Reflecting on the 2009 Tony’s…

Apparently, 2009’s Tony Awards saw a drastic spike in ratings, as reported by Playbill, well into double digit increases. I think the presence of Neil Patrick Harris, this year’s (dull) host, is to blame for these gains in viewership. He was all over day-time and late-night television, advertising the show in a way that Whoopi (presumably, by contract with The View) could not. Though I hardly know of him, the greater part of the country seems to idolize N.P.H. as some kind of all-American poster boy. If they only knew…

Neil Patrick Harris, host

But, it is EXCELLENT, I say. Any press theatre can obtain will certainly benefit the entire theatre-loving community. Particularly in a season full of critically-acclaimed and artistically diverse productions, the increased interest validates the claim that shows can be both smart and bankable. Plus, better ticket sales will generate more jobs and spending in New York- perhaps enough to stimulate some real growth the economy…well, maybe not. But it is telling that this year, when all feared the Great White Way’s death with 11 shows closing in January, tickets sales were the highest ever recorded by the Broadway League ($943.3 million, according to the NY Times) and 40+ new shows opened. That is quite encouraging news if this is really the Great Depression: Volume 2.

But ratings fail to reflect a program’s quality (See Arrested Development for details). So, what did I think, you may ask.

As you may have guessed, I was not completely bowled over by N.P.H.’s hosting abilities. He said, as a guest on The View, that he would attempt to replicate John Stewart’s Oscar-hosting technique, being witty and smart. In reality, this technique became lame and uninvolved. N.P.H. did very little throughout the evening until his 11 o’clock number sung through the credits. Whoopi flew, rollerskated, and dressed in so many ridiculous costumes as last year’s host. N.P.H. wore a shiny suit, walked down the aisles a few times, and made one good joke about Brett Michael’s “headbanging” incident. I like the guy, but he was a miserably dull host!

I did, however, enjoy the new format they utilized this year. Musical numbers seemed to bookend each award presentation, making the evening fast-paced and perfect for a theatre-loving couch potato. I cannot believe those three hours past so quickly! While their selection of random regional and touring productions (Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, and Mamma Mia) was questionable, it provided them with more performance material to sell tickets.

The Winners: Much of the night went as predicted. Ok, ALL OF IT was as predicted. The big winner of the night was Billy Elliot, which picked up awards for Best Musical, Direction, Choreography, Sets, Featured Actor, and Leading Actor awards. As you’ll hear in the clip, all 3 actors playing Billy were nominated together for 1 award. And together, they had the most endearing acceptance speech of the night.

Billy Elliot the musical revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the eighties’ coal miners’ strike of Northern England. While the Billy performance offered nothing for people like my mother (who loves the singing and dancing of traditional shows), I suspect the dancers of the world found a piece to call their own.

The fiercest competitor (though, without claws) was Next to Normal, which provided the best performance of the night. Carrie Fisher offers a fun introduction to the scene (TRUST ME, listen to the whole thing…it gets really good).

Next to Normal tells the story of a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder and the illness’ effect on her family. Alice Ripley, the mother, easily took the award for Best Actress in a Musical (and what a crazy acceptance speech it was).

Angela Lansbury in "Blithe Spirit"

Thank god for Angela Lansbury. At 83 years old, she wins her 5th Tony Award! How fantastic. Apparently, her performance is Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit is outstanding and strangely similar to Geoffrey Rush’s in Exit the King in zany energy. I hope I can move like that at 83 (or even Estelle Parsons at 82 in August: Osage County).

God of Carnage took the Best New Play award, as expected. With stars like James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hope Davis involved, it was sure to be a hit with critics and audiences. With the Pulitzer Prize winner, Ruined, excluded from contention (because it never actually played Broadway), Carnage only faced competition from Neil LaBute’s reasons to be pretty. With the prize gone, reasons has (unfortunately) already announced its closing date. I saw the LaBute on opening night, as a friend was investing in it. While not thrilled by it, it grew on me day-by-day after as I thought more about it, and I am sad to see it go. I am sure more Tony losers will follow on reasons‘ heels.

Janet McTeer in Mary Stuart

The Losers: I was disappointed to see Janet McTeer of Mary Stuart lose the Best Leading Actress in a Play award to Marcia Gay Harden. I have yet to see Ms. Gay Harden’s performance, but I cannot describe how enthralling Ms. McTeer’s Mary Stuart was. And performing night after night in an onstage rain, drenched in period dress as the men go about in modern…wow! She was outstanding. That was sad to see, while still expected.

Geoffrey Rush - "Exit the King"

The Best Leading Actor in a Play category was rife with talent and celebrity names. Geoffrey Rush, whose hilarious performance as a 400 year old in Exit the King stole the award, faced stiff competition from Gandolfini, Daniels, Esparza, and Sadoski. Esparza (of Speed-the-Plow) and Sadoski (of reasons to be pretty) both gave outstanding performances. Many thought Mr. Esparza would grab the award merely for putting up with Jeremy Piven’s sushi antics (and the 2 replacements he had to accomodate in Piven’s absence). Mr. Sadoski was the essence of reasons and gave such a unique and heart-felt performance. I would argue that he was Mr. Rush’s main competition, though Rush was damn funny in an otherwise dull show.

Overall, an intriguing (and money-making) theatre season.

Fashion trends of 2009…

We are nearly two weeks into 2009, and I STILL have yet to go shopping and explore the lingering sales from the holiday season. Luckily, I have read that the massive sales offered during the end of the year are likely to continue into the early months of 2009 due to disappointing revenues for the first quarter (December specifically). Because of this, I have once again decided to put in some research and plan my forthcoming purchases for January and February. Looking at the trends that will shape this year, I can decide which of them are the best options for my budget. While my resolutions for the new year made clear that I would not spend extravagantly on individual items (instead preferring to invest in experiences like travel), I think that evaluating new trends will allow me to then look for knock-off versions of these items and save money with style. So, with that, I will explore my favorite trends of the upcoming year, head to toe.

Some music to accompany the trends: Rilo Kiley, It’s a Hit

Hair

The Fringe

Made popular by the other sex in 2008, the fringe has now come to men. Granted I had seen it atop New York hipsters’ heads for much of the fall season, it has now arrived in full force for the rest of us. And I think it is a very smart and useful choice for men. Keeping the sides and back relatively short is wise for upkeep: it will not grow out too fast and is favorable for those who shower at night and do not want to find bed-heads in the morning. Assuming the top is cut with care, blending nicely into the sides and nearly meeting the brow, it can frame a face wonderfully, while looking youthful and classic. With a necessary part on the side for longer styles, it provides an older look that matches other clothing trends of the year.

The Slick-Back

The slick-back is hardly new (and, in fact, resembles much of my own style this past year…at least when I actually styled it). It harkens back to the 1930’s and automatically showcases one’s face and bone structure. Those without a strong jawline and beautiful skin and eyes beware! It is very professional and can be worn with anything. Again, the part is key here, as well as the height of hair. No one wants to look like a shiny-headed alien.

Tops

Colorful Prints

One trend that I have previously acknowledged in lately-written entry within the Gucci spring collection was the elaborately-printed shirt. Though this particular top has a tunic form, it features a relatively typical structure that allows for the loud pattern and color. Prints like this must have a strong collar and restrictive form to work. There are lots of options available for accessories and layering with shirts in this style.

Outerwear

Stussy Outerwear

Though most recommend the return of the windbreaker for this spring, I would like to plug this fantastic winter coat that I just discovered by Stussy. I realize it is not practical for the spring, but I found it lovely. The tailored form detracts from the oversized plaid pattern and makes the bulky material seem more flexible. Breast pockets can be troublesome, especially in this material, but the tailoring again takes away from them. I like it. Maybe next year?

Suits

Suits by Tom Ford

What I like about the suits above is the cut, which brings back images of the 1930’s with patterns of a much older variety. Featuring wide shoulders, slim waists, and a skinny pant, this cut accentuates more classic shapes of the male body, avoiding the super-skinny trend that has plagued fashion for the past two years. The traditional patterns utilized in these suits gives the still-thin material some visual weight, making the wearer seem a little bulkier in a positive way. And yet, the suit itself is lighter and easier to move within. It is a smart look in more than one way.

Bottoms

Cuffed Shorts

I have been working on this look for two years while in the city, so I am glad to see it break through and hit the mainstream. It is preppy yet relaxed. It suggests to me ideas of Martha’s Vineyard and New England vacations back in the day. Hitting just above the knee, it shows off the male leg, especially when there are sockless shoes involved. It is sexy and fun with a touch of formality. I can easily see this paired with a white button-down for a more formal look.

Land's End Chino

What can I say about these chinos by Land’s End. They are cheap, lightweight, and colored right for spring. With an original fit, they reach back to classic cuts with a nod to tight-fitting skinny pants that have been favored lately. Beautiful.

Shoes

So-called "Mocs"

As opposed to the personally reviled perforated shoes, these “mocs” are hot. Very spring, very Vineyard, very useful. These can work well with the Polo and pant set that is often found at yaught clubs across the northeast. But they also look great with the more hip cuffed-short set, who refuse to wear socks.

Accessory of Choice

Hermes Wallet

I adore wallets of this variety because they are absolutely an accessory. Where bi-fold/tri-fold wallets go into your back pocket and are largely squished and forgotten, these are to be placed in your carrier and stared at when you remove it to pay for something. This piece by Hermes costs a ridiculous $1800. But many quality replicas can be found for a much more reasonable price (perhaps even obtained second-hand). These are too elegant and aesthetically-pleasing to pass up.