Shows I must see (the latest in a series)
Bill Irwin’s upcoming new show, The Happiness Lecture, premieres this spring at Philadelphia Theatre Company in, well, Philadelphia. Click here for information and tickets. Not only must I see this, I must round up appropriate friends (Rich? Joe? Paul?) who will appreciate the show with me. Yes, this will entail going from Los Angeles to Philadelphia expressly to see the show, as well as returning thereafter, but some things should not be missed. If I can’t see Buster Keaton live (although I hope to see him some day while dead), at least I can see Bill Irwin.
I have seen Mr. Irwin perform live twice before, in the delightful “Fool Moon” last decade at the Doolittle in Hollywood, and early this year in the decidedly undelightful and unforgettable “Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf” at the Ahmanson, which I complained about here. (I continue to believe that production may have forever ruined the play for me, so no, I’m not going to forget it.) It will be a pleasure to see Mr. Irwin back in his element: comically deconstructing existence. At least, I hope that’s what it’s going to be, especially given that it’s going to cost me a cross-country trip to find out.
—————-
Now playing: Pere Ubu – My Theory Of Spontaneous Simultude
via FoxyTunes
November 18th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Speaking of physical comedy, I watched TROUBLE IN STORE (1953) on Turner Classic Movies earlier this month. It stars Norman Wisdom, ably supported by Margaret Rutherford. All this month TCM is featuring guest hosts who select movies to be aired. The guest that evening was Alfred Molina who, chatting with regular host Robert Osborne, mentioned that Wisdom was quite a big star in England but never made it over here.
Anyway, Wisdom performed some impressive physical moves. Not dangerous, but he did get banged around a bit. He also co-stars in one of my favorite movies, THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY’S, in which he plays a burlesque comic and performs some convincing pratfalls.
It’s amazing what some comedians can do with their bodies. I’ve seen Irwin’s previous shows on the small screen, and loved both IN REGARD OF FLIGHT and AS SEEN ON TV. (Remember those, Lee?) To see him live would be a treat and I hope to accompany Lee on the Philadelphia pilgrimage.