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Mostly Cloudy Ringing in the new: ‘Honeymoon in Vegas,’ Oscars and farewells
Just a week has gone by in January but already we’ve witnessed – “live”— tragedy, comedy, farce and the wonders of modern technology in shaping the way we see the world and are able to participate in history-making events.
No matter what theatrical wonders come our way this season, non can wrench the heart and mind more than the sobering yet inspiring, uplifting funeral service mourning the tragic death of Officer Wenjian Liu. If Its most memorable moments were the tributes share with the world by his grieving young widow and grieving father, painting a glowing portrait of “family” at its most devoted and cohesive, the outpouring of support from Liu’s fellow policemen who came from across the continent to become a sea of comradeship was equally inspiring. And far outweighed the sting of police protestors who chose this healing tribute to turn their backs on a mayor caught in a tide of dissension in New York’s police force.
And when Tuesday’s early breaking news brought photos of two young American ski champions whose young lives had been tragically ended by an avalanche of snow it became a haunting echo of how fragile life can become in an instant — and a wake-up call to reach out to family and friends in a world where fate in unendingly fickle.
A month for the movies
I’ve always been fascinated by the incredibly productive genius Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist who battled lifelong motor neuron disabilities to lead an incredibly productive life. Thus topping my list is “The Theory of Everything” which explores Hawking’s challenges—including a most unique marital situation that has led to glowing award’s nominated kudos for both Eddie Redmayne who plays the test and Felicity Jones who introduces us to his extraordinary wife.
Other musts include special interests from “Into the Woods,” Disney’s “wickedly clever” film interpretation of the Broadway musical classic, to “Selma,” an exploration of the influence of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on an event that challenged and changed American history.
Arguably most anticipated is “Boyhood.” Richard Linklater’s film (he also directs) shot over a 12-year period (from age 6), through 2013, following the growth of a young boy and his older sister, raised by a single mother, to adulthood. Bonding with their father is key to the film as are the boy’s experimental (drugs) choices and his sister’s love life and the sibling’s changing relationship. And hailed as a work of unique perception by the author. Other vaunted films, mostly currently at the Malverne include “Birdman,” “The Imitation Game,” “Foxcatcher,” “Mr. Turner”— and one to hunt down: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Theater heating up January
While the new year has brought the final curtains down on a host of Broadway shows, a few hardy producers are predicting their new offerings will keep theatergoers braving winter’s chill. One sure to fill that bill is “Honeymoon in Vegas” opening Jan. 15, after a short much acclaimed run at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Long Island’s Tony Danza reprises his starring role as a wily kingpin bent on interfering in the romance of a pair of young lovebirds. Where there’s Danza there’s dance, and good vibes — a sure tonic for wind chill! (Nederlander, 877-250-2929, honeymoonbroadway.com.
Jake Gyllenhaal has been one busy actor. Not only is he a critic’s Oscar choice for Best Actor in “Nightcrawler,” but in “Constellations,” opening Jan. 13 at the Samuel Friedman Theater in a new work from British playwright Nick Payne — the actor plays a beekeeper whose girlfriend happens to be a physicist exploring a new quantum theory. Check out what this team discovers with tickets now (212) 239-6200.
May your new year be filled with pleasures for the mind and soul buoyed by health, peace and peace of mind.
