Jesus Christ Super Star on Broadway Opening Pre-View Night Review

"A True Spectacle!"  "A Visually Breathtaking Performance"

JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR

My overall rating out of 5 stars is "4"                  ★★★★

Just saw the opening Pre-View night March 1, 2012, of the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber "Jesus Christ Super Star at the Neil Simon theater on Broadway, NYC.

It was my first Broadway play ever, an amazing fact since I have lived in NYC my entire life. I went with my brother In-law who played Jesus in a local theater play some 40 years ago, with my sister and my niece who has been in numerous plays herself and has "Gotten the Bug" and wants to be an actress.

The Neil Simon theater is a cozy two tier theater seating around 1,400 people which I find amazing since It didn't seem overly congested moving around. We sat in the Orchestra Row V seats 6-8-10-12. There were a few empty seats in front of us, but as far as I could tell from my view point it was, while NOT a sell-Out, pretty close to one.

 As you know the musical is based very loosely on the Gospels' account of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play.


MY REVIEW BELOW!

The Main cast includes:

Paul Nolan as Jesus Christ

Josh Young   as Judas Iscariot

                                           

                              

  Tom Hewitt  as Pontius Pilate

Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene

                       Bruce Dow as King Herod                      

                                 

Marcus Nance as  Caiaphas

Aaron Walpole as Annas

Directed by Tony award winner Des McAnuff who is the American-Canadian artistic director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and director of musical theater of such Broadway productions as Big River, The Who's Tommy and Jersey Boys.(more about him latter.

Starting off Act one Overture into Judas, Josh Young "Heaven on their Minds",into "Whats the Buzz". A solid beginning. The theater was a cross between old and modern with the use of a "New York Style Zipper" telling the audience what time in the week we were now. Kinda cool, as was the many special effects especially in the "Hosanna" "Palm Sunday" scene as Jesus ends up atop of the walkway in front of a giant electronic scene with a PALM in back of Him.

They used technology of the 21st century a lot, but as you will read latter, it bit them in the end.

I for one enjoyed the use of "The Times Square Look" with the screens and scrolling words. The entire stage design and scenery was one of simplicity but incredibly complex ballet of stars, tables, caldrons etc. The cast climbed ladders and the stars also using the cat work upper level with ease while the dancers flipped and tumbled with grace. It was clear the Pre Pre-Views at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival production had clearly honed there skills and the pace was incredible as I was amazed at the end of the first act at 8:52pm.

For me the high lite of the first act was "I Don't Know How To Love Him" sung by Chilina Kennedy playing Mary Magdalene. Her voice was angelic her acting exquisite only matched by her beauty and grace.  A seasoned Canadian actress she has also starred in at Stratford The Grapes of Wrath, Evita, West Side Story, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum and Kiss Me, Kate.

After an about 15-20 minute intermission we were ready for Act II.

It began with "The Last Supper" into "Genthsemane" to "The Arrest" and so on. Each act continued to flow and had you riveted to your seat, despite the annoying woman sitting next to me. There's always one "IDIOT" sitting in the theater and she was next to ME! She had to have complete silence, impossible with 1,400 people. No movement, don't clap, don't yell out just sit still like a robot and watch. In fact I rally saw her clap.

My high lite of Act II was King Herod, "Herod's Song" played by Bruce Dow. His flamboyant,Zany over the top comic relief portrayal of King Herod had the audience rolling with laughter, excitement and amazement. A well done job and a true show stealing moment! 

But  the second Act, in fact the entire play was stolen by "JUDAS" played by Josh Young! An amazing talent, singer and dancer, to me and my family agreed, "A HOME RUN PERFORMANCE!"  

He has appeared in The Grapes of Wrath, Evita and Kiss Me, Kate at Stratford, as well as a national tour of Les Miserables and an international tour of West Side Story. His death scene was incredible again with the help of 21st century technology.

Now "Jesus Christ" portrayed by Paul Nolan.  To me, and my family agrees, an average job at best. His passion was not there. More robotic and lacking energy. His signing was great, as was everyone's, but there was something missing in his performance. One can truly see his talent and only hope he will improve over time.

Other worthy mentions goes to Tom Hewitt portraying Pontius Pilate. A well done job of singing and acting. A Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his role Frank’n’Furter in The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway, this seasoned Broadway Star shinned once again!

Fine performances also by Marcus Nance, portraying Caiaphas and Aaron Walpole Portraying Annus.

The ensemble cast were terrific despite the fact that some didn't seem to be actually singing, especially in the finale. 

The overall production was 100% Broadway at it's best. The lighting, sound, special effects and set complemented the production.

Except for the "Super Star" into the "Crucifixion" giant moving platform malfunction! As Jesus is being lead to the cross a moving robotic platform comes out and Paul Nolan gets on as the lights spreed out over the first 5-6 rows of the theater as this "Robotic" Star Wars type mechanical wonder begins to turn around trying, as we latter find out, to stretch Paul out over the audience. But, alas, MALFUNCTION, Johnny 5! A man sitting just about 15 or so down the aisle on my left gets up, I was amazed thinking "You can't hold it just a little longer, It's almost over." Goes to the back comes then down to entire aisle to the stage and grabs the mike. "We have a problem." It as I latter find out, was the Director Des McAnuff. He has "STOPPED" the show and is explaining to us the malfunction of this "Prop". The audience was THRILLED! This was a "Broadway Moment" He said he wanted us to have the "Full experience" of the play so they are going to "reboot" this contraption and try again. "We will take it from the top of the scene".

Take two. "An even worse "Malfunction!

So take three they did without this silly contraption altogether. Every time though "Judas" Josh Young, performed the scene flawless with great energy! He had the audience in the palm of his hand!

 It was like watching the movie "Groundhog Day". But I, my family and the audience LOVED EVER MINUTE OF IT! But the "Jesus" death scene as we saw it if that how it will go even with this contraption, re-think and try again!


A little work before opening night March 22 and the sky's the limit!

TONY AWARD!

Here are some Highlights From "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada.

Whitney Houston Death - Autopsy Details Released - Photo

UPDATE: 3/22/12 The L.A. County coroner ruling was drowning and the "effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use," the Los Angeles County coroner's office said Thursday.
In essence she had a heart attack while bathing from prolonged use of cocaine where she slipped under the water of the bath tub and drowned.
The manner of death was listed as an "accident."
Cocaine and metabolites were identified and contributory to her death, the report said.
Other drugs identified in Houston's body were marijuana, alprazolam (Xanax), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but they "did not contribute to the death," the report said. Flexeril is a muscle relaxant, and Benadryl is an allergy medicine.
No trauma or foul play is suspected, the report said. The final coroner's report will be available within two weeks, the coroner's office said.


UPDATE: 3/1/12 Sources say that the death of Pop star Whitney Houston is reportedly about to be ruled an ACCIDENT!  The 48-year-old singer's body was found submerged in a bathtub in her Beverly Hilton Hotel suite on February 11—and according to a source, "nothing suspicious" has been found to suggest any foul play or deliberate actions.
The "insider" told E! News that the "I Will Always Love You" star's family do not believe she died as a result of deliberate action by herself or someone else and "She had no marks on her body whatsoever to indicate a struggle, and she was the furthest thing from trying to kill herself."
STAY TUNED! 

UPDATE: 2/18/12 A star studded funeral service was held on Saturday February 18, 2012 for Whitney Houston at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. Nearly 1,500 people including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keyes, R Kelly and gospel singer Bebe Winans performed during the service. Others in attendance included Mariah Carey, Spike Lee, Forrest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Cicely Tyson, pop singer Darlene Love, filmmaker Tyler Perry, Roberta Flack, Mary J. Blige and actor Kevin Costner, Houston’s co-star in the 1992 film "The Bodyguard."
Emotionally Kevin Costner spoke of his "Friend" Whitney insercurities about herself, performing and how she never thought she was "Good Enough". He ended his remarks saying,"So off you go, Whitney, off you go, escorted by an army of angels, to your heavenly father,and when you sing before him, don’t you worry. You’ll be good enough."
 She was laid to rest on Sunday, February 19, 2012  in Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, south of Newark. Whitney was laid to rest next to her father, John Russell Houston, who died in 2003.
 UPDATE:2/14/12-  A private funeral for pop superstar Whitney Houston will be held Saturday Feb. 18, 2012, at her childhood church in New Jersey, noon at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, said Carolyn Whigham of Whigham Funeral Home.

Whitney final resting place(top)
and Arriving at NJ Airport(bottom)

The body was flown from California to Newark on a private plane belonging to filmmaker Tyler Perry.  Cissy Houston, the late singer's mother, was waiting inside Monday evening and stayed till 2am Tuesday with her daughter.
The funeral will be invitation-only at the church were Whitney began as a choir girl at New Hope. 

Whitney arriving at NJ Funeral Home

Cissy Houston and cousin Dionne Warwick wanted to bury Whitney in Atlanta, where they believe she was happiest,but other family members wanted Houston buried in Newark, where she was born.

Below is a small audio clip of her most successful song, written by Dolly Parton, "I Will Always Love You"

Whitney Houston - "I Will Always Love You"

  Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) When my sister came over to me on Saturday night showing me on her iPhone about the breaking news that Whitney Houston had died my first reaction was one of shock and sadness. But, unfortunatly, after reflecting on her recent past, especially her relationship and marriage with Bobby Brown, my feelings turned to one of not really surprised it had ended this way and of anger towards Bobby Brown. 

Now it's true we make our own choices, but sometimes the people we choose to be around, thinking that they care,love and will help us, are the ones who will destroy us in the end.

A singer who participated in an impromptu duet with Whitney Houston (see video) at a party two days before Houston's death said Monday February 13, 2012, she noticed nothing amiss and the superstar was "upbeat and joyful."
"She did not seem disheveled. She was dancing, she was laughing. ... We were having a good time," said Kelly Price.
"What I saw on Thursday night was not erratic behavior. I didn't see someone who was high." Houston took the stage unexpectedly and sang a hoarse rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" with Price.

But, as you know, just less two days latter Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. Saturday afternoon , February 11, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. A phone call was  received 3:43 p.m. from hotel security and Beverly Hills Fire, and police responded minutes later after a member of  her entourage found her unresponsive in the bathtub of  her hotel room. CPR was performed but efforts to save her were futile.

Her body remained in the hotel room for eight hours will police investigated her death.

Multiple medicine bottles were found in the Beverly Hills hotel room where Whitney Houston died ... but we're told there were NOT a lot of pills at the scene. No illegal drugs were in her hotel room only prescription drugs were found. Sources add that she may have drowned in the bathtub, where her body was reportedly discovered.
  
Whitney Houston apparently drowned in bath after ingesting cocktail of prescription sedatives. Officials won't have definitive answers for several weeks. An autopsy was performed Sunday, but officials said they wouldn't have any definitive answers until drug tests are completed in several weeks. 

Her hairdresser, Tiffanie Dixon, reportedly opened the door after becoming worried at Houston's long silence and screamed when she saw the body in the tub. A bodyguard pulled her out and tried in vain to give the singer CPR, Winter said.

Cops found a pharmacy's worth of sedatives and anti-anxiety medications in the room, including Valium, Xanax, Lorazepam and another sleeping pill, according to an unnamed law enforcement official quoted by Radaronline.com.

 "At this time, her cause of death is deferred pending toxicology and further testing," said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter. "I know there are reports that she drowned or overdosed. We won't make the final determination until all the tests are in," he said.

Bobbi Kristina, Houston's daughter with ex-husband Bobby Brown, was reportedly on the hotel premises when Houston died. Bobbi got into an argument with police when she was denied access to see her mother's body. Houston's cousin, Dionne Warwick, also showed up, according to reports, and was also not allowed to see the superstar's body.

Latter on Sunday February 12, 2012 Whitney Houston's 18-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles suffering from mental breakdown, exhaustion. She was latter released and is now with her father Bobby Brown heading back to the east coast.

Tributes at the Grammys on Sunday February 12, 2012 where Whitney was scheduled to attend came from all as the devastating news sunk in to her fellow musicians. 

Once again we have another fallen star who met a tragic end. A life unfulfilled. A talent thrown away and wasted.

  
RIP Whitney! 

Who is JEREMY LIN? The LINSANITY continues

By now I'm sure even if you NOT a sports fan you have heard of the name Jeremy Lin.

He's the overnight sensation point guard of the New York Knicks who for his brief NBA carrier sat on benches

The Harvard University graduate reached a partially guaranteed contract deal with his hometown Golden State Warriors where in 29 games averaged only 2.9 point per.

In his senior year at Harvard (2009–10), Lin averaged 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.1 blocks, and was again a unanimous selection for All-Ivy League First Team. He later joined the Dallas Mavericks for mini-camp as well as their NBA Summer League team in Las Vegas.

But he did win a game for Harvard on 11/16/2009 against William & Mary in Triple Overtime!(video)

After graduating from Harvard University, Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft. Eight teams had invited Lin to predraft workouts.In five Summer League games, while playing both guard positions, Lin averaged 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 18.6 minutes per game and shot a team leading 54.5% from the floor. Lin received offers to sign from the Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and an unnamed Eastern Conference team. The Golden State Warriors would also offer Lin a contract in addition to the original three teams

On July 21, 2010, Lin signed a two-year deal with his hometown Golden State Warriors, his favorite team growing up. he reports noted that the deal would include a first-year salary of close to $500,000 with more than half of it guaranteed.Lin said the counteroffers from the three other teams were higher, but he wanted to come home and play for the Warriors. Lin also signed a three-year guaranteed contract with Nike. His jersey was already on sale before his first NBA game.Lin made the Warriors' opening day roster for the 2010–11 regular season, but he was placed on the inactive list.

He made his NBA debut against the L.A. Clipper on L.A. Clippers on 10/29/2010 (see video). receiving a standing ovation from the crowd of 17,408 when he entered the game with 2:32 remaining in the fourth quarter. He did not score in the 109–91 win but recorded one steal after tying up the ball and winning the subsequent jump ball.

In the next game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Lin scored his first NBA basket, had three assists, and recorded four steals. He was applauded by the road crowd at Staples Center when he entered the game in the third quarter. He played 11 of his 16 minutes in the third quarter and committed five fouls but played

a role in a 12–1 run by the Warriors.(see video)







Three times during the season, Lin was assigned to the Warriors' D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns.Each time, he was later recalled by the Warriors. He competed in the NBA D-League Showcase and was named to the All-NBA D-League Showcase First Team on January 14, 2011. He helped lead the Bighorns to a 2–0 record at the Showcase with averages of 21.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.5 steals. Lin posted a season-high 27 points with the Bighorns on March 18, 2011. He averaged 18 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists with Reno.

On December 9, 2011, the Warriors waived Lin on the first day of training camp after the 2011 NBA lockout.

On December 12, 2011, Lin was claimed off waivers by the Houston Rockets but on December 24 before the start of the season, the Rockets waived Lin to clear payroll, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Enter the New York Knicks who claimed Lin off waivers on December 27 to be a backup behind Toney Douglas and Mike Bibby after an injury to guard Iman Shumpert. The Knicks' third-string point guard, he made his season debut on the road against the Warriors, where he was warmly cheered in his return to Oracle Arena 12/28/2011 (see video)


On January 17, 2012, Lin was assigned to the Erie BayHawks of the D-League. On January 20, he had a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists in the BayHawks' 122–113 victory over the Maine Red Claws. Lin was recalled by the Knicks three days later.


Now the last four games that have seminly have come out of no where. A Hollywood script that no major studio would buy since it seams so unbeilivable but we are all watching it unfold. Probably saving Mike D'Antoni's job as well as the Knicks season he has done this without the two Knicks superstars Carmelo Anthony,Strained groin and other injuries and Amare Stoudemire, out because of the tragic death of his brother Halo.

February 4, 2012, when he scored 25 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out seven assists (against only one turnover) in a 99–92 Knicks victory over the Nets.

February 6, 2012,  he made his first career star playing 45 minutes 28 points 8 assists 2 rebounds 2 steals with 8 turnovers against the Utah Jazz winning 98-88. After the game Knick's coach Mike D'Antoni said about him playing Lin so much, "I'm going to ride him like secretariat!"

February 8, 2012,  in a game against the Washington Wizards, Lin had 23 points and career-high 10 assists 4 rebounds 1 steal and only 2 turnovers.


February 10, 2012, in a game against the L A Lakers he scored a career high 38 points with 7 assists 2 steals and 6 turnovers in the win 92-85

February 11, 2012,  in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves he scored 20 points with 8 assists 3 steels but again 6 turnovers in a thrilling come from behind win 100-98

February 14, 2012, A Valentines day THRILLER! in a a game against t

he Toronto Raptures  he scored 27 points 11 assists1 steal 8 turnovers in a win 90-87 with.... JUST WATCH!

February 15, 2012, in a game against the lonely Sacramento Kings as the Knicks blew them out 100-85 he played limited because of the score only scoring 10 points but with a career high 13 assists BUT AGAIN 6 turnovers


Will this NO CAN this Continue. 


STAY TUNED!

Madonna, LMFAO, Kelly Clarkson, Cee Lo, MIA,Nicki Minaj,Blake Shelton/Miranda Lambert

The Super Bowl is OVER!

BUT, who had the BEST performance!


Let’s take a brief look at each artist’s Super Bowl 2012 achievements and attempt to make a call the only way we know how: via non-scientific online polling.


Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton:

 The husband-and-wife country crooners officially opened the Super Bowl festivities with their rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
Thought they did a fine job as they held hands and remembered all the words without a major flub!
Check out Miranda's "PINK" microphone!

Kelly Clarkson

After recent national anthem flubs by Steven Tyler,(although I thought he did an ok job,what were you expecting from the lead singer of Aerosmith), Cyndi Lauper and, most notably, Christina Aguilera during last year’s Super Bowl. So ALL Kelly really had to do is NOT srcew up and Please,Please don't forget the words!
Again I thought she did a fine job. No embellishments,clean and strong. Check out her "RES" sequenced microphone! 


Madonna

 

Loved the Cleopatra opening!

BUT WTF was LMFAO  doing there? Don't understand that.

She started with "VOGUE"! Right out of yesterday although the dance moves seamed robotic,the special effects were nice.
She then went into "Music". Again nothing special. A almost fall on top of a staircase, although my sister said she couldn't get up! Old and out of shape she says! I'm not sure of that.It did have a guy on a tight rope performing nice stunts!
That went into the first guest musical performance of the night!

LMFAO

All I can say was, #WTF was LMFAO do at SB XLVI!?
They did there hit "Party Rock" and "Sexy and I know it" while Madonna gyrated and did twist on stage.

Nicki Minaj

That went right into Madonna's new song “Give Me All Your Luvin’

A song that featured both Niki Manaj and M.I.A. Now my niece said watching this that Nicki Manaj was "The greatest female rapper of ALL time"! OK. 

Her rap was nice but I will go with my niece's opinion and say she "WAS AWESOME!"

M.I.A.

OK. I missed it. I did not see her "flipping the bird"(middle finger) at us. Nor the curse word at the end of her very small rap part of the song!

I really didn't know who she was. My vote is an incomplete.

Oh NBC and the NFL both apologizes most sincerely for the incident each blaming the other, TYPICAL!

If you watch the video, the network tried to blur it out but they were seconds too late!

Then cue the marching band lead out by

Cee Lo Green

I'll be honest, I like Cee Lo. Even thought he changed the words of John Lennon's song "Imagine" New Years Eve in Times square broadcast live on CNN. He's got the WHITEST teeth I have EVER seen. He joined Madonna onstage for both “Open Your Heart” and “Like a Prayer.”

He had denied it all week saying he would be home watching on his couch with chicken wings and dip, but his powerful voice and showmanship together with Madonna was a great entertainment.

The show ended with Madonna disappearing from the stage with a cloud of smoke as she melted like the wicked witch of the east and this message:

Overall I would give it a 8.3 out of 10!

Now it's YOUR turn to VOTE!

Who had the BEST Halftime Super Bowl Performance?

CARNAC-Donald Trump,The GroundHog and Facebook?

Name three things in the news now that are trying to GRAB the media attention!

Donald Trump,The GroundHog and Facebook


Donald Trump: Ok I will admit it. I have read his books. You got to love a guy who files for bankruptcy two times and banks STILL lend him money. Now you and I couldn't get a bank to give us a toaster for opening an account anymore, but the Donald has them lining up to pour money into anything he wants to do. No trickle down here!
His lame and I mean LAME presidential bid,He had NO intention of running because you then would have to make a full financial disclose and that is taboo for the Donald. So now today, February 2, 2012 he is set to hold a press conference as he tweeted below, to announce who he is endorsing in the republican 2012 presidential race. He is st to announce it at 12:30pst in "Sin City" Las Vegas at his  Trump International Hotel & Tower,drumming up some business while he's at it. The man knows ho to garner publicity.
Who will he endorse? Well late last night the news agency AP said it would be Newt Gingrich BUT early this morning they quickly did a mea culpa saying it will be Mitt Romney now. Either way they will be right! SMART!

The GroundHog That's right, It's GroundHog Day. I have a friend who sayss that this is his favorite holiday!
Every year on February 2 the little rodent is plucked from his hole at the crack of dawn and asked the famous question, "Early spring or six more weeks of winter".

Here's the scorecard:

 Punxsutawney Phil 'predicts' six more weeks of winter

(THE most famous of them all)

Staten Island Chuck: Early spring in sight

(more famous for biting the NYC Mayor Bloomberg's  fingers in 2009)

 

General Beauregard Lee
Watch the video of HIS prediction from Atlanta

 

FACEBOOK Ok, in my opinion it is the biggest wast of time man or Mark Zuckerberg, Here is his Google+ page, ever created. We are ALL just on it because everyone else is!
We all watched the picture, "The Social Network", which portrayed Mark as a Lying, cheating, steeling.....well a "really bad person".
Is that truth, It's Holloywood so it must be.
Never the less now he is taking "HIS"? company public announcing a staggering IPO of $5 Billion Filing to Sell Stock in May. 
The "STREET" as they say always thought Facebook was NOT making money, but now we hear Facebook, along the way, has made a lot of money. It revealed in today's filing that in 2011 it had profits of $1 billion on sales of $3.7 billion.
WHAT! All for status updates as to what socks I will wear or how my girlfriend dumped me!??

But Facebook said in its IPO paperwork that its own internal valuation puts their current value at $29.73 per share.
Should you BUY!? I just might take a flyer on this one!