Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

THEATRE

Why Marilyn Michaels Won’t Slave Over A Stove

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Marilyn Michaels can impersonate numerous celebrities but Julia Child isn’t one of them–at least not when it comes to the late chef’s culinary prowess. “When it comes to cooking, I just can’t stand on my feet and do it. I hate it so much!”, she said in a recent phone interview with Manhattan Digest. “I guess I’m better at it than I let on but who cares?”, she added.  “Who gives a sh**? I really don’t care. By the time I finish cooking something, I’ve lost my appetite. That’s the best diet I know. That’s all. There are so many things I’d rather do like work on the book.”

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Interview: Leading Ladies of The Pond Theatre Company on ‘The Naturalists’

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Nearly two years ago, The Pond Theatre Company, in conjunction with the Barrow Group, premiered their inaugural production of  Mike Leigh‘s classic play, Abigail’s Party. It received rave notices including the coveted NY Times Critics’ Pick and played to sold-out audiences.

[Read more…] about Interview: Leading Ladies of The Pond Theatre Company on ‘The Naturalists’

Mental Health at Edinburgh Fringe: ‘7Ways to Calm the F*** Down’ & ‘Freeman’

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Seven Ways to Calm the F*** Down: The Edinburgh Fringe is inundated with productions. Over 3,000 options confront theatergoers over the course of three weeks. With that, comes frantic pitches from producers, each one clamoring for attention and hoping you’ll see their show.

As I strolled down the Royal Mile (the main stretch through the city)  a promoter caught my attention.  I grabbed a flyer. It was for the play, Seven Ways to Calm the F*** Down. I chuckled to myself and thought it was the ideal title for this high strung New Yorker. I checked my schedule and booked the show.

[Read more…] about Mental Health at Edinburgh Fringe: ‘7Ways to Calm the F*** Down’ & ‘Freeman’

Edinburgh Fringe Solo Shows: Drama, Divas, Drag Queens,& a Dud

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The Elephant in the Garden: Air raids are happening and the zoo animals in Dresden, Germany are being killed-except for Marlene–Lizzie’s elephant named for the great actress and singer. Young Lizzie, her mother, and the massive mammal flee the city by foot, seeking solace in a refugee camp. Along the way, they meet a Canadian air pilot named Peter, other refugees, and soldiers. [Read more…] about Edinburgh Fringe Solo Shows: Drama, Divas, Drag Queens,& a Dud

A Slave, a Plant, Bohemians, and a Revolution: Fringe 2018 Musical Round-Up

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No matter how many depictions of slavery we witness on stage or screen, they always compel. The physical, mental, and spiritual endurance required to sustain such cruelty is a testament to the human spirit. That spirit is on full display at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in a musical based on the life of Henry “Box” Brown.  [Read more…] about A Slave, a Plant, Bohemians, and a Revolution: Fringe 2018 Musical Round-Up

‘Karaoke Saved My Life’ is Cheese Pastry Filled with Sweet Charm

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It’s hard not to like Scott Swinton. Dressed from head to toe in a star-studded suit, he stands alone on the bare stage with nothing more than two microphones and an iPad. His show, Karaoke Saved My Life, chronicles life experiences he’s had from time spent in Texas, Detroit,  New York, and now London.  It’s currently appearing this week at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. [Read more…] about ‘Karaoke Saved My Life’ is Cheese Pastry Filled with Sweet Charm

‘Hot Gay Time Machine’ is More than Meets Queer Eyes

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A show called Hot Gay Time Machine probably conjures immediate images of over the top, outlandish, camp behavior complete with witty remarks and dance breaks.  That reaction would be quite right.  Surely a cabaret with long strands of tinsel, two cardboard cut-outs of Beyonce and sets pinker than a Pepto-Bismol plant is all surface and no substance, right? [Read more…] about ‘Hot Gay Time Machine’ is More than Meets Queer Eyes