Greetings Britlings!
This past week I was in New York City editing my film @asst_ so being locked up in a darkened edit bay for 12 hours each day didn’t give me much room for inspiration. However I did get a chance to get out and see a couple of Broadway shows. The first was an amazing new musical called “Dear Evan Hansen” – a story of how even the smallest of lies can have the hugest impact.
It’s a wonderful show that I highly recommend and not just for the main actor Ben Platt, whose physicality and emotional journey will have you mesmerized from start to finish. I smell Tony in his future for sure. The other play I saw was the classic revival of “Sunset Boulevard” with the marvelous Glenn Close as Norma Desmond. I had never actually seen any of the previous productions. Patty Lupone originated the role in London in the summer of 1993 while Glenn got the nod for the first Stateside production, at the Schubert Theatre in Century City just a few months later, before the production moved to Broadway where Close won a Tony for her performance.
The evening was like a throwback to Broadway’s golden age; the audience erupted when Close first appeared on stage, and when it was all over she even took FOUR curtain calls in perfect diva style. She totally embodied the role. It’s a terrific play and I loved that they have the orchestra on the stage the whole time too. Definitely worth seeing if you are in NY.
After a couple of days back in the City of Angels I’m suffering from some devilish flu! So as to not infect my loved ones with the lurgy I have reverted to walking around with a mask in the style of Michael Jackson….or a Japanese tourist. I am a conscientious sicky. I might look silly, but at least I’m cautious. I also went to the doc and got a course of antibiotics and cough syrup, I’m taking plenty of vitamin C, fluids and rest.
Not to get all political, but it seems like Saturday Night Live are having a whale of a time being satirical, Trump and his band of merry men are providing oodles of source material for them – Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of Sean Spicer was spot on last weekend and it seems Rosie O’Donnell is working on her impression of Chief of Staff, Steve Bannon. Can’t wait to see that one. Because let’s face it, in times like this we all could do with a good laugh.
Which leads me nicely to The Toscars. I am very honored to be hosting the show this year, following in the footsteps of Jai Rodriguez, Brian Dunkleman, Candis Cayne and Alex Newell. The event is set for Feb 22nd at The Renberg Theatre, located on McCadden Place in Hollywood. Tickets are priced at $100 and include open bar, food, screening, awards and laughter. Celebrity presenters include Lily Tomlin, Cynthia Bailey from the Real Housewives Of Atlanta and others currently being added to the mix. The sponsors are Beltran Brito Immigration Attorneys, Deep Eddy Vodka and Final Draft. Thanks to Cole Haan and Tikkun Spa for prizes for the winners. For tickets to attend visit www.toscars.eventbrite.com.
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating our tenth year of silliness!
Cheers, have a good week and stay healthy!
Craig Young
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