The weekend....

Monday morning---a bit of quiet in the air, as the vacation from Friends continues. No pressure, no chance that I will receive a phone call inviting me to work. So I experience a kind of emotional vacuum--kind of the opposite of the pressure cooker that seems to going on when school is in session. Should be an interesting two weeks.
Saturday: went to Jack to see the three one acts done by Brooklyn College Playwrights alumni. Performed with a super audacity and full of life, wonderful group of actors, would fit in on any stage---writing was witty and alive--happy for my friend Merlin, in the cast, who I think did the best work I have every seen him do. Hung out a little bit afterwards, then headed home, tired,  took the C, which I rarely do, but to my surprise, it came quickly. Just got some chicken pieces at the nearby supermarket, too tired to stop off for a beer and "hang out"
 Sunday, felt a bit puzzled as to how to spend my time-finally decided not to choose a movie but to see if Stupid F......Bird at the Pearl had rush tickets. They did, for seniors, $35.00, which made me angry, should have been around $25.00 --but since I was there, and it was something that I wanted to check out, bought the ticket. Then went to nearby mini restaurant, Italian themed. Again faced with most prices over $10.; at this point was not going to pay that---finally found a cheese dish that was only $5.50. While waiting for my dish, was startled to be discovered by an old friend from the early seventies, named Mary Anne. She was a nurse at Bernstein Institute, while I was doing social work there. We bonded because we were both into theater. Visited her and her husband Arnie, many times from 72-75, before and after break up of my marriage to Susan. I remembered much more then she did, she was also seeing the play, with Arnie and another couple.
 The play was a brilliant revelation---probably the best play that I have seen in a long time. Really serious and devoted take on the Seagull by Chekhov, but basically this playwright, Aaron Posner, got everything right. The cast was extremely well chosen, all of them did very layered work, especially since this was the first week of previews. Chekhov and the Seagull---have probably thought about this play and all it brings up for all of my adult life. Felt and identified with the terrible pain of Constantine---final scene where his old love Nina, (now ruined) returns to him---extremely intense.
Left the theater feeling really glad that I saw it. Want to recommend it to all my theater friends---they, I am sure, have all read the Chekhov play, which I feel is very important to experiencing this work.
   Afterwards, had a slice on ninth avenue, it got much colder, but against all odds, traveled to Williamsburg to "hang out" at South Fourth. Have not been there for the last few Sundays, since dinner with my friend Robin took precedence---glad to be greeted by Olivia at the bar--had a nice conversation with two couples, as I relaxed and had a really good cup of coffee. Watched a bit of open mike ( a new thing for South Fourth) not very enthused, left and returned home via L and N.
Today, there is a BAN meeting that I hope to attend, even if I will be late, and I have just found out there will be a rally outside City Hall tomorrow morning to urge the City Council not to pass the Mayor's affordable housing play. Will try to go, that is all for now...