There were parts that were marvelous and allusions to other works that tickled me pink. I love the movie Mean Girls and I love Ian Doescher's ShakespeThere were parts that were marvelous and allusions to other works that tickled me pink. I love the movie Mean Girls and I love Ian Doescher's Shakespeare take on Star Wars. I thought I would love this.
Oh my lord, Act 3 and Act 4 were so tedious. This can be read in 2 hours. I thought I never would finish this book. I got stuck in Act 3 and 4 and I almost DNF'd this. Act 5 was pretty good. I don't know why it wasn't working for me, really. I don't know. But it did not work for me this time. I felt it should have.
Anyway, there were things I appreciated. I'm simply glad I finished it....more
I am a fan of Niroot’s artwork. He uses beautiful colors, very rich and deep. The people are all black like a shadow and other objects like the clock I am a fan of Niroot’s artwork. He uses beautiful colors, very rich and deep. The people are all black like a shadow and other objects like the clock are blocked out black. It’s like seeing shadows of important things projected on a scene. I don’t know why that works, but it works well. There are plenty of details in this one.
I adore the Nutcracker. It takes me back to my years playing in the orchestra pit for the ballet. Those are some of my best memories. I loved playing that score. I was the piccolo player and toward the end there is this run the piccolo has that is high and the line is the glory of the ballet. I loved playing that part. I could play in tune which is a must and I had a sweet sound. Anyway, I’m nostalgic.
The adaptation of the book is nice and reads well. There is a beautiful pop-up on the last page when Clara comes to the castle. It’s wonderful.
The nephew has seen the Nutcracker with us and he thinks it’s rather boring after the battle with the rats is over. He enjoyed the pop-up and the rat battle and the rest he was putting his feet on the wall and not paying attention. He gave it 3 stars. ...more
I have fun reading Ian's work that he turns into plays in the Shakespearian style. He knows his Shakespeare for certain and he's so good writing in veI have fun reading Ian's work that he turns into plays in the Shakespearian style. He knows his Shakespeare for certain and he's so good writing in verse. Politics and Shakespeare go very well together. The histories or all about political intrigue and the War of the Roses.
Ian takes the first 2 years of the Trump presidency and turns this into a political game. Desdivanka is a Machiavellian mob boss in this practically. It really would be fun to see this put on stage. Trump is old and so MacTrump in the book is in constant need of a bathroom. Mctweet is a character that will tweet out messages to the kingdom. Rudy is the fool in this called Fooliani. All the names of people are changed into more Shakespeare characters names. One of the best is Stephen Miller is Gargamiller. There are lords and ladies and political fighting. It really does work very well I thought.
I will say, I am so tired of hearing about all this and I'm ready for it to just go away. Still, this is a new spin and it is funny and clever. My favorite line is: MacTrump says, "Thou art as useless as a Bible in a whorehouse." That tickled me. There are so many good references in here and Ian always pulls in famous Shakespeare quotes. AOC/Cleosandria gets the line = Friends, Romans(was changed), Countrymen, lend me your ears. I love getting those lines we know throne in. He will also throw in things people say in real life or tweets, even. It's very well done.
If a second part comes out, I will have to read that too. I've about read all Ian's stuff. I have a few more left. ...more
I enjoyed this play immensely. This blends history with comedy and interesting characters and then puts in fear of keeping the life you have. It is a I enjoyed this play immensely. This blends history with comedy and interesting characters and then puts in fear of keeping the life you have. It is a tragedy as it does not have a happy ending, but it's a comedy as well. I laughed good belly laughs.
I know a lot of LGTB history from Stonewall on, but honestly, before stonewall, I am not as versed in that history.
The story is two couples living side-by-side. Their closet connects. They look like 2 normal married couples, but really they are a gay couple and a lesbian couple making life work during McCarthyism. Two of the characters are in the government at high levels and it soon becomes their job to find gay people and report them. There are great supporting characters. I loved Kitty, the ditz who was a socialite that made friends with the couples through her husband. She needed a friend and I think she wouldn't have cared who the women were really married too as long as they were friends. There is also Barbra, the office woman who was not ashamed to enjoy sex with lots of men. They were also hunting woman like her. All in the name of it might be able to be used as blackmail.
The villain of the piece is Bob, the husband in the gay couple. He works for the government and he is the alpha male. He is unlikeable the whole play, the "Straight" man.
The play had a lot to say. One of the lines that hit me was the lesbian couple was talking and they said that, 'for once misogyny works in our favor" as most people don't think it's sex if a man isn't present. There is some truth to that. Lesbians were not looked at favorably, but men were reviled for it in that day.
I will start off with the good. This is a lightning fast play with banter. There are pages of dialogue with each character saying one or two words andI will start off with the good. This is a lightning fast play with banter. There are pages of dialogue with each character saying one or two words and it just bounces back and forth. I read this and I haven't seen it, but it would be interesting to see how this plays on stage. I would think it would be even more vicious. I think the dialogue is pretty incredible.
The setting is tight. 3 acts in one home in one room with 4 characters and a whole lot of alcohol. These people get lit and then they worst side comes out. I might have missed it, but I don't understand why this couple is coming over to Martha and George's house at 2am in the morning. It's never explained to me.
Honey is an innocent and she is put through all this horrible behavior. Martha and George have an unhealthy relationship where they do seem to care about each other some, but they love to eviscerate each other constantly. They play games in front of their company and the games are made up things that will hurt the other person.
The tone is just outright yelling and venom, in my opinion. Nick doesn't know what to make of it all and he ends up being drawn into their games and eventually figures out what is happening. I don't know why Martha would invite people over to be so horrible in front of them. These people seem unhinged to me and need some psychological help or something.
The banter was interesting, but this a play that doesn't really interest me. The characters are complex, but there is no joy or heart or anything that touches me in a story. These people are so out of touch with their emotions, the only way they feel something is by riping into each other. It's an intense play.
I have heard of this famous title and I wanted to give it a try, but it really wasn't so much for me. I'm not sure I'll give Edward Albee another go. There are other stories out there I could enjoy. I just don't like all the squabbling constantly in the story. There are so many other plays out there to read. The 60s were an interesting time and they did some strange things as stories at times. Some I enjoy and some I don't. They were the experimental generation.
Wow, what a political intrigue. This is not a sprawling as Game of Thrones, but it's similar to it. Who will get the throne of England when Henry diesWow, what a political intrigue. This is not a sprawling as Game of Thrones, but it's similar to it. Who will get the throne of England when Henry dies. He and his wife hate/love each other and Henry has a lover in his bed now. Wife Eleanor is trying to put Richard I on the the throne and Henry wants to put John on the throne and no one wants Geoffrey. The time is 1188 and I assume this is historically based.
The characters were well rounded, devious, and everyone is willing to go to war or kill to take the throne. The funny thing about the play is we never find out who took the throne. I am assuming it was Richard I, but it might have been John.
These were some brutal times. King Henry wants to divorce Eleanor so he can marry his lover and then have more sons for the throne. He has disowned his sons and wants to lock them up. Though, if he leaves them in the dungeon and they get out, he knows they will kill the young new heirs.
I have to say that it came as a surprise, but Richard was gay and having an affair with Phillip, King of France. I didn't see that coming and I do wonder if that is historically based. I know that stuff happens in history, but I have never heard that and I'm also surprised it was used in 1960s America.
Of the the scheming characters, for some reason I have a fondness for Richard. I'm not sure why. I do feel for middle Geoffrey as he was so forgotten. The intrigue here is intense and this would be a horrible way to grow up or live in this toxic environment.
My flute teacher recommended this play to me saying he loved it. I'm glad I finally read this and checked it off my list. These characters are humans, they have good sides and bad sides. They are willing to do horrible things for power. They are very complex. It's a wonderful play....more
A well written play about a serious subject. Does our need to know and get to the bottom of mysteries in life kill off a chance at miracles. This is tA well written play about a serious subject. Does our need to know and get to the bottom of mysteries in life kill off a chance at miracles. This is the question this play is dealing with. The characters are whole people and I would think this would be a fairly intense drama.
I am curious to see how it would be staged, but it's a minimal play with 3 people and I doubt my stage backgrounds. It's all about the characters and drama. I have to say that I can jive with that, but I do like all the bells and whistles to immerse me into the story. I like sets and the whole works.
This is another play about the Catholic church. A lot of authors had something to say about the church it would seem.
OK. Our main character is a villain. I haven't seen that. She isn't an anti-villain; no, she is an outright religious fanatic evil villain. She remindOK. Our main character is a villain. I haven't seen that. She isn't an anti-villain; no, she is an outright religious fanatic evil villain. She reminds me a bit of Professor Umbridge, but not as simpering and sweet.
This play did have it's funny moments, but having to sit through Sister's lecture was downright terrible. She is horrible. A group of her former students come in to talk to her and we begin to see behind the curtain of this "holy" woman. She enjoyed not letting one student go to the bathroom and he would pee his pants. Students hate this woman. The humor comes when all these students, well mostly all of them start to tell them about their lives. Unwed mother, gay man, and a woman with 2 abortions. Sister is shocked.
I suppose I won't give the ending. It is shocking. This happens during a lecture. It's such an odd little play and there isn't really much joy in it. I know it's saying something about the Catholic church and I have enough friends and heard the stories to know that there are many scars from schooling with nuns. Plus, the Villain seems to get away with no consequences. It's simply not satisfying to me.
I would go see it sometime to see how it's staged. It is a quick play. But, I'm not the biggest fan of this story. ...more
For some reason, I am interested in reading plays right now, especially ones I haven't seen. I never saw this as a play or the movie.
Reading the playFor some reason, I am interested in reading plays right now, especially ones I haven't seen. I never saw this as a play or the movie.
Reading the play has me interested in seeing it on stage. I think it would be entertaining. It was funny and parts of the play interact quickly.
The character I related most too and loved the most was Elwood, the crazy uncle who sees the Pooka, but he isn't the only one to see him. The rest of the characters are supposedly sane and I don't like any of them. That is pretty much the argument in the end too. Elwood is kind and gentle and is truly interested in people. His sister Veta and Dr. Chumley both see Harvey - the white rabbit Pooka.
I do love a madcap comedy. Frazier did that so well. Everyone is looking for Elwood and he always is just a step ahead of them, but not on purpose. He's just being himself.
I though this play was fascinating and it has me interested in seeing this live. I want to see how it all works on stage. Reading these old plays has been fun so far and I'm enjoying how different they are. ...more
This has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. I have many lines memorized from the movie. This is my first time reading the original play. MosThis has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. I have many lines memorized from the movie. This is my first time reading the original play. Most of the lines in the movie come right out of the pages of the play, but the ending is very different. The ending takes place at the hair salon like every other scene and the woman talk about everything that happened to M’Lynn instead of us being at the hospital or funeral. I think seeing the characters as it happens in the movie is more powerful, but I still teared up at the end, even the way it was done here. That movie gets me every time.
I usually distance myself from my southern roots, but this is one of those things in life that make me feel some pride at my southern roots. These are some amazing ladies. The movie shows more of life outside the salon, but in this play it all takes place in this space for women. It becomes like the scared space woman collect and share their lives with one another. Life happens outside, but this is the safe space they support each other.
There are interesting things about religion that happen in here. I know they are in the movies, but you get the feel of the difference between the Presbyterians and more Fundamental religion that takes over the south.
This is such excellent story telling. I love the author’s note at the beginning: “the women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all, real characters. They in no way, shape or form are meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures� The movie obeyed this note to a T and I think that is why it is still such a classic. We need a steel Magnolia’s reunion, if you ask me. Some of them are getting very old, but I think they are all still with us as of now.
Anyway, this is one of my favorite stories about life. It’s brilliant writing and I’m glad I read the play. ...more
My high school put this play on during my 11th grade year and I read it at that time. The play meant alot to me because several of my friends were actMy high school put this play on during my 11th grade year and I read it at that time. The play meant alot to me because several of my friends were acting in the play and it was talked about alot. It was one of the first serious plays that I saw in my little town.
Our school had an excellent drama teacher that could have gone anywhere in the country and it was a high school performance, but it was a well done production staring high school kids. Mr. Salter really was an amazing teacher and he energized so many kids to be interested in a history of theatre and culture not typical in our small town.
I haven't read it sense then, but I have good memories of this. ...more
This is about the making of the famous career making ballet ‘Appalachian Spring� by Martha Graham and music my Aaron Copland, but his career was alreaThis is about the making of the famous career making ballet ‘Appalachian Spring� by Martha Graham and music my Aaron Copland, but his career was already made. It premiered in 1944. I do like Martha Graham. This was a nice story for older audiences who are into the creative process and life. It does a good job of telling the frustrations of bringing something new to life and having to do it over and over to get it correct. The artwork in the book is great at conveying motion and dancers.
This is a great book for me, but not for the nephew. The nephew didn’t understand the point and he isn’t into this kind of ‘uncool� dance as he calls it. We were watching this season of American Idol and that is cool dance. He gave this 1 star. The niece is interested in dance and she appreciated this. She gave it 3 stars. She was interested in the fact that Martha had to do things over and over again to get it right. We spoke about perfection and the way to achieve it is to do things over again, not one and done. I think the niece needed to hear that. ...more
I loved this. The writing was so clear and succinct. No wasted words or emotions. It felt like a clock with each part there that needed to be working I loved this. The writing was so clear and succinct. No wasted words or emotions. It felt like a clock with each part there that needed to be working together in harmony. I have heard of this for years and I'm so glad I went ahead and read it. I love to read a play now and again. It is rewarding.
Catherine is turning 25 and her father has died. She has been taking care of him the past 4 years. Her father is a famous mathematician who wrote several famous renown proofs and a student of his is trying to make sure this man who went crazy didn't leave one last tidbit behind that the world should know about. There are some great surprises in this story I won't spoil. It is worth reading. I would be interested to see how it is played on stage. Excellent.
People are worried that Catherine might be cracking up like her dad did. The student, Hal falls for Catherine. Catherine's sister, Claire, also comes for the funeral and she is trying to get Catherine to move to NYC with her so she can care for Catherine. Claire is worried about her.
Catherine has written, while she has been caretaking her father, a proof of her own. A proof that will set the world on fire. Will anyone believe that she wrote it?
I love this play. It's brilliant and simple and engrossing. Thank you David Auburn for this. I like how the play hops and skips in time, just enough to fill us in on the past important details. I love the character of Catherine and her need for someone to just believe her. This is all about a mathematical proof, but we really get little of it in the audience, so that won't lose anyone. ...more
This is a script in book form of the movie by the same name. It is interesting and pretty cool to see how a script is written, to read it and then seeThis is a script in book form of the movie by the same name. It is interesting and pretty cool to see how a script is written, to read it and then see how that translates to the screen. There aren't as many descriptions, or inner dialogue. We see what they say and do and then we can also read J. K. write about the magic that is happening. I actually like this medium. This is the 2nd script I've read. So, this is what an actor would see. I think that's pretty neat.
I thought this was a great story. It's a story about adults and not really young people. I think some people were missing that connection to a younger crowd. I loved seeing more of J.K's world. She has an endless imagination. She came up with some very cute critters. It sells the story.
I think Newt and the rest of the cast are unique and interesting characters. There are few Protagonist out there like Newt. He is rather shy and not that engaging. You sort of have to pry yourself into him and then you grow to love him. We see how deeply he loves and cares for the rare creatures his world is trying to extinguish.
My favorite new character is Queeny. She is fantastic. I also think Jacob was funny and rounded out this cast rather well. Tina was my least favorite, such a rule follower, mostly. She has a little bit of Percy Weasley in her, but not as much pompous ass.
My favorite new aspect of the world is the Obscurial. That was such an fascinating aspect of the wizarding world. Someone who tries to hide their magic and keep it from coming out can loose their magic so that it's not controllable. They are dangerous and usually emotionally unstable. I love it. I want to see more.
There is also a big reveal toward the end that I didn't see coming and it connects the story into the Potterverse.
I personally am elated that there are more stories in the Harry Potter world. I haven't heard good things about the 2nd, but I hope it's ok with a strong 3rd book.
I found this book well crafted and a lot of fun....more
I have heard the many references movies and people make to this play, but I didn't know the story. This is a complex piece of writing about aging and I have heard the many references movies and people make to this play, but I didn't know the story. This is a complex piece of writing about aging and dreams not being achieved. I want to see this to see how it all works on the stage. There is so much going on. Time is blended and played with here by Willy. Everything that is going on in his head along with the present all swirl about so that he and us are just a little confused as to what is now, what is past, and what is happening. I mean we know what is going on, but it is so well done.
This is a family drama. It is not uplifting really. Yet, there is something about this play that sits with me. It is a sad piece. I must say, I much prefer a happy ending, but I really appreciate this story. I think it’s more famous as a title than people actually knowing the story, at least in my generation. I hope it’s not forgotten as there is a lot of truth in these lines.
Biff and Willy Loman are father and son and they don’t get along. Happy is the 2nd son and he is much like his father. The mother is trying to keep them all together and going. We find out that Willy is rather delusional in his positive self-talk. He doesn’t see who Biff really is and we see some secrets from his past come up. There is hope for the future and blame for the past passed around. Everything swirls together. It really is a masterpiece Arthur wrote.
I think I need to read some more plays. This was a lot of fun and who knows what else I’m missing out there. I’m sure whole libraries have been written about this play and I am not going to go into a whole lot about it. This play touched something in me and I think that’s the important thing. ...more
2nd Review: So, it's been 10 years, I think, since I last read this. Shame on me. This is one of my all time favorite plays. I love it. Still, haven't 2nd Review: So, it's been 10 years, I think, since I last read this. Shame on me. This is one of my all time favorite plays. I love it. Still, haven't seen it live on stage. Another Shame on me.
So, reading this, I noticed something for the first time. Oberon is a horrible husband. Seriously. Titania has a young boy she keeps around her from an human friend and Oberon wants this boy to raise up as another servant. Titania flatly refuses him. This whole thing is set in motion basically because Oberon feels he is entitled to anything he wants. He has Puck get the flower for the love spell he puts on Titania. He humiliates his wife by having her fall in love with an ass. While she's in this sorry state, he gets the boy he wants to be his servant and then he is willing to lift the spell.
Oberon is a complete jerk face. Titania deserves much better than him. He schemed and played dirty to get what he wanted. I'm so angry just thinking about it. I really don't like scheming. I get it's part of life for many people. Still. The fact that he gets away with it really irritates me. At the end, he has everything he wants and Titania seems happy as a goldfish with her 10 second memory and all's good.
Rant over. I love reading the language again. There is magic in the words. What a story. Is there anything else out there in this world like this story, not much really.
I think I enjoy reading about tricksters as an archetype. Puck, Wei Wuxian and so on.
Anyway, the one I feel most sorry for is Demetrius. He is the one who still has the love spell on him. It could be best for him, because the thing with Hermia wouldn't have worked out, but still, this wasn't his choice. That's gross. I mean good for Helena, but if that spell ever wears off, she will be in a rough spot and a loveless marriage. Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. And how horrible to marry someone that can't stand you. Anyway.
So July has started out as the month of re-reads. So be it.
1st Review My Favorite Play!
After reading all Shakespeare plays, I wonder why schools focus so much on the tragedies and not so much on the comedies. We were never assigned a comedy to read in school, but to me, this is by far Shakes' best play, hands down. I'll take this over Hamlet, Macbeth or Romeo.
I love the Puck and he has so many great lines in the stories. This work gives me life. I have seen several movie versions of this, but I haven't seen the play in person - bucket list.
One of my favorite quotes is, "I see their knavery: this is to make an ass of me, to fright me if they could. But I will not stir from this place, do what they can. I will walk up and down here and I will sing, that they shall hear I am not afraid."
It's a quote that really empowered me in a time in my life I grew into the person that sent me to acupuncture school. They shall hear I am not afraid by singing; it really meant so much to me and who I was. I use to say that to myself all the time. Somehow in the stress of school and doing all the hoops I had to jump through for school, I lost that and now, I am afraid of the world and sit in my house alone and this was before Covid-19. I have my family, yes, and I'm thankful for them, but it's important to have friends too. When I left home, I haven't totally replaced my community and it's all my own fault. I long to take back the power of those words and and not be afraid. I use to love what made me so unique and it's hard to get to, at the moment.
The fairy fantasy is sandwiched between a love story. The best part of the story is the love story part, but I love this whole thing: the words, the subject, the love story and the fairies.
Someone made a modern movie based on this called, "Were the World Mine" and several of these quotes are set to music and I have listened to those powerful songs hundreds of times. I love it. It's a gay take on the play and it's hilarious.
I would love to read this yearly and I just haven't. It is a goal to claim. To me, this is one of the most brilliant stories told anywhere. It rings at a deep level for me. It brings me life, joy and wonder. It has to be one of the top 3 books of all time for me.
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