MY URBAN KVETCH

"Yes-Anding" Our Way to Organizational Progress

 

Me (and my purple scarf) leading a group in improv exercises at the ROI Summit

Back in New York, people had been encouraging me to do comedy for years. But as far as I knew "doing comedy" meant either a) moving out to LA, pitching agents and studios on ideas, only to have your heart trampled on, or b) doing standup at an open-mic or "bringer" night at a comedy club after midnight, only to have your heart trampled on. And then someone suggested I try improv classes - where there are no scripts, and - kind of like "the Tree" in Empire Strikes Back - the tools you bring in with you (thought, intelligence, sense of humor, and the rules of improv - more on that below) are the only ones you have (or need). 

While I wouldn't quite say that I "do comedy" (although I did move out to LA, so maybe part of me thrives on the possibility of heart-trampling), improv has changed (or in some cases validated) the way I think about things. I'm often able to detect improv training in performers on and offstage, and even watching TV, I see some sitcoms reflect improvisation training more than others. There was a lot about improv that I enjoyed - the energy of the spontaneous, the ability to find things that were funny because they were true. But chiefly, I enjoyed the teamwork, finding "the game" of the scene and playing it through, helping others on stage who were struggling by giving them something they could work with, and using my quirky (yet-I-hope-delightful) brainworks to play things truthfully while building something together. Standup is solitary and lonely; improv is group energy, a family.

"Sleepless in Seattle" Musical to Feature Songs by Michelle Citrin and Josh Nelson

Very exciting news - my friends, Brooklyn-based musicians Michelle Citrin and Josh Nelson, are working on music and lyrics for a new Broadway-bound musical, based on the hit film "Sleepless in Seattle" (reported in today's NY Times).  

David Shor, an entertainment executive who holds the rights to make a musical based on “Sleepless in Seattle,” said that he began sending “20 Things to Do With Matzah” via e-mail to friends as a holiday greeting, and then began corresponding over the Facebook website with Ms. Citrin, who is part of the Brooklyn indie music scene and whose other popular YouTube pieces include “Rosh Hashanah Girl.”

He eventually tapped her to help write the music and lyrics, and she brought in another colleague, Josh Nelson, a musician who is a former director of jazz ensembles at Boston University. 

Michelle's MySpace page has preview tunes from and the pre-release announcement for Michelle's new album, "Left-Brained, Right-Hearted," and be sure to check out Josh Nelson's album, "Lift."

Congrats on this achievement, Michelle and Josh!

Michelle Citrin, "Jerusalem" (off the upcoming album, "Left-Brained, Right-Hearted," taped at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC in 2008)

 

Rockin' Out and Flippin' a 360 View in New Times Square

I was in New York very briefly last weekend before flying back to Los Angeles, and did something I almost never did while I lived in New York: I intentionally went to Times Square and saw a show, the amazing "Rock of Ages," which I'd wanted to see for a while. 

"Rock of Ages," which starred the amazingly powerful and nuanced performance of American Idol finalist Constantin Maroulis, featured all the 80s music that I listened to as a teenager - it was the soundtrack of my life, much like it was the soundtrack of this show. From Journey to Foreigner, from Poison to Pat Benatar, it was all there. Of course, there's no confusing this show - a paean to the rock/metal lifestyle - with my teenage experiences (um, yeshiva day school anyone? Why was I listening to Def Leppard?). But the nostalgia factor was amazing, and the energy of the cast was simply off the charts. 

Standout performances were the Jack-Black-meets-Bill-Hader style of Mitchell Jarvis (the Narrator) and of course, Buffy alum Tom Lenk (Franz), who rocked out in amazingly committed character. After the show, having decided in advance not to stalk the actors, we headed out toward the lights. 

Times Square was cold, but the location itself draws crowds no matter what the weather; now, thanks to urban planners, the nexus of all things Broadway and tourist-related has undergone an overhaul. I almost didn't recognize it. But what I did notice was that, as a tourist, it definitely looks different than when you're a resident 40 blocks to the north. 

In surveying the changes, I also had the chance to try out my new toy - a Flip Mino HD video camera - that my parents, thanks to the insightful whispers of Hanukkah Harry, gave me for Hanukkah this year. Check out my first official Flip video here, featuring a cameo by my finger over part of the lens. Hopefully it's way more interesting than those 15-second spots they're using in the Flip commercials. 

Enjoy - more videos are on the way, whether you want them or not...

All the World's a Kitchen: Cantor Shares Music and Tradition "In Bubby's Kitchen"

When you imagine a kitchen, you focus on its potential to serve not just food, but entertainment, conversation and tradition. The foods prepared in a kitchen are chosen by the chef-in-residence for their pragmatic nutritional value, fueling and sustaining a family. But as the ingredients are assembled, equally important is the deeper resonance: the passing on of family custom, the forging of an atmosphere that binds people together over food and occasionally wine. You might think of your own kitchen, or your mother’s, or your grandmother’s; the further back you go, the more likely that your food memories are saturated not just with nutritional value, but with a significance that approximates religion.

Shira Ginsburg remembers her grandmother’s kitchen, (for 40+ years located in Troy, NY), as a special place: a meeting place for family, friends and neighbors, with what she describes as a “soundtrack” of stories “of survival and hope, of joy and sorrow shared, of love of family and Judaism, all woven in an aroma of cooking and baking.” 

It is this fusion of food, family, tradition and song that Ginsburg brings to her one-woman show, “In Bubby’s Kitchen,” running twice this weekend as a benefit for East End Temple in New York City, where she is the cantor. The show will be performed downtown, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

Shira’s grandparents were Jewish partisans, members of the Bielski partisan group depicted in the film “Defiance.” This part of her heritage provided some of the Yiddish songs that appear as part of the show, and Ginsburg notes that the entire musical performance reflects her theater training, her family, and her history. 

"Bubby's kitchen was a strong link in our family -- where sweet, sour, bitter and salty mixed-and the memories of those endless meals remains on all of our tongues,” she reflects. “This is a story about owning your family stories and how it shapes you, how I became this strong professional Jewish woman. I was channeling stories from my childhood, created a show, and became each of the different women in my family.” 

“Bubby’s Kitchen” was originally conceived and performed in fulfillment of Ginsburg’s cantorial investiture and degree at Hebrew Union College on April 1st 2009. Tickets ranging from $18 - $180, with handicapped seating available for $36, are on sale now for the two benefit performances this weekend:

Saturday night, December 5 at 7:30pm - followed by a dessert reception
Sunday, December 6 at 2pm - followed by a talkback discussion with Rabbi David Adelson. .

And - thanks to Shira for hooking me up with the tickets - I’ll be at the Saturday night performance – perhaps I’ll see you there!

Birthright Israel Monologues (directed by Vanessa Hidary): Ticket Giveaway!

In the Birthright Israel NEXT show, Monologues, Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni bring their experiences to the stage in a collection of monologues, spoken word and hip-hop performances that explore personal Jewish identity inspired by their 10-day trip in Israel.

Produced by 2008 ROIer Lauren Eisenberg of Birthright Israel NEXT and directed by superstar of spoken word Vanessa Hidary, a.k.a. The Hebrew Mamita (HBO's Def Poetry Jam), Monologues is an evening of solo performances exploring Jewish identity through the stories of 15 Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni in spoken word, monologues and rap. Watch the video for a glimpse of the show and scroll down for your chance to win tickets:

And as Kvetch readers, you've got two ways to see the show, which is in its fourth run in New York, at the Triad Theatre at 158 W 72nd St. between Broadway and Columbus on the 2nd floor.

1) We are giving away one pair of tickets for Tuesday, March 31, and another pair for Wednesday, April 1: to enter, please submit your full name, e-mail, preferred date, and why you want the tickets to myurbankvetch at gmail.com. Winner will be chosen at random from qualifying entries and notified via email on Sunday, March 29.

2) MyUrbanKvetch is proud to provide a special discount for our readers - only $5 - so bring a group! For special $5 tickets for Kvetch readers here.

 

For tickets, schedule, video and more info, check out the Birthright Israel website or here on Facebook.

Monologues
The Triad Theatre
158 W. 72nd St., 2nd Fl.
Between Columbus and B'way

March 31
April 1, 29, 30

Doors Open at 7:30 PM, show begins at 8pm

 

Special $5 tickets for Kvetch readers here
$10 in advance
$15 at the door (if available)

Esther's Local Oscar LiveBlog...

Prelude

My whole life I've been obsessed with the Oscars. And now I live in Los Angeles. And I'm not at the Oscars. Not only that, but I just tuned in a few minutes ago.(But last night, some visiting friends from New York and I did brave the experience of making the pilgrimage to the red carpet in front of the Kodak Theater, which I consider the fulfillment of my local Oscar experience.)

So I missed the opening whatever it was, but thanks to the internet, I have every confidence that I'll be able to view anything I missed live on the magical interwebs. Luckily I tuned in just in time to cover the people you most want to know about.

Temple Beth Oscars

I got to the TV to see Sarah Jessica Parker in a fancy dress (who really cares anymore? see below for more), and a duo that made Jewish hearts (and blogs) beat a bit faster, with MOTs Natalie Portman and Ben Stiller presenting side by side some comedy shtick. Less funny is Stiller's expression of the desire to "retire from being the funny guy," and funnier was Portman's proclamation that "you look like you work at a Hasidic meth lab." (One reader points out that Stiller's beard was an homage to Joaquin Phoenix's recent weird appearance on Letterman.) This will remain funny until tomorrow, when said presumed-fictional-and-funny meth lab is uncovered deep in Boro Park.

Next, a short film by Judd Apatow and starring my favorite couchstoners, Seth Rogen and (as far as I'm concerned honorary Jew) James Franco, giggling at movies that weren't nominated. I giggle with them. Not because I'm stoned. Just because I always do.

Gotta Dance! Gotta Promote Beyonce as Etta James!

"The musical is back!" host Jackman yells, pumping his fist into the air triumphantly, after an eclectic (or some would say "completely random") collection of lines and musical riffs from musicals ranging from "West Side Story" to "Hairspray," from "Chicago" to "Mamma Mia," and co-featuring the over-utilized and self-promoting Beyonce Knowles, as well as the underutilized background players from "High School Musical" and "Mamma Mia" respectively. Is the musical really back? If Hugh wills it, it is no dream. As for the sequence, I guess you could say I liked it, but I'm not going to put a ring on it.

Mourning Becomes Oscar

Not shockingly, the late Heath Ledger wins for Best Supporting Actor. And the gracious acceptance on behalf of Matilda omits the support of Michelle Williams, a shocking omission even as we knew from media coverage that there was a conflict and that this was probably going to be the way it went. All the celebrity eyes sparkled with pre-tears as they thought about what might have been during the rest of the long career Heath would never have.

You're Frozen, When Your Heart's Not Open

Why am I not feeling anything this year? Possibly because I haven't seen any movies this year. I missed almost everything, from Tropic Thunder to Slumdog Millionaire, from The Reader to Benjamin Button. Didn't catch a single one of them. Not even The Dark Knight. (I know.) So maybe it's just a little hard to feel connected when I feel like this year's Oscars is an awards ceremony held in another country about movies I don't know anything about. Really surreal. But then again, there's the fact that it's not just me. It's Hollywood that's got Oscar fatigue.

Random Acts of Headwear

Philip Seymour Hoffman. More like Philip "See Less Head" Man.

The Little Movie that Could

Slumdog Kajillonaire. Overhyped or not, I think I'm going to have to see this film.

This Year: India...Next Year: Israel?

The guy who just won for best music now sings the nominated best song from Slumdog Millionaire, which of course wins . Or, to quote my friend sitting on my couch: "How can you beat Bollywood? I want Israel to be doing this. I want Israel to win an Oscar, and for this to be a live performance of Israeli music." Of course, for that to happen a movie from Israel that's not about the Holocaust or the Palestinian conflict would have to make it to Hollywood's inner circle. Which is...unlikely. And which leads us into "Waltz With Bashir," which fails to win a Best Foreign Film statue, and instead loses to "Departures" from Japan. The statuette is then accepted by Hiro Nakamura. And...scene.

And now, I'm heading out with some friends. So you'll have to enjoy commentary from someone else for a while. Back later with a summary, if I feel like it. Celebs, see you on the streets of Hollywood. And if you see me, don't be too nervous to talk to me. Remember what US magazine has always striven to teach us: I'm just like you.

Two Coasts, Two Artistic Celebrations

One of my friends recently called me "the, let's face it, basically bicoastal Esther Kustanowitz." (I can see how someone might think that...) But when two arts efforts came to my attention, one on the left coast and one on the right, it was one of those confluences of innovative and contemporary art and performance that I thought was worth a post.

Thanks to my myriad blog connections, I had already heard several times about Off the Wall: Artists at Work, an open-studio project featuring eleven artists working and performing in the galleries of The Jewish Museum in New York from March 16 through 27, 2008.  The project presents experimental work in performance art, video, fashion and music by a group of emerging artists, all 40 and under.The show also includes a lounge with space for visitors to sit, talk, blog and listen to music on mp3 players. Planned lounge events will be offered such as DJ sets, a poetry slam, a Russian-themed salon, a discussion with artists and exhibition designers hosted by NYU’s Center for Religion and Media, and discussions with groups from high schools and colleges.  Parties on two Thursday evenings, March 20 and 27, will feature collaborations with Off the Wall musicians and visual artists. And the event series will be liveblogged by Mobius, founder of Jewschool. Tickets and info here.

And while on the West Coast, I had a lovely oceanview lunch with my friend Susan Josephs, who is involved in a new dance project with Andrea Hodos, who is one of two artists-in-residence for Hebrew Union College in LA. I took some material back about the initiative, hoping to blog about it, and just this morning got a press release about it, so I considered that a sign.

Andrea Hodos is a performance artist and director of Moving Torah (which you can read more about here). Andrea’s company will be joined by rabbinic students in presenting the opening scenes of a new piece developed during her residency. "On Dry Ground" depicts the Israelites' journey across the sea, asking a central question, "How do we harness faith to move forward through fear?" (at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles)

So, Jewish art and creative expression is alive and well, on both coasts. Anyone want to report from the south, or the middle?.

Where You'll Find Me: Events at Skirball and the JCC, Plus Israelity Tour

This Thursday at 7, I'm honored to be part of the Skirball Center's series on the weekly Torah portion. Titled "AfterWords," the series features writers, teachers and other Jewish thought leaders leading lecture and discussion about the Torah portion. My luck: I have parshat Mishpatim, which is best known for containing some of the most boringly inscrutable laws of the Torah. I will take the best of Mishpatim and present it to you on Thursday night. So see what I do with that challenge...show up on Thursday for an hour and see if I sink or swim. The class is $10. But if you RSVP to me, I'll see if I can get you a discount. (No promises...)  More information about the Skirball Center is here.

Next week (my last week in tour before I leave for the Israelity Tour--check out our frequently updated blog here), I'm doing one of my "Improv for Daters" sessions at the JCC, February 5 at 7pm:

Join us for this improv comedy meets singles mixer designed to improve your dating and relating skills. Singles columnist and improviser Esther D. Kustanowitz will teach you basic improv techniques and games that will make the process of dating easier and more fun. You don't have to be funny, just a single guy or gal willing to listen. Light refreshments provided; post-event mingling encouraged and inevitable. Registration limited; sign up early! ($15 members, $20 for non-members--register here!)

Come and participate; at this event, there will be no spectating--everyone improvises. Don't worry; you've been improvising your whole life and you didn't even know it!!

And if you're reading this on the West Coast, I'm winging your way soon, with the Israelity Tour, bringing great bands (including #1 Israeli hip-hop artist Subliminal and his T.A.C.T. Family; Israeli funk hip-hop group Coolooloosh and singer/songwriter Michelle Citrin) to seven West Coast cities from February 6-18--starting with Seattle, ending in Las Vegas, and hitting most of California in the middle. For precise dates, locations and to buy tickets, see the Israelity Tour section of the Birthright Israel website.

Hope to see you locally, or on the road!

Colbert & Bakkedahl Star in Hazon Purim Spiel at Makor

That's right, those crazy creative kids are at it again, looking at TV and pop culture through a Purim lens. I'm not involved this year, but thought I'd give them a plug anyway, what with the Daily Show involvement and all. Bakkedahl is a regular correspondent and will likely be featured in several of the sketches (like Ed Helms was last year and Rob Corddry was the year before), and Colbert is making a video appearance, in an apparent attempt to appease Jewish members of ColbertNation.

Buy tickets here to either the early (9pm) show or the late show (10:30pm). This show has always been standing room only, and I'm sure this year will be no exception. Maybe I'll see you there...
Happy Purim!

A Musical That Splatters You With Comedy

Given, I did find the listing for the fact that "Evil Dead: The Musical" was coming to off-Broadway through a Google Alert for "Buffy." The somewhat tenuous connection, other than the demonology theme, was that Hinton Battle--who played a dancing demon in the Buffy musical episode--was the choreographer for the show, which began as a Fringe show in Canada, and has been getting pretty consistently good reviews. (Ace, did you ever go?)

Let's face it...I don't have show money these days. So when a friend generously offers me a ticket with no strings, I'm just a girl who can't say no. My friend--a longtime "Evil Dead" fan--had already been to see the show, actually after I told him about it to begin with. He insisted on taking me as his guest to his second time. Halfway through the opening number, in which the cast members, young, attractive and sex-crazy, headed up to a deserted cabin in the woods for no apparent reason, I realized that even though I'd never seen any of the Evil Dead movies, I've certainly seen enough horror movies to understand: this was going to be funny. 

We had the foresight to get seats that were outside the "splatter zone"--shades of Gallagher and Blue Man Group as those in the front rows got shpritzed with a light mist of stage blood. The music and lyrics were a hilarious sendup of the horror film genre that anyone exposed to the ridiculous plots, skimpy clothing, excessive gore and violence of Shocktober flicks will be used to, with special references thrown in for the "Evil Dead" faithful. (The Faithful Dead?)  By the time we get to the song "All of My Boyfriends Get Killed By Canderian Demons," you're thinking, "girlfriend, have I been there."

Musical styles and theater allusions are also parodied/honored, with a particularly effective tango as well as a Mr. Cellophanesque homage/bemoaning of a "bit player" who isn't taken seriously. There are hot chicks in various stages of random and abs-revealing undress and sexual innuendo. There is the "Stiffler" character, who doesn't care about anything other than getting lucky. But everyone in the cast is top-notch, as comedic actors and as dancers. As for standouts, the diminutive Jenna Coker, as sister Cheryl, who is the first of the cabinpeople to turn demonic, is an unstoppable energy source who should be used to generate power for a small developing nation.

But I have to give a literal hand to Ryan Ward (Ash), who acts his literal digits off in a gut-busting display of comedy surrounding the possession of his arm. His comedic control of his out-of-control appendage literally strongarmed its way into my heart. Literally.

If you visit the show's MySpace page, you can get 50 percent chainsawed off your tickets. And you can become Evil Dead's kajillionth MySpace Friend, and join the mailing list so you'll be informed when the CD comes out. (Which should be sometime next year, seeing as how the cast hasn't gone into the studio yet.)

And so concludes a post which my parents will have no interest in, but which is important because it chronicles my excursion from my self-imposed apartment exile back into the real world, only to find it populated with the living dead.*

*No, this does not mean I've rejoined JDate.