Winter, the real winter, has returned to New York. Did it reach 20 degrees today? Doesn't matter ... it felt like it didn't. And then that maddening concept, a notion that escaped us as children, the Real Feel tells us it actually feels like it's below zero. Who really cares? All I know is ... it's freezin' out there.
Given that it's frigid, that's when we somehow decided to trek into Manhattan for theater. We met our upstairs neighbor, Diane, at Da Andrea in the West Village. We've been there many times before and always enjoy it. Luck was with us and we got a parking spot right out front.
Da Andrea is owned and operated by a young woman who transplanted herself to New York from Bologna and the cuisine reflects her origin. It's a lovely little restaurant on Hudson Street; very cozy and the food has never disappointed.
We drove to the 45 Bleecker Theater and, once again, we were able to park just a few steps away. What's going on here? Parking in Manhattan? Was it the frigid cold? Was it luck? I'm not complaining but two very convenient parking spots in one night is not a regular occurrence in car-clogged Manhattan. Diane's husband, Rock, met us at the theater.
The theater is home to The Culture Project which claims "to produce theatrical and musical events with a particular emphasis on cross-disciplinary works that influence social and aesthetic values." And indeed it does if what we saw tonight was any example. We were treated to a stunning production of Belfast Blues.
We are taken to war-torn Ireland of the 70's and 80's via the sensational performance of one woman actor who portrays a little girl's story of her family, neighbors, church and a trip to Hollywood. It is the true story of Geraldine Hughes as told on stage by the very same person. Ms. Hughes is the subject, the playwright and the actor. She mesmerized me, playing the role of 24 different characters, flowing seamlessly from one to other and back again. This is a spellbinding performance that will move you to laughter and tears as it examines "the troubles" that tore Northern Ireland apart, oppressing the Catholic population and dividing neighborhoods into armed camps. You shouldn't miss it.
Get tickets now for Belfast Blues. I guarantee you'll love it or double your ticket stubs back.
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