Did you ever attend a wedding where you felt that you loved the bride as much as the groom did (although not in the same way)? Recently, I did! It was a “destination wedding” – five days at the Moon Dance Villas in Negril, Jamaica.Legend has it that “if you’re dreaming of sparking white beaches, lush rainforests, dramatic mountain peaks, melodic rhythms, sweet fragrances and spicy flavors, all combined with a ‘don’t worry, be happy attitude,’ then you’re probably dreaming of Jamaica.”
Well, this wedding was for real – no dream – although it did have a dream-like quality. Thursday was the welcome cocktail party, Friday a beach BBQ with a live steel band, Saturday the wedding at the water’s edge followed by a reception, dinner, reggae, dancing – all on the beach. Sunday was a morning-after brunch and a sunset boat cruise. Monday was back to reality.
The wedding had a theme: celebrate love, marriage, family and friends forever. Among the close to 60 guests who had flown in from all over the world were kindergarten friends of both the glorious bride and the handsome groom. The long and resilient history of the two left me with stardust in my eyes. Both extraordinarily attached since they first met at work, their love has been seasoned by mutual understanding – a romance for grownups. The spectacular wedding itself was an official seal of commitment and, yes, as the mother of the groom, I continue to love and to toast both my son and his wonderful bride. May their amorous devotion continue forever.
Robert Altman, the protean and ageless movie director, and Garrison Keillor, creator and chief performer, have collaborated on “A Prairie Home Companion” and it’s a match made in heaven. The two men have shared a natural ease and fluency. Neither of them works up a sweat – at least I didn’t see it. The film has many levels: life and death and funny moments – rambling, but good fun.
The radio broadcast always gave me a warm, homey feeling channeled through the voice of Garrison Keillor. The movie did the same. There’s an all-star cast including Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin as sisters, both talking at once, spilling bittersweet memories and complaints into each other’s words. Streep looks great and, no surprise, gives a strong performance. The great surprise is that she is a really fine singer.
Two of Keillor’s recurring characters – Dusty and Lefty – are singing cowboys with naughty lyrics. Woody Harrelson, narrowing his eyes, and John C. Reilly, peepers wide open, are the singing cowboys, wonderful!
“A Prairie Home Companion” is a triumph with its music, its comedy and its wisdom. Bravo to all: actors, writers, directors and musicians.
P.S. My adult son, Jim, who never heard of the radio show “Home Companion” thought the movie was a waste of his time. I noticed smiling faces coming out of the theater, including mine.
Renzo Piano (love that name!) is a superstar architect. The renowned architect designed the newly enlarged Midtown Manhattan campus. Now beautiful, light-filled spaces connect three centuries of landmark Morgan architecture.
The Morgan has been called a place where “every object is a treasure.” Because of Renzo Piano’s brilliance, more treasures are on display and the result is truly magnificent. The collections include drawings and prints – Rembrandt etchings as well as works by Degas, Rubens and others. Among the printed books and bindings are three copies of the Gutenberg Bible. There are manuscripts including Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Mark Twain and other major authors, scientists and historical figures. The Morgan’s collection of music manuscripts is unequaled and holdings include original handwritten works by Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Schubert and Stravinsky. Whew – I must catch my breath!
Piano’s expansion adds important visitor amenities including a 280-seat performance hall, a welcoming entrance on Madison Avenue and, happily, a new café and restaurant (fairly priced too!). If I’m gushing it’s because the Piano project makes the Morgan a new, significant and dazzling presence in New York City. And, oh yes, make sure to see J.P. Morgan’s personal library as designed in 1906 as a Renaissance-style palazzo of formal elegance and understated grandeur. A visit to the Morgan Library and Museum will give you an unforgettable experience.
Hey, Mr. Gusick, did I answer your question?
In case you never tuned in, “Encourage” is about running wild in Hollywood. It takes a close look at the day-to-day life of Vince, a hot, charming young actor and his acolytes. He’s brought with him from their hometown in Queens, New York, his manager, Eric, his half-brother, Drama, and his friend, Turtle. In Hollywood, Vince connects with a tough, high-powered, aggressive agent, Ari.
“Entourage” (aptly named) illustrates both the heady excesses of today’s celebrity lifestyle as well as the difficulty of funding love and success in the fast track of show biz. It’s all about power. The show has been nominated for Golden Globe awards and the Emmy.
I’m curious to see what happens this season in the new episodes. Will Vince succeed? Will he find true love? Will his friends stay with him? Will his agent do the right thing? Sounds like a soap opera. On the radio years ago they ended with questions and then “stay tuned.” OK! I’m staying tuned – for now.