Sally Hemings is one of the great known-unknowns of American history. We know she existed. We know she bore children to Thomas Jefferson, the man who enslaved her. We know she was likely the half-sister of Jefferson’s late wife. We know she outlived him and, while she never officially got to experience freedom, she was “given her time” and allowed to essentially retire from the horrific work of plantation life. But if she ever was able to write down her own thoughts, that writing has not survived to the present day. If she told anyone the story of her life
Reviews
Cabaret: So, Life is Disappointing
The timing feels very right for a revival of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff’s seminal musical Cabaret. It’s only been 10 years since the last Broadway revival of the show but seems incredibly necessary right now to get people talking about how easy it is to ignore danger until it’s too late. It also feels very timely to have a production of Cabaret directed by a woman, especially as the choices Sally Bowles makes throughout the show become increasingly controversial. Since Christopher Isherwood first created the character of Sally Bowles, she has been interpreted by men, from John Van
I’m an Insider Now That I’ve Seen The Outsiders
When I stepped out into the bright stage light I was brought back to 1967. In 1983 at age 7 I first saw "The Outsiders". I watched it over and over again. I didn't realize why I needed to watch it so often until now. The themes of loss, trauma, one's inner fight, rich man poor man, and most importantly the need for an opportunity to get out and on the road are alive and well in this story. Then in 8th grade, I had to read the book. What I mostly remember is how mean Pony Boy was to" Cherry
Bringing Proust Back To Life Amid The Pandemic
I Went To See Spamalot And All I Got Was This T Shirt And Whole Lance A Lot Of Laughs.
2024 Cast Of Spamalot Photo: Playbill: Alex Brightman Knight of "Ni" I decided to review "Spamalot"after its run was over because I think it's funny. I had the pleasure of attending the final night of Spamalot, and what a night it was! As a seasoned aficionado of comedy, with Monty Python and Sketch Comedy taking center stage in my entertainment repertoire, this production was a delightful spectacle that tickled my funny bone in all the right ways. I went with my friend who writes books, so I felt very important that evening. Let's travel back in time to a momentous occasion – when
Doubt: A Timely Parable
When John Patrick Shanley wrote Doubt in 2004, it was (allegedly) meant to be a parable, connecting the bombshell 2002 Boston Globe expose of sexual abuse by Catholic priests with the U.S.’ 2003 invasion of Iraq. That invasion was sanctioned in a bid to find weapons of mass destruction the Iraqi government was allegedly stockpiling—an allegation that was later determined to be false. Shanley’s play—which follows a strict nun's efforts to expose a convivial priest as a child molester in 1964—opened in late 2004 and went on to win the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for
The Notebook Hits Broadway Hitting All Notes To Perfection
My girlfriend, whose love of Ingrid Michaelson knows no bounds, made me go see "The Notebook" on Broadway and I cried for 2 1/2 hours straight. The much anticipated premiere of "The Notebook" a new musical by Ingrid Michaelson at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre brought a captivating and emotional experience to the audience. Everyone knows both the 1996 Nicholas Sparks novel as well as the 2004 film staring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The film has become ubiquitious when talking about great love stories and the unwavering eventual end of every love story. The seamless transition between the modern nursing home
The Hamilton Mocumentary We Needed Lincoln: The Musical
I'm a huge fan of satire and parody when it comes to comedy genres. Recently, I had the pleasure of viewing "Lincoln: The Musical," by Artie Brennan with a cast of hilarious improvisors and actors. Lincoln: The Musical was filmed on location in NYC. This comedy delves into the world of making it on Broadway, adding a fresh take to the mockumentary genre. Drawing parallels to classic mockumentaries like "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show," and Robert Townsend's "Hollywood Shuffle," "Lincoln The Musical" is a laugh-out-loud journey. Artie Brennan and Anthony Giordano the film's directors do a superb job of double helming. Artie
Jackie Martling: Joke Man –The Grandfather Of Long Island Comedy
Photo: Courtesy of Newsday and LIMEHOF "Joke Man: The Jackie Martling Story" delves into the life and career of Jackie Martling, offering insights into his contributions to the world of comedy and his impact on the Howard Stern Show and beyond. As the onlooker we are provided a unique perspective on the documentary's portrayal of Jackie's comedic journey. I first met Jackie in 1998 while interning for SONY Pictures. Within 48 hours of meeting him he sent me several of his Joke Man products and books. Over a decade years later I interviewed Jackie for my Talk Show "Welcome Back To
A Christmas Carol Brings Holiday Joy At The Charles Dickens Festival at Theater Three in Port Jefferson
Jeffrey Sanzel's direction and performance as Ebeneezer Scrooge in Theater Three's rendition of "A Christmas Carol" offered a delightful blend of comedy and drama, showcasing impeccable timing and seamless stage movement that captivated the audience. The vintage theater itself, complete with a basement speakeasy and the nostalgic scent of aged wood, contributed to the overall charm and provided a truly immersive holiday experience. The production showcased an incredible attention to detail, with Brad Frey's superb musical direction, Randall Parsons' scenic design, and Robert Henderson Jr.'s masterful lighting and sound design, all adding depth and enhancing the atmosphere. The cast,