SCATHING CRITIQUE OF POP CULTURE is what you get in the hilarious “God Bless America” film comedy that shows American shallowness, boosted by a cruel layer conjured up from media propaganda. Everyone wants to get on the bandwagon – even if means shooting someone to get yourself in the limelight. The ‘take off’ of an American Idol type show, shows the lengths that T.V. will go to get ratings. In this film – they make an Idol out of one of the worst singers ever. And, guess what – they even make fun of him.

As I was watching the movie – I got a little worried that some idiots may think it’s funny to shoot people. After all – it’s in a movie. What really worries me is that they don’t know a satire when they see it. Most young people are already shallow, seeking out insane stunts just to get their face on T.V.

Even the people in the movie who are doing the erratic shooting, complain that their faces have not appeared yet on the ‘big screen’. Yes, it’s a revisit of Bonnie and Clyde. This Bonnie and Clyde are even more insane than the original ones.

Goldthwait (the Director) claims that this is not a political film. Well, yes and no. Some of the film has political hanging from trees. Then there are other times, when someone who feels that he hasn’t had a good deal lately just decides to shoot people at random. You know like if you get fired – why not shoot the boss?

This movie is borderline insanity. You love it and hate it at the same time. And it also reminds of the ‘famed’ “Clockwork Orange.” But here is what we already know – the film points out in spades, that our society is shallow. I say: – only use a Cell phone for necessity, and stop acting like robots, and watch your back. Remember people are generally stupid, and they probably don’t like you. And politicians are dictators! That’s what this movie tells us. And, you know what – its true!

NOW PLAYING AT THE BRIDGE THEATRE

RATING: Four Boxes of Popcorn. (highest rating) – trademarked-


Rrazz Room Courtesy Photo. Valerie Simpson - SuperStar.

VALERIE SIMPSON – INSTANTLY WON US OVER!

Talk about electrifying moments – I’m still tingling. The minute Simpson walked on the stage – she took us on an emotional musical thrill ride. Always in the background we still feel her late husband’s presence - Nick Ashford.

The evening was just “crackling’ with the great songs that everyone in the audience knew very well. The standing and cheering audience couldn’t sit still. Yep, they were jumping up and down to the beat of those famed melodies (written by Simpson Ashford).
Take the delicious “Ain't No Mountain Higher” – sure does make you stand up and jiggle your butt. Everyone was doing it – standing or sitting they were wiggling.

Simpson is also a lot of fun, with her little asides – “I didn’t take notes, I was too buy living” – “And, you know what they say – Loose Lips, sink ships!”

Another of my fave songs was “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing”. And of course, what would a Simpson song be, if she didn’t sing “Solid Like A Rock.” Valerie has great backup singers, including her daughter. And you will get a thrill a minute with the tremendous Stage Orchestra.

When Simpson sang “Solid as a Rock” – I could actually visualize Nick Ashford on that stage. This was a very emotional tribute to the great Ashford. There is no doubt about it – Ashford was “solid as a rock!” I’ll never forget him. But Valerie with the amazing Clayton brought back Ashfords presence in song. Yes, Life is a journey – but this definitely is a Trip!

Simpson came out on the stage wearing a stunning white feathery short dress. She looked like a beautiful Swan. Just Fantastic! This is a must see show. Only through this Sunday May 13. At the Rrazz Room in the Hotel Nikko.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-


Michael Stevenson as "Zorba" singing the wonderful "I Am Free". Courtesy Photo - 42nd Street Moon.

ZORBA THE GREEK – GREAT LUSICOUS SHOW!

What a dream evening this is. There are gorgeous costumes, gorgeous guys and gorgeous music. How can a musical like “Zorba” go wrong? Well, I’m happy to say that nothing goes wrong. Oh, Well, -- Yes, there was a little innocent thing. A glass fell off a tray, it was not intentional. But, the cast picked up the pace immediately. It was fun to watch them go on with the show.

The musical score is unimpeachable. After all, that’s what keeps the romantic sparks going and the dancing is effortless and summons the spirit. There is nothing like a beautifully done love story. Sure, the musical is not all sweetness and love – there are some sad moments along the way. But again, the dancing summons the spirit of Greek Joy. Thanks to the spirited directing by Greg McKellan. And thanks to the music by John Kander and Lyrics by Fred Ebb. And a special “Clap Your Hands” for Musical Director Dave Dobrusky and Nick Di Scala on “Reeds”.

Here’s the strong and excellent cast: Michael Stevenson – Stephanie Rhoads – Ian Leonard – Alexandra Kaprielian – Teressa Byrne – Janine Burgener – Ben Euphrat – Gayle Dawn Hill – Stewart Kramar – Chris Macomber – Bill Olson – Ray Renati – Michael Rhone – Anna Smith and Kyle Stoner. And another Shout Out, for Choreographer Staci Arriaga.

AT 42nd STREET MOON (Eureka Theatre)

RATING: Four Glasses of Champagne!!!!

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

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