Theater Thursday - Trouble in Mind

What: Trouble in Mind 

Where: American Airlines Theatre

             227 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through January 9, 2022

Trouble in Mind deals with the subjugation of Black actors wherein they have to fit into the White idea of what Black people and Black characters are like to get roles and keep them and they cannot speak out about it if they want to keep working. They are also made to play roles that are demeaning and not true to their life experiences. Although the show was written in the 50s, only small changes have been made over the years, and only now after the events of the past year is there starting to be a true reckoning and are Black actors coming into their own and being able to live out their real experiences on the stage without their stories being filtered through others.

This show originally played Off-Broadway in 1955. It was supposed to come to Broadway in 1957, but that never happened. Ironically, it was because the producers wanted the playwright, Alice Childress, to tone down the show. However, that would clearly have gone against everything the play stands for and was trying to say so she refused. With everything that has gone on in the past year or so, now is the perfect time for this play.

The show stars the indomitable, LaChanze in the role of an actress who no longer wants to play along with the system. She is determined to speak out without fear of consequences even if it will inevitably cost her her job. Ms. LaChanze gives a powerful performance in the role. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. There is even a chance to get to hear her display her beautiful singing voice which she has exhibited in such shows as the original production of The Color Purple and the recent Summer the Donna Summer Musical although this show is not a musical.  On the whole, you are not going to want to miss her in this role!

And that's our view. Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - American Weathervanes: The Art of The Winds

What: American Weathervanes: The Art of the Winds

Where: American Folk Art Museum

           2 Columbus Avenue 

           New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through  January 2, 2022

The current exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum revolves around the art of weathervanes. It is the first time an exhibit of this kind has been featured in decades. The array of weathervanes on display in the exhibit varies greatly in style and size. They include ones depicting various animals, ones depicting vehicles, and more. A few are so large that it seems hard to believe they could actually be used for weathervanes. 

A full-page companion book to the exhibit is available for purchase. There are also a series of free virtual programs offered in connection with the exhibit. These programs are available on the museum's YouTube page.

The American Folk Art museum is currently open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Although there is no fee for entry, free tickets to visit the museum can be reserved in advance online. For more information, visit https://folkartmuseum.org/

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Royal Trivia & Movies: Mr. Birthday

We may have been given complimentary copies for review purposes of one or more of any books and/or other products mentioned below as well as access to any audio and/or visual media mentioned. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Royal Trivia 

Today we are recommending Royal Trivia by Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito. If you are interested in learning more about the British Royal family but you are not interested in reading strictly biographical accounts of their lives, this book provides a fun way to learn more about them. The book is divided into sections on The Cambridges (Kate and William), The Sussexes (Harry and Megan), Prince Charles, and Queen Elizabeth respectively. Each section is further divided into a series of questions that are answered within that section.  

The book offers a mix of fun trivial information, such as, Kate's favorite emojis, the passion that Diana wanted to pursue, and the name of Queen Elizabeth's favorite horse's with historical facts about the Royals including Prince Harry's current place in the line of succession, the change in protocol that was signified by Prince Charles' birth and why the Queen's birthday is not celebrated on her actual birthday. It is repetitive at times and information that is explained in one place in the book may be explained again in another place. However, overall, it is both an illuminating and enjoyable look at the lives of the British Royals. 

Movies: Mr. Birthday

Today we are recommending Mr. Birthday. This heartwarmingly sweet film revolves around a single father and his tween daughter. The father is working as a maintenance man in the hotel which they reside when a mysterious stranger gives him a side job providing birthday parties for children. However, these are not just ordinary children's birthday parties but birthday parties for lonely outcast children who don't have anybody else to go to their birthday parties. If there is not an actual group that provides a service like this, somebody should invent one because there are a lot of lonely kids out there and a service look this which would provide a little bit of happiness in their lonely lives is a great idea. 

The entire movie is a delight. The story is beautiful and the relationship between the father and daughter is really touching. The resolution of a  plotline revolving around a classmate who bullies the daughter doesn't really seem to ring true, however. It doesn't seem like their relationship could thaw quite as easily as it does in the story.  However, that doesn't take away from the rest of the story. All in all, it is a deeply affecting movie that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Mr. Birthday is available now on most streaming platforms including iTunes, Amazon Video, Vudu, Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.