Monday, October 09, 2006
"Me, My Guitar, and Don Henley", a new play directed by Peter Paige
"Me, My Guitar, and Don Henley" is playing at the 14th Street Y Theater (344 East 14th Street, between 1st & 2nd Ave). On Saturday night I went to the opening night production of this wonderful play not quite knowing what to expect. The play is written by Krista Vernoff, who is the head writer for the TV show, Grey's Anatomy. Peter Paige (Emmett from Queer as Folk) is the director.I did not realize that one of my favorite actresses from the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Tara Franklin, had the lead role in the production. When I sat down and opened the program, I gave a squeal of delight when I saw her name! Tara starred as Jill in Equus and Constanze in Amadeus.
Then I saw James Barry and Tom Story, the Venticellis from the BTF Amadeus production earlier this summer, walking up the aisle. Tom also starred in the BTF's production of The Heidi Chronicles with Scott Lowell (Ted from QAF). They were surprised to see Cat and I in NYC and especially at this play. It was like old home week with the Berkshire Kids!
Back to the play....it is a wonderful production about a very dysfunctional family. The father is dying and the women in his life gather. "Three mothers. Three daughters. One father. Add in a family crisis that brings them all together for the first time EVER."
Tara's character, Leah, is the peacemaker of the family and the one who holds the family together. The writing is witty, comical, and dramatic. The women in the cast bring so much talent to the stage. Please make an effort to see this little gem if you are in the city. It is only having a limited engagement until October 27th.
Cat and I stayed for the party after the performance and had a wonderful time talking with Tara, James, and Tom and reliving some of the fun times in the Berkshires, especially karaoke at Michael's. Peter Paige is as delightful as ever and should be extremely proud of his direction of this play. I also had a chance to talk with Aida Turturro (Janice Soprano on the HBO show, The Soprano's) who was suffering from a terrible cold but still came out to support her friends.
ETA 10/11/06: A good review by the New York Times today for the play. Congratulations to Krista Vernoff, Peter Paige, and all the cast and crew!
Countess Bedelia 10/09/2006 02:03:00 PM
2 Comments:
Will be in the "City" this weekend and have already told the group that we must make a trip to go see this play. I have been advised that your recommendations should always be followed....
Luis, I hope you and your friends enjoy the play. Another really good one that is still in previews is the Bob Dylan/Twyla Tharp show, "The Times They are A-changing" at the Brooks Atkinson on 47th St. It has an exciting chorus of acrobats and dancers and the star, Michael Arden, is to die for!