Uncategorized

The first time I ever heard of Mineral King was in the 1960s

For those who observe it, we are now in the season of Lent, a time of reflection and sacrifice. One of the sacrifices I grew up with is abstaining from the consumption of meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays. This meant, in most cases, my family had fish – and my favorite was always shrimp. One fantastic and simple recipe for shrimp is a method my mom learned from my aunt.

It is my understanding that Governor Brown wants the high-speed train to be his legacy. I have another idea for a better legacy that will benefit all Californians, as opposed to a much smaller percent of the state’s population that could potentially use the high-speed train that is estimated to cost $68 billion.

Positive moves to counteract negative cash flow. In its most

This is a new version of this grand old chestnut that opened to rave reviews  and awards in London in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988. With the same music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and based on the novel “LaFantome de L’opera” by Gaston Leroux, the production at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco is directed by Laurence Conner with a gusto and drive that keeps everything moving at a fast pace.Producer Cameron Mackintosh decided to bring a new "Phantom” theatrically to the stage, and he has succeeded with new magnificent sets by Paul Brown and a little different take on the story line, which still ends the same way.This updated “Phantom” still has the marvelous music, and the basics stay the same. The story moves on the same path as the original but sets, costumes, choreography and a younger Phantom and Christine are offered in a faster moving story.The chandelier still hovers and flashes and intimidates, the Phantom still creates havoc, and the new steep and almost invisible stairs that take Christine and the Phantom to his lair under the Opera House is fascinating. The huge production number “Masquerade” number that opens the second act replaces the sweeping staircases in the older production with mirrors. The cast seems to be a little cramped, but the costumes by the late Maria Bjornson overwhelm with color and design. All are well lit by Paule Constable and made clearly audible by Mick Potter and, most importantly, a fine orchestra under the baton of Dale Rieling.I felt Chris Mann’s Phantom lacked the chemistry and bravado that other Phantoms have delivered, and his voice didn’t seem to have the punch that should have been there (perhaps he was not well.)  Katie Travis’ Christine was full and clear with a fine sound. The rest of the cast gave a smooth supporting performance.There is an old adage that says, “If it ain’t broken don’t fix it.”I don’t think the original “Phantom” was broken, but I guess we must go with the times. A new generation will see this production and probably shake their heads the next time it changes 30 years from now.All in all, this "Phantom” will entertain.

Sheryl Cathers uses public utility boxes as her canvas