Dear theatre friends,
Called “New York’s greatest performance” by The Washington Post, watch this video of New Yorkers coming out to applaud essential workers every night. The outpouring of love and appreciation by isolated city dwellers has been seen all over the world. Go to YouTube to see the many standing ovations given to those making life bearable through their extraordinary bravery.
Now, does it seem trivial to report on the entertainment possible to divert us? Well, here goes:
The wonderful Chichester Festival Theatre is putting a production online for the first time, for a month, beginning this Thursday, the 9th. “Flowers for Mrs. Harris” from the book by Paul Gallico, has been described as “transcendence without schmaltz” in this Guardian review. Although I’m ordinarily not a musical fan, I must see this transformation of I book I cherished as a child, “Mrs. ‘arris Goes to Paris.”
Called “the world’s coolest theatre” by TimeOut, Schaubuhne of Berlin will be streaming a new playeach day, starting today. The one that has caught my eye is “Beware of Pity” by StefanZweig, on the 13th. Directed by Simon McBurney, this is a co-production with Complicite — one of the coolest, most imaginative theatre companies around. Although based in London, their work has played in 40 plus countries.
You may know Award winning poet, novelist, memoirist, Honor Moore. Tonight, she will be giving a reading at 8pm at HowWritersWrite.com. You can sign up to hear her and many other writers offer secrets of their craft.
Roger Cox, the Arts Editor of The Scotsman newspaper (the originator of the Fringe First Awards), wrote about their newest online initiative, The Scotsman Sessions. Take a look at the newly created work by artists who’ve been at it all year long, not just for the remarkable August Festivals.
From photographer/author, Steve Gottlieb, comes this:
“Today’s darkenedtheaters have triggered mynostalgic neurons. Much more than in normal times, I find myself reliving experiences of watching past shows. One evening stands out from all the others– ‘West Side Story.’ It included the original cast– Carol Lawrence, Larry Kert, Chita Rivera and George Chikaris. That evening was not only the most memorable night of theatre in my life, it was the most memorable night of any form of entertainment. I cried. I laughed. I worried. I hoped. I was totally swept away. I was 14 years old and this was one of the first shows I’dever seen.
“Since that extraordinary night, I’ve listened to the original cast album at least 200 times. I never weary of it. The music still touches my soul as it takes me back to that singular evening nearly six decades ago.”
Thank you, Steve. Surely you, too, have a memory you’d like to share.
I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading — but I must have content! Do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
No matter how bleak the current theatre scene looks — remember, we’re all in this together!
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.