2018 CAPSULE: OUR YEAR (In Progress; more pics coming)
JANUARY 4-22. Please see PANAMA CANAL CRUISE blog post
for pics and details of that trip on the antique but lovely Pacific Princess (on which we plan to "world-cruise" starting January 2020).
(photo tease):
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26. THE POST @ Mission Valley.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26. THE POST @ Mission Valley.
This one is
chock full of Spielbergian touchstones, the topicality—parallels between the
Daniel Ellsberg (though the movie’s not about him) purloining of the classified
Vietnam memos revealing presidential malfeasance and coverups published first
by the Times and then by the Washington Post (which the movie is about) and the
brave reportage today by the Times and the Post of an administration gone
dangerously amok. Perhaps Spielberg underscores his moralizing points too much
(ya think?) abetted by John Williams intrusive underscore but there’s Meryl
Street inhabiting, Oscar fashion, the conflicted rich woman of her time Kathryn
Graham. Does she publish and perish (exactly the opposite will happen) or give
in to all that male repressive advice to cave. Of course there’s Ben Bradley
(ably but not brilliantly played by Tom Hanks) goading her. Worth the time.
THAT AFTERNOON. HBO. A UNIVERSAL LAND. I think that’s the title. Well received film—I enjoyed it today about an African king who marries a British white woman and as you can imagine that causes a whole lotta trouble. Brits (rather cartoonishly represented) object because they lose control and potential mining rights and the Africans are suspicious of a white queen. Well crafted rooting interest. True story—turns out well. We loved our stay in Botswana where it takes place.
MONDAY JAN 29.
It’s Luz cleaning day so I meet Bob at Urban Mo's after his doctor
appt. (X-ray back—has arthritis--what else is new?). I have a
(giant) dirty martini, and a soup (cream of broccoli unbelievable!) And salad.
Bob a couple beers, and pulled pork sandwich which he always loves. We wonder
why we don’t do this more often, sitting on the street where the weather is
fabulous (note the wintry date). We acknowledge our good fortune.
Owner whose name we never remember (Chris Shaw) comes over and
we share good fortune stories. His fortune has been amazing but he’s still a
nice guy. And as we walk to the theatre and pass the French bread place, there’s Mike, former owner of Hillcrest Deli, with whom we trade experiences in
sum. He travels, especially Tanzania where he knows people, higher ups. I ask
to join him some day.
And now it’s the film—we’re checking off the nominees—PHANTOM THREAD—a sourish movie. Lavishly filmed in period. Megalomaniac fashion designer (strangely straight) played brilliantly of course by Daniel Day Lewis who treats his women badly because he’s obsessed with his art and gets his comeuppance with his last lady, a waitress he thought would be his slavish lover--nah.
FRIDAY FEB 9. DARKEST HOUR & Hillcrest. Gary Oldman brilliant as Winston
Churchill. Worthy.
Landmark. 86% tomatometer because critics had quibbles with the script but were overwhelmed by the performance of its star.
Landmark. 86% tomatometer because critics had quibbles with the script but were overwhelmed by the performance of its star. |
| BALCONY SKY VIEW |
SAT FEB 10. CAKE @ La Jolla Playhouse. What fun that our
wedding photo is in the slideshow of wedding photos. Bob waits for me while I
go to the bathroom and when I come out, there it is. And afterward there
are pieces of cake—oy too good. But of what is in between, the play? We both
agree that Faith Prince “makes” the play as the owner of a cake shop who
chooses not to bake a wedding cake for a young woman she’s known and loved
since childhood when she discovers its for her lesbian wedding. But as Bob
says, the play is a “mishmash”. Well acted and directed--great set—as are all
LJP productions and the comedy works, the quirky charming mannerisms of the
Prince character, her relationship with her Luddite husband. The serious parts,
however, are a bit over-italicized.
MONDAY FEB 11.
Yes its Luz the housekeeper Monday which means we want to
get out of the house. So PF CHANGS for a lovely lunch. Well acted I TONYA, Especially Allison Janney (as Tonya’s mean mother). Probably
hewed a little too closely to actual events. Bob thought it was “sad”, and yes
Harding's loss of her identity as a skater is heartbreaking. Interesting use of
breaking the fourth wall.
FEB MONDAY 18Th. PARC BISTRO.
Remember Reuel to order the flank steak frites. Mm mm good.
Bob less impressed with his chicken paillard. At table of 3 gentlemen one
speaker getting increasingly louder as he disertates on biblical niceties “(in
terms of sin . . .”).
THURSDAY FEB. 22. CARDBOARD PIANO at Diversionary. We Uber it. A by-invitation for once and future trustees so we need to arrive early for the 7 pm play. Matt, the AD, introduces Bob and me as the first of the four decades of directors. Get to meet an old bete noir Colleen Kendall and her remarkable wife, a tech company CEO who flies her own plane (“do you serve sandwiches?” I nuttily ask to nervous laughter.)
MONDAY FEB 25.
After the dentist I call Bob to ask if he wants to meet
me for lunch at MIA TRATORIA, two blocks away for each is meeting in the middle.
One other couple, not roaring business. Please do well little local Italian
restaurant. Murphy Goode Pinot. Me rigatoni and meatballs--very good. Bob.
Eggplant Parmesan with chicken. Not bad but not as good as he hoped. So I’m
telling Bob about how my father grew up as a Hassid (orthordox Jew). “Did you say you were
enjoying the pasta?” Bob replies. Our hearing these days. Oy. And yes I’m
enjoying the pasta and my father even as a young hassid would have enjoyed it too.
On the telly--Sinatra and Kelly.
Catching Hepburn in The Nun's Story on the elyptical.FRIDAY MARCH 2. Film about Hedy Lamar, Beauty and Genius. At the Ken Theatre.
Still even a slightly sub par production bears interest
though I’m discovering arthritis in my leg makes it difficult to sit enjoyably.
Bummer. Especially for a theatregoer, movie fan, and plane traveler (as opposed
to jet setter). Whine. Whine.
Favorite home meal.
MARCH 3. IT'S THE OSCARS.
3/8 THE JOY OF ASSEMBLING THE POOL FURNITURE I ORDERED FOR THE HOA.
SAT MARCH 10. UNCLE VANYA @ THE OLD GLOBE. It’s rainy out so we take an Uber which
driver decides the opposite direction is appropriate—some convincing and we’re
here early but dry. Turns out Bob and I are seated on stage level across from
one another. Should be interesting. I guess the production is popular. I’m not
sure if I’ve seen a production of this play; I know I’ve read it 50+ years ago
for a graduate Checkov seminar.
3/8 THE JOY OF ASSEMBLING THE POOL FURNITURE I ORDERED FOR THE HOA.
SAT MARCH 10. UNCLE VANYA @ THE OLD GLOBE. It’s rainy out so we take an Uber which
driver decides the opposite direction is appropriate—some convincing and we’re
here early but dry. Turns out Bob and I are seated on stage level across from
one another. Should be interesting. I guess the production is popular. I’m not
sure if I’ve seen a production of this play; I know I’ve read it 50+ years ago
for a graduate Checkov seminar.
The program says that the sound technique is unique such
that the actors speak conversationally and we’re supposed to hear them. Hmm.
Opening set is very simple two tables with chairs and stools piled on them. Actually, solid production, conversational gambit and intimate style works. Acting, direction superb. I am sooo happy, to quote Masha I think. And so they all are--not. It's Checkov after all.
MONDAY MARCH 12
Luz housekeeper day so we duck out for the RED SPARROW
movie at the Fashion Valley theatres, which we both enjoy despite its miserable
Rotten Tomato score. Spy stuff (a bit stuffed, granted—who was betraying whom
wasn’t always easy to discern). The always mesmerizing Jennifer Lawrence is a
red sparrow, trained as a spy seductress after an accident prevents her from
dancing. A lot of gratuitous violence: Bob wouldn’t take his kid—not that he has
one. No one ends up happy so it is very satisfying and sufficiently Russian in
tone.
And then the walk to PF CHANGS. Nandi Chianti Classico.
Egg drop soups. Bob Mongolian Beef. R sweet and sour chicken.
3/13 TECH PREVIEW FOR A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC AT SYGNET THEATRE
TUESDAY MARCH 14. A day in which Secretary of State Tillerson
is fired, the Pennsylvania congressional race is Republican—disappointing
apparently nail biting, and Reuel has 3 applications for an upcoming apartment,
Stephen Hawking dies, and we see a by invitation discussion at Cygnet theatre
about their production of A Little Night Music which we’ll see on the 31st. The
artistry and intelligence of these professionals supporting Sean Murray’s
vision, costumes, design, props, is impressive. And Bob proves he can still, un-Ubered, drive in the night.
Wednesday is torture the old people day. Kathy Strong in foreground.
3/15 Assembling pool chaises--Sharon's BIRTHDAY party.
3/17 Kennedy Dynasty + sunset.
SUNDAY MARCH 18. A FANTASTIC WOMAN @ Hillcrest Cinemas. I
woo Beth away from Sunday gym by offering to have her pick me up from her work
(on Sunday no less) to see this Chilean film that won the Academy Award for
best foreign film. Besides Bob is resolutely uninterested in it. I discover
afterward when we three are slurping wine at home that she would have preferred
the equally depressing (and hence equally repellant to Bob) Russian film
Loveless but I’m obsessed with trans people (in any play I’m writing lately)
hence this. The lead actress in this story of a young trans woman whose older
lover dies leaving her to face the cruelty of his family is indeed fantastic in
the role and the film is in sure directorial hands but I may be growing inured
to the miserable universal fact of stupidity and prejudice. Anyway . . . worth seeing.
3/19 Joan Crawford makes the workout go more dramatically
TUESDAY MARCH 20. It’s Spring! HOB NOB HILL. Always
friendly waitresses. That lovely La
Playa plonk Merlot for $20. Price is right. My veggie soup I love. His potato
soup is “good enough for an entire day” and we’ve just begun. “Just a light
lunch.” OMG! Bob’s braised short rib—good as is my liver. $71 with tip. And becoming Obese.
THE DAILY SIGN BOY LURES US TO DRINK
3/21 RUTH & MURIEL 89 & 90!
sentimental weepers keep the heart rate up.
FRIDAY MARCH 23. THE DEATH OF STALIN. Hillcrest Cinemas. Got great kudos as a satire but it’s not gutbustlingly funny this depiction of the machinations of Russia’s Mickey Mouse cabinet members each trying to gain ascendancy after Stalin dies. Great characterizations, particularly Steve Buscemi as Kruschev. All are completely venal, hypocritical and uncaring of their role as leaders of the Russian people, only for themselves. Ach—scary parallels.
SUNDAY MARCH 25. THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH. Diversionary matinee. The usher says are you here for The Greatest Show? We know what she’s referring to—there’s another show in the smaller theatre—but greatest Show this isn’t. Why do people think their family stories are of intense interest to others I ask Bob. They aren’t he replies. And so it is in this one man-um, one woman show. Actually she, the very fine actress Jacque Wilke, is a stand in for the playwright telling his story of his grandmother’s visit to Disneyland with his young aunts and mother after their father died. Philosophical points made, what is happiness? (He concludes its impossible to attain despite Disney’s attempts to wall out sadness. It doesn’t work for this suffering group—the little girls argue with Cinderella and the mad queen, etc.)--some insights into the limitations of this artificial creation that was limited in its vision to the white, Christian, middle and upper class. He’s a serious playwright. Worth watching though here the gay point of view is subsumed in the need to tell that family story that wasn’t purely his own. His passion is clear but it’s about theatre that captivates, rivets—this can’t.
MONDAY MARCH 26. It’s housekeeper Luz Monday so we head
to Hazard Center for an early movie ($15 bucks for 2 early show seniors) after
she arrives, LOVE SIMON, a highly regarded gay teenager coming out flick. Well
done for this much traveled territory—we’re really ready for the next
generation of gay theme if you please—but Simon is too privileged a kid—that house, those
indulgent parents, for us to care. And afterward a little prole action at BJ’s, a cavernous nearby pub brew restaurant. Very comfortable feel about it. And, thank goodness, they serve wine too.3/28
My Costco breakfast staple--salmon.
Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson in a film from my youth--The Great Caruso.
FRIDAY, MARCH 30. Looks like Passover at Beth's. Guests include Dr. Alan and Karen
SATURDAY MARCH 31. A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC @ CYGNET, Uber-ing it out free on Amex.
Very ambitious production, “creditable for a
small town”, I tell Bob at intermission (after an hour and 20 minute first
act.) Sometimes it's unfortunate to have seen the estimable Broadway production-- albeit 40 years ago. All that lust, and pain and existential angst—based on
Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night after all—those brooding Swedes. We’ve great
2nd row seats in this small theatre. Standouts, the gorgeous costumes, clever
use of the small stage, interracial actors, black Desiree’s performance of
“Send In the Clowns” and Anne the charming engenue married to the much older
Frederick Egerman, played by the company’s director. A long afternoon but worthy presentation of a
great Sondheim musical (Bob was one of five people who saw the much-booed
Elizabeth Taylor movie and we remember the terrific Patricia Elliot, his
Chelsea neighbor, who played Charlotte (one of the weaker links here) and won a
Tony for it. I remember seeing it with my mother (2nd time for me I think) with
the wonderfully sardonic Hermione Gingold (also a miss here) and seeing her
pass by on the street as I dialed Bob from a phone booth to find he didn’t get
a teaching job he craved. Brought him vodka and bananas as consolation that
evening. Gotta look at my Playbill collection to see when that was: July 1974.
Ah . . . Yesterday.SEE LONDON, PARIS, NYC April 6-May 4.
MAY 12 GATOR BY THE BAY.
5/13 THE DUCHESS
5/14 PROTESTS
5/15 HOME COOKIN'
5/18 ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING
5/19 ROYAL WEDDING: HARRY AND MEGAN'
5/20 HEADLINERS: QUEEN LIZ (THEN AND NOW)
MAY 21 RAAZI. We choose to see this highly rated film in Hindi rather than a mediocre movie, "Book Club", with fabled elderly actresses both conveniently around noon at the local AMC Fashion Valley Times to escape the house while Luz cleans (its Luz Monday). Not an easy decision mind you but it repays our interest, this tale of a young woman trained at her fathers behest an Indian spy against Pakistan requiring that she infiltrate a high level house by marrying the son of the house’s general. Very long (even has an intermission) but impactful. The beautiful actress who plays the heroine who winds up killing everybody including inadvertently her husband who she’s grown to love is excellent. A little heavy handed: Underscored that she finally doubts the patriotism that made her do these things but diverting—besides we’re going to India this Fall—best to get revved up.
Bob is having an upset stomach so we avoid PF
Changs this Monday.
Changs this Monday.
SEAGULL. At Hillcrest Cinemas. Yes that one, the Checkov.
Though it falls short, not as bad as Anthony Lane of the New Yorker declared it to be
and Saorse Ronan and Annette Bening. Bob says. “Like the classics comics version of Checkov. Didn’t like this adaptation. It wasn’t Checkov. It didn’t break my heart.” Then to continue the
lugubrious mood, there’s Carl Jepsen looking older and sad at URBAN MO’S. When
we go over, he tells us his husband of 22 years, Mike, died suddenly. Then Gene
Bernhardt comes over when we’re seated, looking older, and says he’s “on my way
to the cemetery”. I have 2 martinis to hasten my demise (and tuna). Bob: beers
and his favorite pulled pork.
a Guilty Pleasure--Scandal5/29 HAIR & RACISM
WEDNESDAY MAY 30. It’s Don’s 80th birthday so we go to Hob Nob Hill. Waldorf salads all around. Don hamburger steak, Bob turkey croquettes and Reuel liver which he eats in its entirety so there’s no doggy bag required. All are happy. Oh half carafe does nicely for R &B.
THURSDAY MAY 31. CONSIDERING BUYING TRIPLE NETS AND LA BONNE TABLE.
Bob and I have onion soup and blood sausage (a first for me. Bob whispers “it’s peasant food.”) Not a fave for me. But this is a charming intimate place. Susan’s duck is big and lovely. Peggy loves her trout (with head.) and Kathy her pork chop. Sharon eats like a bird with a salad and a share of dessert. It’s later in bed that I realize that my stomach is upset and that it’s likely that blood sausage is to blame which was actually remarkably dry—cut it open, no juiciness but unappetizing shards. And for this we plunked down $140. Hmm.
toasting to june (1st)
SATURDAY JUNE 2. Glad I decided last minute to get
tickets for A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS at The Old Globe. Delightful day for a
round trip park walk and a brilliant production—acting, set, direction. Based
on the novel of the same name and imported from San Francisco’s ACT Theatre it
recounts the story of two women in Afghanistan one older, uneducated and
childless, the other younger, educated and with child, both married to the same
man who treats them very badly as they learn to bond in this war-torn country where
women have, especially under the Taliban, no rights as the property of men.
“I’m depressed,” says Bob of a play riddled with death and violence, as we walk
home 2 1/2 hours later, but we both
acknowledge that what we experienced was a stunning afternoon in the theatre.
(Meet old friend and masseur Duncan and his husband during intermission—an
added bonus.)
SUNDAY JUNE 3. It’s Diversionary’s LONELIEST GIRL IN THE
WORLD which Gene Burkhart who saw it in an earlier performance described as
“long”. Oh well. Presumably an account of Anita Bryant set to music. Hmm. It’s
better than worse, thanks Gene. Actually has its charms. Bio musicals are tough to carry off after all. And then she said we were all going to hell but she loved us anyway. And then she got a pie in the face from the boy who loved her back when he thought she was an outsider like him.
6/4 Bear Daddy/Jimmy Carter's for "Mexican"
If it's cocktail hour, it's Rachel MaddowFRIDAY JUNE 8. FIRST REFORMED. @ Hillcrest Cinemas.
Bob: “I thought it was a very well made and intelligent movie. And very depressing. I understand evangelical Protestants.” I’m not so impressed. Too polemical for me. Big bad industries using their money to destroy the earth. Well yeah. Certainly well acted. Paul Shrader’s vision. Priest whose son was killed in the war and whose wife left him ruminates and goes off the deep end.
6/9 Y/Din din with Beth at home
SUNDAY JUNE 10. A full day. Some minutes on my new play
about anti-gay discrimination in Russia, delicious breakfast of omelette and
salmon, swim sun and jacuzzi downstairs and now THE SQUIRRELS @ TJP before we
return home for our favorite Once A Year Celebration THE TONY AWARDS.But before the play Bob asks, Is it a comedy. I don’t know. Something about actors who play squirrels. Doesn’t sound promising but it’s directed by Christopher Ashley and he wouldn’t choose to helm a dog, would he?
Then Bob
takes the wrong exit. Happiness flees as struggle against stalled traffic. My
google maps lady to the rescue and we rush up to the Forum theatre with minutes
to spare. As soon as we see actors in squirrel costumes waiting to enter the
striking erector set scene, prescient Bob says, "Can we go home now?” “No. Too
much trouble getting here." What follows is 120 intermissionless minutes of what
I confess to Bob is the only pure drek I’ve seen at the La Jolla Playhouse. "What was he thinking", he asks, of Ashley. I grasp for an answer. He was looking
for a play responsive to our time, a political allegory (not unlike the one where I
played Mr. Cat at the Riverside Theatre in NYC so many years ago. But that was
good.) Here I didn’t care about the squirrel men squabbling greedily over their
nuts and giving in to the flattery that they are “great”. Obvious stuff and
confused. Only bright spot is Brad Oscar as the most devious Steve Brannon-like
squirrel playing the heart out of his role. Oh well. Encourages me to keep on
writing. We’ll be back in time for the Tony’s.?.
Next barrier. Tony’s are on at 8 not 5. So there’s the
much heralded (at least in this house) "Pose". First in the series about Ball
contestants, gay and trans, who pose and have hard lives in the 80’s. Lovely. 6/11 Oy. Look whose tiny hands are on the nuclear button.
6/12 Storage begone after 10 years!
THURSDAY JUNE 14.
Spark Festival at Diversionary—just found out about it last night—at $60 per includes four play readings and a master class. This evening it’s "The Betterment Society" presented in the small black box theatre upstairs. Downstairs it’s a reception before the reading which co-mingles with the Loneliest Girl crowd.
As to the reading, MiLafee Thompson is wonderful—can’t
fault the three women actors and one woman who plays a doll substituting for a
baby that another woman has but is sold by another woman who also lives on a
mountain with the third woman, young and optimistic unlike the other two
hardscrable, prickly and violent older types. There is much disparagement of
the privileged people who live below. I found it repetitious and too abstract
to sustain my attention. 
FRIDAY JUNE 15. Spark Day 2. 7:30. THE HOUR IF GREAT
MERCY by Miranda Rose Hall. This play has possibilities. [And we will donate to its production as co-sponsors later in the year]. About denizens of a
small Alaska town. Two brothers estranged one whose daughter was killed by a
woman whom the brother a gay ex priest befriended to the outrage of brother and
his wife. Anyway Bob says of it “Are all gay plays depressing,” and will not
accept my answer of "No.”
SATURDAY, JUNE 16.
11 AM MASTER PLAYWRITING CLASS with Jordan Seavy.
(I know I kind of froze when we had 20 minutes to write some scenes but the process is as I tell Matt Morrow (the AD) "invigorating". The upshot. Just sit and WRITE. 
The reading of Seavy's play in the evening about the oil spill CEO's mandarin family is frankly a disappointment.
SUNDAY JUNE 17. Happy 10th/45th (married/together). Rather than anything super fancy (I had thought to invite hordes of our closest friends but finally didn't get universal support from the other principal--no matter) we take brunch at Parc Bistro and its fine and we get to stay home afterward and toast ourselves and get toasted.
JUNE 18. URBAN MO'S/RBG (TERRIFIC)/FAVORITE MEAL: MEATBALLS!
JUNE 20. "LOST" IN SUMMER CAMP/GAY DOC--HERE!
6/24
All The President's Men Redux
6/25 Boyer and Davis: star power
6/26 Outside and inside the Y
6/26 OH NO.
6/28 Loren and O'Toole campy in Man of LaMancha (a "find" on the elyptical)
6/30 Bob frequenting the Bar; and a favorite show--lady wrestlers "Glow"
 |
| FOR SALE--FAB BANKERS HILL MANSION ON THIRD AVE. |
AHEM.
Kale and bean soup
Don after telling me he almost died of leukemia “we accept our fate and are grateful for what we have. Lutherans.” You’re blessed I say.
SEE JULY 7-27 PUERTO VALLARTA FOR BLOG POSTS AND PICS
 |
| RETURNING HOME FROM PV. |
JULY 30. NEW NEIGHBOR, JIM, HIS CONDO WAR ZONE
Queens at LJP. Immigrant women being brave in a basement.
 |
| DISCUSSION AFTERWARDS |
hi-low cardio, cardio blast, u-jam fitness, exercise lite, zumba, treadmill, elyptical, rowing, Nia: staying alive every day!
Officially 77!
8/10 brilliant RKO breakfast before corny gym movie with Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson
Another plot heavy Mission Impossible movie, FALLOUT--always engaging--finds bob riding the wave at the multi-plex
love, love corn
8/12 . . . and that Father whats-his-name mystery series
A can't-miss--Pose
8/16 Want the hat.
hot dog! (keep it simple)
True Food a hit too--fancy drinks and healthy dishes
8/18 a handful--note the Saturday morning tu-tus
8/23 Women In Jazz concert with Dee Dee Bridgewater; it's a Bayside Summer Concert with Candy and Beth
8/24 A lttle taste of the middle east @ Aladdin's in hillcrest . . .
8/25 at La Jolla Playhouse, Seize the King, theatre in the round--updated Shakespeare, some hip-hop--worthy with parallels to present would-be autocracy.
Peek-a-boo: Downstairs neighbors bringing youth to Sprucewood condos--their friends, their new babies and their floatie
McCain--mixed reviews from progressives but compared to . . .
8/26 Sunday Times and eggs--pretty special--as is enjoying a Coronado beach day with Beth--(and some neighboring young gay guys too)
8/30 True Food at Fashion Valley mall again and an unhappy little pirate
SEPTEMBER 1. BRIAN AND FRANK VISIT FROM BACK EAST.
BALBOA PARK OF COURSE
SPRUCE STREET BRIDGE AROUND DA CORNER
9/3 MAGNIFICENT BREAKFAST--SHRIMP EGGS FRITATAS
HIGH SCHOOL RUNNERS IN THE PARK--SWEET
8/25 at La Jolla Playhouse, Seize the King, theatre in the round--updated Shakespeare, some hip-hop--worthy with parallels to present would-be autocracy.
Peek-a-boo: Downstairs neighbors bringing youth to Sprucewood condos--their friends, their new babies and their floatie
THE CROWN--worthy series
8/26 Sunday Times and eggs--pretty special--as is enjoying a Coronado beach day with Beth--(and some neighboring young gay guys too)
8/28 window scenes
8/30 True Food at Fashion Valley mall again and an unhappy little pirate
Trying to get a visa for India--aggh!
BALBOA PARK OF COURSE
DOGGIE BAG FROM THE PRADO
SEPT. 2 BRUNCH AT PARC BISTRO
SPRUCE STREET BRIDGE AROUND DA CORNER
9/4 SUPREME COURT HEARINGS AND MRS. MAISEL
9/5 CELEBRATING MILLIE'S BIRTHDAY
HIGH SCHOOL RUNNERS IN THE PARK--SWEET
9/7 INGRID BERGMAN--WONDERFUL MOVIE--SUBTITLES HAPPEN WHEN I LOSE MY EARPHONE BATTERY
9/8 BLUES FEST DAY!
9/10 BLACKKKLANSMAN--a terrific, pertinent, funny movie
GUYS IN THE GALLERY
9/15 SCRIPTEASERS PRIZE--TEASER
FRIDAY SEPT 19.
Quilt my cast and I created for "Remember My Name", play I directed at Diversionary Theatre about the origin of the AIDS Quilts.
Quilt my cast and I created for "Remember My Name", play I directed at Diversionary Theatre about the origin of the AIDS Quilts.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY. LGBT ARCHIVES. Lillian Fadermanisthe
archivist and since I’ll see her tomorrow night at Diversionary I thought I’d
better see the exhibition. Chuck Kaminsky
LUNCH CUCHINA URBANA. R. Chicken salad. Strawberry Shrub
drink.B. Burger and chard. What’s not to love about this place.
SCRIPTEASERS 7:40.Honorable Mention plays. We note that
it’s a very insular group, not as large as our first reading, there’s a lot of
bohomie. “Not for newcomers,”, says Bob. I inrodce myself to one of the runner
up playwrights Peter Masopoulis. He’s barely friendly but opens up to a woman
who seems delighted with him. Maybe this is a kind of middle aged (plus) hookup
opportunity network. I like peters play. It’s light and funny. I say in critique
period that it can be played “in one” and tell him”Samuel French” (sucking up
to types who don’t like me.) Janet Tiger’s plays seem to be works in progress.
The only one who is friendly to us is David Ramos whose house it is.
SATURDAY SEPT 19. 7:30. BULL IN A CHINA SHOP.
Diversionary. Invitational as trustees to opening night. Good meeting in the
pre show Nic Ravelas, former opera co Ed director and prof at USD. I am excited
and touched to learn that the play I directed at Diversionary 30 years ago,
untold Decades, had a profound effect on him and led to his coming out.
SATURDAY SEPT 19. 1pm. LUNCH W SHARON. PARC BISTRO.
SUNDAY. HUNDRED DAYS @ LJP. We don’t know anything about
it. Bob thinks it’s about two people and a guitar. I declare I hate guitars
(not fair). Seats set up in sections. Ours is absolutely aisle center 2nd row.
This is not a play declares Bob. The set up is as if for a band. 3/4 round. I
like that. At least you’re not staring at someone across the way. Looks like
husband wife team The Bengsons wrote book music and lyrics and perform. Sparse
audience. Doesn’t look like it will appeal to all the oldsters who almost to a
person inhabit this space.
Afterwards as we walk to the parking lot, Bob says, "I
don’t know whether I’ve hated anything more.” I appreciate the hyperbole. The
story of their meeting and brief courtship. Actually one fraught with her
anxieties and fear of death, in particular his death. She Janis Joplinesque
in her vocal delivery. He underplaying to
balance her intensity. Touching on young people’s vision of life
together given the inevitability of death. I was not swept away.
MONDAY SEPT 24.
A SIMPLE FAVOR. Movie at Fashion Valley. Amiable formulaic
guess how villainous the villainess is. With standout lead performances
veering on the comic.
9/28
9/29 Glen Close in THE WIFE @ Landmark
GAY HILLCREST
9/29 PORTRAIT OF AN ACTIVIST.
9/30 Anthony Bourdain Farewell.
TRUE FOOD. Bob's chicken pita. Loves it. Glass and a half
of chard. R. Health ade kombucha. Who knew? And a teriyaki quinoa bowl. Well
prepared.
MONDAY OCT 8.
Urban MOs Countdown to our India etc trip. Luz home. We
out. Great steak salad and Chardonnay—nearing end of diet. Moi. Bob his
favorite, pulled pork sandwich and beer. What could be better?
10/11-11/17, 2018 SEE INDIA, NEPAL AND BHUTAN BLOG POSTS
FRI NOV 23. Hob Nob Hill. Bob's roast beef sandwich I describe as “very well accoutered” meaning piles of gravy. It’s very good however he says. My ground round not ungravied is also just right.
THURSDAY NOV 29. THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY @ Diversionary—one
of those performance nights that honor Bob and me as founders.
SATURDAY, December 15, Bob's birthday is next Sunday I’m
dictating this now. THE YEAR TO COME @ LJP. Don’t know what to think about this play it deals
with the theme of loss and the playright uses backwards in time technique
claims in the notes that this was her intention from the beginning but I always
think that it’s a trick to cover up flaws in the linear presentation of the
drama of course extremely well acted with the big strange exception of the
famous person Jane Kaczmarek television personality actor and well directed
play taking place on successive New Year’s Eves from 2018 back down to 2000
prior to the 2001 Twin Towers incident. Of particular interest is the
characterization of a gay couple and over the years how they are treated by the
family group. It's perhaps interesting that before the play I was telling Bob that I
would like to expand my one act play Visit From Mars into three acts and show
with some subtlety a parallel with family dynamics to political dynamics,
tribalism and conflict on a larger scale. As always here a worthy event. Because
even when the play is faulty it is well produced.
12/23 Bob's 80th! party at our house.
12/28
It’s the birthdays of Beth and Bob celebrated at
Mr. A’s.
Sent from my iPhone
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