Allegiant

Last night I saw an advance screening of Allegiant with a fun and rowdy crowd.  With Jeanine dead, Evelyn (Naomi Watts) has become the leader of Chicago and sets out to publicly try and execute all members of the Erudite faction who followed Jeanine.  Realizing that they have merely traded one totalitarian regime for another, Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James), Caleb (Ansel Elgort), Christina (Zoe Kravitz), and Peter (Miles Teller) escape and scale the wall surrounding Chicago to find out what is on the other side.  What they find is a post-apocalyptic world scarred by the effects of a nuclear annihilation.  They are soon rescued by the Bureau of Genetic Welfare and its leader, David (Jeff Daniels), who tells Tris that the faction system has been an elaborate experiment and that they have been under surveillance for years.  David reveals that genetic engineering is what lead to the nuclear war and that the Bureau is seeking to return the genetic code to its former purity.  He further reveals that Tris is the only person who is genetically pure and he wants to replicate her DNA.  Meanwhile, in Chicago, Johanna (Octavia Spencer) forms a group called the Allegiant to oppose Evelyn and David encourages the development of this new faction system by sending the slimy, albeit entertaining, Peter to help Evelyn to destroy them.  Tris finally realizes that David has been manipulating her and returns to save the inhabitants of Chicago.  I am not a fan of dividing the original source material into two films because the first film inevitably feels like a long preview for the final one.  This tactic is especially tiresome in Allegiant because there is an incredible amount of exposition, most of which is extremely confusing (it has been a while since I've read the book), the characters are very static (and a bit boring) without any new development, and there are way too many scenes of Tris parading around in one white outfit after another and of Four brooding while breathing deeply through his nose.  It gets old very quickly.  Granted, the action sequences are exciting, especially when they scale the wall, and the special effects are pretty amazing, especially when they use the drones and the surveillance equipment.  However, these scenes are few and far between.  Even the final battle seems a bit anticlimactic and that fun and rowdy crowd was pretty subdued by the time the credits rolled.  As someone who has enjoyed this franchise, I am a bit disappointed and I hope Ascendant can provide a satisfactory resolution to the story.

Utah Opera's Aida

There is nothing quite like the experience of watching an opera.  In my opinion, a great opera combines everything I love about the performing arts: a dramatic and tragic love story, powerful and passionate vocal performances, a beautiful symphonic score, innovative staging, dazzling choreography, and elaborate costumes and sets.  Last night Utah Opera's production of Aida ticked every one of those boxes!  Aida, an Ethiopian princess captured as a slave by the Egyptians, is torn between her burning love for Radames, the general of the Egyptian army charged with defeating the Ethiopians, and loyalty to her father, the king, and her country.  The story is definitely full of enough pathos to satisfy even my romantic heart.  What could be more dramatic than choosing to die for love?  The performances are amazing!  Marc Heller (Radames), Jennifer Check (Aida), and Katharine Goeldner (Amneris) all sing their roles beautifully.  I particularly loved Check's rendition of the aria "O patria mia" where Aida laments the fact that she will never see her country again and Goeldner's rendition of "Ahime!...morir me sento," where Amneris curses the priests for condemning Radames, gave me goosebumps!  I had tears in my eyes when Check and Heller sang "Morir! Si pura e bella" as Radames and Aida die in each other's arms inside a tomb.  Verdi's score is absolutely spectacular and I particularly enjoyed the instantly recognizable fanfare played inside the Temple of Vulcan, which sent tingles up and down my spine! The staging is also quite spectacular, especially the pageantry involved in sending Radames off to war and I loved the choreography in that scene.  I also loved the staging of the Judgement scene, most of which takes place off stage.  Alice Bristow's costumes, in various shades of turquoise and gold, are exquisite.  The set, created by Tony Award-winner Michael Yeargan, is bold with Egyptian columns and monuments and I was particularly struck by the use of multiple levels.  To say that I enjoyed this production would be an understatement; in fact, I think it is one of Utah Opera's best!  I would highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) to one of the remaining performances through March 20.  Bravo, Utah Opera!

Weekend at the Cabin

Marilyn and I just returned from our annual weekend getaway to the KOA in Fillmore.  We have stayed in one of the cabins on opening weekend for the past four years and we look forward to it for weeks.  It is a sure sign that spring is on its way (although, ironically, it snowed during the drive home).

I absolutely love this KOA and a lot of my friends ask me why I like to stay in a place that is in the middle of nowhere (it is about 150 miles south of Salt Lake) but it is precisely because it is in the middle of nowhere that I like it!  There is nothing that I have to do and I can relax completely.

This was our cabin for the weekend.  Dave and Corinne (who own this KOA) upgraded us to a bigger cabin!  One of the reasons we love coming to this KOA is because Dave and Corinne are such wonderful people!  They waited up for us to check-in late Friday night and asked about our family!

We had such a great time doing absolutely nothing!  We spent some time sitting out on the porch reading but it was still pretty cold.  We ended up inside quite a bit and we watched movies, ate treats, and laughed!  I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time!

In the evening we sat around the fire talking and laughing for hours!  It is my very favorite part of camping!  I loved this little getaway and I was really sad to come home to my busy and, sometimes, stressful life.  I can't wait to come back in a few weeks!

Dinner at Caffe Molise

If I had to pick a favorite cuisine, it would most definitely be Italian so Caffe Molise is obviously one of my very favorite restaurants downtown!  It features a menu full of traditional dishes from Northern Italy and has an extensive wine list from that region, as well.   Caffe Molise has a simple and casual decor featuring the work of local artists or you can opt for the patio during warmer months.  I like to eat here before seeing productions at Capitol Theatre but it is equally appropriate for a casual dinner after work.

I like just about everything on the menu but I highly recommend the lasagne ($15.95).   It features layers of pasta, Italian sausage, seasoned beef, ricotta, Asiago, and marinara.  It is delicious!

Definitely save some room for dessert (if you can!).  I became a fan of Tiramisu on a trip to Italy several years ago and Caffe Molise has an excellent version but I usually opt for the Dark Chocolate Cake ($6.95).  It is quite possibly the most decadent chocolate cake I have ever had!  It is dense and chocolaty, with just a hint of cinnamon!

Caffe Molise is located in the heart of downtown SLC at 55 West 100 South (near the Salt Lake Convention Center).  It is open Monday - Thursday: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm, Friday - Saturday: 10:30 am - 10:00 pm, and Sunday: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm.  Most entrees are reasonably priced under $30.00.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Last night I had the opportunity to see the Broadway touring company production of A Gentleman's Guide To Love & Murder at Kingsbury Hall and I loved it.  I have wanted to see it for so long and it was definitely worth the wait!  It is absolutely hilarious and I was laughing out loud all night.  After his mother dies, Monty Navarro (Kevin Massey) learns that she was part of the illustrious D'Ysquith family and was disinherited for marrying his father.  He is really Montague D'Ysquith Navarro and is in line to inherit the earldom (there are only eight family members ahead of him).  When his vain and heartless girlfriend Sibella (Lesley McKinnell) decides to marry the rich and handsome Lionel Hallward, Monty decides to kill all eight family members ahead of him in the succession in order to become the earl and win her back.  Standing in his way are the Reverend Lord Ezekial D'Ysquith (who has an unfortunate fall from a cathedral tower), Asquith D'Ysquith, Jr. (who has a bizarre ice skating accident), Henry D'Ysquith (who is stung by his precious bees), Lady Hyacinth D'Ysquith (who is presumed dead in deepest darkest Africa), Major Lord Bartholomew D'Ysquith (who is decapitated while lifting weights), Lady Salome D'Ysquith Pumphrey (who is killed by prop gun with real bullets during her debut in Hedda Gabbler), Lord Asquith D'Ysquith, Sr. (who is driven to a heart attack), and, finally, Lord Adalbert D'Ysquith, the Earl of Highhurst (who is poisoned).  The entire D'Ysquith family is played by John Rapson and I can't decide who I liked more:  the outragrously flamboyant Henry who thinks everything is "Better with a Man" or the over-the-top Lady Hyacinth who just wants to do some good!  So funny!  Along the way, Monty falls in love with Phoebe D'Ysquith (Adrienne Eller) and marries her to make Sibella jealous.  Eventually, Monty becomes the Earl of Highhurst but is soon after arrested for the murder of Lord Adalbert, the only D'Ysquith death for which he is not actually responsible!  The charges are dismissed when Phoebe and Sibella each give proof that the other one committed the murder ("That Horrible Woman").  However, Monty might not live happily ever after because Chauncey, the next in line to the earldom, is lurking.  I can't say enough about this production!  Massey, McKinnell (who is the understudy), and Eller have incredible voices and Rapson could not be funnier.  The set is also a lot of fun!  There is an elaborate stage, reminiscent of an old music hall, with projections on a giant screen behind it.  The projections are particularly clever in all of the death scenes, especially when Ezekial falls to his death.  I certainly enjoyed this delightful comedy and I highly recommend that you see it during its SLC run (through March 6).  Go here to purchase tickets.

Note:  Broadway in Utah has changed its name to Broadway at the Eccles in celebration of the 2016-2017 season in the new state-of-the-art Eccles Theatre, which will be complete in the fall.  The shows were announced last night and I couldn't be more excited!  I have already renewed my season tickets and I am particularly looking forward to Kinky Boots.  Go here for more information about the shows and how to purchase tickets.

Eddie the Eagle

The second movie in our Saturday night double feature was Eddie the Eagle, yet another feel-good true story about the Olympics.  To be sure, this is a formulaic underdog sports movie full of cliches (there is a training montage to "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oats) but I think I liked it for the same reason I cheered for Eddie at the 1988 Calgary Olympics despite the fact that he came in last:  Eddie is so irrepressibly endearing you just can't help liking him!  The movie tells the story (with much poetic license) of how a young boy who wore leg braces dreamed of being an Olympian.  Eddie (Taron Egerton) actually becomes a good downhill skier but narrowly misses making the Olympic team in 1984.  He decides to switch to ski jumping because Great Britain doesn't have a team and, if he competes in one event, he will automatically qualify.  Despite the fact that he has never jumped before, he moves to Germany to train and meets Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), an alcoholic snow plow driver who happens to be a former ski jumper with his own inner demons.  Eddie convinces Peary to train him because of his sheer determination to succeed.  After overcoming many obstacles, Eddie finally has the chance to be an Olympian and Peary proves to his former mentor (a comatose Christopher Walken) that he takes ski jumping seriously.  Egerton perfectly captures Eddie's goofiness and Jackman just looks great (my favorite scene is when Peary jumps the 90m hill with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth).  As I mentioned, the screenplay takes many liberties with Eddie's story (Bronson Peary is a fictional character based on several of his coaches and he trained in Lake Placid rather than Germany) but, no matter!  I literally cheered out loud, like I did in 1988, when Eddie landed his 90m jump and I definitely enjoyed watching his story.  I suspect that anyone who remembers watching the 1988 Olympics will enjoy it, as well!  It is a bit of fun and I recommend it as such.

Race

A weekend spent watching movies is always a good idea so Marilyn and I decided on a double feature last night.  Our first movie was Race, the true story of Jesse Owens and his four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.  It begins when Owens (Stephan James) arrives at Ohio State to train with Coach Snyder (an excellent Jason Sudeikis), a former Olympic athlete trying to make a name for himself as a coach.  Despite many obstacles, such as being treated unfairly by other athletes at Ohio State, most notably the football team, needing to work constantly to support his out-of-work father and his girlfriend and their daughter, and clashing with his coach, he begins winning race after race.  When he qualifies for the Olympics, he is approached by the NAACP to boycott the Olympics in protest of Hitler's racial policies.  Ultimately, he decides to participate to show Hitler that his policies are unsound, particularly when he competes head to head in the long jump against Hitler's poster boy for Aryan superiority, Carl "Luz" Long (David Kross).  The movie ends, not with his stunning victories in Berlin, but with Owens and his wife being made to use the servant's entry to the hotel where a dinner is being given in his honor.  It is a powerful portrait of bigotry that is particularly salient in these troubling times.  I love inspirational sports movies and this is a pretty good one.  The scenes during the Olympics are epic (they reminded me of the Olympic scenes in Unbroken) and, even though I knew the outcome of every race, I was holding my breath and willing him to win!  James gives a very earnest portrayal of Owens and I felt totally invested in his story.  Where the movie bogs down is in its telling of other stories such as Snyder's failed opportunities at the Olympics, the long protracted debate between American Olympic Committee members about whether to boycott the Olympics (lots of speeches), and the efforts by filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (Carice van Hounten) to make a propaganda film about the athletic superiority of Germany.   These subplots somewhat detract from the power of Owens' story (it is compelling enough) and make the movie much longer than it needs to be.  However, I really did love it and highly recommend it!

The Witch

The Witch premiered at Sundance last year to much acclaim, even winning the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category.  Several of my friends, whose opinions I hold in high regard, saw it at Sundance and absolutely raved about it so I have been looking forward to its wide release.  I saw it last night and it is the real deal!  I like to be genuinely scared by a horror movie rather than shocked and, let me tell you, I was scared by The Witch.  In 17th century New England, a farmer (Ralph Ineson), his wife (Kate Dickie), and his family are expelled from a plantation for heresy.  They settle in a remote area on the edge of a dark and foreboding forest.  When a tragedy befalls the family, who are isolated and in the grip of religious hysteria, they begin to suspect that their oldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is involved in witchcraft.  It is brilliant!  The cast is absolutely perfect and the production design is so full of period verisimilitude that it sometimes feels like watching a documentary about Puritan life.  The historical setting makes the events seem so plausible (in fact, the script is based on the folklore of the period) that I doubt I will be able to sleep in the foreseeable future.  It is atmospheric, shot in muted gray and sepia tones; intense, to say the least; suspenseful, almost to the point of being unbearable; and scary, more for what you don't see than for what you do.  I highly recommend it.

An Inspector Calls at PTC

Last night I saw PTC's production of An Inspector Calls and I really enjoyed it!  The play takes place in an industrial city in England in 1912 (which I find to be a particularly interesting time in history).  The Birling family is enjoying a celebratory dinner announcing of the engagement of their daughter, Sheila (Katie Wieland), to Gerald Croft (John Skelley) who, as the son of Sir George and Lady Croft, is their superior socially.  Arthur Birling (Joseph Dellger), a wealthy factory owner, is particularly pleased about his daughter's engagement as it will certainly elevate his own status.  After dinner, Inspector Goole (Christopher Kelley) calls to question the family about the suicide of a former worker in one of Birling's factories.  Each family member, including the aforementioned Sheila and Gerald as well as Arthur's wife Sybil (Mia Dillon) and his dissolute son Eric (John Evans Reese), professes having no knowledge of the girl.  However, as the investigation continues, it is revealed that each of them is somehow complicit in her death.  The tension mounts and mounts as each person is questioned until there is a surprise twist at the end (the fact that there is no intermission only serves to heighten the suspense).  Sheila and Eric are completely shattered by this tragedy, while Sybil feels that she has done nothing wrong, Gerald wants to find someone else to blame, and Arthur only cares about the potential for scandal (in my opinion, this foreshadows the crumbling of the Edwardian facade during the war).  It is an interesting murder mystery but it is also a powerful indictment of the rigid social classes in the Edwardian era.  The ensemble cast is excellent but I particularly enjoyed Wieland's portrayal of Sheila (think Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary).  The stage is particularly effective as there is a factory, populated by "factory girls," located above an elegant dining room serving to emphasize that the wealth of the aristocracy was dependent upon the drudgery of the working classes.   Once again, PTC has given me a thought-provoking evening of theatre and I highly recommend this compelling show (particularly if you are a fan of Downton Abbey).  It runs through March 5 at Pioneer Theatre and tickets can be purchased here.

Dinner at Bistro 222

Since I spend so much time downtown, I wanted another option for dinner before attending a performance at Capitol Theatre.  I recently found Bistro 222 and it has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants.  Located in the heart of downtown, Bistro 222 has a very sophisticated vibe with black and white decor that is modern and contemporary.  I love the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on Main Street because you can people watch to your heart's content!  I feel like I'm in the middle of a big city whenever I eat there!  The seasonal menu features contemporary American cuisine which is simple yet elegant.

I am very partial to their artisan pizzas and my server informed me that they have an authentic wood fired pizza oven!  I recently had the Ratatouille pizza ($14.00) with zucchini, yellow squash, red onions, eggplant, red peppers, marinara, whole milk mozzarella, and torn basil.  It was delicious and I really appreciate the fact that Bistro 222 has so many vegetarian options.

The desserts change nightly and this bit of deliciousness is called the "Chocolate Tower."  It is chocolate cake stuffed with a decadent mousse topped with cream ($8.00) and I loved it!  The service is always great and there is often live music on the weekends.  Bistro 222 is located at 222 S. Main Street in downtown SLC making it a perfect place for dinner before a performance at Capitol Theatre!  It is open Monday-Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, and Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.  Entrees range from $18.00 - $45.00.

The Lady in the Van

Last night I went to see the charming film The Lady in the Van at the Broadway.  It tells the (mostly) true story of how a homeless woman named Mary Shepherd (Maggie Smith) came to park her van in the driveway of playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) for fifteen years and the development of their unlikely friendship.  It is a slow moving film filled with lots of dialogue but, as I said, I found it to be charming, mostly on the strength of Maggie Smith's wonderful performance.  She excels at playing irascible old women!  My favorite device is depicting Alan Bennett as two separate characters: the one who lives life and the one who writes about it.  Alan Bennett, the participant, slowly discovers that Miss Shepherd has had a fascinating life as a world-renowned musician, a nun, and an ambulance driver during the war.  He also discovers the events which drove her to her lowly condition.  Alan Bennett, the writer, makes critical comments about the passivity which has allowed Miss Shepherd to take up residence while simultaneously wishing that he could write about her.  When the two characters, both played by Alex Jennings, argue with each other it is quite amusing.  To be sure, this is a comedy with lots of funny contributions from the ensemble cast playing Bennett's eccentric neighbors and, of course, Maggie Smith doing what she does best, but there is an incredibly poignant moment near the end of the film which had me in tears.  Ultimately, Miss Shepherd helps Bennett figure out who he really is.  The ending is a bit hokey (Bennett, the participant, frequently points out the events which didn't happen to Bennett, the writer) but, overall, I really enjoyed the film.  Fans of Maggie Smith are sure to enjoy it, as well.

Ballet West's Romeo and Juliet

Last night I saw Ballet West's beautiful production of Romeo and Juliet at Capitol Theatre. The story is based on the well known Shakespearean tragedy and features music composed by Sergei Prokofiev and choreography by John Cranko. I loved it! Even though Romeo and Juliet is not my favorite play, Prokofiev's dramatic score gave me goosebumps, especially during the Capulets' ball, and the choreography is absolutely riveting. The ensemble scenes in the marketplace are athletic, playful, and so much fun to watch; the sword fights between the Capulets and the Montagues are tense and passionate; and the three central pas de deux between Romeo and Juliet are incredibly romantic and I frequently found myself holding my breath, especially during the balcony scene and the bedroom scene. I was very impressed with the principal cast. One of the most powerful moments on stage is when Lady Capulet (Katlyn Addison) mourns over the body of Tybalt (Ronald Tilton) and climbs on to his funeral bier. Addison (who has become one of my favorite dancers because she reminds me of my niece, Tashena) gives an incredible performance filled with palpable despair. I also enjoyed Christopher Sellars' performance as Mercutio (he was greeted with thunderous applause during the final bows) because he is so charismatic. I loved it when he kisses a peasant girl as he lays dying. Rex Tilton, as Romeo, and Sayaka Ohtaki, as Juliet, dance their roles beautifully. Their pas de deux are quite acrobatic but they make them look effortless, graceful, and very emotional. This was one of the most ambitious Ballet West productions I've seen (with 75 cast members, 250 costumes, a 50-piece orchestra, and several elaborate sets) and it was quite impressive! I thought it was absolutely lovely!  Unfortunately, the run ended last night but you can go here to see upcoming Ballet West performances.

O.C. Tanner Gift of Music

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music concert in the Tabernacle on Temple Square.  It was quite the experience!  Over thirty years ago, Obert C. Tanner and Gordon B. Hinckley created and endowed this concert series as a way to share performances of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony as a gift to the community.  I have been lucky enough to attend several of these concerts (including the 30th Anniversary concert featuring James Taylor in 2013).  This year Thierry Fischer conducted the Utah Symphony, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Choristers of the Madeleine Choir School and soloists Orla Boylan, Celena Shafer, Amy Owens, Charlotte Hellekant, Tamara Mumford, Barry Banks, Markus Werba, and Jordan Bisch in a stirring rendition of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8.  Oh my goodness, it was absolutely spectacular!  I had never heard this piece before and I had goosebumps from the very first note of the magnificent organ to the final crash of the cymbals!  I absolutely loved it.  I can't even describe how beautiful this performance was, especially in such a gorgeous setting, and I am profoundly grateful for the generosity of Obert C. Tanner and his wife Grace in providing such a memorable experience for the community and for the opportunity to have world class organizations like the Utah Symphony and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir right here in Salt Lake City!  This event is free, but all available tickets for tonight's performance have been claimed.  However, stand-by seating is available and the line will begin at the flagpole by the Tabernacle.  I would plan on being there as early as possible (the concert begins at 7:00 pm).  It is well worth the effort for a chance to see this unbelievable performance!

The Pirate Queen at HCT

When HCT announced their 2016 season, I think I was most excited to see The Pirate Queen. After all, it is composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil (better known for a little show called Les Miserables). I couldn't wait to see it and I got my wish last night.  It is, essentially, the story of two women who are enemies yet face the same limitations as women and ultimately triumph. Queen Elizabeth I (Cecily Ellis-Bills) has just assumed the throne of England and needs to prove herself by conquering the Irish barbarians. Grace O'Malley (Heather McDonald) becomes the chieftain of the O'Malley clan after proving herself in battle on her father's ship The Pirate Queen and fights to keep her people from submitting to the English Crown. It is an incredible story and, of course, the music is absolutely magnificent! I loved McDonald's voice (I thought she was a hoot as Ado Annie in Oklahoma) and I especially loved how her voice blended with Jacob Theo Squire's, as Tiernan, in the songs "Here On This Night" and "If I Said I Loved You" and with Ellis-Bills' in the songs "She Who Has It All" and "Terra Marique Potens." There are so many powerful scenes in this show but my favorites are "Dubhdara's Farewell" when Grace's father is given his final send-off to sea (the candles and the torches are incredible), the scene between Grace and Queen Elizabeth where the woman in the regalia of a monarch wants what the woman in chains and rags has in her life, and "I'll Be There" when Tiernan has to watch the woman he loves marry someone else to unite the clans. The show is staged very well, especially all of the battle scenes.  It is always so amazing to me what they can do on such a small and intimate stage and the battles are very realistic, especially in the song "Surrender." The choreography is so much fun to watch, particularly the Irish dancing during the wedding and the christening and I absolutely loved the staging of the song "Boys'll Be Boys." (Nathan Gibb Johnson is very easy on the eyes as Donal O'Flaherty, even if he does betray Grace to the English).  Brad Schroeder, the fight choreographer, and Alan Scariff, the Celtic choreographer, are to be commended. The costumes are fantastic, especially all of the over-the-top gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth and her attendants.  I love stories about powerful women and this story is told very well by HCT.  I highly recommend getting a ticket!

Deadpool

I was on the fence about seeing Deadpool because Ryan Reynolds is hit or miss with me (I hated The Green Lantern).  However, my officers raved about it when we decorated for the dance (one of them has seen it three times) so I decided to see it last night.  It is an irreverent satire of the superhero genre filled with sex, violence, and profanity.  I loved it!  Oh how I loved it!  I started laughing during the opening credits and pretty much didn't stop throughout the whole movie.  I don't think I've ever written a review focused on the opening credits before but, in this movie, they are brilliant.  With Juice Newton's "Angel of the Morning" underneath, the opening features a super slow-motion sequence from the movie with credits that do not show names but, rather, tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the cast and crew.  It is distributed by Douchebag Films, it stars God's Perfect Idiot, a Hot Chick, a British Villain, Comic Relief, a CGI Character, a Sullen Teenager, and a Gratuitous Cameo, it is directed by an Overpaid Tool, it is produced by Asshats, and is written by the Real Heroes Here.  I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe and the credits set the tone for the rest of the movie which continually makes self-deprecating references to superhero movies from mocking the superhero landing (hard on the knees) to a quip about meeting Charles Xavier ("McAvoy or Stewart? The timeline is so confusing.")  Wade Wilson (Reynolds) is a wise-cracking former member of the Special Forces who now works as a mercenary.  When he meets call girl Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), his wise-cracking equal, they fall in love and decide to get married.  When Wilson discovers that he has late-stage cancer which has spread to the liver, lungs, prostate, and brain (all organs he doesn't need), he leaves her because he doesn't want to subject her to watching him waste away.  He eventually decides to undergo a treatment which will cure his cancer by unlocking dormant mutant abilities.  However, Ajax (Ed Skrein) and Angel Dust (Gina Carano), former patients themselves, have little regard for the torture they put him through and finally resort to a procedure which disfigures him.  Wilson creates the persona of Deadpool, with a mask to cover his face, and goes after Ajax and Angel to get revenge with the help of Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) who are trying to recruit him to the X-Men.  The action sequences are fantastic but it is so funny with great physical humor, references to popular culture (I laughed so hard about the Sinead O'Connor reference to Warhead which many in my audience didn't get), and lightning fast dialogue!  Reynolds frequently breaks the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience with hilarious results ("Fourth wall break inside a fourth wall break?  That's, like, sixteen walls!")  With all of the sanitized PG-13 action in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I give a lot of credit to the filmmakers for going all out with this character.  It's a great movie but I definitely wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

Note:  Stay for a post credits scene spoofing Ferris Beuller's Day Off.  It's hilarious!

Bravo Broadway

I am a huge fan of musical theatre (I'm going on a theatre trip to New York in a few months and I couldn't be more excited) so an evening celebrating the music of Broadway with four amazing soloists and the Utah Symphony was definitely one of the first concerts I chose when creating my season package!  Under the baton of Maestro Jerry Steichen (who I just love) the orchestra played the Overtures to Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, and An American in Paris which was just lovely.  Throughout the evening the orchestra was joined by some incredibly amazing soloists who regularly perform on Broadway, including Melissa Errico, Hugh Panaro (very easy on the eyes), Stephen Buntrock, and Morgan James, to sing some of my favorite songs from some of my favorite musicals.  The highlights included "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma, "There's Nothing Like a Dame" from South Pacific, "Something's Coming" and "Tonight" from West Side Story, "Cabaret" from Cabaret, "The Rain in Spain" from My Fair Lady, "To Life" from Fiddler on the Roof, "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha (which just about brought the roof down on Abravanel Hall), "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita, and "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.  My favorite moment was when all four soloists sang "Seasons of Love" from RENT.  I absolutely love that song (and that musical) and I may or may not have sung along with them!  They ended the program with a fun medley of songs from Mamma Mia (without the spandex jumpsuits, alas) which got Abravanel Hall rocking.  For the encore, Hugh Panaro sang an incredible rendition of "The Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera.  I still get chills when I hear those distinctive opening notes!  Finally, all four soloists came out for a fun version, complete with costumes, of "Aquarius" and "Let the Sun Shine In" from Hair.  I loved every minute of this concert and I wanted it to go on all night!  If you are a fan of musical theatre like me, I strongly suggest that you go here to get a ticket for tonight's performance if you can (there was nary a seat to be had last night).

45 Years

I've had a lot going on this week and I really needed to unwind a little bit last night so I decided to see 45 Years at my favorite art house theater.  It is the anatomy of a long and happy marriage in crisis and it is brilliant!  Geoff (Tom Courtenay) and Kate Mercer (Charlotte Rampling) are about to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary with a lavish party when Geoff receives the news that a former girlfriend's body has been found in a melting glacier in Switzerland.  Katya, the girlfriend, had been killed while she and Geoff had been hiking together over fifty years ago and he was listed as her next of kin.  Kate reacts to the news with equanimity but soon becomes consumed with jealousy as Geoff begins reminiscing about his romance with Katya, including sneaking up to the attic in the middle of the night to look at photos of her.  In an incredibly powerful scene, Kate goes up to the attic when Geoff isn't home to look at the photos for herself.  Kate eventually confronts Geoff, in another highly charged scene, and they appear to reconcile.  He buys her a beautiful necklace for their anniversary and gives a loving tribute to her at their party but the ending of the film left me absolutely shattered!  I haven't been able to stop thinking about it!  It is an incredible, but devastating, exploration of two people who have spent their lives together but don't really know each other at all.  Their relationship is depicted by their daily routine during the six days leading up to their party (with intertitles designating the days).  It is so well done!  Although very little happens in the film, the tension increases little by little every day until the aforementioned confrontation and I was quite unsettled while watching it.  Courtenay is superb as a man driven to distraction by his memories and Rampling just might be a dark horse contender in the race for the Best Actress Oscar (you can read my commentaries on the other nominees Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, and Brie Larson) for her subtle, yet nuanced, performance.  Her close-up at the end of the movie alone is worthy of an Oscar!  This movie might not appeal to everyone but I found it to be very compelling.

Dinner at Bambara

I spend a lot of time in Downtown SLC, especially at Capitol Theatre.  Every once in a while I like to have a really nice dinner before I see a performance and Bambara, one of my favorite restaurants, is right across the street!  Dining at Bambara is a lovely experience because it is housed in the elegant lobby of a former bank with high arching windows, brass fixtures, and travertine tiles which really set the mood for a memorable evening.  I also really love the houndstooth upholstery!  The kitchen is in the center of the space allowing Executive Chef Nathan Powers to put his culinary skills on full display.  The cuisine is New American with a seasonal menu emphasizing an exotic twist on familiar dishes.  I tend to stick with vegetarian dishes, which can often be a bit boring, but at Bambara I am always surprised by unexpected flavor combinations.  I recently had dinner there and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I started with Mixed Baby Greens with Beehive Smoked Cheddar, Cinnamon-Ancho Almonds, and Rosemary Cider Vinaigrette ($10.00).  

For the entree I had Black Kale and Asiago Ravioli with Butternut Squash, Cipollini Onion, Walnuts, Artichoke Heart Puree, and Fancy Balsamic ($25.00).

The dessert menu is also quite wonderful.  I had the Turtle Ice Cream Sandwich with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Pecan Crusted Dark Chocolate Cookie, Salted Caramel Drizzle, and Cocoa Nib Crackle ($8.00).  I must confess that I have this every time I come to Bambara!

The wait staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly and I've never been led astray by any of their recommendations.  The hostesses frequently greet me by name which is always a nice touch.  The menu is a bit pricey but I think it is a lot of fun to get all dressed up and have a beautiful evening every once in a while.  Bambara is perfect for a pre-theatre dinner or for a special occasion (there is a special menu for Valentine's Day).  Bambara is located at 202 S. Main Street in Downtown SLC.  It is open for Breakfast: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 10:00 am, Brunch: Saturday - Sunday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, and Dinner: Every Night 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm.  Entrees vary from $25.00 - $43.00.

Hail, Caesar!

Hail, Caesar! is another movie that I have been anticipating for weeks which left me somewhat disappointed.  Normally I am a fan of the Coen Brothers (I love O Brother, Where Art Thou?) but this movie just didn't do it for me.  In the 1950s, the Golden Age of the Hollywood studio system, Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is a "fixer" for Capitol Pictures.  Throughout the course of one day, Mannix must deal with a brassy Esther Williams-like actress (Scarlett Johansson) who is pregnant out of wedlock, a hysterical director of drawing room comedies, Laurence Laurentz (an ascot-wearing Ralph Fiennes), who has been forced to cast an actor more known for his singing cowboy roles (Alden Ehrenreich) as the lead in his picture, and the abduction of his biggest star, Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), by a communist cell, all while trying to avoid not one, but two, rival Hedda Hopper-like gossip columnists, Thora and Thessaly Thacker (Tilda Swinton), who happen to be twin sisters.  We see the dim-witted Whitlock filming an incredibly complicated scene for Hail, Caesar! (a biblical picture modeled on Ben Hur) with chariots, horses, and an endless array of extras, only to flub a line, DeeAnna Moran (Johansson) filming a synchronized sequence underwater in a mermaid costume, Burt Gurney (a blond Channing Tatum) filming a song-and-dance number (reminiscent of Singing in the Rain), Hobie Doyle (Ehrenreich) filming an exciting chase scene on horseback, and, in what might be the funniest moment of the movie, Laurence Laurentz trying to coach Doyle through a single line of dialogue ("Would that it were so easy.")  Most of the time I felt like I was watching TCM and falling asleep during one movie and waking up during another because these vignettes had only the thinnest of narratives tying them together:  Mannix is being headhunted by Lockheed and is, therefore, trying to decide if the pictures he produces are worth the hassles of his job.  The pacing is oftentimes very disjointed and the comedy is frequently interrupted by philosophizing on religion, ideology, art, and entertainment (the scene with the Communists is excruciatingly boring).  It's funny, at times, but it wasn't funny enough to sustain my interest for very long.

Note:  Who knew that Channing Tatum could sing and dance so well?