April 2020 chitchat

So, we all survived April Fools this year? I nearly got caught out by an online newspaper article, but luckily for me, someone in the comments section had replied 'check the date!', so I just clicked away without posting my reply with no one any the wiser. Except you guys now.

Did anyone watch NTLive's "One Man, Two Guvnors" last night? I think it's streaming for the whole week, but last night was the first airing. OMG! James Corden is HILARIOUS! I had no idea he was so talented. Not totally in love with Alan (the "actor" - don't remember his real name) but on the whole the cast was great and the play is really funny. Some fun audience participation, too. The first act takes a little getting into so give it a few minutes. Anyone looking for a good laugh should check it out. It's on YouTube for free . I think next week they're doing "Jane Eyre".

Also, if anyone's an Andrew Lloyd Weber fan, he's putting his shows on YouTube/THESHOWSMUSTGOON!, I believe starting today with "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" with Donny Osmond - again, for free.

I think one of the few good things to come out of this horrible situation is the amazing opportunity to see so much quality entertainment that might have been out of reach before.

Safe days everyone.

Katie - How's the house holding up? Better question: How are you holding up? Are you able to cook or do laundry yet, or are you still visiting your mum for a hot meal? I feel so sorry for you. This is a lousy time to be trying to set up house. I hope you can get things sorted soon.

You may like this, Lizzy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atc41UEViPs

Isn't it GLORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! I found it the other day and have watched it several times. It's just wonderful, especially Alfie Boe at the end. I used to think Colm Wilkinson was the best Valjean until I heard Alfie sing the part. He will be the gold standard to measure all Valjeans against  - just as Michael Ball is the gold-standard Marius.

(I had to laugh. In an Instagram post the other day Alfie told Michael he was dressing to match the colors in his conservatory as camouflage to hide from his kids! I guess he's still in hiding. )

I also watched "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". It's streaming this week. Next week ALW is streaming "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and I believe "Les Mis" is planned for sometime in the future. Much good stuff coming!  

PAN,
thanks so much for this interview, it's simply wonderful!
In fact, there are so many concerts, readings etc streamed at the moment, that I really enjoy discovering new artists and art. It's a hard time for artists, theatres etc as well, they've got no income at the moment and nobody knows when there sill be some sort of normality - and who will be able to pay entrance fees by then...

Carolhathaway - It is a really hard time for musicians and theater people. Most of the streaming sites either mention or link to charities and fundraisers to help artists survive until things get back to normal.

It seems only right to donate whatever you can considering they're offering us their work for free.

party animal - not! wrote:You may like this, Lizzy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atc41UEViPs

Really remarkable performance.  I’m out of the loop here.  I’ve not heard of any of these artists except Alfie Boe. And that’s because Lizzy has mentioned him previously.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

Pleasure, Donnamarie. 

Here's an admirable piece:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvGwT5yTTiY

Donnamarie (and anyone who wants to escape for a while) - There are several sites offering outstanding entertainment by world class artists online for free.


Andrew LLoyd Weber is streaming one of his shows each week on:
                    THESHOWSMUSTGOON! on YouTube.
This week was "Joseph". Next week, "Jesus Christ, Superstar"

NTLive is streaming a show each week. This week is "One Man, Two Guvnors". Next week, "Jane Eyre".

There are also some sites I haven't checked out yet:
     BroadwayHD (I believe there's a charge for this)
     Stageit,com
     Starsin The House
     The Broadway Channel
     TogetherAtHome
     kgbbar.com
    Official London Theatre.com
         (and there are some productions like "Les Mis" that have been streaming on YouTube for a while, but you have to search them out.)

     somegoodnews.com  (John Krasinski's site)

And, of course, anything Ball & Boe. They really are terrific, both together and solo. (Yes, I'm a fan, but so are thousands of others, so they can't be that bad! Check them out for at least a few minutes of relief.

I hope this helps bring a little distraction from things.

Just watched the 2nd episode of John Krasinski's somegoodnews,com. Lin Manuel Miranda and the cast of "Hamilton" did a surprise performance for a little girl who was supposed to see the show for her birthday, but couldn't. It was an amazing performance and she was absolutely thrilled! Check it out.

It's brilliant, isn't it, Lizzy? A really good idea by John Krasinski - the first episode was fun too.  

And the late night hosts are all being great. 
This is really worth a watch :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VcCPAXNgRU

PAN - The video isn't available in this country - but I think I saw it somewhere either on YouTube or maybe The Washington Post. I'll look for it tomorrow.

Just watched a reading of Terrence McNally's "Lips Together, Teeth Apart" with Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Zachary Quinto. It's an interesting play set during the aids crisis. Fairly intense and a bit depressing. Maybe not the best choice at the moment, but it was done to honor McNally who just died of the coronavirus - and also as a fundraiser for Broadway Cares. I hope they raise a lot of money.

Is this, Lizzy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kIhBgQAw3U

PAN - I'm not sure what you mean? The "Tomorrow Comes" collaboration is good, but the "Bring Him Home" video  with multiple Jean Valjeans on What'sOnStage is much, much better. Really beautiful. (If you go to the video you posted there are also links to the "Bring Him Home" video and the reading of 'Lips Closed, Teeth Apart", the Terrance McNally play being read as tribute.)

For any Gary Barlow fans, (Take That), he's uploading duets with all different singers. Some are really great and you might hear him sing with one of your favorite singers. I did!

If anyone's interested: NTLive is streaming "Jane Eyre" on YouTube (free) this week. It's a striking production and not at all what you might expect. Brilliant staging and excellent cast. Well worth a look. Next week is "Treasure Island".

Also streaming on YouTube (free) is "Jesus Christ Superstar" starring Ben Forster as Jesus and Tim Minchin as Judas. Excellent, updated production but may not be suitable for children. I think it's only airing through tonight, though I might be wrong.

Also on YouTube, Joe's Pub is streaming concerts every Thurs/Fri/Sat night at 8PM. I haven't checked this out yet, but it sounds interesting.

If anyone's been watching any of the stuff I've been posting about, I'd love to know your thoughts.

He has risen,  He has risen indeed.

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending your Son, Thank you Jesus for giving your life, that through you I have life. 

Happy Easter to all!

For you, Lizzy, and anybody else who may be interested...

In this month's Vanity Fair...

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/04/princess-anne-opens-up-about-her-lifetime-as-a-royal

Thanks Pan.

Thanks, PAN. I can't imagine the amount of energy it must take to follow her schedule - and not to eat until the day's work is done?! Wow! That's stamina. It's too bad the succession skips over the girls if there's a boy in the family. It sounds like Anne would make an awesome queen.

Yes, Lizzie. Her work ethic, like many of the Royals, is impressive, and she is frequently the one who has had the most engagements ( i.e work!) during the year, often representing her parents when they are unable to. 

I've met her once when in a line up for a charity event I was involved with and yes, she is incredibly dynamic - and slim!

I'm sure there are thousands of requests for royal sponsorship and appearances every year. Does each royal choose the events they'll attend and the charities they'll sponsor or are they told which ones to do? I know some of the things they're involved with are their choice, but considering there are ao many requests, who decides who does which events?

party animal - not! wrote:For you, Lizzy, and anybody else who may be interested...

In this month's Vanity Fair...

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/04/princess-anne-opens-up-about-her-lifetime-as-a-royal

THANK YOU PAN FOR THAT INTERESTING LINK.



ISNT IT A LOVELY PICTURE OF HER ON THE COVER ?  

SHE HAS BEEN VERY BADLY TREATED BY THE PRESS IN THE PAST

SO IT WAS LOVELY TO HEAR "THE REAL ANNE" 

I ALWAYS ADMIRED HER BOTH IN HER SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

AND THE WAY SHE BROUGHT UP HER CHILDREN.

I THINK ZARA AND MIKE ARE GREAT !

BYE FOR NOW EVERYONE.

KEEP SAFE !

You too, Joanna. And everyone else.

Hi Katie...   

Katie - Hi! Hope you're keeping well. How's the house coming? How's your mum doing? Are you still a part-time guest at her house? I hope you can settle into your own place soon.

I think this is a hilarious story:

https://www.sacbee.com/news/article242131436.html

N.C. farm rents out miniature donkey to crash video calls

The Associated Press
April 20, 2020 06:44 AM, Updated 1 hour 46 minutes ago  

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This undated photo provided by Peace N Peas Farm shows Mambo, an 8-year-old miniature donkey, in Indian Trails, N.C. The farm is renting out the animal, along with others, to make surprise appearances in virtual meetings during the coronavirus pandemic. (Peace N Peas Farm via AP)  
INDIAN TRAIL, N.C.
A miniature donkey named Mambo is getting some online love in North Carolina, where a farm is getting in on the idea of having animals spice up tedious virtual meetings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Peace N Peas Farm will rent Mambo, the 8-year-old miniature donkey, and his friends to crash company conference calls, The Charlotte Observer reported. This camera crowding donkey is “like a pesky little brother” that “doesn’t let anyone relax too long,” Francie Dunlap, Mambo’s owner, said.
Companies can choose other farm animals they want to invite as guests on their video calls. According to the farm animal’s meeting registration website, they include three horses, Heiren, Zeus and Eddie, along with some chickens and ducks.
TAKE A BREAK

 
Be sure to look up! Lyrid meteor shower will peak this week. Here’s when to see it
“I think it would get some laughs,” Dunlap said. Customers can reserve 10 minutes with the animals for $50, and Dunlap said co-workers can also choose a virtual meeting name for the farm anima

Lol, that one way to beat boredom.

Happy St George's Day, everyone!   

Oddly, this is the first year I've ever thought to associate George with St George's day!  Oh well.

Just saw a video on YouTube called "Coronavirus Rhapsody - Covid 19" based on Bohemian Rhapsody. Absolutely brilliant!

(Sorry I can't post it here. I'm useless. )

Here you go Lizzy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eo9M4-BrJA

Thanks, Annemarie. I need to take lessons. I've had this computer too long not to know how to use it.   My old one was much easier to use, but thanks to "progress" the improved version is a nightmare!

Did you listen to the song? What did you think?

It was great very good job.

Great find Lizzy!  Well done and so clever.

Thanks Katie for adding that great pic of George with appropriate glass in hand in the ‘Tweets’ section!  NICE!

For anyone who needs something to soothe their soul, go to barricadeboys.com  (they're on YouTube) and listen to "Bring Him Home" sung by former Les Mis Jean Valjeans. It's gorgeous! One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.