New York City Entertainment
With Cathy Cunningham

Things to do & see in the big apple.


 

EDITORIAL OF THE WEEK

Have a little Faith…in Broadway 

This week I was lucky enough to see Brian Friel's Broadway drama, Faith Healer, starring Ralph Fiennes. To confess, Fiennes was my main attraction, being one of my favorite actors. Plus.. admittedly, he is more than a little handsome. However to my surprise Cherry Jones and Ian McDiarmid, the supporting cast members, held my attention as skillfully as Mr. Fiennes. The play, currently at the Booth Theater on 45th and Broadway, tells the tale of Irish Faith Healer Frank Hardy, as seen through the eyes of his Scottish wife and English manager. The audience was captivated by the trio's superb performances, comprising humor, sadness, love, hate and individual faith; each a testament to the magic of live theater. The characters present their stories via heartfelt monologues from a minimal stage; yet even without the typical razzle-dazzle of Broadway, the audience gave a standing ovation. Diarmid shines as Hardy's cockney manager Teddy, tickling the audience with tales of bagpipe-playing whippets (something even as a Scot I have never witnessed) and pigeon-talk ladies. Somewhat ironically he simultaneously pokes fun at the whims of theatrical 'artists'. Jones delivers an incredibly convincing performance as Hardy's down-trodden wife Grace. In my companion’s opinion, Jones steals the show. I however found it difficult to pick a favorite. As for Mr. Fiennes..of course he shimmers and delights and oozes talent from every pore just as he does on the silver screen (Schindler’s List, The English patient, End of the Affair). I was lucky enough to meet Cherry Jones briefly afterwards; a very warm, friendly and chatty lady. Despite being a Tony Award-winner, Jones stopped to speak with audience members before beating the New York heat-wave, and heading off on her push-bike. For those of you who managed to check out The Devil Wears Prada, a visit to Mayrose (21st and Broadway) may stir some nostalgia. This hyper-busy corner restaurant offering comfort food was used in one of the movie’s final scenes. On average you will shell out $9 for a sandwich or $11 for a salad; the food is great with ample portions, however the location and atmosphere are Mayrose’s main magnetism. The restaurant is filled with light from its surrounding windows, and is perfect for people watching; looking out onto Broadway or within the restaurant itself. With temperatures expected to rise again this weekend, avoid melting by checking out one of the new movies out this weekend. Little Miss Sunshine, John Tucker Must Die and Miami Vice are out now. Horror fans may enjoy The Descent, a tale of five extreme-sportswomen who choose to explore a cave in North Carolina. The ladies don't bank on vampires and other such antisocial creatures making it a little tricky for them. Apparently an emphasis is placed on the claustrophobia experienced, as the girls squeeze their way through the enclosed space. I must confess, being a scaredy-cat, I most likely will not see this film. Yes, it is a British production, but my attachment to my continuous heartbeat overrides any patriotic tendencies I may have. If you see it, convince me and I’ll think about it…! ~*~Cathy~*~

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