cityboy rarely writes on days when he works ..

at Friends, but lots on my mind, and school was over early so....
What was interesting in the last few days.
Sunday: went to MFA playwrights project part of Columbia School of the Arts curriculum for playwrights. +Found myself at 60th and Columbus, play at Signature Center on 42nd and 10th. Bus was slow, and somehow I forgot about getting on the A at 59nth. So in my own determined way, walked down ninth to 42nd street and the play. Good to see all my friends, Sarah, who directed the play and Lucy, who was in it---play had potential, but it basically ran in place, repeated itself, I was annoyed at the end. Hope the playwright has some better plays in him. Actually ran into him last night while waiting to be seated for Half Straddle play---was very cordial, told him I enjoyed the work, really could not confront him there, would have been very bad bad form.
Last night at Half Straddle at New York Live arts on 19th between 7th and 8th (how does a perforance  space exist in such a high end neighborhood---well it does), went to see the play because my friend Kristen is in it. Thought that on a Tuesday the place would be empty, but to my surprise, it was packed, much royalty from downtown theater attended. Did see a few friends and spoke to another friend Jessie, after play was over while waiting for Kristen.
Play was interesting: it virtually took place in a world without men---strong vision, but at times the songs simply stopped the action. Kristen and her side kick, played by Erin M, were dynamic, and at times the puzzle of the play seemed to work. But at other times, my mind wandered as the songs did not move the action further. Audience loved it though. Earlier in the day took a walk from Friends to Times Square, through Gramercy Park and Murray Hill. The latter is a strange bizarre and genteel neighborhood---did I ever know anyone who was living there..? I don't think so. Old doormen buildings stand out among a few tenements and brownstones. Who lives there...? Could I have gotten a cheap place in the late sixties and now be paying minimal rent? Particularly fascinated by 35th street between 2nd and 3rd---a strange mixture of what I have mentioned above. What is it like on a Sunday spring or summer afternoon, are people neighborly, and once again, who are they, how long have they lived on the block, how did they come to be here...? Much more interesting than, say, the lower east side, Will visit there again some time (and maybe try some of the bars that sit between 25th and 28th street on Third Avenue)
Tonight, pretty fatigued (it is around 4 now) was toying with the idea of one of two movies, both revivals, one being Tea and Sympathy at the Walter Reade (love that movie space!) Curious as to how it holds up today (loved greatly in the fifties) and the performances of both Kerr's, John and Deborah. I don't think Kazan directed the movie but basically they should be giving the performances they rehearsed under him. I remember the first time I saw it, even remember the theater that I saw it in (the Lido, a fourth run theater on Fordham Road near Jerome---it was matched with Brando in The Teahouse of the August Moon. November of my Sophmore year at Science; my companion was Fred Sherman. Remember my own naivite at the time---is that what I would be going back to discover..? And the Bronx, in 1957...? Still mostly Jewish.  Other option is Chantal Ackerman movie at BAM, could choose one of two that are on this evening. But probably too tired to hit BAM, strength, if at all there, is probably best for Lincoln Center.
Lots of other stuff to choose from, as I play the evenings of the next few days--won't see the project at JACK or the two one acts at Abrons Arts (probably would see many people I know there). Am leaning towards BRonx Doc for Friday (have not been there in a while, should go, interesting movie about black photographers on the bill) and Bushwick Starr for Flako's bash on Saturday. Sounds like the one I was in---but not invited to participate in this one. Sunday there is an interesting piece in Weeksville (near Bed Stuy) called Anthology, a piece with music that deals with memories of the area for the last 30 or so years (Or so I understand) That sounds like a good investment.
Anyway, time to leave the computer. Will report on adventures (or lack of same) tomorrow.