Category Archives: FAME

FAME, Music, NYC

F.A.M.E NYC Remembers Lou Reed

Leave a comment

My earliest memory of Lou Reed was hearing his music and saying, “I wanna write like that.” His voice…his poetry – it’s artistic perfection.  When I heard of Lou Reed’s passing, I was devastated.  We want our artistic heroes to be immortal but our flesh doesn’t work that way.  It wrinkles, it ages, it fades and dies.  Thankfully we have his music, brimming with energy and moments accompanied by sound. I would like to share some of my favorite Lou Reed songs.  After all his music tells his story better than I ever could.  RIP Lou Reed!

Photo: Getty

 

Arts, FAME, NYC

Rare Torah on Display at The Met

Leave a comment

Beginning October 1, The Met debuts a rare 15-century handwritten copy of the Mishneh Torah by the renowned medieval scholar Moses Maimonides.  The work will be showcased in The Lawrence A. and Barbara Fleischman Gallery of Late Medieval Secular Art among other 15th-century works from Europe and will remain at The Met through January 5, 2014.

Created in Northern Italy around 1457 by Marco Barbo, Bishop of Treviso, the Hebrew text includes the eight final books of the Mishneh Torah, or “Repetition of the Law,” the first systematic collection of Jewish law. Amassed between 1170 and 1180 by rabbi, physician, and philosopher Moses Maimonides, the Mishneh Torah is organized by subject matter and contains six large painted panels decorated in exquisite pigments and gold leaf and 41 smaller illustrations with gold lettering decorating the opening words of each chapter.

The beautifully adorned text was acquired jointly by The Metropolitan Museum and The Israel Museum in Jerusalem in April. Prior to its presentation at the Metropolitan, the manuscript underwent restoration at the Israel Museum, where it has been on long-term loan since 2007 and on view to the public since 2010. The Mishneh Torah was purchased for The Israel Museum by René and Susanne Braginsky, Zurich; Renée and Lester Crown, Schusterman Foundation  and Judy and Michael Steinhardt. It was purchased for The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Director’s funds and Judy and Michael Steinhardt Gift.

FAME, Going Out, NYC, Theatre

Romeo and Juliet, #TheBomb or #Bomb…

Leave a comment

When it comes to love stories, none is more well-known than that of Juliet and her Romeo.  William Shakespeare literally wrote the book (or should I say play) on the notion of star-crossed lovers.  The adaptations of this classic are endless, yet the public never tires of the story of love gone awry.  So it goes that after 36 years, William Shakespeare‘s Romeo and Juliet has returned to the stage of the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

0306_Romeo&Juliet (c) Carol RossegDirector David Leveaux’s version of Romeo and Juliet takes Shakespearian English and injects it into modern setting.  Another added twist to the original plot is the subject of race – the Montagues are a white family and the Capulets are black.  Hollywood hottie Orlando Bloom and Broadway sensation Condola Rashad play the young, ill-fated lovers.  All these elements should’ve have produced results that were more explosive than a NASA rocket launch to the moon.  Instead, it was more the equivalent of high school chemistry nerds experimenting after class – yeah; there was a little smoke, but no real fire (except for the random bursts of fire on stage).

Although I wasn’t expecting Romeo and Juliet to declare their love on Facebook, I also didn’t expect the term ‘modern’ to be interpreted in such a banal fashion.  The set, which consisted of a ginormous bell, an elevated plank of wood for a balcony, and a wall that contained a Renaissance secco, was uninspiring and a poor match for the lush verse of one of William Shakespeare’s greatest works.  The first time Orlando Bloom appears on stage he is riding a motorcycle, and while that might be modern it is also clichéd.  At the Capulet’s soiree, I thought the choreography would carry an element of hip-hop or krunking, something other than the interpretations of African dance that were exhibited on stage. The nurse walking a bicycle to deliver a message to Romeo and the parkour climbing of the graffiti-ridden mural does add a nod to a more modern era; however these devices failed to deliver on such a promising idea.

0024_Romeo&Juliet (c) Carol RossegThe cast seem to hurry through the dialogue as if they were just trying to get it over with.  Shakespearean English is a mouthful, literally, but the pace was so rushed that some of the beauty of Shakespeare‘s poetry was lost in this interpretation.  While Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad certainly looked as if they had the potential to rival the flames that occasionally appeared on stage, their scenes together were undersupplied of the heat necessary for me to believe that these two would rather die than live life apart.  Brent Carver, Christian Camargo and Jayne Houdyshell’s portrayals of Friar Laurence, Mercutio and the Nurse were an absolute pleasure to watch and brought balance to this production.

Director Baz Luhrmann attempted a modern interpretation Romeo and Juliet on screen in 1996, back when I thought modern versions of Shakespeare were a sacrilege, and it actually became one of my favorite depictions of this classic love story.  Perhaps Leveaux should’ve taken a few notes from this film.  After 36 years, this Romeo and Juliet ascended to no grander heights nor did it plateau to a great theater low.  All and all it was steady and flat, just like the boards of the balcony – wooden and just plain regular.

Photos:  Carol Rosseg

Arts, FAME, NYC, Theater

F.A.M.E NYC’S A TIME FOR BROADWAY TICKET GIVEAWAY

5 Comments

What does actor Samuel L. Jackson, Warner Bros., John Grisham and Wynwood Press have in common?

The answer: A TIME TO KILL

The September breeze brings with it a new season and on Broadway it means the start of the fall shows.  In October, A Time to Kill will make its Broadway debut, also marking the debut of an adaptation of a work from best-selling author John Grisham.  Adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes A Time to Kill stars fellow Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins and Emmy Award winner Tom Skerritt. In case you forgot, A Time to Kill tells the emotionally charged, now-iconic story of a young, idealistic lawyer, Jake Brigance, defending a black man, Carl Lee Hailey, for taking the law into his own hands following an unspeakable crime committed against his young daughter. Their small Mississippi town is thrown into upheaval, and Jake finds himself arguing against the formidable district attorney, Rufus Buckley, and under attack from both sides of a racially divided city. This drama is a thrilling courtroom battle where the true nature of what is right and what is moral are called into question.

NOW I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU FAMERS…DO YOU LIKE FREE TICKETS?

Of course you do.  And if you can finish this Carl Lee Hailey quote, then you could win yourself a pair of tickets to see A Time to Kill.

“Yes they deserve to die and I hope they burn in _________!”

Please leave your answer as a comment and your email address will be automatically entered to win the tickets.  Contest ends 5 p.m. September 27, 2013.  Don’t miss your opportunity to see this powerful story on stage, ENTER.  GOOD LUCK!

A Time to Kill begins previews at The John Golden Box Office (252 West 45th Street) on September 28 and opens on October 20.  To learn more about the show please visit:

Website: www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ATimeToKillBway

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ATimeToKillBway

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ATimeToKillBway

Arts, FAME, NYC

On The Margins of a Portrait Places Its Borders in Brooklyn

Leave a comment

One of my favorite jazz albums is Miles Davis’ Sketches of Spain.  Released in 1960, it is considered to be a textbook blending of jazz, European classical and world music.  The melodies are haunting and delicate.  Last Saturday, I found myself dangling from the same subtle, yet lingering lines found in Nancy Friedemann’s work.

Currently showing at The Gallery @ 1GAP is Friedemann’s latest exhibition of works titled, On the Margins of a Portrait Places.  With a nod to Minimalism and The Pattern Decoration Movement, the exhibit is comprised of large panel pieces and smaller paintings.  With a black backdrop, Friedemann creates a mash-up of nature and the roots of her Columbian heritage.  As the absoluteness of the noir framework attempts to consume the viewer’s eye completely, Friedemann creates depth and refinement by adding illustrations of lace and botanical imagery to contrast the darkness.  Together Friedemann’s works present a modern interpretation of yin and yang – a tango between masculine and feminine.   One of the aspects I appreciated from viewing On the Margins of a Portrait Places is Friedemann’s use of Minimalism.  I was able to get a true sense of the intricacy of the brush strokes and how the use of color brought the paintings to life.

Located inside Richard Meier on Prospect Park, a residential building, On the Margins of a Portrait Places will be on display at The Gallery @ 1GAP until August 2013.

 

Photo: F.A.M.E NYC Editor

Arts, FAME, NYC

Apollo Theater Presents Breakin’ Convention

Video Leave a comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

FAME, NYC

F.A.M.E NYC WANTS YOU!

Leave a comment

F.A.M.E NYC

 

 

Hey New York!

F.A.M.E NYC is growing and we need your help. ‘Like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates and don’t forget to tell your friends about us.  Our journey continues and we really appreciate your support.

Click here:

www.facebook.com/famenycmag

www.twitter.com/famenycmag

THANK YOU!

The F.A.M.E NYC Team

Arts, FAME, NYC

Cross Connection to Stardom, a Conversation with Nathaniel Ryan

Leave a comment

The lights of New York City lure artists from all over the globe like moths to the proverbial flame.  Hundreds flock to this concrete jungle in search of big game.  But the starry-eyed  desire of fame isn’t just a dream for those who migrate to The Big Apple.  Before Jennifer Lopez was reminding everyone that she was just Jenny from the block, she rode the six train from the Bronx into Manhattan in search of her big break.  Maxwell rode the J train before he ascended on top of the music charts.  Nathaniel Ryan is a New York City artist poised to make the transfer from anonymity to prominence.  Singer, actor, model, playwright…Ryan has several conduits that can take him to the Promised Land.  If his future is as bright as his smile, then Ryan’s prospects are as vast as The Milky Way.  And his humble demeanor only make him more intriguing.  50 Cent asked 21 questions, but I only ask 10…

Usually I don’t begin interviews with this question, but after reading your biography I just have to ask…what is an actor, singer and model doing with an MBA from Clark Atlanta University?

While in High School and College I never thought about acting, drama or singing.   I went to Morgan State University and studied Finance.   While there I also modeled in the school’s Fashion shows.  After an internship on Wall Street, I went back to school and studied finance at Clark Atlanta University.  After I graduated I soon found that being behind a desk was not an ideal life for me.  I met a photographer who took pictures for my first comp card. From there I started getting work.  I started taking classes.  And as they say I was hooked.

Your bio stated you were born in Brooklyn.  Were you also raised in Brooklyn and if so, how did growing up in a borough known for being eclectic influence you artistically?

I am a native New Yorker.  Born and raised in Flatbush Brooklyn.  Flatbush was a great area to grow up in.  I grew up around West Indians, Jews and a lot of other cultures and races.  My mom made sure she took me to see Broadway shows, the museum, and the library.  Subconsciously I think that it has had a profound impact on me and the way I think and how I perceive art.  It’s not something I appreciated growing up but I am glad I did those things now as an adult.

Who are your three biggest acting influences?

My three biggest acting influences are: Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

You have acted on film and stage.  Hollywood is the Mecca for film, but Broadway is the Mecca of the theatre world.  Which medium do you prefer and why?

I love [the] theatre.  Being on stage keeps you on your toes.  And every show is different.  I ultimately would like to do more film and television, but as of right now I am enjoying my pursuit to be a working actor on Broadway.

Out of all the roles you have played, which one has been the most fun? Which has been the most challenging? And why?

Every role has played has given me an opportunity to grow as an actor.  I love working on original thought provoking pieces.  Bringing a character to life is a challenge in itself.  I would say my greatest challenge has been playing a survivor of the holocaust in Rwanda.  Truthfully playing a man who survived such horrors was a challenge and humbling to say the least.

Name your dream role on stage and on film?

A dream role would be to play an original character or [a] historical person Huey Newtown, Marcus Garvey [or] Emperor Haile Selassie.  Men who have taken on impossible odds and thrived.

As a singer, who are your influences?

As a vocalist I am growing and coming into my own.  Some of my influences are Donny Hathaway, Daryl Coley and Ella Fitzgerald.

How would you describe your vocal style?

My vocal style is still growing.  Right now I would say my favorite style is Jazz and Gospel.  But I would say I am not clinging to one particular style.

Are you in the process of recording a demo or an EP?

No.  I am not recording a demo or EP at the moment.

If Diddy and Tyler Perry came to you and offered you the opportunity to sign a three album contract and a world tour or a deal for six films and a starring role on a TV show, which would you choose and why?

If Diddy and Tyler Perry came to me and offered me the opportunity to sign a three album contract and a world tour or a deal for six films and starring role in a TV show I would choose Diddy.  I love Diddy’s work.  I grew up listening to him and his artists.  I also like his work ethic.  I respect him and his work.   As a recording artist I could parlay that into commercial, co-star and other acting opportunities.

Check out more of Nathaniel Ryan at www.nathanieljryan.com.

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Ryan

FAME, Going Out, NYC

A Danny Kaye Please…Light On the Mayo

Leave a comment

Every holiday season new generations are introduced to stage, screen and comedic icon Danny Kaye through the White Christmas marathon that plays on AMC.  Danny Kaye was a performer in a day in age when entertainers were expected to do it all.  Not only was Kaye a true artist, he was a great humanitarian and chef.  Danny Kay was born on January 18, 1913 in Brooklyn, and to celebrate the centennial of this legendary impresario, famed eatery Carnegie Deli added the Danny Kaye Sandwich to its menu.

On April 29, Dena Kaye, Kaye’s daughter, and widow Sylvia Fine Kaye joined the staff of the Carnegie Deli as for a sandwich cutting ceremony, officially inducting the Danny Kaye Deli Club sandwich onto the menu.  The sandwich is part of activities celebrating Danny Kaye’s centennial and shares good company with another famous New Yorker, Woody Allen.

 

 To learn more about Danny Kaye visit, http://dannykaye.com/.

To view Carnegie Deli’s Menu visit, http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php. 

Photo:  Getty Images for PMK-BNC