New York Theater Trip: March 1, 2008

Yesterday the girls continued in their marathon of CULTURE!! We went to Lincoln Center after lunch to see The Counterfeiters which won the Academy Award last week for Best Foreign Film. It was the very compelling true story of the Jewish men who were forced by the German's to counterfeit dollars and pounds to undermine the economy of the Allied Forces during WW2. The movie theater at Lincoln Center provides the CultureBuddies with some 4 star people watching opportunities.

There has been an almost eerie sense of continuity during this trip. Yesterday morning we woke up to a rave review of Passing Strange which we will see Sunday, and the review compared it to Sunday in the Park with George which we saw Wednesday night. The theme of this trip seems to be that it's not easy being an artist whether it's music or drama. The playwrights of several of the plays we have seen have committed suicid or stuggled with alcoholism. It's weird how unbeknownst to us, a theme usually emerges during our trips.

Later we met up with our two favorite boys and official "Culture Buddies in Training" Casey and Ben and saw a fabulous play The Seafarer. It's an ensemble piece written by Colin McPherson of Shining City fame and was one of the best shows I have ever scene. The acting was not to be believed. The play takes place on Christmas eve in a run down home outside of Dublin and involves lots of drinking and great dialogue. This sounds like a hokey plot device but believe me it is not- there is actually a card game played with the Devil for the soul of at least one of the men. A GREAT GREAT PLAY!!!!

After the play we hung around the stage door to honor the actors and shake their hands. The CultureBuddies have come a long way since the days of Sharpie Markers and cameras. Now we praise- but not fawn- when we are truly moved by great acting. These men really deserved our praise. Even Casey got into the act. The guys loved the show as well.

We went out for drinks and food after the show and the boys sprung a surprise on us. They have set up a blog for us and the address is: theculturebuddies.blogspot.com. Casey posted our NYC press releases and it is where we will keep our friends and family up to date on all things cultural! The CultureBuddies are truly blessed with friends like Casey and Ben!

Today we have a doubleheader- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and In the Heights. More will follow.

Love to all. Only one more night in the big city!

Ann and Leslie (a.k.a the CultureBuddies)