DAILY TATTLER 
By Lee Hartgrave
What to See, Hear, Read, Watch and Eat
MOVIE: BROOKLYN CASTLE
This movie is about young people. It is all about having little money and extracurricular activities that are essential to a teaching principal called “the whole child.” One way to open the door is to come up with a program like a chess team. For kids, chess is more than a game – it is where they can transcend from reality and become kings and queens themselves. Learning Chess makes dreams come true for children that don’t have a lot of money. They are determined to master the world’s most difficult game. If they can manage that – imagine what other mountains they can climb. The movie is Directed and produced by Katie Dellamaggiore in her feature film directorial debut. It’s a little repetious – but keeps you in your seat.
Opens November 16, 2012 in San Francisco at Landmark’s Opera Plaza.
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 pursuing different careers and philosophies. And it gets a little crowded sharing one stage.
You’ll love Anthony Bourdain and his good friend Eric Ripert (internationally renowned chefs), and they may or may not love each other. They call it their “Good vs. Evil Tour.” Their one night only in San Francisco will brighten the Orpheum Theatre stage with this engaging evening of storytelling and frank and 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 by 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.
MUSIC: IT’S ALWAYS GOING ON
HE WON NINE TONY AWARDS. He is a World Famous performer, choreographer and director and his name is TOMMY TUNE
He bursts onto the Venetian Room stage in the Gorgeous Fairmont Hotel. There he is, in a hot Red Suit with longish hair. He grins at the audience and sez: “I’m leaving Texas!” Tune knows all the great music. God knows he sang most of them around the world. Tune asked his friend Carol Burnett one day, how she became a big star. She said: “I had to become a star – I wasn’t good enough for the Chorus!” Tune is 6’foot 8 – and when he climbs a ladder (which he did on the stage) it made him look like a giant. In the audience was Carol Channing – and that gave even more excitement to the night. Imagine – two famous people close enough for you to touch. One woman was enjoying the evening sitting in her chair as she knitted a sweater and listened to the tap dancing, which is famously fantastic. I’ve never been able to knit and watch a show. But Tune did say: “Phyllis Diller could drink me under the table.” The evening music was magical. I especially liked his brilliant taps and this lyric: – “Every time I Die a Little!” Yep – Tommy Tune is a smart, wise talent that can Dance, Tap, Act and his singing will blow you away. It was a glittering evening.
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest Rating) –trademarked-
LISTEN: — TO NEW MUSIC AT THE ALCOVE THEATRE ON MASON STREET (Union Square)
ROUND ONE CABARET – TAKING CHARGE IN A CRAZY WORLD AT THE ALCOVE THEATRE
There is a small Theatre in the downtown Theatre district where you can see and hear some very interesting and memorable songs, written by the following Composer/Lyricists: They are: Peter Alexander, Billie Cox, Paul Frantz, Richard Jennings, Sandy Kasten and Bill Johnson, Allison Lovejoy, Michael Lunsford and Peter Master. They did everything on this small stage. They danced, they sang some great tunes, and they sure as hell will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a FUN Musical that is perfectly cast and entertaining in every way. “See it with other people – see it with a crowd!”
(Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
