the visit to Greenpoint

to see Beardo, arrived early (as usual) on this cold night, but could not enter the theater space (it was actually in a church) and so walked west to Franklin Street, and noticed three bars very close to each other. Went into one called Glogg, on Franklin's west side. I had passed it many times before; it looked interesting but had never gone in. This time I needed to use the bathroom, and it was not too crowded and from the window the bartender looked friendly, so I ventured in. She was very cordial and allowed me to use the bathroom ( a good idea since the one in the church was very rudimentary)--I thought that I would like to return there again and just sit and have a beer---will do that soon as soon as the weather improves a bit. There is also a very nice book store that is nearbye, should visit there too.
 Then off to Beardo---with music (not lyrics) by Dave Malloy and lyrics and book by his writing partner for Beowolf (2009) Jason Craig. A remarkable event----a two and a half hour musical about Rasputin, but of course with jibes towards the current day. Malloy's music is as usual, very imaginative---Craig's lyrics, a little smarmy but very bright, fits well with them. A two act musical about the rise and fall of the mad monk---it has just about everything in it. Unlike Natasha and Pierre which takes itself seriously throughout, this musical constantly references the present and uses different styles to present itself. It is not great--the character of Rasputin is intense and never changes, so it is hard to create any warmth---it is slow to get started but the second act really improves on the first with several great numbers. My friend Ellie, directed the show; she seems to have done an amazing job---assembly a brilliant cast. Afterwards she told me this was the show's first public preview (I had assumed it was the second) and when I heard that I was really amazed--it is in great shape. Finally the finale of the first act---a chorale for the "peasants" of Russia that arrives without any preparation and is sung acapella is totally amazing. I just sat there stunned. This is one of the few places in Beardo where the creators opt for a totally serious and respectful tone, and the effect is mesmerizing. Really glad I went.
  When it was over, I said hi to Ellie; she seemed really happy that I came---asked me for some feedback (which I gave, but which was overall positive) and then introduced me to her lighting designer as a downtown theater "legend" because I see so many works at the Brick, Bushwick Starr, Abrons Arts etc. Very flattered and somewhat amused that I would really be considered a "legend" ; this may tempt me to see even more shows in these small theaters, since a "legend" has to show up.
Yes it is funny, but this morning, waking up, I felt that good that my identity has some meaning to others---more definition always is meaningful.
  Tonight, the tentative plans are to go to the Brick to see my friend Brian's play, The Brick is situated on Metropolitan near Lorimer, afterwards perhaps can check out norther bell, a bar restaurant where I have been treated very nicely in the few times that I have visited there. Will report soon.