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REVIEWS

Theater Review: FOR THE LAST TIME

by Ryan Leeds

Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland.
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland.

If character development and story line were as rich as the music, For the Last Time would have all of the combined elements for  fine theater.  However, Will Pomerantz and Nancy Harrow’s musical, based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Gothic novel The Marble Faun, tends to be a bit muddy, dragging on a bit too long and lingering like ghosts that haunt the re-imagined 1950’s New Orleans setting itself.

Miriam (Brittany Campbell) is a carefree painter, eager to show her more reserved friend Hilda (Anita Welch) , the decadent ways of the world. Ladies’ man Kenyon (Carl Clemons-Hopkins) works his charm on Hilda, while Donatello (Britton Smith) displays his affections towards Miriam.   This is voodoo laced  New Orleans, however, so one can be sure that nothing on the surface is quite what it appears. Watching the action from afar is the “overseer” (Reggie D. White), a mysterious and dangerous man from Miriam’s past who looms over the Big Easy quartet like the Stay Puft Marshmallow man.

Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland.
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland.

The performances are strong  and the cast capably navigates  the material it’s been given, but what really makes this show pop are the phenomenal sounds of musical director Cody Owen Stine’s band, bringing Nancy Harrow’s moody, wholly original and intelligent jazz score to life on John McDermott’s ambitious and effective French quarter style set.

For the Last Time is now playing on at the Clurman Theater on Theater Row (West 42nd between 9th and 10th) through June 20th.  For tickets and information, visit the box office or  http://www.forthelasttimemusical.com/

 

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE, uncategorized

Theater Review: WHAT I DID LAST SUMMER & THE GLASS MENAGERIE

by Ryan Leeds

What I Did Last SummerThe Pershing Square Signature Center/Irene Diamond Stage

A wisp of nostalgia is currently floating over Midtown Manhattan. On 42nd street, the setting for remembrance is a beach town along the shores of Lake Erie in 1945.  Signature Theater’s revival of A.R. Gurney’s 1981 play What I Did Last Summer is a touching slice of drama bursting at the seams with an impeccable cast and plenty of food for both the soul and mind.

Set near the end of World War II, What I Did Last Summer introduces us to Charlie (Noah Galvin),  a precocious 14 year old,  his sister Elsie (Kate McGonigle), his best friend Ted (Pico Alexander), and later, his love interest Bonnie (Juliet Brett). Guiding their path is his frustrated, but devoted and rather uptight mother, Grace (Carolyn McCormick) whose husband is overseas fighting in the war.

In his effort to gain summer employment, Charlie, much to the dismay of his mother, seeks a job with Anna Trumbull (Kristine Nielsen) , otherwise known as “the pig woman”. Trumbull is the town’s kooky bohemian who gives art lessons (but as we learn, nobody takes them.) In her younger days, Grace was a student of Trumbull but wishes to put the memory behind her.  Charlie arranges frequent visits to the outcast, who is desperate to teach him the ways of an artist. Her attempts are futile, but what he lacks in artistic talent, he makes up for with an open mind and a new world view.

What I Did Last Summer The Pershing Square Signature Center/Irene Diamond Stage Carolyn McCormick and Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen will star as Grace and Anna Trumbull, respectively, alongside Pico Alexander as Ted, Juliet Brett as Bonny, Noah Galvin as Charlie and Kate McGonigle as Elsie. Performances will begin on April 28 at the Irene Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center off-Broadway.
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Galvin, who was recently seen downtown in Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information  is unquestionably one of the finest young actors working on a New York stage. With a combination of intensity, focus, and earnestness, he turns out another  first rate performance. The character of Charlie could easily become a grating, impetuous twit in the wrong hands. Here, Galvin strikes perfect harmony between anxious adolescence  and a hugely likable young man in search of himself and his purpose.

Noone plays “quirky” quite as well as Kristine Nielsen, and once again, she doesn’t disappoint. Nielsen has captured the carefree, anti-establishment spirit of Trumbull, and also evokes Thoreau’s observation that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Trumbull is one who “coulda been a contender” but has allowed life to triumph over her. Now she fights to be recognized.

In fact, every character in Gurney’s memory play is jockeying for attention . As each one introduces themselves, each is certain that the play is about them. Perhaps it is Gurney’s comment on our own humaness; for at our core, we are all seeking the comfort and assurance of being visible and validated.

Director Jim Simpson guides the piece with sentimentality that carefully avoids the syrupy realm. Michael Yeargan’s sparsely modern but efficient set places the intended focus on the story, while Dan Wiener’s perfectly timed drum interludes add an extra ray of delight to this already charm soaked production.

A few blocks north, the quintessential memory play was set afoot in Masterworks Theater Company’s inaugural production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie and boy oh boy, was  it ever a mixed bag.

Williams’ semi-autobiographical tale of abandonment and unfulfillment  proved an audacious choice for a brand new theater company, especially  after an acclaimed and Tony award Broadway production played the boards less than two years ago.

Although it is mandatory reading for most high school students, here is a cliffs notes version of the plot. (And let’s face it: Even if did read it in high school, you’ve probably forgotten it by now!) Tom Wingfield (Richard Prioleau) is both the narrator and a player in the story. As the primary breadwinner of his  family , he spends day after laboring day at the factory and his nights  going to the movies (essentially code for “drinking”). Laura (Olivia Washington), is his younger sister, content to spend her days tinkering with her glass menagerie  but too shy and handicapped to endure the delicate nature of romance. Jim O’Conner (Doug Harris), a gentleman caller and colleague to Tom, assuages her fears in a tender moment of inspiration. Amanda Wingfield (Saundra Santiago), is a matriarch of force. As she recalls her younger, more beautiful days she also minimizes her daughter’s struggles and throws fits of dramatic hysteria in an effort to hold her broken family together.

First, let’s highlight the pros: Masterworks choice of multi-cultural casting worked quite well.  Prioleau, a handsome African-American actor was a marvelous Tom Wingfield. In him, there is a natural ruggedness and internal struggle which evokes sheer empathy and compassion. Prioleau is a gifted young actor and it will be thrilling to watch his career advance. Likewise, Harris delivered  a winning turn as Jim, a popular high school jock whose higher pedigree is a stark contrast than that of the Wingfield clan. Harris’ gesture of kindness to the wounded Laura is played with  delicacy and his manners would make any mother target him as in-law material. Campbell Baird’s tattered apartment perfectly  evoked depression-era ambience.

While Priloeau and Harris were the stronger portions of this 4 person cast, the same praise could not  be shared with their female co-stars. Santiago appeared  to be a seasoned actor, given her lengthy program bio which includes Broadway credits and well known television appearances, so she should be given the benefit of the doubt.  Here though, she charged through her performance with her foot constantly pressed to the gas pedal, allowing little opportunity for her to gradually increase the intensity of Amanda. Washington also has a tendency to conjure unrealistic anxiety in Laura, specifically upon her first interaaction with Jim.

Masterworks Theater Company appears to be on the right track as they aim to produce classic works in the coming seasons. Founding director Eric Krebs deserves high praise for exposing new audiences to classic works.  One can only hope that his team will find collectively  talented ensembles so that his recent “mixed bag”, directed by Christopher Scott,  will  be upgraded to a sack of gold.

 

What I Did Last Summer is currently playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center (42nd street between 9th and 10th). For tickets and information, visit the box office or online at:http://www.signaturetheatre.org/

The Glass Menagerie ended May 30th at the 47th Street Theater (304 West 47th street between 8th and 9th). For more information about Masterworks Theater Company, click http://www.masterworkstheatercompany.org/

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE, uncategorized

Theater Review: IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU

by Ryan Leeds

120712.ISBY.DEV.NYT.FP.indd“Cute” might be enough to cut a wedding cake, but it’s not enough to cut the pain of dropping your hard-earned dollars on Broadway’s latest musical romantic comedy, It Shoulda Been You. That’s the bad news. The good news is that this harmless confection will likely grow legs and be reproduced in regional theaters across the country.

Set in a swanky hotel on the day of a mixed marriage wedding, the show pits two sets of  parents against one another: Judy and Murray Steinberg (Tyne Daly and Chip Zien), devout Jews whose daughter, Rebecca (Sierra Boggess) is tying the knot. In the other corner is George and Georgette Howard (Michael X. Martin and Harriet Harris), an uptight Protestant pair. Their son, Brian (David Burtka), is  poised to take Rebecca’s hand, but not if his bride-to-be’s old flame, Marty Kaufman (Josh Grisetti) has anything to say about it. Albert (Edward Hibbert), the “so gay he nearly flies away” wedding planner, Annie (Montego Glover) , Rebecca’s “friend” and Greg (Nick Spangler), Brian’s “friend” round out the line-up of main players, except for Jenny Steinberg (Lisa Howard), Rebecca’s sister and chief organizer.

Lisa Howard. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus
Lisa Howard. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

In spite of all its’ dippy humor by book writer and lyricist Brian Hargrove, Howard is the knockout star of this union, effortlessly taking shoddy material and weaving it into a bold and beautiful fur coat. As she puts on a good face and vies for the approval of those around her, Howard’s Jenny  embodies warmth, sincerity, and a showstopping storm of sass near the finale in “Jenny’s Blues.”

The idea of It Shoulda Been You is clever: take an old-fashioned wedding comedy and put a modern spin on it, but the cake rarely rises. Sure, there are some gut-busting moments. Greg and Annie’s “American Idol”-esque love song, “Love You Till the Day” is comedic nirvana. (Watch the reactions of those seated behind them for additional guffaws).  Aside from these two numbers, Barbara Anselmi’s music is far from memorable.

Nick Spangler and Montego Glover. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus
Nick Spangler and Montego Glover. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

The show is chock full of rich talent, from an always solid Tyne Daly to newcomer Josh Grissetti, whose nebbishness and irresistible charm furnish the show with winning endearment. Celebrity director David Hyde Pierce is no stranger to well crafted theater, but even under his hand, the ingredients create a batter of general disappointment.

Allow me a cheeky moment to paraphrase the wedding vows: Do you, New York ticket buyer, take It Shoulda Been You  to be your musical comedy partner for 90 minutes, mostly in sickness but with a slight smattering of healthy humor? Will you love it and cherish it until it starts and only then  realize that there are better options on the boards? If so, please answer, “I do”. Just know that next year this time, you’ll be able to see it in summer-stock at a fraction of the cost.

(L to R) Tyne Daly, Lisa Howard, Sierra Boggess, David Burtka, and Harriet Harris. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus
(L to R) Tyne Daly, Lisa Howard, Sierra Boggess, David Burtka, and Harriet Harris. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

 

It Shoulda Been You is now playing on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 West 47th Street between Broadway and 8th avenue. For tickets and information, visit the box office or go to: http://www.itshouldabeenyou.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE, uncategorized

Wrap Bracelets That Make A Statement: Hole In Her Stocking

by Danielle Flocco

Hole in Her Stocking

With spring in full bloom and summer ahead, it felt like the perfect time to add some more color to my accessory drawer. As usual, I turned to Etsy, my go-to for something nice with a handmade touch, where I found a wonderful shop called Hole in Her Stocking.

Hole in Her Stocking It was hard to choose a single bracelet from all the great pieces in the shop, but remembering that they look like more than just one, I settled on a blue, turquoise, purple, and silver wrap. Intrigued with the shop and how their beautiful color schemes and styles came to be, I reached out to the owner, Jennifer, for some more information.

The Hole in Her Stocking shop was started several years ago as a hobby, with Jennifer taking time off here and there. Over the last year, though, she invested herself more seriously in the shop and created for herself a successful brand. Jennifer is a one woman team from Long Island, crafting each of her colorful pieces on her own, recruiting family only for modeling.

It turns out talent does run in the family, being that Jennifer first gained an interest in jewelry making growing up. She shared with me that her mother and grandmother were very crafty women and often made their own jewelry. Early in her life, Jennifer followed their lead and started creating her own pieces. Her natural taste in style has always been that bohemian, hippie style, so it is only natural that Hole in Her Stocking oozes fun and happy vibes.

We all love getting a great product in great packaging, and that element was certainly not overlooked by Jennifer. Several months ago she started experimenting with custom stamped sacks, and naturally the response was overwhelming. While looking to give her customers something unique, she ended up creating a keepsake bag, perfect for storage and travel, that comes with every bracelet.

The start of Jennifer’s interest in jewelry making, and the influences behind Hole in Her Stocking make for a great story behind the shop, but obviously the products speak louder than any words can. Let me start by saying, I was extremely excited to get the mail to catch my first glimpse of the custom stamped sack and multi-color wrap bracelet.

Hole in Her StockingThe sack, complete with my name and an arrow design to complement, has a light burlap texture and a drawstring on top. The bracelet fits securely in the bag, with the drawstring pulling to a tight close. Durability is key with any packaging, and the sack is cute and personalized means of protection from everyday messes. I definitely recommend keeping the bag, whether you choose to store your bracelet in it or just use it for travel.

I opened the little sack to unveil what would become my go-to color pop, and pulled out the slinky like bracelet. With nine layers of beads, my bracelet wraps from larger beads on the bottom to slightly smaller beads on the top. It starts with a line of light turquoise beads that sit securely against the loop ending on the bracelet. From there, it wraps to light blue, to silver rectangular blocks, to an almost wine colored purple. While I wouldn’t usually like blue and purple together, the accent of the silver blocks between the two layers adds a together but separate element to the bracelet, which is what ultimately gives the image of being multiple pieces. From the wine-like purple beads, it moves up to slightly translucent purple beads, and then to another layer of silver. The silver line here are faceted circular beads, yet again creating the image of a separate bracelet. My wrap finishes off with a layer of turquoise, followed by what I see as almost magenta, and ended with a line of dark royal blue that ultimately completes the bracelet.

The beads used on the bracelet are good quality, leaving no worry for sudden breakage. However, they do scratch easily, so it is vital to watch where you reach with the bracelet on. My initial concern with such a layered bracelet being a wrap would be that it wouldn’t fit my wrist properly; that either it would be too structured or bend very easily. The first time wearing the bracelet it did feel a bit stiff, resting on my wrist with room to spare between the bracelet and my arm in some places. But after the first couple wears, it almost came to fit my arm better, and now sits very comfortably every time I put it on- which is almost everyday.

The colors in the bracelets are incredibly bright and will stand out no matter what you wear, which is my favorite part. My personal favorite way to style the bracelet is with an all black outfit, letting the bracelet do the talking. On all black, the colors pop so much on their own that it makes me feel as though I need no other accessories. Hole in Her StockingAnother great style idea is to wear something that picks up one of the colors in the bracelet. For mine, I wore it with black flats, black leggings, and a flowy turquoise shirt. With the turquoise shirt and accents in the bracelet, the look was very fun, bright, and put together. I’ve also gone on to wear the bracelet with white, blue, and pink shirts along with a black cardigan, and the bracelet was, again, the perfect accent.

To say the least, I adore my bracelet from Hole in Her Stocking. The stacked look without the effort, the comfortable fit, and the bright colors to pop are just a few of the best qualities. There is near to nothing one of these bracelets wouldn’t look good with, and with most of them being under $30, there is no reason not to get one, or a million, of them for yourself. Mine in particular is only $17.50! So, do your wardrobe a favor and style it with the accessories it deserves.

Love what you see in the shop? The first ever lookbook is in progress, giving us all something to look forward to. And don’t forget follow @holeinherstocking on Instagram, where you can see all the new styles as they are listed and all the existing ones in all their boho glory.

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, NEW YORK, OPINION, REVIEWS, STYLE, U.S., uncategorized Tagged With: bracelet, Etsy, fashion, handmade, Hole in Her Stocking, jewelry, long island, Manhattan, manhattan digest, MD Fashion, NEW YORK, New York City, NewYorkCity, NYC, opinion, review

Theater Review: A QUEEN FOR A DAY

by Ryan Leeds

Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

Giovanni “Nino” Cinquimani (David Proval) is worried that he’s not going to make Sunday mass. This should be the least of his worries however, since his lawyer, Sanford (David Deblinger) has just presented him with a proffer agreement, otherwise known as a “queen for a day” letter.  The contract, drafted by US Attorney, Patricia Cole (Portia), will provide Nino immunity for any comments he makes about his younger brother and mafia kingpin, Pasquale (Vincent Pastore).

Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

Michael Ricigliano, Jr.’s  drama, A Queen for Day certainly does not cover new  ground. Two of its stars, Proval and Pastore, were featured on the hugely popular HBO Series The Sopranos. Here, they both do the best they can with the material, but it  often feels like a parody of the “bada-bing, bada-bang” brand. Sure, a major plot twist occurs which, to my knowledge, has never been attempted; the likes of which  further challenge the bond of brotherhood. And yet, the script rarely manages to raise them above the  level of caricature.  Deblinger’s Sanford also reads as the  cookie cutter, highly neurotic lawyer, while Portia’s Patricia Cole appears on the scene as a relentless pit bull. There are deep secrets, but few layers in any of Ricigliano, Jr.’s one dimensional characters.

Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

Andreea Mincic’s dank, foreboding warehouse set, combined with Isabella F. Byrd’s moody lighting design appropriately set the tone for a gangster hide-out. The 90 minute  show will presumably appeal to followers of the leading men and hard core fans of the mobster genre. But for the rest, you can simply, “Fuggetaboutit.”

A Queen for a Day is now playing at Theatre at St. Clements, 423 West 46th street between 9th and 10th aves. For tickets and information, visit http://aqueenforadayplay.com/tickets/

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE

Theater Review: NIRBHAYA

by Ryan Leeds

Photo courtesy of Timmy Blupe.
Photo courtesy of Timmy Blupe.

If, in the midst of watching Nirbhaya, you realize that your heart has momentarily stopped beating and you are holding your breath, then you will indisputably be eliciting the appropriately human response. Your fellow audience members are likely joining you in this awestruck silence.

Writer and director Yael Farber’s  profound docudrama  chronicles an unnerving and  heinous act that took place in Delhi, India on December 16th, 2012 when Jyoti Singh Pandey, a young physiotherapist intern, was brutally gang raped by six other men. Her male friend was also beaten. Pandey eventually died from the trauma, sparking a national and international outrage against sexual violence. The show’s title, Nirbhaya, is a Hindi word for “fearless” , an attribute which Pandey clung to until her dying day.

As the 100 minute intermission-less show begins, Pandey emerges, singing a hauntingly beautiful Indian song and walking as though she were a phantom. She remains on stage through most of the piece, hovering over the proceedings and serving as a reminder to her fellow victims, whose stories are equally as painful. They include accounts of a mother choosing between her own children, a dowry bride who was doused with kerosene, and other brutally forceful sexual acts.  Farber’s deeply affecting script is unyielding in its’ attempt to demand attention, but it never steers into the direction of melo-drama. At times, Nirbhaya is uncomfortable to watch, and yet such a reaction brings to mind Edmund Burke’s quote that “evil thrives when the good do nothing.”

Photo courtesy of Timmy Blupe.
Photo courtesy of Timmy Blupe.

While  we immerse ourselves in the vapid headlines of Bruce Jenner and “Dad Bods”, Nirbhaya forces us to remember that our humanity can be stripped from us at any moment, induces a spirit of gratitude, and spurs us into action.  It is not hyperbolic to proclaim that this may well be the most important and imperishable pieces  I have seen in my twenty plus year history of New York City theater.

 

Nirbhaya  is now playing through May 17th at the Lynn Redgrave Theater, 45 Bleecker Street. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit  nirbhayatheplay.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE, uncategorized

Theater Review: THE TWO GENTLEMAN OF VERONA

by Ryan Leeds

TwoGent_1

To paraphrase the Academy Award winning song, “Love Is a Many Fickle Thing.” Or so it is in Fiasco Theater’s pastel painted production of Shakespeare’s The Two Gentleman of Verona, now playing at Brooklyn’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center.

Directors Jessie Austrian (who also stars) and Ben Steinfeld have infused the Bard’s speculated first play with a polished cast and lots of pretty eye candy, making it a perfect choice on a breezy spring day.

Photo courtesy of Gerry Goodstein
Photo courtesy of Gerry Goodstein

Proteus (Noah Brody) and Valentine (Zachary Fine) star as the leading men who part ways when Valentine decides to leave Verona and go to Milan. Proteus stays behind and declares his undying affection towards Julia (Austrian). When Proteus’ father encourages his son to follow Valentine, Proteus  and Julia vow loyalty to one another.  Proteus departs to Milan. Meanwhile, Valentine  has fixed his eyes on Sylvia (Emily Young), the Duke of Milan’s daughter. Lady killer Proteus arrives in Milan and also falls for Sylvia and yet she wants little to do with him since he has cheated  on both his best friend and avowed lover, Julia.  Along the way, there are other deceits and disguises but in true lovers’ fashion-SPOILER ALERT-they all live happily ever. Cute and clever directorial touches including a human canine, a silly “female” maid, and nicely performed madrigals add to the fun and frivolity of this romantic comedy.

Fiasco is unquestionably an antonym to the excellence that this company employs. Earlier this year, they staged a critically praised production of Into The Woods at the Roundabout Theatre and are continuing to uphold their quality reputation is this thoroughly enjoyable and accessible classic.

 

The Two Gentleman of Verona presented by Fiasco Theater. Now playing (with a recently announced extension through June 1st) at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center 262 Ashland Place, Brooklyn. For tickets and information, visit  tfana.org, or by phone at (866) 811-4111.

 

 

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE

Theater Review: 12 Time Tony Nominated FUN HOME

by Ryan Leeds

With all of the critical acclaim at its’ feet,  it is no small wonder that Fun Home has become one of the hottest musical tickets on Broadway. Originally premiering in 2013 at downtown’s Public Theater, it now has taken up residency in midtown. Just last week, it smashed Circle in the Square’s box office record of any musical that has ever played in the space. What is a wonder however, is the show itself. [Read more…] about Theater Review: 12 Time Tony Nominated FUN HOME

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE, uncategorized

Theater Review: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST

by Ryan Leeds

unexpectedguestgraphic

Richard Warwick is dead. His wife, Laura (Pamela Sabaugh) stands before him, gun in hand.  But is she the murderer? Herein lies the major question in Theater Breaking Through Barrier’s current revamp of Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest.  For the next two hours and thirty minutes, members of Warwick’s house are questioned, suspected, and motivated to find the true killer.

Originally premiering in 1958, the play is a rather lumbering piece of theater. As it is with most stage adaptations of Christie’s work, there is seemingly infinite exposition in an attempt to strip away the evidence of clues.  Fortunately, this  talented cast makes the most of the material by keeping the pace of what could be an unendurable exercise light and breezy.  Nicholas Viselli shines in the title role as a gentleman who stumbles upon the corpse after a roadside car breakdown. Sabaugh strikes effective chemistry with her co-star and the two handle the overly loquacious script, balancing it with the right amount of levity and intrigue. The remaining ensemble complements their leading players, each having their “moments” of shared secrets and in some cases, interrogation.

Christie spent a great deal of time crafting the plot, but the primary riddle audiences will be left asking themselves is, “Why does any of this matter?” All of her characters point to the fact that Warwick was a demanding, abusive alcoholic whose demise is almost celebratory.  Perhaps these proclamations add to the mystery?

While The Unexpected Guest might not be one the most enigmatic shows you’re likely to see, high credit should be paid to this fine acting troupe and it will be a delight to watch their quality continue in upcoming works.

The Unexpected Guest is now playing through May 10th at Theater Row (W. 42nd between 9th and 10th) For tickets and information, visit the box office or http://www.tbtb.org/

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, OPINION, REVIEWS, THEATRE

Review: GiGi New York Embossed Python Leather Crossbody & Wallet

by Danielle Flocco

_MG_8016_CROP (1)The brand best known for its luxurious python leather products, GiGi New York, offers the finest combination of classic and edgy style that one will find in bags and their accompanying accessories. The visible pattern and texture if the python skin with the durability of the highest quality leather are only the most obvious attributes of their products that one sees at a first glance. Actually use their products, and a whole different world of distinction and beauty is opened up to you.

The day my GiGi New York items came in the mail, it was easily the most exciting snail mail I’ve gotten in 2015. Packaged in a durable black box with their logo stamped in gold foil, were my new go-to items. First, I opened the embossed python leather crossbody bag, and then the embossed python leather phone wallet to match. Each item was individually packaged in protective plastic bagging, with leather cleaning towels, complete with the GiGi logo, enclosed.

From the first finger I laid on the python leather, I knew I was touching one the best quality items one could own. GiGi New York sources their leathers from all parts of the world, utilizing every region’s specialties, including the worldwide leaders in fashion tanning, Italy and France. Most of the products are made in the United States, guaranteeing the greatest attention to detail in the creation of every item.

Excited to use my new bag and wallet, I quickly began a top to
bottom inspection of the products. The bag is 10 inches wide and_MG_8018 8 inches tall with a detachable adjustable strap, offering up to a 27 inch drop from shoulder to bag. It has a zip top closure, and a front pocket that zips closed, as well. On the front of the bag there is a simple logo plate attached at the top, in the center of where the widest section of the python leather runs. Inside the bag is a soft material, stamped with the GiGi logo, giving a delicate look to the durable interior of the bag.

_MG_8016The bag is both chic and practical, with a slick appearance yet reasonable size for day to day use. It has proven to perfect for day trips when you don’t want to bring much with you, as well as for regular use like work and family visits. With spring in the works and summer around the corner, the crossbody is ideal for festivals and outings in the nice weather. Because of its size, it will hold what you need for the day without weighing down your arm during the time you’re trying to enjoy yourself.

The phone wallet is 7 inches wide and 4 inches tall, fitting perfectly inside the crossbody bag. The wallet also features the logo plate in the widest section of the leather, creating a flawlessly balanced look between the embossed leather and the metal add-ons. There are two spaces for cash, a zip closure back pocket for change, six credit card slots, and a slot to hold a variety of phone types- Apple and Android alike.

The wallet is easily the most versatile item I’ve owned. It fits _MG_8017great in any regular size bag, it tucks away just right in the crossbody, and it’s even excellent just on its own. The slot for the phone is what has me cheering the most. I didn’t want to get tangled in bag straps while maneuvering groceries, so I opted for a wallet only excursion with my phone securely tucked away inside of it. Not to mention, the wallet zip on the top and only one side, so when I opened it to pay, my belongings were not out in the open.

After being introduced to GiGi New York and experiencing their products first hand, there isn’t another brand I’d go to for this type of unmatched quality. Well, except for their parent company, Graphic Image.

All GiGi products come with the option for personalization of up to three letters, which can add the finishing touch to a gift for yourself or a loved one. So, head over to their site now to check out their variety of top quality items, and be sure to sign up for their e-mail list to receive 10% off your next purchase!

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, NEW YORK, OPINION, REVIEWS, STYLE, U.S. Tagged With: bags, fashion, GiGi New York, leather, Manhattan, manhattan digest, MD Fashion, NEW YORK, New York City, NewYorkCity, NYC, opinion, python, python leather, review, wallets

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