A Time for Singing - At This Performance - Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra - The World Series

Monday==>Good morning everyone out there in the morass known as cyberspace. I am happy to report that yesterday was yet another excellent entertainment doubleheader for your favorite blogger here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Both events were totally enjoyable and typified why Billi Pod LOVES living in New York City ... so ... we will get started with ...

First, Billi Pod’s report card on the Musical’s In Mufti production of ...

A TIME FOR SINGING, based on Richard Llewellyn's classic novel, ‘How Green Was My Valley,’ the musical examines the lives and loves of the citizens of a South Wales mining town. A tapestry of choral riches and operatic grandeur==>A

Well, Jim Morgan and his excellent staff pulled off another terrific production of this virtually forgotten musical about the conflict between mineworkers and the owners, set in Wales.

The cast is excellent, of course, headed by Analisa Leaming as Angharad, Glenn Seven Allen as Mr. Griffith and Preston Truman Boyd as Ivor.

I was also very impressed by the stage presence and voice of young Dylan Boyd as Young Huw.

The story line is a bit predictable but that is overcome by the beautiful music and lyrics by John Morris.

Billi Pod says==>see this if you possibly can. 

It is part of the Musical’s In Mufti Series, is playing at The York Theatre @ The Citigroup Center on East 54th Street, has a running time of 2:15, with intermission, and runs through November 2nd.

When the show was over I rushed back to the apartment for my usual fruit and cheese plate and then it was time for my second entertainment event ...

The Off Broadway concert ...

AT THIS PERFORMANCE, in this Musicals Tonight production Broadway understudies and standbys from ALADDIN, BIG FISH, CABARET, LES MISERABLES, NEWSIES, CINDERELLA, and VIOLET performed a song from their show and then later a song from their own repertoire==>A

What an enjoyable evening. The 11 performers, all either understudies or standbys, were uniformly excellent.

IMHO the highlight of the evening was the performance by Nathaniel Hackman, currently understudy for the roles of Javert and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.

He first sang “Stars,” sung by Javert in Les Miserables and later “Soliloquy” from the musical Carousel, sung by Billy Bigelow when he learns he is about to become a father. He received a roaring ovation after each song.

The show clocked in at about 1:45, without intermission but the time flew by and your favorite blogger left the theater with a big smile on his face.

Unfortunately, that smile soon disappeared when he turned on his 42” flat screen TV to discover that The Giants, behind a remarkable performance from their ace Madison Bumgarner, were on their way to a 5-0 shutout victory over The Royals.

Bumgarner pitched a complete game and was virtually untouchable.

The Giants now lead The Series 3-2. Today is a travel day and Game Six will be on Tuesday in Kansas City. 

OK ... moving on to today ... 

Billi Pod’s entertainment event is a classical music concert at Carnegie Hall ...

8:00==>ASTANA OPERA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Carnegie Hall - “Voice of Asia” - The program is: 

“Masterpieces of World classical music, including Rossini, Verdi, Bernstein, Offenbach, Borodin and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, in addition to Kazakh traditional music.”

(complimentary ticket)

Sounds pretty interesting, doesn’t it?

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, it is now time to post this and then begin working on my errands and chores list.

At the top of the list is getting the new iPhone6 ... so ... stay tuned.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.52 miles (or, 7,709 steps)

Total mileage for the week==>29.43 miles (average 4.20 miles per day)

Total mileage for 2014==>1,224.54 miles (average 4.10 miles per day)

GO GATORS==>FIRE COACH MUSKRAT!! 

Billi Pod

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

Lips Together, Teeth Apart - A Time for Singing - At This Performance - The World Series

Sunday==>Good morning my loyal and faithful readers and followers. We need to get today’s posting underway because your favorite blogger here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, has an entertainment doubleheader scheduled for today, plus some baseball for tonight ... so ... let’s get started with ...

Billi Pod’s report card on yesterday’s Off Broadway show ...

LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART, in this revival of Terrance McNally’s 1991 play, on the 4th of July two straight couples spend the holiday at a beach house of Fire Island, an inheritance from a relative who has died of AIDS. They do their best to enjoy themselves despite their prejudices and insecurities==>C+

I really wanted to like this show much better. I found the story line to be mostly involving until the 3rd act when it all went poof ... at least ... it did for me. Yeah, that’s right ... 3 acts with two intermissions.

The acting is serviceable but not outstanding and the four characters are all basically unlikeable and the relationships between the characters are pretty much contrived and, therefore, unbelievable.

The set is, however, totally amazing.

I have a feeling I may be in the minority with my basically lackluster feelings so Billi Pod suggests you see the show and form your own opinion.

This show, in previews, opens on October 29th, is playing at the Second Stage Theatre on West 43rd Street, has a running time of 2:15, with two intermissions, and runs through November 23rd.

Before the show began I ran into my friends Kim, Dennis and Michael and that was nice. Great seeing you guys!!

Anyway ... after the show I felt very antsy so I did about an hour’s worth of walking and wandering in my Hell’s Kitchen ‘hood and that helped the mileage for the day to be pretty good==>5.21 miles.

When I got back to the apartment I had the usual fruit and cheese plate, worked a bit on the draft for this posting and then settled in to watch Game Four of The World Series, from San Francisco.

Well, as you sports fan know, it was a major disappointment for we Royals fans as The Giants kicked butt. They rallied from a 3-run deficit to win 11-4 to tie The Series at 2-2.

Game Five will be at 8:07pm from San Francisco. On the mound for The Giants will be Madison Bumgarner (21-11) vs. the struggling James Shields (15-9) for The Royals.

This is a rematch of The Series opener, won by The Giants 7-1 as Bumgarner completely shut down The Royals batters.

Yes, I will be in front of my 42” flat screen TV to watch the final innings of the game after my evening’s entertainment event is finished (details below)

Which brings us to the details of Billi Pod’s entertainment doubleheader for today .. 

My first entertainment event is part of the Musicals in Mufti Series by The York Theatre Company ...

2:30==>A TIME FOR SINGING - “Based on Richard Llewellyn's classic novel, ‘How Green Was My Valley,’ the musical examines the lives and loves of the citizens of a South Wales mining town. A tapestry of choral riches and operatic grandeur.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

As I said, this is part of the York Theatre’s Musicals in Mufti Series, and, as you now probably know “Mufti” (pronounced MUFF’tee) means “in street clothes, without the usual trappings.” The show is presented script-in-hand, with minimal staging and props.

It is playing at The York Theatre @ The Citigroup Center on East 54th Street, has a running time of 2:15, with intermission, and runs through November 2nd.

As I have mentioned many times, I am a huge fan of The York Theatre Company and its Artistic Director, James Morgan, who is also a Florida Gator.

When the show is over I will subway back to the apartment, have my usual pre-theatre snack, a fruit and cheese plate, and then it will be time for my second entertainment event ...

7:00==>AT THIS PERFORMANCE - “In this Musicals Tonight production Broadway understudies and standbys from ALADDIN, BIG FISH, CABARET, LES MISERABLES, NEWSIES, CINDERELLA, and VIOLET will sing a song from their show and then a song from their own repertoire.” (Off Broadway - full price ticket)

This is the 12th season for this showcase that has already featured over 700 Broadway understudies and standbys from over 300 shows. I have seen several productions and have totally enjoyed each one because they are each different.

It is playing at The Theatre Row Complex on my West 42nd Street block, has a running time of 90 minutes (I think), without intermission, and tonight is its only performance date.

When this show is over I will hurry back to the apartment to settle in front of my TV to watch the remainder of Game Five of The World Series.

So, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, you are now up-to-date and it is time for your favorite blogger to get ready to head out for a walk and wander session to begin his entertainment doubleheader.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.21 miles (or, 11,391 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>1,221.42 miles (average 4.10 miles per day)

GO GATORS==>FIRE COACH MUSKRAT!! 

Billi Pod

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

GILBERT S. GOSHORN, JR. (1934-2011)

Sunday==>Three years ago today I lost one of my dearest friends, Gil Goshorn, of Gainesville, FL. 

Back on October 27, 2011, I posted on my blog about Gil and I have received permission from his wife, Linda, to repost it today. So here it is, in its entirety, without any editing ...

*************************

GILBERT S. GOSHORN, JR. (1934-2011)

My dear friend Gilbert S. Goshorn, Jr., a retired Judge, died peacefully at home on Wednesday afternoon - he was 76 years old.

Our friendship began at The University of Florida in the 1950s and continued through the years.

At the University of Florida Gil was an ATO, active in campus politics, a member of Florida Blue Key and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame. He was a Gator to the bone.

After a very successful practice in Titusville, FL, Gil served as a Judge in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court. He later served as a Judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeals and was Chief Judge of that Court from 1991 to 1993.

He was a member of the Judicial Qualifications Commission and was also Chairman of that body 1997-98.

Following his retirement he and his devoted wife, Linda, moved to Gainesville. Gil found time to do mediation and some appellate work.

When Linda makes the final arrangements, I will head down to Gainesville to participate in the memorial services to commemorate a “life-well-lived.”

Rest In Peace Gilberto.

Bill

*************************

Yes, he is still missed by his family, his friends and his colleagues on the Bench. I particularly miss his wicked sense of humor.

I had an nice conversation with Linda on Friday and she assured me that she is doing well and has moved on with her life.

Linda, please know that you and Gil will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. 

Also, Linda, I deeply appreciate your physical presence with me and my family during those difficult times following the death of my grandson Chris Falletta.

Love,

Bill

The Royals Win - Lips Together, Teeth Apart

Saturday==>Your favorite blogger’s entertainment event for Friday was to stay in the warm and cozy confines of his apartment, PHC, to watch Game Three of The World Series, from San Francisco. Man ... what an exciting game it was, especially if you are a baseball fan like moi.

Yes ... The Royals won 3-2 to take a 2-1 lead over The Giants in a game that featured excellent starting pitching, light’s out bullpen work from The Royals, and stellar defensive plays by both teams.

Game Four will be at 8:07pm tonight, again from San Francisco. On the mound for The Royals will be Jason Vargas (12-10) vs. Ryan Vogelsong (8-13) for The Giants.

Of course, Billi Pod will be in front of his 42” flat screen TV to watch the game and pull for The Royals.

GO ROYALS!!

But don’t worry my loyal and faithful readers and followers, Billi Pod does have an entertainment event for the afternoon and that is an Off Broadway show ...

2:00==>LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART - “In this revival of Terrance McNally’s 1991 play, on the 4th of July two straight couples spend the holiday at a beach house of Fire Island, an inheritance from a relative who has died of AIDS. They do their best to enjoy themselves despite their prejudices and insecurities.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show, in previews, opens on October 29th, is playing at the Second Stage Theatre on West 43rd Street, has a running time of 2:15, with intermission, and runs through November 23rd.

Thankfully, The Gators and Coach Muskrat have the weekend off.

OK ... time to post this and then get ready for my matinee.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.25 miles (or, 9,319 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>1,216.21 miles (average 4.10 miles per day)

GO GATORS==>FIRE COACH MUSKRAT!! 

Billi Pod

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

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra - The World Series

Friday==>Yes, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, the weekend is almost on us but ... remember those of you in the Worker Bee class ... your weekend can’t begin until at least 5:05pm ... so ... don’t even think about sneaking out early because your bosses are monitoring your every move on those recently installed state-of-the-art surveillance devices.

With this warning we will now get today’s posting underway with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment event, a classical music concert ...

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA @ Carnegie Hall - The program was:

Rossini - Overture to Cambiale Di Matrimonio;

Zwilich - Prologue and Variations;

Poulenc - Sinfonietta; and,

Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 3 (performed by Jonathan Biss)

This was a totally enjoyable entertainment experience highlighted by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 performed by Jonathan Biss. He received a roaring ovation when the number was completed.

I was pleasantly surprised by Poulenc’s Sinfonietta, which I expected to be another atonal work that seems to be the norm for 20th-century composers. Well, thankfully, it wasn’t. It was melodically pleasing to the ear.

What was also pleasing was the location of my comp. seat. I was in the orchestra, row T, house right, one seat from the aisle. Perfecto.

Yeah, your favorite blogger left Carnegie Hall with a big smile on his face.

While we are on the subject of classical music ... Billi Pod has a very interesting series of concerts already scheduled for the upcoming week ...

Monday - 8:00==>Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra @ Carnegie Hall (complimentary ticket)

Tuesday - 7:30==>New York Philharmonic @ Avery Fisher Hall (season subscription series)

Thursday - 7:30==>New York Philharmonic @ Avery Fisher Hall (season subscription series)

Saturday - 8:00==>Riverside Symphony Orchestra @ Alice Tully Hall (complimentary ticket)

Yeah, looks pretty interesting, doesn’t it?

Moving on ...

Tonight Billi Pod will stay in the cozy confines of his apartment to watch Game Three of The World Series, from San Francisco. The Series is tied 1-1.

On the mound for The Royals will be Jeremy Guthrie (13-11) vs. Tim Hudson (9-13) for The Giants. 

Since the game is in a NL ballpark the DH is gone and the pitchers will have to bat (boring). 

A side-note==>AL teams are only 7-15 in NL parks since 2006.

OK ... time to post this and then head out to do some major walking and wandering.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.42 miles (or, 7,497 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>1,211.96 miles (average 4.09 miles per day)

GO GATORS==>FIRE COACH MUSKRAT!! 

Billi Pod

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

Marie Taylor - Carnival! - Orpheus Chamber Orchestra - World Series

Thursday==>It is a gray and overcast day here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. At 10:30am the temperature is a nippy 51º with drizzling rain.

Oh well, ain’t nothing I can do about it ... so ... we will get today’s posting underway with Billi Pod’s report on yesterday’s activities ... beginning with ...

At 8:30am yesterday morning I met my friend Marie Taylor at the 1 train platform in Times Square and we subwayed downtown to the massive Fulton Street Station. 

We then walked a few blocks over to Beekman Street to meet our group, including Marie’s friend Romily, for our 9:00am “landmark tour” of 5 Beekman.

This project is the conversion of the beautiful Temple Court building, built in 1883, at 5 Beekman Street into a hotel, with a condo tower behind it. It is expected to be totally completed by early 2016.

We were given an interesting and informative presentation of the history of the building and the conversion process and then in small groups were taken into the construction site to see the renovation up close. 

In the picture it is Romily, me, Marie.

The “tour” took a little over an hour. When it was finished I subwayed back to Midtown with Marie, where we split. 

So==>thank you Marie for the invitation and ... Romily ... it was nice meeting you.

Moving on ...

My entertainment event for the day was the matinee performance of ...

CARNIVAL!, a musical about the strange adventure of Lili, a naive teenage orphan who turns up at the Carnival looking for her guardian, but ultimately she ends up becoming more than just a spectator==>Thumbs Up!

This show gets a thumb rating because it is basically a staged reading since the performers have scripts in hand and, as many of you know, Billi Pod usually doesn’t give letter grades to staged readings.

Having said that ... this was a totally enjoyable performance with an excellent cast headed by Ali Ewoldt in the difficult role of Lili. She has a beautiful voice and an excellent presence as the vulnerable Lili.

The most recognizable song from this 1960 musical is “Love Makes the World Go Round” and it is woven throughout the show. Frankly, it is still buzzing in my head.

Yeah, I totally enjoyed the show and left the theater with a big smile on my face, giving the show’s producer Mel Miller a big thumbs up as I was leaving.

Billi Pod says==>as long as you understand this is a staged reading, then this show is very worth seeing.

This show is part of the Musical’s Tonight Series playing at The Theatre Row Complex on my West 42nd Street block. It has a running time of 2:30, with intermission, and runs through November 2nd.

When the show was over I was able to do about a hour’s worth of walking and wandering even though the weather was turning nasty.

Came back to PHC, had my usual fruit and cheese plate and then settled into the cozy confines of my apartment to watch Game Two of The World Series.

WOW, what an exciting game, if you are a Kansas City fan like moi, as The Royals exploded for a five-run sixth inning, leading to a 7-2 victory over The Giants.

The Series is now tied 1-1 and moves to San Francisco for 3-games beginning on Friday.

Moving on ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is a classical music concert ...

8:00==>ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA @ Carnegie Hall - The program is:

Rossini - Overture to Cambiale Di Matrimonio;

Zwilich - Prologue and Variations;

Poulenc - Sinfonietta; and,

Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 3 (performed by Jonathan Biss)

(complimentary ticket)

I have seen this group perform on numerous occasions and they have always done an excellent job. They perform without a conductor. I am really looking forward to this concert.

In closing ... yesterday was a good walking day bolstered by my usual walking routine between half innings of the KC/SF game.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.10 miles (or, 11,158 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>1,208.54 miles (average 4.10 miles per day)

GO GATORS==>FIRE COACH MUSKRAT!! 

Billi Pod

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