TV/Streaming: Top of my list is the “Borat” sequel on Amazon Prime. Sascha Baron Cohen punk’d Pence & Rudy. Can’t wait…Movies: The well-reviewed Italian movie “Martin Eden,” based on a Jack London story, is available on the Film at Lincoln Center website…Books: Am finally catching up to Andre Aciman’s “Call Me by Your Name” follow-up, “Find Me.” Kinda disappointing — overwrought…Music: Where would we be without the blues to ease our troubles? I’m listening to one of the greats lately — Lil Green…Sports: After faltering two of the past three years in the World Series, the Dodgers finally may go all the way.
I remember the 1984 Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” very fondly — Theresa Merritt in the title role was superb. In the Broadway revival, from 2003, I remember Whoopi Goldberg much less fondly. In the movie version, on Netflix December 19th, Viola Davis conveys a don’t-take-no-bull dignity. The late Chadwick Boseman co-stars. Expect Oscar nominations for both.
TV/Streaming: What I most want to see this weekend is “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, on Netflix…I’m also dying to see Spike Lee’s film of “David Byrne’s American Utopia,” on HBO. Movies: The latest Woody Allen movie has finally limped into American cinemas. It’s called “A Rainy Day in New York.”…Books: I’m not a fan of chef Ina Garten, but my foodie friends are, and her latest is “Modern Comfort Food.”…Music: My go-to classical station is having “Women’s Music Week.” I hate this kind of ghetto-ization. Just play more female composers all the time!…Sports: Really, who gives a shit about a World Series with Tampa Bay in it?
…I can’t get excited about the event itself (which still doesn’t have a confirmed date). Broadway isn’t opening for another year so these Tonys aren’t promoting much of anything, except the fact that, hey people!, theater still exists even if you can’t attend it. There were relatively few shows in contention, which resulted in “Jagged Little Pill,” which I thought a mess, garnering 15 noms. I expect Moulin Rouge! to grab the most wins on Tony night. And Danny Burstein’s win will almost — almost — justify the evening for me.
