Point Made

 We attended a showcase for songwriters. As an unpublished writer of fiction, except for my self-publishing efforts, I know many people have stories in the drawer of their desks or on their hard drives. Why it never occurred to many that there are as many or maybe more songwriters with the urge to tell their stories.  The themes of these folks were as scattered as pillow feathers in a windstorm. One fellow even bragged he could write a song about a grocery list, and I don't doubt him. They sang about life and love, disappointment and happiness. The music was from Broadway show style to blues, country, rock, and folk. Many of the songs were humourous, and some were sad, while most of them were thought-provoking. All in all, it was an evening well spent and something to look forward to. On The Easel   Looking South at Sunset Pastel 12 x 16 Health Report It's a week of recovery from the bladder scrap. I'm eliminating less blood than I had been, and the post-op pain is signif...

 The Milwaukee Film Festival is over, and the last performance of the theatre season is on the horizon. You can always tell because the marketing people are already selling next year's season. My friend Jeanne and I have already committed to The Rep and Next Act. My friend Pam and I will reserve for Gigante and Constructivists. Only money stands between me and more season ticket subscriptions, but surely I will see more theater next season. May 8 God's Spies Yesterday we saw Next Acts performance of Bill Cains, God's Spies . A Scottish lawyer and a now-famous playwright are trapped in a bawdy house with the resident prostitute. They are trapped because everyone in London is restricted to their quarters as the city is besieged by 'the plague.' The ultra-religious lawyer is torn between his beliefs and the tempting presence of the tart.  The playwright is agonizing over his latest script, King Lear. As the play unfolds, the young lady becomes a theater fan and a helpf...

 Ah, Yes, it's film festival time. For the better part of two weeks, Milwaukee is able to feast on the artistic side of the film business. As I write this on Sunday, April 23, I've seen three films, and I'm heading to my fourth this afternoon. Inserted into this busy schedule a doozy-dough between seatmates Pam Frautchi and Jeanne Kornkven, a visit to a tour of the latest exhibit at The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM), and a play produced by the Constructivists. Yeah! You're right. That's a lot of stimulation for this old guy, but that's why I live where I live. April 30 I missed one film at the festival. Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret is a film based on the classic book of the same name, written by Judy Blume. Oddly enough, the film is already in theaters. Unfortunately, we have to go out to the burbs to see it. On the other hand, we will have the opportunity to try Marcus's version of Zaffiro's Pizza. Watch this space. May 3 We still have two fi...