Two shows on the same street
I spent last week mesmerized by great art (literally) when watching the fabulous new two-hander, Red, starring Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne at the Golden Theater on West 45th, and laughed so hard I could not breathe when I saw Lend Me a Tenor at the Music Box Theatre, right across the street!
Red, a new play by John Logan, directed by Michael Grandage, is about artist, Mark Rothko, the master of twnetieth century abstract impressionism. It stars the wonderfully versatile Alfred Molina and the
very talented Eddie Redmayne. Set in New York in 1958, Rothko has received the commission to create a series of murals for The Four Seasons Restaurant in the new Seagram building on Park Avenue. HIs young assistant, Ken, is there to help him, but becomes a challenge to him, as does the new generation of artists springing forth. Imported from London, the production was nominated for 3 Olivier awards.
Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne in Red
photo credit: Johan Persson
This is a play about being on the brink of change, of relevancy and how to navigate new worlds. Excellent performances by Molina and Redmayne. A study in great writing and acting in 90 minutes. Limited run through June 27th. www.redonbroadway.com
Now we switch to a jumble of a laugh riot! Yikes, do we need that..just to laugh for pure, silly, laughter's sake. First of all, Lend Me a Tenor features two of my favorite actors, one in an acting role, Tony Shalhoub, and the other, Stanley Tucci, who directs this piece. Add the marvelous Anthony La Paglia and film actor Justin Bartha in the main roles and you have just a delightful, delicious, old fashioned comedy of errors. It's about opera singers, egos, mistaken identities, and...well no need to tell you more. Suffice it to say, it's a wonderful reason to go to the theatre. www.lendmeatenoronbroadway.com
A tip for this coming Sunday: A night at Joe's Pub, honoring songs that have been dumped from the final cut of a show. It's Broadway Recycled: Your favorite Broadway stars and songs-Reduced, Reused and Recycled, to benefit the At Hand Theatre Company and the Broadway Green Alliance. Go to www.joespub.com
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Ray Romano does New York!
On another note, do you love Raymond? I mean everybody does! How about seeing the fabulously funny and beloved Ray Romano, live and in person in a totally rare New York City appearance. I mean,
after all, although he is Queens born and bred, he is LA based and in Hollywood and Vegas these days, due to his great success in the sit com universe and now with the new show, Men of a Certain Age.
Well, Ray is coming back to his home town for a one night only appearance, performing his Vegas style comedy act for a terrific reason: Ovarian cancer research.
May 14th is the date at the SVA Theatre in the Chelsea section of New York, 333 West 23rd Street. This event will raise funds for much needed research for ovarian cancer in association with the
Sass Foundation for Medical Research. Linda John is the creator of this event, and she contacted me to emcee and co-produce this wonderful evening. I will be the emcee, Broadway performer Craig Schulman will sing some classic songs from Broadway, and Jon Manfrelllotti from Men of A Certain Age will also appear.
I would love it if you would take a friend and come to this special evening. For tickets and info go to www.sassfoundation org.
Thanks, tomatoes. Hope to see you there!
Valeries Gallery
Valerie Smaldone
Media Personality, Actress, Producer, Writer
Valerie Smaldone, a 5 time Billboard Magazine Award winner, is perhaps best known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 position in the New York radio market as the midday host of New York’s 106.7 FM. She ended her on air run with the station at the end of 2007. In addition, she was the co-creator, writer, producer and host of 'Spotlight On,' a nationally syndicated program that featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Celine Dion, to name a few.
Presently, Valerie can be heard on NBC Network News promos and specialty shows and as the announcer for The Boomer Esiason Show on MSG. She writes a weekly nightlife column for TheThreeTomatoes.com, writes a theater column for Examiner.com, and has an interview program on the Italian American Network. She is an interviewer and feature reporter on Broadway for TonyAwards.com and hosts and produces celebrity portrait unveilings for Broadway stars at famed theater district eatery, Tony’s.
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