Pippin: A Magical Musical Fable In Search Of . . . What?

When the musical Pippin first opened on Broadway in 1972 it was a sensation.
Not because it broke new ground for its genre, though it did.
And not because all the critics loved it, because they didn't. Nor did audiences immediately flock to see it.
No, Pippin triumphed the old-fashioned way. The show earned its nearly five-year run through hard work and smart, innovative, relentless marketing.
Pippin was not only one of the first Broadway shows to advertise on television but it also presented the first TV commercial that actually showed scenes from a Broadway show. That was an audacious gamble by the producers.
The Pippin commercial (see below) ran for 60 seconds and showed original star Ben Vereen and two other dancers in an instrumental dance sequence called "Glory." The commercial ended with the tagline, "You can see the other 119 minutes of Pippin live at the Imperial Theatre, without commercial interruption."

Because it's not a traditional or "formula" musical, Pippin has always been a show that had to seek its audience.

But now, 41 years later everything has changed.

This time, Pippin is one of the hottest tickets on Broadway. It's sold-out night after night, and with good reason. Pippin is that rare find: A sometimes disturbing musical of real substance that it also funny, whimsical, dazzling and hugely entertaining.

The story revolves around the son (Pippin) of the real-life, Middle Ages emperor Charlemange and his search for a life of meaning. Of course, it's only very loosely based on history.

The infinitely charming (but often clueless) Pippin wanders through his own story with the help of a cynical, manipulative coach/narrator (the Leading Player) and her dexterous chorus. Along the way he tries life as an erstwhile student; as a warrior in his father's army; as an unabashed hedonist, as pretender to the throne, as grandma's favorite and as a simple farmer.

Pippin fumbles and stumbles and takes longer than you might expect to find his way. And all of this unfolds in a circus atmosphere filled with mischief, magic and incredible acrobatics the likes of which Broadway has not seen since Cy Coleman's Barnum or Billy Rose's Jumbo. We guarantee you -- the feats of daring performed on the stage will astound you.
This American Repertory Theater (ART) production of Pippin directed by Diane Paulus has rightfully been called "a Pippin for the 21st century" and that's certainly evident in everything the production has to offer. Like Bob Fosse's other masterpiece, Chicago this is a show that was way ahead of its time. Now, updated and resonating with the cool irony and familiar ennui of 2013, the show has an instant appeal that spans generations and rouses audiences with an irresistible combination of form and substance.

You'll see flashes of Company (a young man's search for meaning), Cameot (a royal struggle) and even Monty Python (the ribald, bloody humor) in this Pippin. But this remains a thoroughly original concept beautifully realized.
As Pippin, Matthew James Thomas demonstrates an enigmatic appeal that makes you root for him even when his character is exasperating. As the Leading Player, Patina Miller (2103 Tony Award) is commanding, feisty and always surprising. As the emperor, Terrance Mann is appropriately regal -- in a burlesque sort of way -- striking just the right tone. As Fastrada, Charlotte D'Amboise is delightfully cunning. And as Pippin's grandmother, Andrea Martin (2013 Tony Award) stops the show with her rousing number No Time At All. Truly, she brings the audience to its feet.
But the truth is that the entire cast is splendid and we urge you to see the show with this original 2013 cast for it will never be quite the same again. This is the new gold standard.
So, in the end exactly what is Pippin in search of?
What does this young man want?
What is the musical all about?
Well, there's a helluva lot more than razzle dazzle at work here -- we can tell you that.
But for the ultimate answer, you'll have to head on over top the Music Box Theater on Broadway.
Do it!

'Voice' Finalist To Join Groban In Philly 11/3

Judith Hill, a finalist on NBC’s hit show The Voice, joins multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban when Groban’s “In The Round” North American Tour visits the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, November 3.

Hill has been praised by Rolling Stone for her "stellar powerhouse vocals," and is featured in the film 20 Feet From Stardom and on the accompanying soundtrack. She is also known for her duet with Michael Jackson on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” — a highlight of the late singer’s posthumously released 2009 film, This Is It.

The singer, songwriter and musician will be recording her debut solo release due out later this year.

Groban’s “In The Round” tour will give fans a one-of-a-kind, 360-degree concert experience. By performing on a stage placed in the middle of the floor, Groban will interact with fans from all sides of the venue as he sings classic songs that span his illustrious 12-year-career. The “In the Round” tour builds on the concept of Groban’s 2011 “Straight To You” world tour, bringing the intimate feel of a theater experience to an arena setting.

Tickets for Groban’s “In The Round”  are on sale now exclusively through ComcastTIX, online at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the Wells Fargo Center box office.

For more information on Josh Groban’s “In the Round “ tour visit: www.joshgroban.com

"Christiecrats" -- A Powerful, New Political Force

From WNYC's news report, "New Jersey's New Political Party: Christiecrats."

Great August Lineup At NMAJH In Philadelphia

August Events and Activities at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia A Snowy Day in August: Keats Family Day Join us this Sunday, August 4 at NMAJH for A Snowy Day in August: Keats Family Day. This program is free with Museum admission. Photo Credit: Matthew Christopher Watch animated films of Keats books including The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Peter's Chair, A Letter to Amy, and Apt. 3.Enjoy How to Build a Storm: The Weather Show presented by The Franklin Institute at 1:30 pm. Various arts and crafts activities will take place throughout the Museum, including book-making, hat-decorating, and puppet-making. Listen to hourly storytelling and readings from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Click here for more information. Hemmed Up: Meet the Artists "So wild is the roar of the machines in the sweatshop, I often forget that I'm part of the scene..." - Morris Rosenfeld (1862-1923) The quote above is just an excerpt of the many texts encoded in our new special exhibition Hemmed Up: Stories through Textiles, created by acclaimed Philadelphia-based artists Keir Johnston andErnel Martinez of the Amber Art Collective for the inaugural year of the Museum's OPEN for Interpretation artist-in-residence program.     Artists  Ernel Martinez and Keir Johnston Photo Credit: Matthew Christopher   On Wednesday, August 7 at 7:00 pm, meet the artists and take a close-up look at their fabric-based installation. Gain insights from the artists firsthand and view a short film byKevin Shields about this unique endeavor.    To learn more about thisfree program and to register, click here.    Object of the Month: Baseball Board Games Mark Cooper's Baseball Games    Photo Credit: Ivy Weingram Ever imagine what it would be like to play Major League baseball?   Manage a Major League  team? Or call a Phillies  game from the booth?  You're not alone.   Baseball fans of all ages  have been imagining  themselves in America's  greatest game since the 19th century.   Board games, action and simulation games, and eventually Fantasy Baseball have all satisfied the desire to feel  a part of the game.Read more...   Coming Next Month: Grandparents' Day  Don't miss Grandparents' Day on Sunday, September 8. Enjoy film screenings of animated Keats and Sendak books as well as arts and crafts activities throughout the Museum. Docent-led conversations, guided tours, spotlight talks, and storytelling will be offered throughout the day. The Museum will be free for grandparents and children 12 and under.

Youth Unemployment At 16% For July

Generation Opportunity, a national, non-partisan youth advocacy organization, is announcing its Millennial Jobs Report for July 2013. The data is non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) and is specific to 18-29 year olds:

• The effective (U6) unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds, which adjusts for labor force participation by including those who have given up looking for work, is 16.1 percent (NSA).

• The declining labor force participation rate has created an additional 1.8 million young adults that are not counted as “unemployed” by the U.S. Department of Labor because they are not in the labor force, meaning that those young people have given up looking for work due to the lack of jobs.

• The (U3) unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds is 11.6 percent (NSA). The (U3) unemployment rate for 18-29 year old African-Americans is 20.9 percent (NSA); the (U3) unemployment rate for 18-29 year old Hispanics is 12.4 percent (NSA); and the (U3) unemployment rate for 18–29 year old women is 10.8 percent (NSA).

Evan Feinberg, President of Generation Opportunity, issued the following statement:

“Looks like another bad month for young people. Last week we learned from Gallup that only 43.6% of 18-29 year olds are employed full-time and now we have another Millennial Jobs Report showing roughly 1 in 6 18-29 year olds are out of work entirely.

"This jobs report shows that Obamacare and other 'solutions' coming from Washington are scaring off employers from hiring, and as a result my generation is getting stuck in a cycle of part-time, temporary jobs – not the meaningful careers for which they studied. It's tragic to see a generation as talented and innovative as mine go to waste.

"Young people deserve better than to pick up the tab for the irresponsible policies coming out of Washington, and we deserve better than part-time work flipping burgers. Politicians need to acknowledge that their efforts to "help" are relegating us to second-class citizens."

Generation Opportunity is a national, non-partisan organization advocating for economic opportunity for young people through less government and more freedom.

NJ: Buono Running Mate Not Garnering Raves

Off To A Bad Start

In Milly Silva’s First Week On The Campaign, Barbara Buono’s Choice For Lieutenant Governor Is Raising A Growing Number Of Troubling Issues

_____________________________________

NJ TV’s Mike Schneider: “It was supposed to be a fresh start, the kind of announcement that could jump start the gubernatorial campaign of Senator Barbara Buono. But it seems that her decision to run with Milly Silva has become a central issue in and of itself.” (NJ TV’s “NJ Today,” 8/1/13)

ALLEGATIONS OF “RETALIATORY AND DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS”

In A Lawsuit Filed In Essex County, Silva Is Accused Of Having An Employee Of 1199 SEIU Fired After Challenging Silva In An Election For Her Leadership Position. “A lawsuit filed this year in Essex County offers another perspective on Silva's role as a leader. Odette Machado, a former staff member for New Jersey Service Employees International Union Local 1199, which Silva leads, claims that Silva defeated her in a contentious union election and then, in retaliation, fired her the next day. … “After Machado lost the election, she claimed the ‘voting process appeared suspicious’ and appealed to a union board. The board split its vote about whether the election should be overturned, handing the election to Silva, the suit says. … The next day, June 30, 2006, Machado was fired and denied two weeks of pay. Machado filed suit, and in a partial settlement won back her severance.” (Matt Katz, “Views emerge on Buono running mate Milly Silva,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/1/13)
     · “Machado alleges that in 2006, Silva took ‘a series of retaliatory and discriminatory actions’ after it became clear that she planned to challenge Silva for the presidency. Machado claims she was demoted without warning and given impractical assignments in the existing administrative position she held. "In short,’ the suit alleges, ‘Silva made it impossible for the plaintiff to complete her job and campaign effectively.’”

LACK OF EXPERIENCE

The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran: “It was [Barbara Buono’s] first big decision, and it was a clunker.” (Tom Moran, “Milly Silva is a grand pick, but not for this job,” Star-Ledger, 7/30/13)
     · “We can turn later to the horrendously bad judgment Sen. Barbara Buono showed by picking her as a running mate.”
     · “View this choice through a narrow political lens, and it makes sense. Buono has almost no money, and has generated no excitement.”
     · “So what’s wrong with this choice? The answer is that Silva is not remotely qualified to be governor of New Jersey.  She has never held public office -- not as a legislator, not as a school board member, not even as an appointed advisor.”
South Jersey Times: “Thoroughly baffling Milly is Barbara Buono's choice” (Editorial, “Thoroughly baffling Milly is Barbara Buono's choice,” South Jersey Times , 7/30/13)
NJ TV’s Michael Aron: “Buono might have scored more points with this selection if it had been somebody of more stature in state politics. … A mayor … might have moved the meter a little bit more than ‘Milly Who’.” (NJ TV’s “Reporters Roundtable,” 7/27/13)

FAILURE TO VOTE

PolitickerNJ: “Buono's LG Votes Sporadically, According To Records” (Matthew Arco, “Buono's LG Votes Sporadically, According To Records,”PolitickerNJ,8/1/13)
     · Silva Failed To Vote In Either The Primary Or General Election In 2009. (Essex County Clerk’s Office, Election Record Information, Accessed: 7/29/13)
     · Silva Also Failed To Vote In The 2007 & 2011 General Elections. (Essex County Clerk’s Office, Election Record Information, Accessed: 7/29/13)
“Silva Was Not Even A Registered Democrat Until 2012 When She Switched From Unaffiliated To The Democratic Party.” (Matthew Arco, “Buono's LG Votes Sporadically, According To Records,”PolitickerNJ, 8/1/13)
     · The Buono Campaign Defended Silva By Arguing She Was Unaware Of Her Registration Status. “Silva, according to the Buono campaign, says her previous unaffiliated status was an error. ‘It was brought to her attention at the convention that they didn’t have her as a Democrat,’ said Buono spokesman David Turner, referring to Silva being a New Jersey delegate at the 2012 Democratic National Committee.”

OPEN HOSTILITY TO SMALL BUSINESS

The New Jersey Chapter Of The National Federation Of Independent Business “This is an unmistakable message to small business in New Jersey that big labor is going to have the run of the Statehouse …” (Tom Zanki, “Business Groups Wary Of Buono's Expected Running Mate,” NJBIZ, 7/27/13)
     · “Silva is a longtime union organizer and president of the SEIU Local 1199 — the organization is one of the most ideological political forces within the union movement, and has led fights in every state and in Washington, D.C., for policies that concern small-business owners."
     · “This is [Senator Buono’s] first important decision as a candidate for Governor and it very clearly signals that she has already taken sides in future debates in which small business owners will have an interest … It’s very troubling and I think unfortunate for the business community in New Jersey.” (National Federation of Independent Business, “Small Business Worries about Labor Organizer on Gubernatorial Ticket,” Press Release, 7/29/13)
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce: "We have concerns about the lieutenant governor candidate in tandem with the governor. The track record doesn't leave a positive feeling.” (Tom Zanki, “Business Groups Wary Of Buono's Expected Running Mate,” NJBIZ, 7/27/13)

Nova To Meet Arch Rival Delaware 11/23 At PPL Park

Tickets are on sale now for the annual Battle of the Blue rivalry game between Villanova University and University of Delaware, which the Wildcats will host at PPL Park on Saturday, November 23, in the final game of the regular season.  Villanova University has defeated the Blue Hens in six of the seven years that the annual meeting between the teams has been branded as the “Battle of the Blue,” including a 41-10 win at University of Delaware last season. 

Tickets for this year’s game can be purchased online or over the phone by calling ComcastTIX at 800-298-4200.  Ticket prices range from $20-36 based on location in the stadium.  Please note that no tickets will be sold through the Villanova University Ticket Office. 

In addition to the game itself Villanova University will also celebrate Senior Day prior to kickoff.  The annual ceremony to honor the Wildcats graduating seniors will take place on the field before the start of the game.  There will also be a Villanova University Fan Fest area outside of the stadium that is open to all fans prior to the game. 

Last year in the Battle of the Blue game at Delaware Stadium the Wildcats never trailed and scored 27 unanswered points en route to a 31-point margin of victory.  Kevin Monangaiand John Robertson each ran for over 130 yards and a touchdown in the game and Villanova University returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the contest out of reach. 

Villanova University went 8-4 last season and reached the FCS playoffs for the fourth time in five years.  The win over the University of Delaware enabled the Wildcats to secure the automatic CAA Football bid to the Division I Football Championship, and also gave Villanova University at least eight victories for the fourth time since 2008.

This season the Wildcats return 16 starters and have been picked as preseason favorites to finish atop the CAA standings.  Six different players earned preseason All-CAA mention at the league’s media day last week, while senior defensive lineman Antoine Lewis and senior offensive lineman Dan Shirey were each chosen as Sports Network Preseason All-Americans. 

Christie Video: Work Together To Get Things Done!

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, and Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura meet with residents in the Ironbound area of Newark.

Philly Area Conservative Events, Issues - July & August

A special message from the Independence Hall Tea Party Association:

Dear Members and Friends,
July has been an incredibly busy month for us.

Since our very successful 5th Annual Independence Day Celebration, we have been working behind the scenes on plans to advance the conservative movement in our region. We hope to unveil our vision at the end of this year.

In the meantime, we have much to report as the dog days of August are shaping up to be a very critical time in our struggle to defund ObamaCare and to defeat the Senate immigration bill.

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick kicks off the August Town Hall Season with one of his own, tomorrow morning. See details below. (Please let us know of any town halls in your Congressional District by calling us at 267.531.8169.)

Here is a quick rundown of important matters:

* The latest legal challenge to the PA Voter ID law has resulted in the third delay of
its implementation. The Voter ID law will not be in effect for this November's
general election.

Worst of all, it could be completely overturned. As a Commonwealth Court Judge
heard closing arguments yesterday, his decision could be rendered any day.

No matter how he rules, expect a challenge to the PA Supreme Court.

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/08/01/pa-judge-weighing-arguments-to-overturn-states-voter-id-law/

* Governor Chris Christie must decide soon whether or not to veto the 'gun
control' legislation which reached his desk at the end of June. Only one of the
bills does anything to protect the Second Amendment. It would prevent the
media from publicizing the names, addresses, and contact information of gun
owners.

Of the remaining bills, the most egregious is A-3659/S-2179, which would ban
outright .50 caliber weapons.

To his credit, Governor Christie has already vetoed a bill that would have
forbidden the state from investing in companies that make, import, or sell assault
weapons.

If you live in NJ, Please contact Gov. Christie @ 609.292.6000 and ask to
speak with his aid Jean Ashmore and/or tweet him @GovChristie. Then
urge that he veto the dozen or so gun bills, sitting on his desk, which erode
Second Amendment rights.

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/07/urge_christie_to_veto_gun_bills_and_win_a_chance_for_a_free_firearm_nj_group_offers.html

* Before convening for its August recess, the US House of Representatives will
vote for the 40th time to repeal ObamaCare. Our Region's Republican
Congressmen are expected to vote unanimously for the repeal. Please
remember to thank them for their consistent opposition to this disastrous law.

During the upcoming recess, we also urge you to visit the local office of your
Congressman/woman and/or attend their Town Halls, regardless of party.
Urge him/her to dismantle ObamaCare.

As well, please tell your Representatives to do everything they can to stop the
1200 page 'gang of eight' Senate immigration bill.

If you wish to conact your Congressman/woman by phone, please dial the
Capitol Switchboard @ 202.224.3121 and ask to be connected to the
appropriate office.

Upcoming Event

Mike Fitzpatrick Town Hall
When: Saturday, August 3, 10 AM
Where: Bucks County Community College, Bristol Campus Auditorium, 1304
Veterans Highway, Bristol Township (off of routes I-95 and 413).

Hope to see you!
On behalf of the Association Board,
Teri Adams

Manhattan In The Rain: What To Do?

We're in Manhattan for a couple of days and it's raining.
Yes, raining -- again!
We've had an exceptionally wet summer. Only last week, some parts of our area got eight inches of rain in just one day.
But we've had these plans to come into Gotham for some time and we weren't about to change them just because it's raining.
Would we prefer sunny weather? Of course we would.
But, not to worry. New York provides lots to do, no matter the weather.
After checking into the legendary Algonquin Hotel on 44th between 5th and 6th we headed on over to a certified national historic landmark, Grand Central Station. On the way over we saw former Senator (and former vice presidential candidate) Joe Lieberman entering the Harvard Club on 44th. He briskly exited a cab steps ahead of us and was greeted cheerfully as he entered the club.
Anyway, our trip to Grand Central was twofold: We wanted to see spectacular photos of the massive east end connection being constructed 18 stories below the ground to connect the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central from the east side of Manhattan. And, we wanted to pay homage to this great, gilded edifice during its centennial. Yes, this is the 100th birthday-anniversary of Grand Central Station.
Of course, it was lunchtime so, while at Grand Central we headed to the concourse restaurant area and ate at one of our favorite haunts, Junior's -- the famous Brooklyn eatery noted for its burgers, deli delights and other treats.
All we can tell you is this: Junior's half-pound hot dog must be seen (and eaten) to be believed! We'll try to post a photo of it (with apologies to Anthony Weiner as THIS wiener beats all the competition) as soon as we can.
But, back to Grand Central. There will be events and activities throughout the rest of the year at Grand Central to mark this major milestone for an American treasure. For more information go to www.grandcentralterminal.com/centennial.
From Grand Central we headed on over to the main branch of the New York Public Library at 42nd and Fifth for a wonderful new exhibit on children's literature.
The ABC of It, Why Children's Books Matter is an examination of why children’s books are important: what and how they teach children, and what they reveal about the societies that produced them. Through a dynamic array of objects and activities, the exhibition celebrates the extraordinary richness, artistry, and diversity of children’s literature across cultures and time.
We can't even begin to tell you how much you will see in this outstanding exhibition but we can tell you that you will see original manuscripts, drawings, historic books and letters and some of the library's most prized processions -- the original stuffed animals that inspired the Winnie The Pooh books by A. A. Milne. This includes Pooh bear, Tigger and the others.
The exhibition is worthy of your attention if only for this. But it contains so much more.
The ABC of It draws on collections across the Library to present the literature for children and teens against a sweeping backdrop of history, the arts, popular culture, and technological change. The books and related objects on view reveal hidden historical contexts and connections and invite second looks and fresh discoveries. They suggest that books for young people have stories to tell us about ourselves, and are rarely as simple as they seem.
For more information go to http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/abc-it.
And, BTW: Both the Grand Central photo exhibit and The ABC of It are free!
We'll keep you posted as we dodge the raindrops and continue to enjoy lil 'ole Manhattan. More to come . . .