Forget Flowers: Here’s What We All Want For V-Day

When we first got married, I told my husband I wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 15th, when flowers and chocolates went on sale. Maybe you can’t put a price on love, but $39.95 for a dozen stems seemed too high. Why pay jacked up prices when we could have our own romantic day anytime we chose?

My husband immediately got in the spirit, and every year since then, he’s brought me the nicest roses discounts can buy. Love always seems lovelier to me at half-price the next day. Continue reading

Powerhouse Performances of 2014

Bradley Cooper appeared on Broadway this year half-naked. Neil Patrick Harris wore fishnets and high heels. Hugh Jackman mystified in wading boots. All were terrific, and it was a thrill to watch big stars give powerful, knockout performances that didn’t depend on their names or fame. They proved themselves as serious, hard-working actors. Continue reading

Best Plays of the Year



from The Daily Beast/ 12.27.13

10 Best Plays of the Year: Richard III, No Man’s Land, and More

This was the year that British actors took over Broadway and showed just how good they are. In addition to being thrillingly talented, they performed shows in repertory—which could be seen as showing off. Americans responded with one brilliant take on a classic, and a host of clever and quirky shows that proved creativity in theater hasn’t been lost. At least twice this number were worth seeing, but here are my ten favorites of the year.

Ethan Hawke’s seductive Macbeth

from the Daily Beast / 11.23.12

New York is currently giddy with Shakespeare. Tony and Oliver-winning actor Mark Rylance is going the distance in a Bard biathlon on Broadway, starring in both Twelfth Night (as Olivia) and Richard III (as the king). Orlando Bloom has been mooning under a balcony as Romeo, and Ethan Hawke brings a bold and modern interpretation to the murderous Macbeth. Hawke may be best known for movies, including Before Midnight which opened this summer to rave reviews. But he’s proudest of his position as an accomplished stage actor, and he spoke to me the morning after his Broadway premiere as the Scottish king.

Congratulations on the show which is gripping. But you’re awake early for a man playing Macbeth.

There’s no rest for the wicked. But I have to say this is one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. It’s shockingly fun.

You’re the sexiest Macbeth I’ve ever seen. Tell be about the scene on the sofa where you and Lady Macbeth are plotting while scantily dressed. Continue reading

TODAY Show–Gratitude

Gratitude gap: 52 percent forget to show thanks

In a recent study, 90 percent of people described themselves as grateful for their family, but only 48 percent said they express it. Janice Kaplan of Good Housekeeping explains why this gratitude gap exists, and how men and women and different generations express gratitude in varying ways. Watch Here

Today_show_-_gratitude

 

Shoshanna No More: Zosia Mamet of ‘Girls’

From The Daily Beast

Once she was the only virgin. Now she’ll have sex with anyone. As Shoshanna on HBO’s “Girls,” Zosia Mamet has a quirky, wide-eyed innocence that endears her to fans. On a break from shooting the TV hit, she takes on a completely different role, as a manipulative college girl in the off-Broadway play ‘Really Really.’ Just 25, the determined actress has a strong work ethic and a fast-talking style. Here Mamet talks to Janice Kaplan about selfishness, awkward sex and her famous father.

 

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