Laughing in the Face of Death: "The Big C"

"These are the times that try men's souls."

I can't help but think of these immortal words by Thomas Paine every time I turn on the television. It's quite obvious from the news headlines that we are living in very pressing times. The economy remains in a downward slope, despite politicians saying that the end is in sight. Environmental disasters such as earthquakes and oil spills are wreaking their havoc here and abroad. Death, it seems, is on the rise, (in all honesty, how many celebrities and "well-known" people have we seen pass away recently?) I, too, can attest that I am feeling the strain of all this misery and woe. I am one of the many millions of people nationwide who is in search of a paying job and have recently lost my grandfather, (my last surviving grandparent,) to Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes it looks as if there is no end to all the depression that is staring us in the face.

And then, much to our surprise, a new television show comes along that makes us laugh and, even in the darkest of times, allows us to see the light.

"The Big C" premiered last Monday on Showtime, and is already receiving so much praise and acclaim. Emmy Award winner Laura Linney stars as Courtney, a woman who is diagnosed with melanoma. Upon coming to terms with her diagnosis, she begins to live on impulse, doing anything and everything she can to enjoy the remainder of her life. Some obstacles she faces are a difficult husband (Oliver Platt,) a prankster son (Gabriel Basso,) and an embittered old neighbor (Phyllis Somerville.) Some of the more comedic elements of the show are made possible by Courtney's reclusive brother Sean (played by the hilarious John Benjamin Hickey,) and a witty high school student portrayed by "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe.

The series, though comedic at times, can also be quite poignant and heartfelt. For instance, at the conclusion of the pilot episode, Courtney is seated on her sofa, seemingly alone, making jokes about cancer in a light-hearted manner, only to be overtaken by tears moments later. Despite her efforts at levity, she is still overcome with fear of what lies ahead. This scene is also a beautiful portrayal of the human spirit, showing just how vulnerable we may become when faced with a difficult situation, while still having the strength to carry us forward.

"The Big C" is a terrific new series that, in my opinion, could not have premiered at a better time than now. These may be "The times that try men's souls," but Laura Linney and the cast and crew of this marvelous new show sure know how to bring out the fun in them!

"The Big C" airs on Monday nights on Showtime. Check your local listings.

The scoop of the day is: Strawberry Banana

A Visit to "The Barrio": A Review of the musical "In The Heights"

One of the many Merriam-Webster definitions of the word "entertainment" reads as follows:

"Something diverting or engaging; Amusement or diversion provided especially by performers."

Never did these definitions ring so true than when I saw the smash-hit musical "In The Heights" this past Saturday at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. "In The Heights," written by writer/actor Lin Manuel Miranda (whom TV fans might remember as House's roommate on "House MD,") won the 2008 Tony Award for Best New Musical. It is the story of a group of predominantly Latino characters in New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood. Usnavi (played by Miranda, reprising his Broadway role on tour,) is the unofficial narrator. Through him, we the audience learn all about the different people he sees every day. There's Nina, a college drop-out who has just returned home from Stanford and is facing the fear of approaching her parents about her decision; Vanessa, a local salon-worker (and Usnavi's crush) who dreams of leaving "the Barrio" to pursue big dreams in Midtown Manhattan; Benny, who works for Nina's parents, and who will stop at nothing to be accepted by the Latinos of Washington Heights; Abuela Claudia, the elderly woman who raised Usnavi after his parents passed away, who simply tries to enjoy her life in old age while continuing to spread her joie de vivre to everyone in the neighborhood.

"In The Heights" was less a theatrical performance as much as it was an actual journey, an all-too-brief look into a warm, colorful neighborhood and its inhabitants. Along with an impressive set design that not only emotes but recreates a street in Washington Heights, the cast beautifully captures the everyday struggles, joys, and routines of life in the big city.

The music and dancing of "In The Heights" make the show such a dazzling and enjoyable experience. A wide range of musical styles are displayed throughout the production, ranging from salsa and reggaeton to hip-hop and R&B. Lin Manuel Miranda's music and lyrics along with Andy Blankenbuehler's robust and contemporary choreography make for a magical union and work hand-in-hand to push the plot forward.

The show plays on a wide range of emotions, which sometimes alternate rather quickly. For instance, a song filled with such unadulterated joy will be cut by a rather serious and intense moment of sorrow. Countless times throughout the show did I find myself either laughing out loud or on the verge of actual tears. However, the story comes full-circle at the dramatic conclusion when both the characters and the audience realize that sometimes what you're searching for can be found in the most unexpected place.

Anybody in search of an entertaining and rewarding theatrical experience should see "In The Heights." The show is currently on national tour (with a current limited engagement in San Diego,) and playing on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (with "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu as Usnavi.) Go online to www.intheheightsthemusical.com and see where this terrific show is playing at a live theatre venue near you!

The scoop of the day is: Cookie Dough

The Return of "Mad Men": Booze, Broads, and a Brand-New Business

With some of our favorite seasonal programs off the air until fall (or worse, next year,) many TV fans find themselves saying "Now what?" Over the course of the past couple months, I've heard so many people say "What am I going to do until (insert the name of series here) returns?!" Of course, I have often asked myself this very question, (especially after the phenomenal season finales of two of my favorite shows, "Glee" and "United States of Tara.") Fortunately, the summer is chock full of new and returning programs that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

For those of you who follow "Mad Men," I am sure you share my excitement of its highly anticipated 4th season opener, which is this Sunday, July 25th at 10pm/9pm Central on AMC (check your local listings.) Those of you who have not seen "Mad Men," the time is now! Sizzling seasons 1, 2, and 3 are available on DVD.

I have been following this scintillating series since its premier in the summer of 2007 and am completely hooked. The show, which takes place in the early 1960s in and around a fictional Madison Avenue Advertising Agency (named Sterling and Cooper,) is brimming over with style and sophistication. Plus, with juicy story lines involving sex, scandal, and secrecy, what's not to love? Then again, the show's catchphrase is "Where the truth lies." Appropriate? Quite.

The first two seasons of "Mad Men" focus primarily on the main character, Don Draper (played by the multi-talented Jon Hamm.) For those who are just starting to immerse themselves in the series, I will not give anything away. As the series progresses, we are given a look into the lives of others who work at Sterling and Cooper. Peggy Olson (played by Elizabeth Moss,) a young secretary, who becomes pregnant from a fellow coworker and puts the baby up for adoption. Salvatore (theatre vet Bryan Batt,) a closeted gay man who, though married, longs for comfort with other men. Each character has their own unique story, and it is fascinating to take a look into the trials and tribulations of their everyday lives.

"Mad Men," now in its fourth season, will begin with the opening of a new ad agency, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. After three seasons of high drama and engaging story-telling, it will be a real treat to see what the cast and crew have in store for us.

So, remember folks! Mark your calendars! Set your Tivo! Tune in this Sunday, July 25th, at 10pm/9pm Central on AMC, and drop in to say "hello" to the fine people at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce!

The scoop of the day is: Lemon Sorbet