Category Archives: Theater

Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice Bows on American Masters

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Judith Trojan

Lon Chaney may have won fame and fortune as the “Man of a Thousand Faces,” but Ricky Jay has built a successful career on the world stage with his hands… or sleight-of-hand to be more precise. The master magician has also cornered the … Continue reading →

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Tanaquil Le Clercq: Afternoon of a Faun Debuts on PBS

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Judith Trojan

If you’re not a dancer, ballet aficionado or George Balanchine acolyte, chances are you’ve never heard of ballerina Tanaquil Le Clercq (1929 – 2000).  Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Nancy Buirski aims to rectify that lapse in her new documentary Tanaquil Le Clercq: … Continue reading →

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Tony Awards Telecast Hits the Jackpot with Jackman

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Judith Trojan

Lately, I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with “Awards” telecasts.  I’ve had my fill of the meaningless hype surrounding these shows that seem to focus more and more of their attention on designer gowns, million dollar gems, unseasoned presenters and off-color and demeaning shtick instead of on the craft they’re supposed to be honoring.  … Continue reading →

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Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love to Debut on PBS

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Judith Trojan

I confess with no embarrassment that I once had a crush on Marvin Hamlisch.  The prolific Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Tony and Pulitzer Award-winning composer/conductor/performer may not have had the boyish good looks of Brad Pitt or George Clooney, but his … Continue reading →

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Mel Brooks Makes a Noise on American Masters Tonight

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Judith Trojan

On June 6, the American Film Institute will bestow their 41st Life Achievement Award on Brooklyn’s own Melvin J. Kaminsky.  Melvin joins a stellar list of previous AFI recipients with such notable monikers as Bette Davis, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire and … Continue reading →

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