CB and I saw Brian Freil’s Aristocrats at the Irish Rep down in Chelsea. Freil is a pretty big deal Irish playwright. He had a big hit with Translations and his Dancing at Lughnasa won the Tony in 1992 for Best Play. During the Tony awards, none of the Hollywood actor-presenters knew how to pronounce “Lughnasa” and during the course of the evening there were several stuttered failed attempts. They didn’t care enough to do their homework. I’m sure the playwright was nauseated
Aristocrats was great. The Irish Rep rarely disappoints. It’s about a once-wealthy and powerful Irish family that has fallen on hard times because of the failure of subsequent generations to sustain and grow the family wealth. Just like the Kennedys! The story takes place in the family mansion which has fallen into disrepair due to neglect. I think the mansion is a metaphor for the family because all the children are broken and trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. I could be wrong because the whole metaphor thing usually sails right over my head.
This is the first play of the year for me with many more to follow. I am grateful that Mrs. Wife keeps me on a slack leash and allows these evenings of theater in the city. To live so close to something that means so much to me but never be able to indulge in it would make me sad. It’s pure luck that I live close to New York City. It’d be wasteful if I never took advantage of it.
Exile on Pain Street 
I love ‘Translations’. Did you know I once played Lt. Yolland in it, many many moons ago, before I found my way to NY.And, good news for ‘Irish’ plays (even though he was born in London), Martin McDonagh has written a new one.
I finally saw “Doubt” today – just the film unfortunately, not the play.Anyway, I thought it was excellent, right up until the last line. would it have been the same last line as in the play? It nearly ruined it for me. PSH amd Ms Streep were formidable adversaries though weren’t they?
great summary, t.u.b.and, you are, indeed, lucky to have a wife who let you indulge your inner joys.
bob: Did you see the film In Bruges? Another McDonagh piece worth your time.nurse: Mrs. Wife and I opted for Benjamin Button over Doubt. I’m still waiting for it to end.gnu: The benefit of getting married later in life is that you have some perspective.
I loved In Bruges too
Sounds a little Tennessee Williams-esque. Irish families, oy. I’ve partnered myself into one and I wish I could trade them out for a nice quiet Swedish family or something.