Cirque de Soleil Zarkana Review

I had the pleasure of seeing Zarkana last night, three days before its official opening on Wednesday. The show tells the story of Zark, a magician who has lost his powers, on his quest to rescue his girlfriend who was kidnapped. It was unclear who kidnapped her and who the bad guys are—was it the witch in the tree? The Medusa-like snake performer? Or the spider? Or are all three the incarnation of the same woman? No matter. Plot in a Cirque de Soleil performance is about as necessary as a storyline in porn—it loosely helps to define the story, but we're all there for the action.

On that action front, Zarkana doesn't disappoint. The show, which runs through October 8 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, features some impressive reverse juggling, trapeze acts and a gorgeous sequence of banquine (acrobats bouncing off of each other). While some acts felt familiar, like the Cyr Wheel that was also in Kooza, and others fell flat, like the Flags that were no better than your local high school's flag corps, some like the Ladders had me holding my breath. Just when I was thinking that the male performer who balances a ladder using pure strength must be glad this his part in the show was over, he came back and did something even more outrageous. Unfortunately on the night we attended the Hand Balancing performer failed to perform. From what I can tell, he came out on cue, then ran backstage never to appear again. We didn't get an explanation and it was a big disappointment that the penultimate act failed to show.

The stage, before the start of the show

The setting at Radio City is one of the more gorgeous Cirque de Soleil sets I've ever seen. The lighting designer, Alain Lortie, makes full use of the ceiling and interior of the orchestra so you really do feel as though you're transported into a creepy nether world.

For a show that is billed as a rock opera, the music is lackluster. It was hard to make out what the singers were saying, which is a big reason why the plot is indecipherable. Even if I could understand the lyrics, the songs themselves fail to make an impression.

So would I recommend seeing Zarkana? Yes, if you're a Cirque de Soleil junkie or a newbie or if you're looking for an entertaining show to see. But if the $47+ ticket price is a stretch for you, you aren't missing much if you sit this one out.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com.

I was given free tickets to review this show.

Sister Act on Broadway Review

As I walked into the theater last night for Sister Act, I spotted more than a few men and women of the cloth, which immediately made me nervous. As a lapsed Catholic, I have a guilty conscience that has followed me into adulthood. Moreover, could I possibly like the same show as priests and nuns? The answer is a happy yes—though I'm just assuming by the rousing standing ovation the show got that the priests and nuns enjoyed the show, too. I think it's a safe bet.

Sister Act was turned into a musical by the original movie's star, Whoopi Goldberg, who is producing the show. She brought in veteran composer Alan Menken to write the songs, which have a 70s, Motown feel. The plot of the musical is similar to that of the movie, Dolores, an aspiring lounge singer, has to hide out in a convent after witnessing her thug boyfriend kill someone. She quickly turns the tone deaf choir of nuns into a must-see, money-making act for the church. The results are charming, toe-tapping fun.

One thing that really struck me is that after seeing shows with a giant Manolo Blahnik, helicopters that land on stage and sinking ships, the set of Sister Act is disarmingly simple. The showiest part is a stained glass window and over-sized Madonna (the Virgin Mary, not the singer). It was refreshing that the show wowed on its plot, songs and dance numbers alone.

It has been a while since I've seen the movie—it came out in 1992, so it's safe to say it was nearly 20 years ago—but I do think a touch of the original charm was lost in the transfer to Broadway. I get that it's a challenge to develop characters in a musical, but some of the depth of the friendships was lost from the movie. In addition, Kathy Najimy stole the show in the movie as sister Mary Patrick, a character who barely makes an impression here. On the other hand, sister Mary Robert in the musical, Marla Mindelle, is adorable with a killer voice.

My tickets were courtesy of Swarovski. I started to fret in Act I that I would have nothing to write about when it comes to sparkly costumes. But rest assured, they're there—I don't want to spoil the surprise.

All in all, I give Sister Act a hearty thumbs up. We left the theater with a smile on our face, humming the final show stopping number. And really, what more do you need from a musical?

Tickets to Sister Act are available online.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Review

Thanks to Swarovski, we had the opportunity to catch the Saturday night performance of Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway. It's a fun-filled romp that follows three drag queens on a road trip across Australia. The costumes were created by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, the same folks who won the Oscar in for the costumes from the film in 1994. (Lizzy, as you may remember, wore a dress she made out of American Express gold cards to that year's Academy Awards.) The duo must be the shoo-in for this year's Tonys as there are countless costume changes including Divas, a Tina Turner impersonator, Madonna, and giant cupcake dresses to name a handful.

It would take too long to note all the fabulousity in this show: the giant disco ball, the techno-color Priscilla bus, the over-sized Swarovski-sequined Manolo Blahnik atop Priscilla and the out of this world costumes. But what we loved the most was all the scantily clad boys who were shaking their groove thing through the first act (you can catch a glimpse of what we're talking about about 10 seconds in on the left side of the video above). The boys are still there in Act 2, but, unfortunately, are wearing more clothes.

Most of the songs in Priscilla are familiar crowd pleasers, including with "It's Raining Men", "Material Girl", "I Say a Little Prayer", and "I Will Survive". The story is sweet as the lead Tick/Mitzi, played by the hunky Will Swenson, frets about meeting his young son for the first time and fellow drag queen Bernadette falls in love. A few of the jokes were over our straight heads, though it may have been related to the Australian accents and not our sexual orientation.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert would make a great first stop on a bachelorette party or a birthday night out in NYC. All those nearly naked boys are far hotter and more entertaining than at any strip club we've ever been to.

The only thing we missed was the Manolo necklace charm that we wrote about previously. We thought it would be on sale in the lobby, but none of the clerks knew what we were talking about. We're investigating...

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Manolo Blahnik's

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is now a Broadway musical, filled with eye-popping costumes, the best 1970s dance tunes and fabulous dance numbers to go along with them. In Australia, where it takes place and the show opened, it holds the record for the most successful musical ever.

In celebration of all that glam, Manolo Blahnik created a silver patent leather Mary Jane high-heeled shoe with a Swarovski crystal button. A giant version of the shoe makes an appearance in and on Priscilla (the van), and you can buy one in your size at the flagship store in New York.

A Manolo Blahnik-designed silver shoe charm is available at the Palace Theater, Priscilla Queen of the Desert's home.

A portion of the sale of each benefits Bette Middler's New York Restoration Project. The group is near and dear to us as it takes care of the park down the street from our home.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert opens on March 20. Buy tickets here.

Shoe photos are courtesy of TheaterMania.com

See Liz Taylor'sand Princess Grace's Jewels at the Cooper Hewitt

Each piece of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry is so stunning and undeniably a work of art, it's only fitting that it's the focus of the Set in Style exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York. The exhibit features gorgeous pieces, including Princess Grace's diamond and pearl engagement ring (above) and this Lamartine bracelet (below), along with matching earrings, that Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor in 1971, because they matched violet eyes.

You'll also see examples of the famed Van Cleef and Arpels zipper necklaces that transform into bracelets and this Walska Brooch/pendant. Originally a "push" present, it features wings that become earrings, a  tail that's a brooch and a 95-carat yellow diamond in the bird's beak that can also be worn as a pendant.

The exhibition runs through June 5.

Dali Museum Opens in St. Petersburg, Florida

The Salvador Dali Museum opens its doors this week, just a block away from its previous home. With the largest collection of Dali outside of Spain, the museum houses more space for the growing numbers of visitors and promises to protect the priceless pieces within from a category 5 hurricane. The building itself is worth exploring with its spiraling staircase and exterior igloo-like structure.

We're curious about the Yoga + Dali classes held each Sunday starting January 23rd. Imagine a 75 minute vinyasa class with views overlooking the waterfront and Dali's art surrounding you. Classes are only $10 for members or $15 for non-members.

Learn more at TheDali.org.

Ice Skating is Having a Moment

Break out your triple axels and slachow jumps, because ice skating is back in style. Gossip Girl Leighton Meester was seen ice skating yesterday, in full Missoni, no less, at a Herbal Essences-sponsored Portraits of Hope benefit.  But Leighton isn't the only one channeling her inner Michelle Kwan. In Paris, the rink at the Pailleron turns into a disco on certain evening, according to the New York Times. And in New York, mini pop rinks are being created all over the city, including a the new W Wall Street and The Standard (shown below).

JFK Contraband

For those who have ever wondered what gets confiscated at the customs office at JFK airport, this exhibit is for you. Photographer Taryn Simon spent five days in a row (24 hours a day!) at the airport last year photographing all the items that got taken at customs or that were being mailed internationally. Among the confiscated items were jewelry, handbags, rum, the active ingredient in Botox and Heroin.

The exhibit is free at NYC's Lever House Art Collection and runs through the end of the year.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #1: Bachelorette, the Play

We're kicking of bachelorette party month with a play that's all about what not to do at your own bachelorette party. The well-reviewed Bachelorette starts off innocently enough with four friends in a luxe hotel suite chugging champagne —sound familiar? But then one friend is green with envy because her boyfriend has yet to pop the question, one friend gets trashed, the bride's dress gets towrn and the girls pick up two guys at a bar and bring them back to their hotel suite. Eddie Kaye Thomas, American Pie's MILF-lover is one of the dudes.

Better hurry if you want to catch this off-Broadway show. The run closes August 28. It's the first in a series of plays about the seven deadly sins by playwright Leslye Headland. Bachelorette represents gluttony--we can't wait for lust!

DKNY-New York Scavenger Hunt

Heading to New York and looking for some insider stuff to do? Or maybe you live in town and you’re bored of the usual suspects? Stop by Times Square and pick up a key to take part in the Paul Ramirez Jonas designed “Key to the City” Scavenger Hunt. The keys unlock secrets across all the boroughs, including a door on the George Washington Bridge’s pedestrian walkway to a Bryant Park lamppost light switch and a master bedroom closet door at Gracie Mansion (shown. It's where Mayors, aside from Bloomberg, who has better digs, live).

The program is designed by Creative Time and The City of New York and is sponsored by DKNY.

A little timid to be the first one to sign up? Follow DKNY PR Girl on Twitter today as she tweets her own Key to the City adventure.

Gap's All American T-Shirts to Celebrat the Met Ball

When you're in the Big Apple later this month for a Sex and the City screening add a visit to the Metropolitan Museum, to view the American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity collection. It opened last night to much fanfare during the the Costume Institute Gala Benefit's co-chair, Oprah Winfrey and Patrick Robinson. Patrick is the creative director for the Gap and to celebrate, he created a limited edition line of "All American" T-Shirts that echo the different displays in the exhibits.

That's the Screen Siren, above. It looks just as good coming as it does going. The T-shirts are available at the Gap.

Glee on Tour!

Thanks to NYMag for alerting us to the very exciting news that Glee is going on tour! True Gleeks will want to follow Rachel, Finn, Quinn, Mercedes, Puck, et al on the four city tour that starts in Phoenix on May 18 before heading to L.A., Phoenix, then ending at NYC's Radio City on May 28 and 29th. Don't Stop Believin'! Tickets go on sale March 13!

Rodarte Exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt

Headed to NYC for Fashion Week? Make sure to spend some time at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum to check out the Rodarte exhibit. The funky designs of Kate and Laura Mulleavy, who established their line in 2005, belong in a museum, the sisters have various design influences from California Condors, Boris Karloff as Frankenstein, land art and Japanese horror films and perhaps the Amargosa Opera House.

The exhibition runs February 11 through March 14.

Fela! Review

I went in to Fela! with high expectations.  When I mentioned on my Facebook status update and on twitter that I was headed to the show, numerous people responded enthusiastically that they loved it, had told friends about it, that it was AMAZING. I've also heard Fela! is popular with celebs--Jay-Z and Jada Pinkett and Will Smith are all producers. One Facebook friend said she saw Gayle King, Alan Rickman and Spike Lee in the audience. We spotted Denzel Washington one row behind us.

Fela! is more of a interactive, multimedia experience than a traditional Broadway musical. The entire theater is set to look like a club with lights strewn all about and patrons are encouraged to take cocktails to their seats. The actors dance through the aisles and part of the stage extends into the seats (We were lucky enough to be seated right next to this catwalk.). There's a portrait that moves (think Harry Potter) and film clips and subtitles are shown throughout the show; at times it was hard to know where to focus my attention with so much going on.

The dancing and athleticism is BEYOND. It's truly a delight to watch Fela's "queens" who represent his 27(!) wives shake their booties and shimmy their hips. Each woman has her own body type (athletic and short, tall and skinny) and it's a pleasure to watch them move. The guys are just as sexy, with six packs to spare and one gent shows off impressive lung power by singing while hanging upside down from a ladder. My hubby and I both felt inspired to get our butts to the gym--guess that's why Crunch gym created the Fela! class.

The music, the majority of which is Fela's own, is impossible to sit still to. In fact, Fela gives a dance lesson to the audience and you're also invited to sing a long at parts. While I enjoyed this, I couldn't help but wonder how this went over on the older members of the audience.

My big gripe with Fela is that the story barely scrapes the surface. Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musical revolutionary. (I don't want to even get into telling his story because I'm sure I won't do it justice. Read the New York Time's recap of his life.) For example, when Fela asks a group of several women to marry him, they initially scoff, then form a huddle, then say yes after taking less time than Drew Brees to call a play. The time line was hard to follow with flashbacks and dream sequences. I know I wasn't the only one to feel this way; a woman behind me asked after the end of Act I why there was no curtain call. The play has two acts.

In the end, I guess the spirit of Fela is more important than the details and this show has personality, energy and passion in spades.

On Our Radar: Cartier at San Francisco's Legion of Honor

Cartier is celebrating 100 years in America with a drool-inducing retrospective of the house's most famous jewels at San Francisco's Legion of Honor. Among the jewels on display in the Cartier in America exhibit are Wallis Simpson's Flamingo brooch, made of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and citrines, given to her by the Duke of Windsor, the "Tutti Frutti" diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire necklace once owned by Daisy Fellowes, the Singer sewing heiress, and the bracelets worn by Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard.

The exhibit runs through April 18, 2010. There are no current plans to show it again, so catch it while you can!

Thinking about going? Check out the Taj Hotel's Campton Place Jewels and the Crown package. It includes two nights at the hotel, two VIP tickets to the Cartier in America show and daily breakfast starting at $498.

Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig Live and On Stage

Last night we went to see A Steady Rain with Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig. We'll be honest and say we only went to see the show because of their combined hotness. And the stars--who both made People's Sexiest Men Alive 2008 list--did not disappoint. We went in liking them both equally. We left understanding why Hugh was on the cover of last year's issue or People and Daniel was relegated to the inside. Simply put: He's beautiful.

As for the play...meh. It was the two of them, and the two of them only, on stage for 90 minutes in a cop drama. The acting was strong, but the plot was weak and predictable. We could tell what was going to happen about 15 minutes in. What impressed us the most, aside from Hugh's backside, was that neither Hugh nor Daniel required a glass of water throughout the entire play. Now that's endurance!

After the show, Hugh and Daniel remained on stage to do their pitch for Broadway Cares, Equity Fights Aids. To raise money, they auctioned off the sweaty wife beaters they each wore under their shirts throughout the show. (Yes, we were dying inside.) Included in the deal was a backstage tour and they also offered to autograph their tank tops. We tried to convince our friend, Laura, that the wifebeaters would make a perfect wedding gift, but no dice. (She didn't think our fiancé would appreciate them.)

The tanks eventually sold for $3,000 to two lucky bidders who generously agreed to take one wifebeater each. We think Hugh's should have sold for more!

Barbie Has Cankles?

Our jaw dropped when we read in Monday's WWD that shoe designer Christian Louboutin was redesigning Barbie—she of the 39-21-33 figure—because, as his spokesperson says, "He found her ankles were too fat.” While we might covet the mini Louboutin boxes for the shoes that reportedly come with the trimmer Barbie, we definitely won't be buying this doll for any of the girls in our life. Louboutin should stick to designing shoes—and champagne glasses for variety.

Virgin America's Fly Girls

Back when we were teens, we wanted to grow up to be flight attendants. Our mom talked us out if it. (Fortunately? Unfortunately? We're still not sure.) Regardless, we'll def be tuning into Fly Girls on the CW when it premiers later this year. According to one article, the show "will take place over eight half-hour episodes, looking at the on-the-go lives of five Virgin America flight attendants who jet to locations such as Las Vegas, Miami and New York." We can't wait!

Bachelorette Party Ideas: Shows and a Night Out in Vegas

We've booked our plane tix to Vegas for Annie's bachelorette party, now we're trying to figure out what trouble we'll get into while we're in town, a Thursday through a Sunday. Our group on Thursday looks to be the smallest, so we're considering a show.

Of course when you think show in Vegas, Cirque de Soleil comes to mind first. Annie has already seen "O", so that was ruled out. After that, we're concerned about which casino the show is in. Getting cabs can be a pain when casino hopping, not to mention a buzz kill. We know we want to go somewhere we can multi-task: See a show, eat dinner and hit a club.

Topping our list is Criss Angel's Believe (or it was til we found out Criss is off the night we're in town). The show, described as a, "haunting exploration deep inside the inventive mind of mystifier Criss Angel as he hovers between the land of the living and a surreal," made the cut because it's at Luxor and we're curious to check out the new Cathouse Lounge.





Next on the list is KA, at the MGM Grand. Its acrobatic feats, Capoeira dance and martial arts sound sexy. Plus, we would like to dine at Joel Rubuchon's restaurant at the MGM and there are enough clubs in the hotel, we're bound to find one we like.






Then there's Le Reve at the Wynn. It's created by Franco Dragone and we don't know much about it, though the photo below almost convinces us it would be worth our while to see. Plus, we know the clubs and restaurants at the Wynn are all winners--especially the dreamy Tryst.


For some silly, sexy fun, we're considering checking out Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. Aubrey O'Day has joined Holly Madison in the singing, dancing, stripping extravaganza. Add in that we could start the night with spicy tuna on crispy rice at Koi and we may just have our winner!



Of course, if Cher were in town when we were, all bets would be off. We would head over to see her faster than you can say Diva.

The Lost Symbol

Summer may be over, but that's no reason to stop reading fun beach reads. We've already put our name on the wait list for The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown's sequel to the DaVinci code. It features Robert Langdon in what is sure to be another page turner. We don't know more than that as review copies have been kept under lock and key a la a Harry Potter novel. We do know The Lost Symbol releases on September 15. Reserve your copy now!

For a more in depth look at what may be in The Lost Symbol, check out New York Magazine's piece: How Dan Brown Feeds the Brain.