Lee Hartgrave

MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE – Post # 3 Not just a Gay Story – it’s a Love Story

There is a Handsome young boy (Omar). He meets up with another young man (Johnny). Omar is Pakistani mixed with British. Johnny (British) is more or less a street person. He’s a down to earth kind of guy that is about to fall into the arms of Omar.

Omar tries to get a business going in his country.  Omar (Javi Harnly), also tries to balance being Pakistani and British at the same time. This is not easy for the young man and his friend (Robert Rushin) – Johnny. Both boys are confused. Having different cultures – is not easy. This is a heated romance. The two boys fall in love. Omar is not quite ready for romance right now – but he heading that way. Omar has lots of things going on in his brain. Can Omar and Johnny fall in love with different cultures?

There is the political points that make it difficult for the boys. There are the Uncles and Fathers that are getting a little suspicious about the young guys . Omar and Johnny try to keep away  away from the relatives. Their strength and fragility is well displayed. The two boys try to cover up their romance. That’s tough!
The subtle humor is dry, and it flows with the young men.

They have a huge transformation to contend with –  (The Launderette.) Omar wants to be a successful business man – and Johnny wants to help out, but seems to be in another world.  The complexities keep Omar moving towards his goal. He pretty much finds what he wants in the end — but the story does not end in a solution for everyone. All have their own lifes to deal with (money and lifestyle). Working Class Johnny is basically in a downtrodden society. But – his oppression does begin to sparkle near the end. Brits and Pakistani’s don’t always blend.

The climax sets off political fireworks. The two boys of different lands unveil themselves. Johnny and Omar go on with their exciting and  genuine love for each other. Life goes on.  Sparks fly. It happens to everyone. Kiss – Kiss!

Fabulous Direction by Andrew Nance.

NOW PLAYING AT THE NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE ON VAN NESS AVE. ***** (((RATING: FIVE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!!! (highest rating) -trademarked-)))

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

IDEATION

SF PLAYHOUSE

Brings a Great Performance

It’s Acting Heaven!

IDEATION is an entrepreneur journey where four people “Ben Euphrat, Jason Kapoor, Carrie Paff*, Mark Anderson Phillips* and Michael Ray Wisely* get together to do business, and make money out of it. Each person is trying to “Up” the next person. What’s really interesting about “Ideation”? The men and one woman that focus on there ideas. What are they going to create? Are they creating a product, service, or what? Well, they do make quite a fuss at putting ideas on a white board. However, they continually fail at the project. One gives feed back, and another puts him down.

One tries to refine. Another feels that he has a better plan. The only woman there, thinks that none of this is going to work. The Brain Storming is like software. It doesn’t get very far. But, they do try to research out numeric possibilities.

The philosophical ideas live in the mind of the creator. The others try to destroy a new recurrence. Yep, it’s just blah, blah, blah — and erase and erase, until the chalk breaks. O.K. lets get to the breakout performances. They have extraordinary intelligence and razor-edge humor. Its notably nuanced. This story is certainly one of Loeb’s best works. His razor sharp writing and the Great Cast give us unimpeachable performances.

I’ve never seen anything like this Stage Play. Its Scope and Grandeur is amazing and magnificent. I’m still thinking about it. Once in a decade an audience gets raw challenges. They sure do it here. The director absolutely knows how to create emotion. This cat-and-mouse -bare-knuckle play keeps you on the edge of your seat. IT’S ELECTRIFYING!

THE PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR ARE: Ben Eukphrat (Scooter), Jason Kapoor (Sandeep), Carrie Paff* (Hannah), Mark Anderson Phillips* (Brock), Michael Ray Wisely* (Ted). Clive Worsley (voice over).

*****

DIRECTOR: “KEEPS SHOW CAPTIVE FROM START TO FINISH!”

SF Playhouse is using “The Tides Theatre” on Sutter Street for this show.

RATING: Five Glasses of Champagne. (highest rating) -trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has also produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED -7 years)

IDEATION

SF PLAYHOUSE

Brings a Great Performance

It’s Acting Heaven!

IDEATION is an entrepreneur journey where four people “Ben Euphrat, Jason Kapoor, Carrie Paff*, Mark Anderson Phillips* and Michael Ray Wisely* get together to do business, and make money out of it. Each person is trying to “Up” the next person. What’s really interesting about “Ideation”? The men and one woman that focus on there ideas. What are they going to create? Are they creating a product, service, or what? Well, they do make quite a fuss at putting ideas on a white board. However, they continually fail at the project. One gives feed back, and another puts him down.

One tries to refine. Another feels that he has a better plan. The only woman there, thinks that none of this is going to work. The Brain Storming is like software. It doesn’t get very far. But, they do try to research out numeric possibilities.

The philosophical ideas live in the mind of the creator. The others try to destroy a new recurrence. Yep, it’s just blah, blah, blah — and erase and erase, until the chalk breaks. O.K. lets get to the breakout performances. They have extraordinary intelligence and razor-edge humor. Its notably nuanced. This story is certainly one of Loeb’s best works. His razor sharp writing and the Great Cast give us unimpeachable performances.

I’ve never seen anything like this Stage Play. Its Scope and Grandeur is amazing and magnificent. I’m still thinking about it. Once in a decade an audience gets raw challenges. They sure do it here. The director absolutely knows how to create emotion. This cat-and-mouse -bare-knuckle play keeps you on the edge of your seat. IT’S ELECTRIFYING!

THE PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR ARE: Ben Eukphrat (Scooter), Jason Kapoor (Sandeep), Carrie Paff* (Hannah), Mark Anderson Phillips* (Brock), Michael Ray Wisely* (Ted). Clive Worsley (voice over).

*****

DIRECTOR: “KEEPS SHOW CAPTIVE FROM START TO FINISH!”

SF Playhouse is using “The Tides Theatre” on Sutter Street for this show.

RATING: Five Glasses of Champagne. (highest rating) -trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has also produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED -7 years)

LUA HADAR – COURTESY PHOTO

THE WITTY AND CHARMING HADAR BRINGS TO THE “SOCIETY CABARET” AN ASTONISHING ARTISTIC WHIRLWIND OF SPECTACULAR VISUAL EFFECTS, AND EXCELLENT MOVEMENT, PLUS SUBERB MUSIC.

Hadar’s production is flawless. She has ground-shaking energy that shakes up the popular audience. She also has humour and heart that will keep up the dancing, comedy and quirky fun. Yep – Her show is a little ditzy — and so am I. Hadar keeps us on the edge of our seats. Gee – I should have brought my roller skates.

 Hadar’s blast of energy and musical arrangements turn in glorious pulsating bravado jocularity – and yes, you will be overwhelmed. ‘The Society Cabaret’ at The Rex Hotel — is the new comfort zone. Its gorgeous lighting effects are flawless with Candles on every table that really mellow the room out. What we get is sheer artistry and classic style.

The show runs, Thursday, November 14 at 8pm. Friday, November 15 at 8pm and Saturday, November 16 at 8pm.

Hadar’s show is direct from a sellout in Paris. No wonder her ‘C’est Magnifique at Society Cabaret, is accompanied by the swinging cosmopolitan jazz band ‘Twist’. You will feel like you’re in a French Music Hall – or a black and white movie.

Also attending: G. Scott Lacy, Russ Lorenson, Tom Orr, Ken Henderson and Lawrence Helman. This is the place for sensational triumphs. The show is like a gig on a “Princess Cruise”. As Lua Hadar might say: “Hit it Boys! 

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

Defender of the truth, the American way, and the right to gossip.

THE REALLY FAMOUS DO NOT DIE – They just make other arrangements: For instance, you can attend a Cyril Magnin cheap matinee at A.C.T. for a Christmas Carol. Ooops – they don’t call it the Magnin matinee anymore – it’s just a “Matinee”. How quickly they forget.

SOME WRITERS LIVE ON COFFEE – OTHERS GO OUT! Celeb watching has never been better, than at the Posh Rrazz Room. Everybody who is

Sharon McNight–Head Shot

anybody shows up to have a buffo time. Attitudes are dropped outside the door. Color the place FUN! Especially Sharon McNight in a xmas treat.

FEEL LIKE SEEING A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY? Well – “Bell, Book and Candle” is just perfect Holiday Entertainment. You will be bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Hey, what do you expect when you fall in love with a witch. She really has some good Witchy things about her, but when she falls in love she might lose her magical powers forever. Remember – The movie version starred Kim Novak and James Stewart. It won a Golden Globe in 1959. I promise that you won’t be bewildered – you’ll just be gassed at the stage play at the San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street) above the Farallon Restaurant. Sounds like another Smash hit to me.

NUDE IS GOOD! Well, that’s not exactly true. S.F. wants them to at least put on a fig leaf. The nudies hanging out on Castro Benches (and elsewhere) notice that they are being photographed from the waist down. This really is a “Full Monty” treat. What will Diane “F” think? “Some like it Not!”

On Dec. 10^th is another wonderful “Help is on the way” at the Marines Memorial Theatre. The program will feature stars from “Book of Mormon” and “The Lion King”. There will be Stars Galore and music to send you on a Baz Lehrmann evening. He has the power to haunt us forever. No, it won’t be there – but I can imagine that he will be.

FUNNY, SEXY, ENGROSSING! Who Dat? Oh, that would be Sharon McNight. She almost knocks us out of the chairs at the Rrazz Room. And what can she do this Xmas? Well, lets see – Oh, I know – How about hanging some Balls. She has plenty of them. Ha, Ha. No, that was not Santa. Oh, and by the way – electrical devices (self pleasuring) are strictly prohibited during the performance. You know – it’s a Xmas show.

If I were to predict – I would say that the best shows in town are — These movies: “Lincoln”, “Anna Karenina” (Intoxicating Love story) – and “A Royal Affair” (vibrant and hypnotic! – Best bets on the stage are “Bell, Book and Candle” (Sf Playhouse) – “Sharon McKnight at the Rrazz” – Theatre Rhino is presenting a new John Fisher play at ‘Thick House’. The show is “Slugs and Kicks” – It’s being called “Vibrant and Uplifting!” I’ll be checking it out on Dec. 2^nd.

AN ACTRESS is planning to quit show Biz to end world hunger! And how will she do this? Drag her refrigerator around the world? We know who it is, but we won’t tell.

Celebs wanna know – will the Golden Gate Theatre ever open again? And then there is this person of Market Street said: “Light up the Damn Sign (Golden Gate Sign). It would help that corner come to life again. What’s a couple of bucks to the high and mighty?” – (Request by angered reader that prefers to remain anonymous.) You know – like Shakespeare.

THE SWACKAT is a new clothing look for men. The Turtle Neck is back…so are the Cargo Pants. Oh, and don’t forget The Shacket. It’s a sport coat that looks like a Jacket. And for real new old treat – take a look at the new rage: “Denim Shirt”.

Virgo guys are really stuck on themselves. They are perfectionists and very detail-oriented. Virgo also means that they have big hands, big feet and – well, two out of three ain’t bad!” Ooops…Too much info. We were hoping for three out of three!

It’s Phone Buzz Time. Start the sexting.

DEFENDER OF THE TRUTH, THE AMERICAN WAY, AND THE RIGHT TO GOSSIP 

BUZZIN AROUND WITH LEE HARTGRAVE 

THE REALLY FAMOUS DO NOT DIE – They just make other arrangements: For instance, you can attend a Cyril Magnin cheap matinee at A.C.T. for a Christmas Carol. Ooops – they don’t call it the Magnin matinee anymore – it’s just a “Matinee”. How quickly they forget.

SOME WRITERS LIVE ON COFFEE – OTHERS GO OUT! Celeb watching has never been better, than at the Posh Rrazz Room. Everybody who is anybody shows up to have a buffo time. Attitudes are dropped outside the door. Color the place FUN! Especially Sharon McNight in a xmas treat.

FEEL LIKE SEEING A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY? Well – “Bell, Book and Candle” is just perfect Holiday Entertainment. You will be bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Hey, what do you expect when you fall in love with a witch. She really has some good Witchy things about her, but when she falls in love she might lose her magical powers forever. Remember – The movie version starred Kim Novak and James Stewart. It won a Golden Globe in 1959. I promise that you won’t be bewildered – you’ll just be gassed at the stage play at the San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street) above the Farallon Restaurant. Sounds like another Smash hit to me.

NUDE IS GOOD! Well, that’s not exactly true. S.F. wants them to at least put on a fig leaf. The nudies hanging out on Castro Benches (and elsewhere) notice that they are being photographed from the waist down. This really is a “Full Monty” treat. What will Diane “F” think? “Some like it Not!”

On Dec. 10^th is another wonderful “Help is on the way” at the Marines Memorial Theatre. The program will feature stars from “Book of Mormon” and “The Lion King”. There will be Stars Galore and music to send you on a Baz Lehrmann evening. He has the power to haunt us forever. No, it won’t be there – but I can imagine that he will be.

FUNNY, SEXY, ENGROSSING! Who Dat? Oh, that would be Sharon McNight. She almost knocks us out of the chairs at the Rrazz Room. And what can she do this Xmas? Well, lets see – Oh, I know – How about hanging some Balls. She has plenty of them. Ha, Ha. No, that was not Santa. Oh, and by the way – electrical devices (self pleasuring) are strictly prohibited during the performance. You know – it’s a Xmas show.

If I were to predict – I would say that the best shows in town are — These movies:  “Lincoln”, “Anna Karenina” (Intoxicating Love story) – and “A Royal Affair” (vibrant and hypnotic! – Best bets on the stage are “Bell, Book and Candle” (Sf Playhouse) – “Sharon McKnight at the Rrazz” – Theatre Rhino is presenting a new John Fisher play at ‘Thick House’. The show is “Slugs and Kicks” – It’s being called “Vibrant and Uplifting!” I’ll be checking it out on Dec. 2^nd.

AN ACTRESS is planning to quit show Biz to end world hunger! And how will she do this? Drag her refrigerator around the world? We know who it is, but we won’t tell.

Celebs wanna know – will the Golden Gate Theatre ever open again? And then there is this person of Market Street said:  “Light up the Damn Sign (Golden Gate Sign). It would help that corner come to life again. What’s a couple of bucks to the high and mighty?” – (Request by angered reader that prefers to remain anonymous.) You know – like Shakespeare.

THE SWACKAT is a new clothing look for men. The Turtle Neck is back…so are the Cargo Pants. Oh, and don’t forget The Shacket. It’s a sport coat that looks like a Jacket. And for real new old treat – take a look at the new rage: “Denim Shirt”.

Virgo guys are really stuck on themselves. They are perfectionists and very detail-oriented. Virgo also means that they have big hands, big feet and – well, two out of three ain’t bad!” Ooops…Too much info. We were hoping for three out of three!

It’s Phone Buzz Time. Start the Sexting.

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

Daniel Day Lewis in the movie “Lincoln”

HEADLINERS: “The Submission” – “Lincoln” – “Superior Donuts” – “Another Way Home”

New Conservatory Theatre: The Submission:  DIRECTED BY: BEN RANDLE. “Superb!”

This pulse pounding play brings out thrilling storytelling, and bravura performances. The story is all about backstage hi-jinks on the Broadway stage. Danny (Eric Kerr) has just finished a play. He is overwhelmed by his play. Will it work? He’s a flighty gay playwright. Why is he so tense? Well, here is the reason. He wrote the play using a female as the author of his play. Danny submits his play, using the pen name of Sheleeha G’ntamobi. Yes it’s catchy, but not easy to say. Sheleeha is African American and Danny is a neurotic young playwright. Everything seems to be working between the two, until the female begins to make changes to the script without Danny’s permission. He says: “F—ck it – she starts to reuse the words in the play!”

Here’s the deal. This play within a play is very explosive. More than explosive – it’s leading the play to the edge of the cliff. There is a lot going on between Danny and his boyfriend and Emilie as they sort out themes of racism and identity. Then, there is the friend (Chris) who likes Danny, but is more interested in the black actress. He agrees to not agree about many issues in the play, and off the stage.

The story is profoundly intense – and erotic. I didn’t just sit through this show – I was on the edge of the seat. There is no doubt about it – “The Submission” (the play) is spectacularly compelling and smart.

My only letdown is at the very end. After all the energy in the play – it deflates in the final scene. I think it needs a stronger ending. But I still recommend that you see it. The Actors are great!

They take us on a fascinating journey. Here they are: Sam Jackson (Emilie), Eric Kerr (Danny), Alex Kirschner (Pete) and Chris Morrell (Trevor).

NOW PLAYING AT THE NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE

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

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

DANIEL DAY LEWIS IS LINCOLN (Courtesy Photo at top of Column)

This movie is probably one of the most impressive movies that you will see about politics. Thanks to Daniel Day Lewis (Lincoln), Sally Field (Mary Todd Lincoln), David Strathairn, Hal Holbroook, Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Stuhlbarg. Take down the confederate flags for these guys.

Daniel Day Lewis is mesmerizing. Never does he overplay in this role. Everyone is glued to his face as he talks to fascinated individuals who cherish every word. I dare you to look away.

However there is two and a half hours of talk from Lincoln and other characters who give their vision of what the USA should be. This is a political movie that should be introduced to High Schools and College kids. The political keenness will reel them in with Lincoln’s brilliant words. It’s a History lesson for the ages.

RATING: FOUR BOXES OF POPCORN!!!! (Highest Rating) – trademarked-

Now playing at Theaters around the world. “A Triumph in every Word!”

SUPERIOR DONUTS – YUMMIE!! TRACY LETTS IS TRULY A GREAT WRITER.

But as smart and clever as usual. This time around, no one gets killed, but he does remind us that our lives are mixed with several variables. This time Tracy Letts story is not as talky, but it sure is colorful. As usual, the casting and the performers are still humorous on one hand and on the other it is Real and Heart Wrenching. This story is about a rundown Coffee shop in its last days. Sure a few people still stop by – but that brand new Coffee Shop (Starbucks) down the street looks good to them. And that’s why the business at Superior Donuts is running out of patrons.

This is a very simple play with down to earth language. There is a constant homeless lady – who seems to not ever pay for a cup of coffee and donut. There is a female cop that drops by to make sure that everything is all right. She is sweet on the owner. He wants to sell the tiny coffee place – and the lady cop wants to hug him. It’s as simple as that.

There is a young man who really needs a job. He gets it at Superior Donuts – but the hippie like owner wants to put limits on the kid. The boy wants to spice up the place a little. You know, just to make it more enticing. Well, the owner (who is quite sexy himself) agrees to let the boy move a few things around. You might think that the play will drag you down into the gutter – but no – there is comedy, and there is also sadness.

A strong fight starts in the Donut shop. Yeh – it is pretty amazing that no one really gets hurt. This all happens near the end.

I felt near the end that I was emotionally satisfied. You can’t be half a mean person all your life. And I think that Tracy Letts knows that. So to compensate – there is plenty of humor in his play. All together – including the phenomenal! I dare you to resist one donut with a Glaze on it. They are Superior!

THE ACTORS ARE TERRIFIC! Here they are: Don Wood, Chris Marsol, Dave Sikula, Shane Rhoades, Vicki Siegel, Ariane Owens, Emmanuel Lee, Shane Fahy and Rob Dario.

ALL TOGHETHER NOW – GRAB THOSE OSCARS!

Now Playing at the Custom Made Theatre

Rating: Four Glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-

ANOTHER WAY HOME – MAGIC THEATRE

Finding your way home is not always easy. The play is 80 minutes long with no intermission. I for one like intermissions. It’s not good for your arteries. But, I did manage to move my legs now and then to keep the circulation going.

This is a story about a wayward son. It all takes place in a summer sleep over camp. The son Joseph (prefers Joey is at Camp Kickapoo. Well, Joey is a very difficult young man. He is in depression, has anxiety disorder. Yes, the young 17-year-old boy is a handful. Joey is one of those boys that don’t like to be bear hugged at Camp or anywhere. He’s basically angry about everything.

A 20-year-old camp counselor takes a liking to Joey. You may want to feel sorry for Joey, and I suppose that I would also – but could not put up with him. The drama does end on a somewhat happy ending – at least Joey seems to be much better. Or maybe it was just a way to end the story. I was relieved when it was over. I didn’t care much for the talking at the audience thing. Seen it before in other plays and never fell in love with that gimmick.

Good acting by everyone. THEY ARE: Mark Pinter – Kim Martin-Cotton- Daniel Petzoid – Jeremy Kahn – and Riley Krull

Now playing at the Magic Theatre

RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! –trademarked-

EAT: an evening with Anthony Bourdain & Eric Ripert LIVE at the SHN Orpheum Theatre Friday, April 12

This stage play is about unlikely friends. They are two Chefs, who are chasing and pursuing different careers and philosophies. It sure  gets a little crowded sharing one stage with these excited guys. Its I can do better time.

You’ll love Anthony Bourdain and his good friend Eric Ripert (internationally renowned chefs). They may, or may not love each other. They call it the “Good vs. Evil Tour.” Their one night only in San Francisco, will brighten the Orpheum Theatre with hilarious storytelling. We get to see provocative insights about what goes on behind kitchen doors. You’ll really enjoy the intrigue and delight. Tix go on sale to the general public on Friday, Nov. 16 at 10:00am. Ticket prices range from $70 T0 $90. Check it out b phone at 888-746-1700, online at shnsf.com, or of course, get your tix in person at the Orpheum Theatre Box Office. More info: https/www.shnsf.com/online/bourdain.