NYC-Day Three . . .

(Leslie) On Friday, I initiated a new Culture Buddies event--the after breakfast nap . . . why didn't I think of that before? I was roused from bed by a surprise call from my ex-brother-in-law, Danny (from Houston), who was in the city on business. After I introduced Ann to Danny, she headed up towards Lincoln Center, and Danny and I had a nice time catching up over lunch. It was more than great to see him.

I met Ann at our favorite movie theatre in the city near Lincoln Center and we saw a great movie that was opening that day called Looking for Eric. The story centers on Eric Bishop, a middle-aged British postal worker whose life is a mess. After he reaches the breaking point, his former teammate, Eric Cantona, the real-life former star of the Manchester United soccer team, begins to appear to him at random times. This Eric becomes his confidant, his advisor, and, in a sense, his savior. We loved this movie, especially the scenes between Eric and his real-life "mates". We recommend that you catch this movie when it comes your way.

Our play on Friday night was the new revival of August Wilson's Fences, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis (Doubt). We recently saw this play at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, and this production shares the same director (and what looked to be the same set . . .). Ann had just finished a close reading of the play, so she especially looked forward to seeing this production. It was a thrill to see Denzel Washington on stage, and his portrayal of the lead character, Troy, brings out aspects of the character we had not considered before. It was Viola Davis, however, who stole the show . . . she is simply amazing in the role of Rose, Troy's long-suffering wife. Overall, though, we didn't feel the emotional punch this play should produce--perhaps largely due to a number of times where many in the audience responded with laughter and hoots and hollers to situations and lines of dialogue that can also be interpreted as pretty tragic. It was interesting, though, to try to see parts of this play in such a different way.