Today’s been a busy day, but I do want to share / opine on two emails I received recently.
The first was the season announcement from West Coast Ensemble, who have done remarkable shows in the past (I particularly remember their productions of “Zanna Don’t“, “Big“, and “Assassins“). The upcoming season, alas, doesn’t attract me:
- GYPSY (starting 5/13), with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents, based on the memoirs of burlesque artist Gypsy Rose Lee. They are presenting the show in the intimate setting of the Theatre of Arts Arena Theatre (formerly the Egyptian Arena Theatre), but haven’t named any cast yet. I’m not drawn to Gypsy with an unknown cast.
- CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY (starting 6/10) by Lynn Nottage, a lyrical and moving coming-of-age story set in post World War II Brooklyn. This production will open for a limited three-week run at the Loung Theatre in Hollywood.
- LIVE WORK SPACE (starting 7/22) by Don Cummings, a razor-sharp comedy about two loft-living couples in downtown Los Angeles grapple with issues of commitment, sex, intimacy and love in this insightful and challenging love letter to Los Angeles. Presented at the Pan Andreas Theatre in Hollywood.
Alas, I have to say that none of these are calling to me.. Since I wrote that, “Gypsy” called to me and we eneded up seeing it.
I also received an announcement this morning about the upcoming paywall at the New York Times. The rates aren’t that attractive: $15 per four weeks for unlimited access, with only 20 articles for free each month. I go through 20 articles in a week! Home delivery might be a better option: it is $5.20 per weekend, or $3.70 for weekday papers. Hmm, I it looks like the weekday papers is slightly cheaper than the base digital subscription ($3.70/week for the paper, vs. $3.75/week for the digital). Right now, I’m not inclined to subscribe, so hopefully the news chum won’t suffer.
