newcritics

I read a few reviews about the book Before I Die by Jenny Downham and it called out to me. The story is told by Tessa a 17 year Brit dying of leukemia. She decides to make a list of the 10 things she must do before she dies. She lives with [...]

I can’t remember the first time I saw Hairspray. I thought the first time I saw it was in 1981 when I was living in Boston. It was a terribly hot day in the middle of August and my friend Audrey and I (Audrey is a total blast from the past who I [...]

Ian McEwan is a brilliant writer. I have enjoyed so many of his books. Funny enough, I never got through Atonement but after reading On Chesil Beach, I feel inclined to try again.
On Chesil Beach is a small novel. A five part book that follows the lives of 2 characters who marry [...]

My friend recommended I read the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. So, I bought it and read it. I am in the reading groove right now. This book is sticking with me.
The book is a year long self discovery of Gilbert’s. She finds herself at 31 living the [...]

The year 1967 is referred to as The Summer of Love. Forty years have passed and the Whitney has taken the opportunity to celebrate with an exhibit. I just wish they had really taken the opportunity and blown it out. So much potential not executed on.
The exhibit takes places on 2 floors, [...]

Eurydice is the new play by Sarah Ruhl currently playing at the Second Stage Theater on 43rd Street. As a whole, I have really enjoyed the majority of the plays put on by Second Stage this season. I am definitely signing up again to be a patron again for next year.
Eurydice is [...]

Years ago at the Gagosian Gallery, I saw a Richard Serra exhibit. I admit it, I am a bit pedestrian when it comes to art, and I just didn’t get it. Luckily, someone was there to give me a bit of guidance.
In essence, it is architectural art. Taking large structures of steel, [...]

Music has always been a big part of my life. Not only do I continue to be interested in music, there is always music on in the background and something different in heavy rotation each week. Music has always been a connection with people too.
Fred and I definitely connected with music. [...]

Reading the review a few weeks back about Dixie’s Tupperware Party sparked my interest. So, I bought 2 tickets for me and my Mom to go (a mothers day gift) and then have dinner afterwards. The play took place at Ars Nova on West 54th between 10th and 11th. Ars Nova consistently puts on [...]

I admit it, I am a sucker for previews. You can tell a lot about a movie in a few minutes. Obviously they are edited incredibly well to pull you back to the theater for the whole film but it is a quick glimpse of what is to come.
I saw the preview for [...]

Every season, if you are lucky, there is one play that stands out in the crowd. Blackbird is a close second but Frost Nixon wins by more than a nose.
After Richard Nixon resigned from office, David Frost was the first person to interview Nixon. Eleven interviews were conducted on the topics of Vietnam, [...]