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What Has Cancelled and What Hasn’t

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I have gotten countless e-mails from shows and events closing. Here are just some of them.

Tribeca Film Festival will no longer be taking place next month.

The 19th annual event for independent film was set for April 15 through April 26, but has been postponed because of coronavirus. No new dates have been announced.

“We founded the Tribeca Film Festival as a way to heal our community after the devastation of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. We were determined to overcome our fear and anxiety by joining together.  It is in our DNA to march forward while caring about our community,” Jane Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises, said in a statement. “We have made the difficult decision to postpone the 19th Tribeca Film Festival (April 15-26) based on the announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that events of 500 people or more are banned due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of the public while also supporting our friends, filmmakers and storytellers who look to Tribeca as a platform to showcase their work to audiences. We will be back to you shortly with our plans.”

THE SIBLINGS PLAY will close following the performance on March 14, so if you want to see a show there is one more night.

Performances of Harry Townsend’s Last Stand at City Center Stage IIwill continue as scheduled. Per Governor Cuomo’s advisement, the show will reduce the seating capacity of the theater by 50% to allow for social distancing. Our audience’s health and well-being and that of our company are of the utmost importance and the venue has implemented advanced hygienic and health safety protocol precautions.

We welcome audiences to experience this wonderful play that’s relatable to just about every family, starring the iconic Tony Award® winner Len Cariou and the great Broadway actor David Lansbury.

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are closely monitoring the city, state, and federal safety recommendations about the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Our primary concern is for the safety of our artist-performers, customers, and staff.

We have implemented every possible measure to ensure a safe environment. These precautions include:

  • Sanitizing our venues by disinfecting all surfaces, restrooms, and kitchen areas before and after every performance throughout the evening, and overnight after we have closed.
     
  • Training and monitoring all employees for vigilant sanitary practices include personal washing, cleaning, and sanitary service techniques.
     
  • Closely monitoring the health of our staff and artist-performers, and enforcing a stay at home policy for any staff or performer feeling or exhibiting even the slightest symptoms.
     
  • Requesting that all of our customers observe the same sanitary and health monitoring practices.

Due to the unpredictable and developing nature of this crisis, we have cancelled some of our upcoming performances. However, we also feel a great responsibility, as part of NYC’s culture and history, to make every effort to continue presenting a modified program of performances every evening, as long as it is safe to do so. If current ticket holders wish to cancel we will happily transfer tickets or give full credit for a future show when the crisis passes.

The arts and culture industry in NYC are not only important to our society but are also the source of employment for tens of thousands of artist-performers, staff, and service workers. “The Show Must Go On,” is not only our credo but also our livelihood. By working together, safely, we will survive this crisis.

Vineyard Theatre announces that starting tomorrow, Friday, March 13  all performances ofDana H. will be suspended through March 31. The theatre will play to 50% capacity April 1 – 12. This is in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and state and local health officials’ executive orders.  
 
Tonight’s 7pm performance of Dana H. will be performed as scheduled.
 
Dana H. will be extending to April 19 in order to accommodate patrons who want to see the production or must reschedule. Current ticket holders may begin rebooking into additional performances immediately. To reschedule tickets, current ticket holders should email boxoffice@vineyardtheatre.org. Tickets for additional performances will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 19.
 
Vineyard Theatre will continue to closely monitor the coronavirus situation on behalf of the community and share updates as they evolve. 

Per Governor Cuomo’s order closing of all Broadway theaters and public gatherings with a capacity of 500 or more effective yesterday, Thursday, March 12, the McKittrick Hotel follows the order for the safety of our casts, staff and patrons.

The McKittrick Hotel which houses the shows Sleep No More, The Woman in Black, Speakeasy Magick and the rooftop Lodge at Gallow Green will close for a period of 30 days through April 12, 2020.

We are working to update our schedule and will rebook your reservations at no extra charge. Your reservation will not expire and can be used at any time. Once our schedule is posted, in the event that you cannot find a suitable exchange date, we will be happy to assist you further. 

Per Governor Cuomo’s order effective today, Thursday, March 12, closing all Broadway theaters and public gatherings with a capacity of 500 or more, which includes New World Stages, all performances of the off-Broadway production of Drift at New World Stages through Sunday, April 12, 2020 are cancelled.  To reschedule your tickets, please contact your point of sale.

In light of the escalating Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the New York City and New York State mandate to limit capacity at Broadway theaters and reduce social gatherings, and in order to keep our company and audiences safe, we are canceling upcoming performances of Then She Fell. Currently, our plan is to only suspend performances through Sunday, April 12th. 

For current ticket holders: If you have already purchased tickets to Then She Fell for this period, please keep an eye on your inbox over the next few days for an additional email from our Box Office with specific information regarding your performance date and your options for rebooking at a future date, donating the cost of your tickets to help support our artists and team, or refunds. 

We look forward to inviting you into the show again when this situation resolves, and we send you all our best regards for good health and safety.

Michael McDonald ,Café Carlyle
Michael McDonald

The Café Carlyle guests are a primary concern. In an abundance of caution due to COVID-19, all performances from March 24th through May 2nd have been canceled. Café Carlyle regrets having to make this difficult decision but feels it is the most practical action to take at this time.  

Affected events include:

Michael McDonald (March 24-April 4)
Mario Cantone (April 7-11)
Wayne Brady (April 14-18)
Bernie Williams (April 21-25)
Woody Allen & the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band (all Mondays through April 27)

Café Carlyle is currently working to reschedule the shows for a future date. Thanks for your understanding and please continue to check www.cafecarlylenewyork.com for the latest updates.

How do we remain calm and continue to be creative & productive in the midst of the current disruption to our everyday lives? As Americans we are experiencing this collective vulnerability for the first time. Isn’t this how most women live every day? Don’t women continuously work hard, hoping that the solution is just slightly ahead?

I was always taught that the true power of a community is how it responds to uncertainty and economic crisis.

Our organization started the night of the great New York City blackout of 1977, when our founders came together in the dark to shed light on the issues facing women working in the media. We are nearly 43 years strong. We have persevered, overcome and learned many lessons along the way. We thrived in spite of the circumstances. Now is no exception. While our government and health officials mandate we use social distancing as the best strategy to curtail the spread of this virus, we at NYWIFT headquarters hope to combine this strategy with virtual and digital tools to keep the community together in new and meaningful ways:

  • We are shifting some of our upcoming panels and workshops into virtual webinars – where you can continue honing your craft and get inspired from the comfort of your own home. For example, the previously announced Mental Health in Documentary panel will still happen, but via Zoom. On March 31st, all those registered will receive a link to access the panel. You can still register for the program on our website.
  • We are re-launching our online messaging system GoldenWheel, so even though our March and April NYWIFT Nights Out are postponed, you can still make professional connections with one another directly. We will be in touch with GoldenWheel info shortly.
  • As is recommended by our elected officials – please work remotely when possible. And while at your desk take a few minutes and watch some of the fabulous films in our NYWIFT Online Shorts Festivalboth online and on the GoIndieTV Roku channel on your TV. It’s the perfect way to take a break from the news cycle while also supporting your fellow women in film. If you liked a project, let our community know: tweet us at @NYWIFT and @docuqueen
  • We encourage you to take this time to log in to our member center, update your member profile, and check out the online membership directory. It offers advanced search options to help you connect with the right person. You can increase your visibility and maybe even add a new headshot.

(The NYWIFT Moms Network – an integral part of the NYWIFT community.)

During this last week, I have witnessed the incredible strength of our NYWIFT community. When your film premieres at SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, and New Directors/New Films were rescheduled or postponed with no clear plan in sight, you accepted this reality with grace, and understood these actions needed to be taken for the greater good of the entire community. Your films, digital content, and television series will be seen. Your creative energy will not be lost.

As creators, we reinvent ourselves when something in our lives is not working or broken. The coronavirus and the current economic forecast pose the perfect circumstances for us to use and develop new virtual initiatives.

We are in this together!

Onward,

Cynthia Lopez

Executive Director
New York Women in Film & Television

LAByrinth Theater Company (John Ortiz, Artistic Director; Aaron Roman Weiner, Associate Artistic Director), with the support of and in unison with its partners at The Sol Project, announces the postponement of the world premiere play Bees and Honey by Guadalís Del Carmen. In order to support citywide efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the organizations agree that postponing the production is the healthiest and safest way forward for all audiences, artists, and staff. Bees and Honey was originally scheduled to play The Cherry Lane Theatre from March 27 through April 26.

“LAByrinth and The Sol Project remain committed to producing this stunning new play by Guadalís Del Carmen,” says Artistic Director John Ortiz. “We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our patrons as we navigate these unprecedented decisions, and we look forward to sharing this exciting work with you later this year.”
Ticketholders for Bees and Honey will be contacted by a representative from OvationTix in the coming days with options for ticket refunds and exchanges. For more information, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact Producing Manager Chris Goodwin at Chris@labtheater.org.

The health and well-being of audiences, artists, students, and staff is our utmost priority. At this time, and in accordance with New York State guidelines for public gatherings, MCC Theater is announcing changes to our 2019/20 productions and events:

The New York premiere of All The Natalie Portmans, by C.A. Johnson with direction by Kate Whoriskey, played its final performance yesterday, Thursday, March 12.

The World Premiere of Nollywood Dreams, by Jocelyn Bioh with direction by Saheem Ali, will not begin preview performances on Thursday, March 19 as previously announced. The production will be rescheduled for a later date in our 2019/20 Season. New dates will be announced. 

All tickets purchased for these two productions will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase within the next few business days. Ticket holders may also choose to transfer their tickets to a donation to support MCC Theater during these uncertain times. To make a donation, please contact the MCC Box Office at boxoffice@mcctheater.org

Miscast 20, the 20th annual MCC Theater gala, previously scheduled for Monday, April 6, will now be held on Monday, June 15 at The Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center. The gala is one of the highlights of the New York theater season and supports MCC’s mission, educational programs, and emerging writers. 

Tickets purchased to the April 6 event will be honored on June 15. For any ticket donations, refunds, or to purchase tickets, please contact Sara Stevens at sstevens@mcctheater.org.

In the midst of the current Covid-19 pandemic, The Flea Theater has decided to cancel all Flea performances through April 2, effective following Friday, March 13 performances. 

The safety and security of the audiences, artists and staff is The Flea’s highest priority. The Flea is following the lead of the city, state, and federal elected officials as well as the recommendations of the Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.

Patrons who have tickets to any of these performances will have the option to be credited their tickets by rescheduling tickets to a Flea performance for a later date, donating the value of a ticket as a tax-deductible contribution, or by requesting a full refund of the original method of payment. The Flea’s box office will be reaching out to all ticket holders directly to determine next steps.

The Flea does not take this change in calendar lightly and deeply appreciates the impact this has on its community — the artists who have made inspired work, the staff that has tirelessly supported the work and the audience who have planned to join us in the coming weeks.

The Flea will be back and looks forward to welcoming audiences back to The Flea later this spring.

The Public Theater has been closely following the COVID-19 outbreak, and the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, artists, audiences, and our fellow New Yorkers has been and continues to be our top priority. With that in mind, The Public is cancelling all shows and events at The Public starting today, Thursday, March 12  through Sunday, April 12 to support citywide efforts to reduce the coronavirus spread. You can take a look at our full statement here.  

We apologize for any inconvenience that this COAL COUNTRY cancellation may cause and appreciate your continued support and your understanding as The Public Theater makes decisions in the best interest of our city and our community.

To support the City of New York’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to prioritize the health of our audiences, artists, and staff, The Shed is suspending its exhibitions and performances effective today, March 12, at 6 pm through March 30. Agnes Denes: Absolutes and Intermediates, originally scheduled to be on view through March 22, is now closed and performances of Help through March 30 are canceled. Ticket holders with questions about refunds or exchanges should contact The Shed at info@theshed.org or (646) 455-3494. We will continue to provide updates as we receive new information. 

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Book Reviews

The Glorious Corner

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G.H. Harding

TAP 2 — (Via Rock Cellar) Doubling down after a May 2022 report that indicated everything was a go for a sequel to 1984’s classic comedy/music industry satire This Is Spinal Tap, filmmaker Rob Reiner has now confirmed that plans are taking shape in a big way.

Rob Reiner

Not only is the sequel on tap (pun intended) to begin filming in early 2024, but Reiner recently told comedian/podcast host Richard Herring that “everybody’s back” for the sequel. This no doubt refers to principal cast members Michael McKean, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest, though Tony Hendra (who portrayed the band’s manager, Ian Faith, passed away in 2021).

The U.K.’s Guardian notes that the plot will reportedly center on Faith’s death, after which his widow inherits a contract that requires the band to do one last concert. Reiner is also due to return in the character of film-maker Marty DiBergi, a figure supposedly based on Martin Scorsese, who had directed celebrated music documentary The Last Waltz in 1976.

What’s more, Reiner also spilled the beans that appearances from Sirs Paul McCartney and Elton John and Garth Brooks are in the works too, among what one must assume will be a million other amusing cameos. After all, a film as beloved and influential as the original This Is Spinal Tap counts pretty much every living musician as a fan (give or take), so you know the sequel will hold nothing back when it comes to the entertainment factor.

In the podcast, Reiner also talked about This Is Spinal Tap’s remarkable afterlife, culminating in selection for the National Film Registry in 2002, after its initially unfavourable reception on its first release. “To wind up in the National Film Registry, that’s bizarre,” Reiner said. “We previewed it in a theatre in Dallas, Texas, and the people didn’t know what the heck they were looking at. They came up to me afterwards and said, ‘I don’t understand, why would you make a movie about a band that no one has ever heard of, and they are so bad? Why would you ever do that? Why don’t you make a movie about the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?’ I would say, ‘It’s satire,’ and I tried to explain. But over the years people got it, and started to like it.”

Personally, I found the 1984 original movie just hilarious. Aside from a great send-up of the music biz, the cameos were just fascinating: Paul Shaffer as PR-man Artie Fufkin; Dana Carvey and Billy Crystal as ‘mime’ waiters; Fred Willard; Anjelica Houston; Russ Kunkel; Danny Kortchmar and Fran Drescher as promo-gal Bobbi Fleckman … all just inspired.

Reiner’s on a roll – his Albert Brooks doc Defending My Life is sensational. A must-see.

Maybe an update of The Monkees’ HEAD next?

SHORT TAKES — Mark Bego’s Joe Cocker tome hit #4 on theAmazon charts this week. Here’s a great review from Goldmine on the book by their Lee Zimmerman: https://l.messenger.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldminemag.com%2Freviews%2Fjoe-cocker-book-shines-light-on-unfortunate-undercurrents-of-a-stars-career&h=AT2zaG2QKuxuHdpJO1nPHKaiO7IWkbAHCBRAeq3m4-J45axSc_wBott7ABve8Wcd7GpQC13gybDWb2Hale6D809pTdtqqmpDoxC4u6FLA7SNNJ2jHbVKKpSaH1kxX4Ide1AyXDJXSZL2idNWvOch4A

 … Micky Dolenz sang “Silly Love Songs” at Monday’s Troubadour benefit for Denny Laine and our spy said he really rocked it. Maybe a Dolenz Sings McCartney album is next? … So, Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is authentic? Interesting choice for sure …

Pablo Guzman

Writer and reporter Pablo Guzman passed this last weekend. An original member of The Young Lords, Guzman was a fierce fighter and brilliant writer. On Fox 5/Good Day NY for decades, he most recently was a reporter at WCBS. Here’s the Daily News take: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12799071/Legendary-NYC-news-anchor-Pablo-Guzman-dies-aged-73-Big-Apple-veteran-reporter-dubbed-son-Bronx-founded-Puerto-Rican-activist-group-Young-Lords-journalist.html  …

Freda Payne, Mark Bego

And it’s official, the NY-launch for the Mark Bego Joe Cocker book will be Tuesday, January 9 at Steve Walter’s Cutting Room.

NAMES IN THE NEWS — Sara Gore; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Daryl Estrea; Tony King; Ace Shortly; Kjersti and Jeremy Long; Debbie Gibson; Van Dean; Liz Skollar; Maude Adams; Robert Vaughn; Steve McQueen; Zach Martin; Coati Mundi; Avery Sharp; Steve Walter; Gary Gershoff; Jane Blunkell; Kimberly Cornell; Paul Iorio; Lee Jeske; MArt Ostrow; Peter Shendell; Sharon White; and ZIGGY!

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Events

Avengers Tower Sets Meet And Greet With Signing

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C. B. Cebulski, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics, and The LEGO Group Senior Graphic Designer Mark Tranter will be at the Fifth Ave LEGO Store this Friday, December 1st from 5pm-6pm signing the Avengers Tower set—the most iconic building in the Avengers Universe, with 5,201 pieces and an all-star cast of 31 figures.

The Avengers Tower, formerly known as Stark Tower, was a high-rise building complex located in Manhattan. Constructed by Tony Stark, the tower was powered by an Arc Reactor that made it capable of running itself for over a year. The top ten floors housed the research and development initiatives.

Following the dissolution of S.H.I.E.L.D., Stark Tower became the main headquarters of the Avengers. However, after the Ultron Offensive, Stark refurbished a Stark Industries warehouse upstate into the Avengers Compound to use as their primary base while Avengers Tower was repurposed for Stark Industries’ use. In the aftermath of the Avengers Civil War, Stark sold the tower and moved all of its equipment to the Avengers Compound.

By 2024, the tower, under its new ownership, had gone through extensive construction and renovation.

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Book Reviews

The Glorious Corner

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G.H. Harding

A CHER STEAL — This year’s 97th edition of the Macy’s Day Parade was a rather underwhelming one, save for Chicago – inexplicably singing “Your My Inspiration” – and the always, indefatigable Cher, singing a track “DJ Play a Christmas Song” off her new holiday-themed album. The first few bars will terribly auto-tuned, but that seemed to disappear and Cher’s vocals rang full and bold.

She was, typically, a pro. Mixing effortlessly and emotionally with the dancers in a terrific set. Some pundits reported the clip was shot days earlier, but she was live and, just sensational. I wish more of today’s performers possessed her vigor and skills. That’s why most of the current acts, here today, will be gone tomorrow.

As we went to press, we learned that this parade was Macy’s most-watched edition ever! Congrats.

Sacred Songs/Daryl Hall

HALL VS. OATES  Some terrible news appeared in Wednesday’s media that Daryl Hall had taken out a TRO against partner-John Oates. I’ve loved what these two have done for decades and I loved Hall’s solo albums; especially the one he did with Robert Fripp in 1977 Sacred Songs.  His record company at the time (RCA) hated it so much, they held up its release for three years.

I also well remember them in the 80’s when it seemed you could’t turn on a radio without hearing their music. 29 of their 33 singles were major chart hits on Billboard. But I do go back to them even in the 70’s, with their terrific “She’s Gone” which basically launched them. And, my favorite album of their War Babies, produced by Todd Rundgren. Quick note: That album sounds as good and relevant as it did when it came out in 1974.

The problem seems to arise from Oates wanting to sell his portion of certain songs to Primary Wave Artists – which ironically owns several of their songs already. It’s a small point, but that seems to be the issue. In all actuality, it’s another case of a classic-rocker selling his music.

In Oates’ book several years ago (Change of Seasons: A Memoir), he hardly mentioned Hall and regrettably that animus has apparently reared its angry head. They’re Philly boys, I’m from Philly and it’s just an awful coda to what was one of music’s major success stories. Sad all around.

SHORT TAKES — Terrific article in this week’s Closer on Micky Dolenz. Check it out here: https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/micky-dolenz-on-telling-stories-on-stage-and-in-his-book/

btw: Dolenz tapes KTLA’s Countdown To 2024 this week in LA …

Phil Quartararo

I first met Phil Quartararo in the lobby of the old Mondrian Hotel in LA with John Sykes and we struck up a friendship that lasted until he passed last week. He was at Virgin for a time and worked with the artists there including The Spice Girls and Paul Abdul. In these fast-changing-times in the music business, he remained somewhat behind the scenes of late, but admitted he missed working with the artists. Phil was a guy you never ever heard a bad word about. Huge loss. Here’s Billboard’s take on Phil:

https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/phil-quartararo-dead-exec-paula-abdul-spice-girls-1235509422/

… As you’ve not doubt read, there is trouble in the Marvel-comic kingdom. The latest Captain Marvel movie (The Marvels) didn’t perform nearly as well as everyone hoped for and their newest star, Jonathan Majors as Kang, is tied up in several court matters.

Dr. Doom

So, we hear that Kang is out and Doctor Doom is in. Stay tuned …

Last week for David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love. If you’ve not seen this, it is a must-see one. Sad to see it go …

And Forbes’ James M. Clash has released Amplified; culled from his terrific interviews with the icons of rock ‘n roll; including Grace Slick; Art Garfunkel; Ginger Baker; Micky Dolenz; and Roger Daltry.  Here’s the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNJZYW2J?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_WKCSH7AC0ZTK18RZF4ED&language=en-US NAMES IN THE NEWS — Steve Leeds; Kate Hyman; Bono; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Peter Abraham; Bobby Bank; Dina Pitenis; Frank DiLella; Donnie Kehr; Steve Leber; Don Wardell; Anne Adams; Billy Smith; John Boulos; Kimberly Cornell; Sam Rubin; Nexstar; and ZIGGY!

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Midnight Moment For December: Doku: Digital Reincarnation

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Every night in December, from 11:57pm – 12am artist Lu Yang takes over Times Square with a post-human dance party. Lu Yang’s elaborately outfitted and eerily lifelike avatars in Doku: Digital Reincarnation are born out of the artist’s distinct and ongoing scientific and philosophical inquiries – an interdisciplinary blend of Buddhism, neuroscience, psychology and modern technology.

The shape-shifting protagonist in this five-channel work is Doku – the name derived from the phrase “Dokusho Dokushi,” which translates to “We are born alone, and we die alone,” and references a canonical Buddhist scripture. While sharing Lu Yang’s facial expressions and features, the nonbinary character was generated from an amalgamation of various dancers and musicians, and created in collaboration with a team of scientists, 3D animators, and digital technicians using the latest in motion capture technology. Through this repeated incarnation, the artist is reborn as an ever-present avatar, endowed with talents surpassing physical limitations – uniting ancient concepts such as reincarnation with the latest technological innovations.

Lu Yang is a Shanghai-based artist who creates work exploring themes and formats, inspired by both traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary digital cultures. Through the medium of video, installation and performance, Lu Yang explores the fluidity of gender representation through 3D animated works inspired by Japanese manga and gaming subcultures. With a fascination with the human body and neurology, Lu Yang’s work bridges the scientific and the technological with aesthetics drawn from popular youth culture creating new visions of China in the face of modernity.

Born in 1986 in Shanghai where they are currently based, Lu Yang prefers to play with pronouns and insists she “lives on the internet” to further confuse fixed notions of identity. They attended the China Academy of Fine Art in Hangzhou, BFA and MFA, under the tutelage of Zhang Peili, the godfather of Chinese video art. A 2019 winner of the BMW Art Journey award, she has shown internationally including the M Woods Museum in Beijing, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Melbourne, and in many other shows, including the Asia Society Triennial in New York.

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Book Reviews

The Glorious Corner

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G.H. Harding

NINA CHASE LIVES! — (Via Deadline) Shantal VanSanten is moving from FBI to FBI: Most Wanted for the latter show’s fifth season. She will reprise the role of Special Agent Nina Chase.

Nina is a well-seasoned FBI agent who is strong-willed, sharp and used to working undercover. The character was first introduced on the mothership series toward the end of Season 4 and she continued her recurring role in various episodes of Season 5 which concluded in May. Nina remains in a relationship with FBI’s Stuart Scola (John Boyd) as they raise their infant son Douglas together.

VanSanten is joining the cast following Alexa Davalos’ exit from FBI: Most Wanted, which Deadline reported exclusively in August. Their new season will debut on Tuesday, February 13.

The show is part of the massive Dick Wolff-empire and is actually a rather brilliant move; as the character has established itself on the other show and should fit nicely with Dylan McDermott and cast. The Wolff-machine just lost Jeffrey Donovan from Law & Order and recently installed their fifth showrunner on the much-troubled Law & Order: Organized Crime with Christopher Meloni; which is due to start their fourth season next year.

VanSanten also portrayed Karen Baldwin in the Apple TV+ show For All Mankind and was just terrific. Never heard of her before that show, but just a stunningly good performance, Nina Chase.

SHORT TAKES — Always read the posts. Loved this one: I was so confused! In Australia the show is called Morning Wars. And, yes, they were talking about Apple TV+’s Morning Show. That would be a more apt title … Looks like the NYC-launch for Mark Bego’s Joe Cocker-tome will be Tuesday, January 9 at Steve Walter’s Cutting Room. And Bego does an 11-city radio tour next week for Premiere Radio … Micky Dolenz’s R.E.M. cover of “Shiny Happy People hit #5 of the Heritage Chart in the U.K. … Every six months or so I read something about how The Starship’s “We Built This City” is the worst record of all time. Being home-bound for a time, I began hearing it regularly on my iHeart Hits of the 80’s and began to like it. Here’s a terrific summary of the song by Rob Tannenbaum. It’s actually hilarious: https://www.gq.com/story/oral-history-we-built-this-city-worst-song-of-all-time

Deadline reported that NBC’s La Brea will end with a six-episode season next year. This is the show about a massive sinkhole in Hollywood that tuns into a time-travel escapade. Crazy writing, but somehow addictive. I found it a guilty-pleasure. Here’s the story: https://deadline.com/2023/11/la-brea-canceled-season-3-1235630123/

Sad that CBS’ Blue Bloods is ending after a spectacular 14-season run. I watched it when it started, then was out for a few seasons, but came back after Steve Schirripa joined the cast. Costs indeed did the show in, but you have to admit those family dinners which closed out each episode were sensational. Selleck, an icon. There’s not another show like this on TV right now; smart writing and brilliant acting. Treat Williams had a re-occurring role as an old mate of Selleck’s. Hope they do a proper tribute to him as he was stellar. Will be missed for sure … A 16-date Rolling Stones tour was announced Tuesday. Sponsored by AARP no less. Stones Tour 24

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 07: Mayor Eric Adams speaks at the Tribeca Festival opening night reception at Tribeca Grill on June 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)

NY-Nightlife-Mayor Eric Adams seems to walking a tightrope – what with the ongoing FBI probe and city budget-cuts … Wintercon’s Frank Patz is interviewed for Medium today. It’s December 2 and 3 … Happy Thanksgiving!

NAMES IN THE NEWS — Richard Johnson; Ian Mohr; Harvey Levin; Kimberly Cornell; Plastic EP; Jane Blunkell; Tony King; Dave Mason; Michael McDonald; Kenny Loggins; Fortune Benatar; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Race Taylor; Jim Kerr; Ken Dashow; Plastic EP; Brad Balfour; Frank Patz; and ZIGGY!

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