Barnes and Noble June Events: 2012 “Annie” Broadway Cast CD Signing

On June 18^th, 2013, the cast and creators of the 2012 revival of “Annie” were at the 54^th Street and 3^rd Avenue Barnes and Noble to promote the recent release of the Broadway show’s soundtrack. The classic musical retains its charm and universal appeal through the songs that keep even a home listener in good spirits.

As the popular song “Tomorrow” would say, the sun did come out for this signing. The CD was purchased at the cash registers on the first floor of the store. Fans attending the event were directed up the escalator to the second floor. Right around the corner from the escalator was the line that was forming amongst the aisles of cookbooks. The crowd was around the corner by 11:13am, and would grow as the signing drew near.  Store employees asked to see the receipt to verify the location purchase as well as assisted in removing the plastic wrap on the CD. Everyone was told to remove the booklet inside for the event.

The cast and creators would begin appearing by 12 noon. Lilla Crawford (Annie) walked by the line with Broadway.com cameras and asked people to wave before reconvening with those scheduled to be at the event. Shortly after 12:50pm, the cast and creators emerged to start the signing and take pictures for the various photographers gathered.  The crowd was greeted warmly by the cast and creators as they got the booklets signed. Photographers selected some fans to show off their autographed CDs, and then it was across the room to the exit of the event, where a member of the show’s production was there to personally thank you for buying the album.

That said, I want to thank the actors and creators by name for the theater experience they introduce every audience to in their show “Annie”: 

(From far end of table to front of shot)Madi Rae DiPietro (July); Emily Rosenfeld (Molly);Tyrah Skye Odoms (Kate);Georgi  James  (Pepper)

(From right to left) Brynn O’Malley (Grace Farrell); Clarke Thorell (Rooster Hannigan)

(From right to left) Charles Strouse (the show’s music); Martin Charnin (the show’s lyrics); Thomas Meehan (the show’s book)

Lilla Crawford (Annie)

 Jane Lynch (Miss Hannigan)

Thomas Z. Shepard (who produced the cast recording)-not pictured

*I would like to credit the sources for their useful information:  www.anniethemusical/cast_and_creative    for character information, and Annie the Musical ’s Facebook page that supplied me with the names of those that signed autographs that day.

*All photos were taken by me and are my property.

 

 

Movie Review: “Now You See Me”

Magic has been an element of such films as “the Prestige”, “the Illusionist”, and “Scoop”. In “Now You See Me”, the mystic art gets a contemporary and slick representation.

In this film, FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) is on the case of the 4 Horsemen, a Las Vegas magic show with a crafty bank caper for a finale. The leader is J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), a master at card tricks. Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), a former assistant to Atlas at one time, rejoins him in this venture from her career as a successful escape artist. Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) serves as the 4 Horsemen’s skilled locksmith. “Mentalist” Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) has the power to hypnotize people and pull information from their minds by manipulation and general guesswork.

Assisting in the pursuit are other characters the viewer has to keep track of during the movie.  Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) uses the 4 Horsemen’s act to boost his business and is recruited for his expertise. Interpol agent Alma Dray (Melanie Laurent) is put on the case and offers a unique perspective.

As the investigation of the magic quartet goes from Las Vegas to New Orleans to New York, it is engaging to watch. Like all mysterious acts, “Now You See Me” enjoys taking the audience on a journey. Just be sure to pay close attention.

My Verdict: “Now You See Me” held my interest from the start. The 4 Horsemen, especially Jesse Eisenberg’s Daniel Atlas, command your attention during their performances. Their attitude conveys showmanship that borders on an arrogant confidence.  You feel like a member of the audience watching them work. The artistry is so cool you won’t believe the “how” even when the proof is presented.

Many that have seen it have questioned the time and character progressions. Seeing it, I acknowledge the point where the film moved forward in time without any indication of how the main 4 Horsemen gained their following let alone set up the enterprise.  Also, everyone in the intrigue comes together rather quickly for that matter. However, it is this quick pace that makes this story work; too much information and the twists and turns would not be as satisfying.

I recommend this movie to anyone who prefers a solid movie with twists and turns, and amazing effects. As for the skeptics, I would ask you to “take a leap of faith”, suspend your disbelief, and see it.   (6 out of 10).   

*I want to acknowledge IMDB.com as a source in this review*

Barnes and Noble June Events: Earl “the Pearl” Monroe “Earl the Pearl: My Story”

On June 12^th, 2013, Earl “the Pearl” Monroe was at the Barnes and Noble on 46^th Street and 5^th Avenue to promote his book, “Earl the Pearl: My Story”. This chronicles his life story and NBA career.

Those gathered outside were not as numerous as the crowd for the Phil Jackson appearance. Everyone there had a receipt stating they got the book from the store holding the signing and was given a green wristband.

At 12 noon, the people were sent upstairs to form the autograph line.  Store employees gave instructions to turn the book to the title page and gave them the option of personalization. After they were set with that, the crowd resumed their discussions of NBA memories they had of the former New York Knick, whose #15 was retired by the team March 1, 1986.

The signing started promptly at 12:30 pm. Monroe took the time to address his fans as he was signing. Many asked his opinion on the current Knicks roster; one even inquired of him “What do we have to do to win?”.  Another  fan in a Knicks Jersey and cap recalled a pivotal play in Monroe’s career that took place in a game’s remaining seconds that made the author smile.

After the book was signed, fans were directed out of the signing area. From there, a staff member removed the wristband to keep track of those that attended the event.  While the statistical proof could be found in the paper bracelet, the actual memorable proof was in the experience.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals Match-up: Boston Bruins v.s Chicago Blackhawks Preview

After 3 rounds of conference battles, the champions of the East and the West have been crowned. Each conference started with 8 teams…down to 4…down to 2. Now, the final two square off for the well-travelled National Hockey League prize-The Stanley Cup.

The final match-up consists of an “Original 6” Match-Up between 2 recent Stanley Cup Champions.

The Teams: Boston Bruins from the Eastern Conference maintained the 16 members of the team that raised the Cup in 2011…. Goaltender Tuuka Rask is maturing into a star as the playoffs have progressed by protecting his net from good scoring chances… Defensive play has defined their success as the penalty killing stood out and the opposing team’s stars are isolated for the threats they represent to the scoreboard… Games have created heroes such as David Krecji and Torey Krug… More amazingly, they are achieving this with a struggling power play.

The President’s Trophy winning Chicago Blackhawks of the Western Conference have fought hard to get to this point. To maintain their two star players Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the front office was forced to part with sparkplug Dustin Byfuglien and other pieces of their 2010 Stanley Cup winning team...Now in 2013, the grittiness of their roster has returned and the maturation of Toews and Kane has created a dominant defensive style that rivals that of the Boston Bruins…The goaltending of Chicago is in the blocker and stick of Corey Crawford, who is sturdy in net.

Players to Watch: Chicago’s Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith; Boston’s Zdeno Chara, Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand.

Teammates turned Rivals: Chicago’s Mikael Roszival has to face off against his former teammate in Boston’s Jaromir Jagr. These two were on the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers as well as the Czech National team that won the Bronze Medal in Turino. Both have a chance to get the Stanley Cup, a prize that takes loyalty out of the equation.

The Finals begin this Wednesday.   

Madison Square Garden-As Seen Through A Fan’s Perspective

Madison Square Garden is a special entertainment and sports venue, which this week closed for the third and final stage of its renovation. Dubbed “the World’s Most Famous Arena”, it is the home of the NBA’s New York Knicks, NHL’s New York Rangers, and WNBA’s New York Liberty.  Musical acts, such as Chicago and Earth, Wind, and Fire, have played there in front of 18,200 fans. Vince McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment sends his traveling band of superstars and divas there for house shows throughout the year, including the traditional holiday show at the end of the year.

As a fan, this building holds importance to me. I have been a long-time spectator at this venue, and have witnessed many moments there that I will always remember:

NHL Moments: October 15^th, 2005-Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers becomes fan favorite during game against the Atlanta Thrashers (now known as the Winnipeg Jets). The Rangers win 5-1 and the “King” nickname gets appropriately bestowed after Lundqvist tips his glove at the latter moments of the contest…Fast Forward 8 years later, he would have many milestone moments, and the NHL would recognize him as Vezina Trophy winner for the Goaltender of the Year.

NBA/WNBA Moments: Basketball games mostly known to me are those of the New York Liberty. Fan Appreciation Day games especially meant a lot. During this occasion, the entire team allowed Season-Subscribers to be a part of the team photo at center court.  The Shoot-around could be watched from anywhere in the empty arena and you could roam around the corridors until the doors opened. By then, it was game time and the Liberty put on a show that would either lead to a “Thank you-see you next season” or upcoming playoff information.

Musical Moments: June 2009-Chicago with Earth, Wind and Fire played Madison Square Garden. This dual tour was a success in past years and it was amazing to see that day. The two acts opened up the show playing together and the brass sections sounded amazing. Both bands did their own sets as well: Earth Wind and Fire’s spirited songs and Chicago’s incredible catalog of songs were worth hearing live. Concluding the night was another combined set that displayed the comfort zone both acts have and shows their music is popular across generations.

Nights At the WWE Fights: Since WrestleMania X (10), I have been a constant at Madison Square Garden whenever the WWE is in town. Out of all the memories I have of their time at this venue, I was lucky to see a few “firsts”. Starting with WrestleMania X(10), there was the first ladder match between "HBK" Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon...During Survivor Series 1996, I saw the debut of Rocky Miavia-who would become wrestling and movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson…The Monday Night Raw after Edge won the King of the Ring, William Regal presented him with a trophy that looked like the NHL Stanley Cup as supposed to the traditional crown and scepter… At Survivor Series 2002: “the Elimination Chamber” structure was introduced.

Wrap-up: MSG will always create a memorable moment. Every time you visit, you just have to wait for the show or game to start to experience them.