned.

Before the show, the weather was great so I walked from my apartment on 42nd Street down to the theatre on West 16th Street. When the show was over the weather was even better so I walked back to the apartment.

Moving on ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is another classical music concert at Lincoln Center ...

8:00==>NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC @ Avery Fisher Hall - “The Planets - An HD Odyssey.” - works by Adams, Offenbach, Strauss and Holst. (concert - discounted TDF ticket)

The orchestra will be conducted by Bramwell Tovey.

Now ... some sports for my buddy Marty Kosarik aka Whatever ...

Last night The Yankees won in dramatic fashion over The Orioles. We had a stellar outing from Ivan Nova, who pitched a complete game, giving up 2-runs on only 3-hits. But ... we were trailing 2-1 going into the bottom of the 9th. A bases-loaded walk tied the game and then Vernon Wells drove in the winning run with a single to left-field. The stadium went crazy and Nova got his well-deserved win.

This was the 5th consecutive win for The Bombers and put them back into the race in the AL East.

This afternoon, at 1:05pm, out at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built, it will be game 2 of the 3-game series. On the mound for The Bronx Bombers will be Andy Pettitte (5-6) vs. Chris Tillman (10-2) for The Birds.

Good News==>Derek Jeter, who has not played this season, will begin his rehab game assignment at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Captain is recovering from a broken ankle. The actual date for his return to the Yankee roster is still uncertain, but this is a major step forward.

So ... my loyal and faithful readers and followers ... on this happy note your favorite blogger will post this and then settle in to watch the YANKEES/ORIOLES game.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND!!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.19 miles (or, 9,169 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/13==>19.22 miles (average 3.84 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.”