DEVILISHLY CLEVER SMUIN AND HIS VISION
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
May. 17‚ 2013
I HAVE SEEN MANY SMUIN BALLETS -- AND THIS ONE AT THE YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS IS THE MOST AUDACIOUS AND ORIGINAL BALLET MOVES THAT I HAVE SEEN IN RECENT YEARS.
The production at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco is an event of divine madness and full of comedy, opera and romance. If you want to see Thrills, chills and excitement then you will want to enjoy this glittering evening. You know you want to go. It's the perfect place for magic.
The program is Sensual, funny and outlandish at times. The direction has it -- and the performers have it all. Talent is all over the place. Believe me - this Smuin Dance Series at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts keeps Smuin's talent alive with "Bouquet", "Chants d' Auvergne" and "Jazzin". [more]->
LITTLE ME WHAT A SHOW SHOULD BE!
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
May. 10‚ 2013
The 42nd Street Moon version of "Little Me" is just the most elegantly, fun musical that I have seen in years. A stage never looked more gorgeous and elegantly crafted, and the actors are just irresistible. Better than Broadway!
The entire evening is full of secret seduction and suspense. Neil Simon is a thought-provoking genius. To say nothing of Jason Graae, who plays at least seven different guys. What an amazing performance. Totally fantastic!
This is the most joyous and glorious evening I have seen on the stage in many years. Everything moves as it should. Yep - it's as surprising as it is eloquent. The pitch-perfect singers, actors are worth the trip. What else can I say? - it's intoxicating!
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THE ANGELS' SHARE. FUNNY - ADDICTIVE THRILLER!
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
May. 03‚ 2013
Director Ken Loach has sent us on a very funny Road Trip. It's almost like "Pulp Fiction" -- but this is more humorous than that movie. Now, you may think that 'Angel' starts out with very little humor -- you are right for a few moments as young people fall into a path of drugs and crime.
This was a Thugs life -- but there are a couple of people who try to patch up the young guys broken life. He's destitute, and he lives in the worst parts of the city. But, what begins in this guys life -- is brought us to an addictive thriller. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hard to take your eyes off of this quirky story, as this young troubled boy finds a way out of his heartbreak and madness. [more]->
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS IN THE DETECTIVE BUSINESS
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
Apr. 26‚ 2013
DETECTIVES ARE EVERYWHERE. And it's all bad business. This Detective is not going to let you get away with anything - and he sniffs around like a Fox. Sam Spade is an early "Dick". Of course that was from a Movie. Bringing Noir to the Stage is a little more tricky - and that's where the great Noir cliches come into play. The flaws in the play are it's greatest moments. Everyone seems to head for an outcome that they can't escape.
Film Noirs are all about femme fatale characters that lean over the desk to get the attention from the Detective. Yeh, the cleavage will do it every time. But hold on - this "Dick" is not going to fall for it. He's been around the block a few times and if there's one thing that he hates is a double-crossing dame. And this blonde bombshell knows how to sell herself.
RENOIR HAS A DESIRE FOR BEAUTY
by Buzzin' lee Hartgrave‚
Apr. 19‚ 2013
SHORT TAKES: SOME LIKE IT HOT - SOME HATE IT! POSTED APRIL 15TH 2013
I LIKE: 'RENOIR FILM' AND STAGE PLAY 'BEING ERNEST" (At TheatreWorks)
HATED THE FILM: "To The Wonder" Now showing. I WONDER, if anyone is really interested?
In this Gorgeous telling of the Artist 'Renoir' we not only get to visit the Majestic Countryside, we also get to see some of the world's magical works of Art. Men (talented or not) become smitten for young models that get paid very little. Their payment is that the models will let them paint them in the countryside completely nude. Renoir certainly perks up in their presence. [more]->
THE 39 STEPS
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
Apr. 12‚ 2013
This Expensive, handsome stage production is the best "39 Steps" that I've ever taken. Of course, It would be even more delicious if they would add just one more step. I'm just trying to squeeze in another joke -- I don't want to stop. How about forty one steps?
I really, really enjoyed the show. The actors whiz by so fast in this pulsating chase thriller as they nail every nuance. There have been many versions of the play over the years. Personally -- this one at 'Center Rep' is certainly the best. This fast paced who dunnit, is the most clever show ever. 150 zany, screwball comics are on the stage. But you will finally realize that there are only Four positively thrilling Actors blast their way to Stardom. It's the savviest of comedy. They score a Knockout in the acting department. [more]->
THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE HAS BROUGHT US A HILARIOUS SHOW
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
Apr. 05‚ 2013
REASONS TO BE PRETTY - ACIDLY EXPLOSIVE
Nothing could be more human in this four-character drama. There is the handsome Greg (Craig Marker), who reads books a lot during his break at the Warehouse where he works. He may get a lot from reading books -- but he sure doesn't know how to get along with his girlfriend Steph (Lauren English). Greg puts her down about her looks and the way she dresses. Steph is suffering in her mind. She believes that Greg is hitting on a girl that works in the factory. You can't help fut feel sorry for Steph. Guys, hardly tell you the real facts. I'm sure that Greg is eyeing everything that walks. That's not to say he he follows up on what he thinks -- but like most men -- their eyes never slow down. But they hold back on the talk. Trust those eyes? I wouldn't! [more]->
HOT TIX
by Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave‚
Mar. 29‚ 2013
FANS OF COMEDY WILL REMEMBER FRANK THORNTON who is known as Captain Peacock in the TV series "Are You Being Served", and a sequel (Grace & Favour). Thornton died (March 16, 2013) at age 92. He will also be remembered in "Last of the Summer Wine." Thornton was a TV Actor, and one the most interesting and funny Guys on T.V, Film and stage. PBS thrived on the "Are You Being Served" series. It was funny then, and it still is enormously funny even today. In 1980, Thornton joined John Cleese in the BBC Television Shakespeare production of "The Taming of the Shrew." [more]->
PATTI LUPONE AT THE RRAZZ ROOM
by Lee Hartgrave‚
Mar. 22‚ 2013
Impressive - that's what the audience wanted and that's what they got. Her singing is total entertainment from start to finish. She is on the stage as comfortable as she can be. LuPone throws her love to the audience - and everyone just beams with excitement.
The evening was spectacular fun. When I first entered the Cadillac building on Van Ness Street, the line of fans were clear out the door onto the sidewalk. This is what I think -- I think that the audience believes that LuPone can do it all. Well, they are right --She radiates personality, in the fantastic showroom (Live at the Rrazz.) [more]->
A LADY AND A WOMAN
by Lee Hartgrave‚
Mar. 22‚ 2013
May 23, 2013
