Chopin
Last night Diane escorted me to the American Repertory Theatre to see Monsieur Chopin . This was the end of a two-day birthday celebration which began with polenta pie, presents and my traditional cherry pie dessert. Though I knew where we were going, Diane made me promise not to peek at the ART’s website. A surprise performance in lieu of a surprise party.
That meant that while listening to Gunsmoke and nailing mahogany decking, I could fantasize about the conjunction of my desires and Diane’s intuition. Matthew had the day before been spot-on with his gift – a super, glow-in-the-dark popgun blaster.
As we walked into the ART, the first poster we passed was for “The Island Of Slaves.†Described as shipwreck survivors switching roles to learn lessons in humanity, I thought uh oh, until I noticed the long-ago production date. Tacked to the right of the ticket window, however, was the current play – Chopin’s life, written, produced and acted by one man, Hershey Felder.
So, I ask you:
1. Are you learning to play the piano?
2. Did your innate musical talent help you enjoy the production?
3. Compare and contrast your enjoyment with the last four productions you witnessed.
4. Does Polish music played in America sound like the real thing?
5. How often did you have to defend George Gershwin and his tunes?
6. Do you miss me?
7. How come Rakkity hasn’t wished you HB on the blog?
Comment by FierceBaby — June 16, 2006 @ 10:47 am
Now THAT’s what should have been titled “Infinite Wisdom” … ! Bravo, FB! And for the record, I wished M HBD offline with an “original” “card” and a poem …
Comment by el Kib — June 16, 2006 @ 10:51 am
I did ask Diane why you hadn’t said something like, “Diane hates one person plays with simple sets transformed by dancing images on gorgeous gossamer curtains which also disappear to reveal lavish recreations of the past.” Thereby fending off my impulse to buy her the same ticket. My how sets have changed since Adam’s Puddin’ days and Travis’s Bosse plays.
Okay, I guess I deserve all this but tell me you don’t also want facts you can sink your teeth into?
I liked the play, but we’ve seen quite a few lately and this one wouldn’t top the list. Hershey’s conception is good and I certainly enjoyed all that solo piano (Polish or not) music, but I crave the dynamism multiple characters bring to the stage. Give me some angst and torment and infidelity and maybe a death or two. “Monsieur Chopin” could have been a teaching moment. In fact, Felder had the nerve and the knowledge to incorporate into his act questions from the audience. Imagine that. And he answered them in character without a moment’s hesitation.
Comment by michael — June 16, 2006 @ 6:36 pm
You have a mid-June birthday, and your traditional dessert is cherry pie? Are you nuts?
And how could Matthew be spot-on when he’s far from being on-the-spot?
Comment by Jennifer — June 16, 2006 @ 11:38 pm
Go see Rent.
Comment by La Rad — June 17, 2006 @ 8:54 am
GAG. Monsieur Chopin sounds like something just this side of Three Sisters hell.
Rented Rent on DVD, but we sent it packing back to Netflix after the first 10 minutes left us pining for the original La Boheme we saw at the Houston Opera House, or maybe West Side Story.
FB’s comment is priceless, now that I’ve just caught up with Mike’s comment on Matt & Debbie’s first post!
Comment by smiling Dan — June 17, 2006 @ 2:32 pm
Except the applause was fierce and he did get a standing O ( I was one of the first out of my seat) . MS may not have been brewed exactly for me, but I had to acknowledge the quality of the production. Reminded Diane and me of early Lily Tomlin in its flawless execution.
Comment by michael — June 17, 2006 @ 3:21 pm
Good thing you explained that Michael. I, for one, did think you were saying Diane’s choice was the opposite of inspired.
Still waiting for the answers to FB’s 7 questions.
Comment by Jennifer — June 17, 2006 @ 5:33 pm
1. No
2. Yes
3. Orpheus X and Desire Under The Elms hurt the most to watch, David Copperfield was simply perplexing, The Phantom of the Opera stirred our souls and Joey And Maria’s Italian Wedding would have flopped but for our friend Mark’s participation.
4. I don’t know, I am too illiterate ( I can’t even count. See above.)
5. Not once, but it pissed me off that Chopin made so much fun of LIszt. I have fond memories of listening with Flo to Rick Scalise playing Liebestraume.
6.Yes, you and Wex and Duffy. To kindle those memories, Diane’s been throwing a tennis ball for me, and sometimes I chase it and other times I simply look around and wonder where the heck it went.
7. The poor guy has way too much on his mind. Like the ultimate Dominator challenge. Racquetball with one arm tied behind his back.
Comment by michael — June 18, 2006 @ 8:06 am
Thanks, Michael! Now, Matt, it’s your turn to answer your 7. (You wouldn’t let your dad best you, would you? Don’t answer that, just cover the questions you haven’t, especially 2, 3, and 4.)
Comment by Jennifer — June 18, 2006 @ 2:00 pm