Alice Kane

Anthony, congrats on your run of Sound of Music! I totally understand how you feel when a show closes. When I was in school (and forever after), the end of a play I was in left me inconsolable! Much good luck for your upcoming Chorus Line auditions! One of my fave shows! So many great parts! Alice

NW - I looooove The Alvin Ailey Dance Company! One of my friends was a patron, so I was able to enjoy many special performances and events. Like you, I enjoy the concept of seeing a few different pieces in one evening. Alice

What a terrific trip report! Sounds like you (and your mom) had an amazing time! Loved your description of Wildfire - reading it along with the video, I felt like I was riding it WITH you! Zero G - whoa! (I'll have to read more about the animals your Mom got a chance to see. I'm sure that's a great area of the park! Roller coasters versus wildlife ???? I think I'd have to make time for BOTH! Alice

I'll give that a go! Thanks for this Epcot update. Definitely an attraction to keep an eye on! Alice

As the Brits would say: "Good on ya, mate!" Meaning, you scored a PRIZE!!" Enjoy your lucky ticket, Anthony. and please do give us your 'Wicked' feedback! Alice

THANKS for your CD alerts! I'll have to check out more about this show. Good fun! Alice

SUPER shot of Betty Buckley (and cast)!! She lived across from me, but I only met her once. Though I DID see her three Shih Tzu when I was walking MY three Shih Tzu. (Shih Tzu don't go crazy for other dogs, but they always showed others of their breed a "professional courtesy" if they met in the park. ("Pleasant weather, isn't it? Well, I'm sure sure you have things to do, and I do, too. Cheers.") Buckley's dog walker/carer said that "following her instructions for feeding her girls was like prepping for a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant!" Anyhoo! Looks like Betty Buckley really prepared herself for this tour! Looks wonderful! Hope it comes to you at some point! P.S. (I noted that Hello Dolly! is coming to Orlando. Hope the Alveys and other near-by residents get to see this old Broadway classic headed by ONE GREAT iconic performer!) Alice

So Guy....how did you and your family enjoy Avenue Q? Alice

Hmmmm...just noted that there are nine unoccupied theaters on Broadway, now. Historic theaters empty and waiting for shows! (Not good for audiences or actors.) Alice

Demon Baby! Oh no! Could it be?? Say it ain't so. It looks like: MAN-CHILD! Now THAT's scary! (GREAT report and photos. Lots of works of art in those characters and costumes! So much to see!) Alice

Thanks! Will check it out! Alice

Do they have wasabi DARK chocolate KitKats? I bet they do! Such perfection! Looks like there is NOTHING you can't find in Japan! Alice

Hard to believe that such a talented, vibrant performer has been taken at such a young age. She was so full of life. I wish I'd seen her cabarets. I bet they were spectacular! I'm glad that Broadway dimmed the lights for her....she so deserved that. Alice

Merci! Alice

I know that Broadway will probably not dim its lights for Bert Reynolds, but to his genuine credit, he had a place in his heart for theater. Bert Reynold's Dinner Theater in Jupiter, FL was a special place for both audiences and its actors from around the country. He took a lot of pride in bringing theater to his beloved region of FLA. (I got a call back once for final casting in God's Favorite (I LOVED the goofy twin sister part), but alas the final director from LA called in at the very last moment, thought I was 'too much of an ingenue' and not 'goofy' enuf for his version of brooooad comedy. Yeah, boy did it hurt. ''The part that got away.' (I LOVED that Simon comedy schitck.) I had stayed at my mom's home in the FL area, practically being assured by Director No. 1 that I had the part!! Depression time! Anyway! I know many performers who DID work at Bert's theater and it was an excellent experience! How sad that this legend is gone.... Alice

He also wrote the libretto of a several musicals in his time...."Sweet Charity," "They're Playing Our Song," and "Promises Promises," to name a few... A giant in the theatre world. He will be missed. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/193120/neil-simon-tony-pulitzer-winner-of-lost-in-yonkers-the-odd-couple-dies-at-91/ Neil Simon was a gem. (I'd forgotten about his musical librettos.) His prolific comedies kept so many actors working during the 'golden age' of tours and dinner theaters! It was fun to do his shows - they all had a similar comedic style that set up every 'punchline.' He was a genuine talent, and I truly feel sad that yet another Broadway legend, and a nice guy, is gone.... Alice

Obviously there's the Carousel and the Cyclone. Everything else is a Zamperla attraction except for their Sling Shot ride, which is a Funtime semi-portable installation, and (I believe) their Coney Island Raceway go-kart track. So it's not unprecedented for Central Amusements to reach out beyond Zamperla's portfolio for a specialty attraction. From my readings on Coney Island... "In 2010 Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. was selected by CAI (Central Amusement International) to restore and renovate the Coney Island area, the company managed the amusement park in New York installing only Zamperla rides, representing a perfect test bed for new attractions before to launch them." Unlike companies such as Intamin, Vekoma, or Bolliger & Mabillard that concentrate on larger and faster roller coasters, Zamperla focuses on more family-friendly roller coasters that can be easily mass-produced, taken down, and transported to different locations. They are also a major manufacturer of flat rides. That being said, while Zamperla deserves praise for a 'job well-done,' I, myself, would have been happier to see some of the other companies mentioned above being invited to produce a greater, more exciting diversity of coasters! Greedy Alice

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/193110/craig-zadan-trailblazing-smash-producer-who-reignited-musicals-on-screen-dies-at-69/ I have loved several of his musical productions, either live on stage, on tv (i.e. Bette Midler in Gypsy, 1993; Smash), or in the movie theatre (i.e. Chicago 2002). I will miss him. A sad loss of an exceptional talent. He leaves a legacy that the Broadway world will deservedly keep alive! Alice

Having had a lifelong love affair with Coney Island, it's always thrilling to read of any and all new adventures coming to the park/boardwalk. Am very curious to to try out the Ropes Course. Sad to say, I've never had the opportunity to try one. I think Coney Island would be my perfect introduction! Alice

Thanks for giving us a glimpse into Epcot's pavilion's greenhouse! That's a treat I would definitely take time to enjoy - and, for certain, be amazed! Alice

Thanks so much for not only sharing Kennywood's Thomas Town opening, but also allowing us to remember the magic of theme parks from the eyes of a child. Morgan and Molly's smiles are a beautiful beginning to all the fun adventures that life has in store for them - and for your beautiful family! Alice

Richard Burton in EQUUS! 1/2 price ticket! Whatta major coup! You lucky, lucky guy! (I saw Equus, but Burton was no longer in it.) What a magnificent play! (Hard to believe I actually got a call-back for the young girl's role -- but I was in England then...and no way were they not getting a "name" for that part. But it was fun to see John Dexter at the open call. And it was equally fun to - many years later - win an original EQUUS tee-shirt at Bdway's annual Shubert Alley raffle - (black with that beautiful horse head graphic)! Yup! I agree 100 percent with you that the "Golden Age of Musicals" was a cool time to be around. You saw more Broadway musicals than most of my friends - and you have the greatest collection of music and posters! Alice

Gourmet heaven has GOT to be a food and wine festival at Disneyland Paris! AND hosted by one of my favorite rodents: REMY! (Maybe it's a good thing that I won't be able to partake of the festivities. I'd go nuts over all the Remy collectibles!) To all attendees... BON APPETIT! Alice

There is something so EERIE about these parks (made even more bizarro by the "Green KKK" conventioneers taking over the place). The murky weather heightens the mood - as does the Storyteller's pitch-perfect delivery (dare I say 'a bit like Dateline's Keith Morrison!'). Anyway! A fiendishly fun commentary, Chuck. I really enjoyed this opportunity to see Japan's two eccentric (in the best possible way!) parks! Alice

So excited to see Aaron Tveit back on Broadway, it looks amazing! Interesting to read customer reviews in Boston. Mixed bag. The talent, the technical work and the pure spectacle of the show are greatly applauded. But the main disappointments seemed concerned with the adaptation of the music and writing. Some found it too "gimmicky" and "hokey." But I suspect it will attract audiences for all its positives - surely for its 'ole razzle dazzle!' Alice