The Shaw Produces a Splendid Version of Tony Kushner’s IHO

The Studio Theatre Lobby at ShawFest

     Any theatre that states “Mature Content, Strong Language, Partial Nudity” outside of the auditorium pretty much guarantees that the audience will stay focused, especially when the three-act play runs almost four hours.  Reading those watch words put us in an extremely attentive mood.  We first visited The Shaw Festival in 1997 to see Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour (1934) because no other company was reviving such a controversial work.  That production was both naturalistic with surreal and ghost story elements that are not explicitly stated in the script.  I still remember specific imagery from that matinee.  This year, we attended a much more recent play that few companies have had the chutzpah/faccia tosta to attempt, probably because it requires eleven actors and it’s left-wing political and historical context is somewhat arcane.  

IHO Playbill Cover

     The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures (this version 2011) follows in a long line of top American plays featuring large families (Ah, Wilderness, Awake and Sing, The Little Foxes, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Delicate Balance, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Piano Lesson, The Sisters Rosensweig) that teeter between hilarity and heartbreak.  Yes, I think Foxes is a vicious black comedy and that Cat is a comedy of manners.  Another play that it resembles is You Can’t Take it with You if Grandpa was humane, intelligent, and suicidal and half the kids had graduate degrees.  

The Extended Marcantonio Family Cast*

     Kushner’s Marcantonio family live in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn; the patriarch was a longshoreman, who later rose to be a leader of his labor union.  Set in 2007 – just before the economic meltdown – it looks back at the rise and fall of the union and, by extension, the plight of the working class over a sixty-year era.  It’s gutsy of Kushner to choose this subject since it’s not one with which American theatre audiences – primarily middle class – wish to concern themselves.  It requires both intense attention and the ability to quickly read the extensive and highly useful dramaturgical program notes.  

     Kushner sweetens the plot with attempted suicide, a variety of sexual and familial relationships that cross a number of boundaries, a pregnancy that almost results in a delivery, fascinating and passionate individual characters, and a beautifully constructed three-act structure that never flags for one moment.  In a period when every other serious play runs about ninety or so minutes without intermission, this salutes his achievement as a playwright.  Director Eda Holmes stages it with clockwork precision including a number of scenes where multiple conversations reach simultaneous crescendos and movement between multiple locales.  Peter Hartwell’s complex, authentic set features shipping containers within the walls signifying that dockworker’s past and is sharply lit by Kevin Lamotte.

Kelli Fox and Jim Mezon*

     The jewel in The Shaw’s proverbial crown has to be its acting ensemble that is being pushed to new heights because of the range of works being presented (newer as well as commissioned works and Broadway musicals – more of that in another article).  Jim Mezon and Kelli Fox inspire pity and fear (thanks, Aristotle) in the climactic scene.  Her commitment goes even further with Thom Marriott, who was hilarious, at the beginning of the show.  We saw Kelli Fox in the lead role in ’97 and her increasing power reaches incandescence.  

Fiona Reid*

Fiona Reid deserves a special note.  We’ve seen her a number of times, where she has performed in a grand manner, and we’ve even chatted with her in the parking lot.  As the quiet, watchful aunt, whose past is even more radically left politically than the other family members, she gives such a lived in performance with subtle details like the way she turns in her feet when she’s sitting and being dragged into a conversation/argument, that I wanted to follow the character off the set to find out what she did when she wasn’t around the others.  Her acting range is extraordinary.  All of the others

A Standing Ovation

nail the characters and then some.  One caveat:  a couple of them sometimes sounded as if their New York accents were by way of Boston.

*Photos by David Cooper for Shawfest.

IHO runs through October 10, 2015

shawfest.com-the-intelligent-homosexual

Learning to Drive Shows Various Lives of Quiet Desperation and Hope

     Patricia Clarkson, arguably the leading movie character actress of her generation, finally gets the lead in the urban romantic adventure Learning to Drive.  She’s rock solid; I always know I’ll enjoy her wry, intelligent presence even if the rest of the movie or TV show doesn’t work.   She joins Eve Arden, Rita Moreno, Lee Grant, and Paula Prentiss and, on TV, Marla Gibbs, Laurie Metcalf, Christine Baranski, and Archie Panjabi in my pantheon of MVP support.  We thought the preview looked cute and Neil really wanted to see it.  I said I just hoped it wasn’t safe.  It wasn’t, which is all to the good.  It is a romance in the traditional sense of the term, not a rom-com.  I don’t want to reveal too much more than that, but I also don’t want to set up false expectations.

Kingsley and Clarkson Driving

     The initial setup is that Wendy Shields’ (Clarkson) husband dumps her and her daughter is farming in Vermont so she decides to learn to drive in order to visit her.  Darwin Singh Tur (Ben Kingsley) is the Indian born but naturalized American Sikh who teaches her.  That simplicity begins in veteran writer and director Sarah Kernochan’s script that builds complex character dimensions, while director Isabel Coixet (2008’s Elegy, a similarly small movie featuring mature emotions and terrific performances by Kingsley, Clarkson, and Penelope Cruz) maintains a placid surface with a roiling cultural context.  

Sarita Choudhury with Ben Kinsley and Avi Nash

     The movie doesn’t back off from how Sikhs are regarded in New York City in the post 9/11 landscape.  Neil thought it ironically fitting that we were seeing the movie on the fourteenth anniversary of that date especially as the movie feels like a reiteration of Rodney King’s, “Can’t we all just get along?”  Life is tough for immigrants in America – a land based upon immigration and that is underlined here, though no one ever whines about it.  Only one character expresses anger about it and she is privileged and American born.

Gummer and Clarkson

     Women make up the key creative team for this production and, though I hate to generalize or stereotype, their choices are more instinctive and emotionally realistic.  The scene between Wendy and Darwin after a meeting at a car dealership is beautifully handled in the writing, acting, directing, and editing by the legendary Thelma Schoonmaker.  The casting is exemplary including Sarita Choudhury as Darwin’s arranged bride leaving India for the first time and Jake Weber (the husband on TV’s The Medium) as Ted, who walks out.  

Samantha Bee and Patricia Clarson

Grace Gummer and Samantha Bee look like they really could be Clarkson’s daughter and sister, respectively.  Gummer, daughter of Meryl Steep and sculptor Don Gummer, has a gentler style than her relatives and 

Avi Nash

it’s a pleasure to see the acerbic Bee (The Daily Show) in a more relaxed setting.  I have to mention Avi Nash as Darwin’s nephew Preet because he has the looks and charm to be a romantic star if he can get the roles.

Jack's Bar-B-Que on Broadway Lends Its Flavor to Nashville

Jack's Bar-B-Que on Broadway

     Conveniently located on Broadway next to Tootsies, in front of Ryman Auditorium and across the street from Ernest Tubb's Record Shop, Jack's was one of our lunchtime picks during our visit to Nashville.  In addition to its location, it's a Nashville original (and now more of a tourist attraction) that has been serving its version of bar-b-que since 1989.  The first location was on Broadway at First Avenue, but that site is now a parking garage for the riverfront development.  However, this "new" spot has the appearance of being filled with history and worn to the point of an old leather shoe.  The interior was welcoming, but not a place to linger especially on a Saturday afternoon with the line forming along the street outside.  

Seating Amongst Relics

     Like many bar-b-que joints, this one takes orders at the counter along a cafeteria-like line.  The staff is friendly and helpful only if you encourage them.  After all, it's rough dealing with long lines of impatient, hungry people all day long and we all had plenty of time to think about our orders.  Before we looked for an existing table to sit down, there was one last stop—the sauce station for choosing our favorite regional topping.

Pulled Pork Dinner

     Between the six of us, we sampled the Tennessee Pork Shoulder, Texas Beef Brisket and Smoked Texas Sausage.  All of it was of good quality and flavor.  Most of us chose the Green Beans as one of our two sides and that was a wise choice.  The Mac & Cheese was very creamy, hitting 

Texas Beef Brisket

about halfway up on the scale for us.  Eric and I just had to try the Chess Pie.  This was one you can pass by.  All in all, it wasn't the best bar-b-que any of us have had, but it was perfect as a midday stop along our tour of Broadway.

jacksbarbque.com

 

Luna Gale: Fitzpatrick and Meyers shine at Ensemble

     Rebecca Gilman’s Luna Gale (2014) shows off Ensemble's strengths in a heady start for this season.  Gilman’s script premiered at the Goodman last year in Chicago and played in London at the Royal Court.  Lynn Meyers has been able to stage this ahead of regional productions by other major companies (Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Cleveland Playhouse), which keeps Cincinnati on the cutting edge of contemporary drama. 

Molly Israel, Patrick E. Phillips with Annie Fitzpatrick*

     Luna Gale presents the situation of meth addict teenage parents having their infant daughter taken from them.  Various complications occur and I don’t want to give any of them away because the greatest enjoyment for an audience of this type of play is to know as little as possible.  That’s because it’s a melodrama – I could call it a situation drama – and Gilman builds suspense through surprise and the introduction of various socio-political hot topic issues.  These include:  the under funded, understaffed yet overflowing foster care system; the meth epidemic that’s becoming the heroin epidemic; the growing number of grandparents as children’s primary caregivers; personal values versus professional obligations; the influence of evangelical Christianity on governmental institutions; the devaluation of experienced professionals in the workplace by new supervisors.  That list is not exhaustive.

Annie Fitzpatrick*

     Annie Fitzpatrick gives a master class in subtle, naturalistic acting as the social worker Caroline.  She projects intelligence, decency, and wit yet doesn’t refrain from the unappealing aspects of this essentially good woman.  As we were leaving, I overheard young audience members say they thought Fitzpatrick was incredible and they were right.  Patrick E. Phillips uses his whole body to express the young father who develops a sensibility as the play progresses.  He’s frightening and hilarious in the opening scene where he’s unconscious, but physically creating the role.  His final moments are also funny and poignant.  I hope he’s back at Ensemble soon.  Both Molly Israel as the young mother and Natalie Joyce as a former client that aged out of the system seem like teenagers you’d see shopping at Wal-Mart or working at a chain family restaurant and wonder what’s going on in their lives.  You might not think broken families, drugs or custody battles immediately.

     While the other cast members get their parts across, they weren’t as adept because of miscasting, which they didn’t overcome.  Brent Vimtrup plays Caroline’s supervisor Cliff as if he might enroll in reparative therapy; there was something desperate about his interpretation that wasn’t in the script.  Charlie Clark’s Pastor Jay seemed like a nice teddy bear kind of guy.  I didn’t see how he’d inspire followers.  I’d like to have seen the two actors exchange roles.  Kate Wilford, usually a strong performer, didn’t project the grandmother Cindy’s high stakes in the central conflict.  Wilford has a mature, sensible presence that did not work for this character and she didn’t make acting choices to undercut or go against her physicality. Ensemble regular Sara Mackie was in the audience and Neil and I wish she’d played the part because her sweetness and naïveté would have been heartbreaking and more fully have justified the daughter’s rage, rather than Wilford’s bland interpretation.  

The Nursery at Childrens' Services*

     Meyers teases every nuance she can from this script, starting in her collaboration with designer Brian c. Mehring.  He answers the multiple settings challenge with a lazy Susan revolving stage, focusing on a palette of institutional gray, some black, and some splashes of color.  We’ve all seen that hospital waiting room, the public servant’s office, and even the grandmother’s kitchen.  That generic, homey yet sterile room gave me pause about the character even before the scene began.  It’s a bias of mine (and Gilman’s work is all about the complex role bias plays in relationships) that someone without taste – even bad taste – and imagination will be a lesser guardian than someone possessing either or both.

Luna Gale runs through September 27, 2015

*Photos from ETC website

ensemblecincinnati.org

Actors Theatre of Louisville Kicks Off in High Gear with Seven Guitars

     When I saw that Actors Theatre of Louisville (ATL) was producing August Wilson’s Seven Guitars (1996) as the opener for this season, I knew it would be worth seeing.  ATL has astonished us last season with Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brothers Size (2009) and a couple of years before that with Kristoffer Diaz’s The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (2008).  In both cases, the shows required and received great ensemble casts made up of actors of color.  Because of its international reputation, ALT can pull in top veteran stage actors and younger performers that may become stars.

The Male Cast Members of Seven Guitars*

     The Seven Guitars production directed by Colman Domingo (nominated in the past for major theatrical awards) almost as if he were conducting musicians playing a concerto is definitive.  William Boles’ back porch and yard set was so realistically detailed that we moved seats during the intermission so that we could see into the house, though none of the action takes place indoors.  Kathy A. Perkins’ lighting was both natural and possessed by the supernatural elements of the play.  Christian Frederickson’s subtle sound design percolated in such a way that it felt like the characters’ unconscious musings.  Neil wasn’t sure about the slacks that Louise wore, but women were wearing pants by the 1940s and Kara Harmon has provided an extensive wardrobe that requires lightning quick changes by the seven actors that I didn’t even notice.

Sharon Washington, Bowman Wright
and Joniece Abbott-Pratt*

     The reason for first emphasizing the designers was because they have collaborated on a naturalistic, you-are-there look to a production that felt otherworldly and became more so as the show progressed.  Wilson wrote with almost microscopic specificity about African Americans living in Pittsburgh’s Hill District during the 20th century.  However, while their concerns may seem singular, our friend Paul identified strongly with the milieu and the dialogue and he is Caucasian so the work speaks because it is universal.  Those conversations simultaneously bubbled with hilarity and simmered with resentment.  Certain subjects were expressed, dropped, and then taken up again before evaporating or exploding.  The play seemed realistic, but it moved in a looser way that recalled Chekhov.

The Realistic Pittsburgh Set Design

Sharon Washington as Louise*

     The cast was exemplary; I can’t think of other actors that would have been better.  Special kudos go to Sharon Washington as Louise, especially in her second act soliloquy that was hilarious in its drop-dead attitude and to Harold Surratt as King Hedley because he limned a simple man who became mythic.  I wish there was a little more music in the play since J. Alphonse Nicholson as the musician protagonist Floyd was more than up to playing it.  Otherwise, except for a couple of props that Neil and Paul weren’t certain were of the period, this was flawless.

*Photos by Bill Brymer for ATL

actorstheatre.org

Marché Artisan Foods for a Little Trip to Europe in East Nashville

THe Bakery and Kitchen at Marché

     We've paid a couple of visits to Marché for brunch and dinner.  From our two experiences there, our batting average has been 1000.  With a menu that changes seasonally and then some, it's hard to recall a description of every meal so I'm going to call this an "over-review" that speaks more in generalities.  

Crepe du Jour

     The emphasis is on European cooking.  From Marché Favorites on the menu came the Crepe du Jour consisting of bacon, goat cheese and pesto over a base of tomato basil sauce.  We've ordered crepes on both of our visits so I think I'm safe in saying that whatever the daily crepe entrant is, it's more than likely a winner.  

Market Salad

The Market Salad changes frequently and that time around ours combined orange slices, almonds and radishes with the spring mix and white balsamic vinaigrette.  

Baked Chicken and Pasta

A featured entrée was Baked Chicken over pasta with bacon and English peas.  The rich broth brought the flavors all together.  Marché is a restaurant where desserts are a must.  

Rhubarb Crunch

Eric and I shared the warm Rhubarb Crunch with the rest of our table, which left us all wanting more.  

The Round Dining Area

     The restaurant space is an interesting one to wander through.  There is a large, round dining area with a '60s edge that seemed perfect for an afternoon lunch and fashion show combo, the likes of those experienced in bygone department store lunchrooms. The rest of the seating is shared with some shelved retail offerings and the open kitchen and bakery.

     On our last visit we had an enthusiastic waiter, which was exactly what we needed after a day of sightseeing.  He had one of the best retorts ever when Eric told him, and motioned, that the two of us were together when we ordered (meaning that we should be on the same check).  His quick reply with a sigh was "Oh, I'm so happy for you", moving on without missing a beat!  

marcheartisanfoods.com

 

The Golden Tajine – good food, good service, good prices

Then Golden Tajine in Northside

     Sue had some wonderful mint tea when she was in France recently and she suggested we check out a Moroccan restaurant for lunch.  We thought she meant one in Northside, but she actually meant another one in Clifton.  We settled on The Golden Tajine in Northside and had a very nice dining experience.  It got off to a peculiar start because we didn’t pay attention to the sign to order at the counter and, instead, sat down and were surprised when the short order cook came around with menus and seemed a little puzzled (in retrospect, by our behavior, rather than anything he was doing).

Hummus and Pita

      There are specials, though these are for dinner on the weekends.  The lunch menu concentrates on pita selections.  We started with the Hummus, which was very fresh with a citrus undertow.  I wondered if he had just made it.  

Greek Fries

The Greek fries were delicious – crispy, seasoned well, with a generous helping of feta cheese.  Neil and Sue each had the Lamb Gyro, which he thought was one of the best he’d ever had 

Lamb Gyro

because it was packed with tender, flavorful meat.  There wasn’t that sharp mutton aftertaste that is the sign of cheap ingredients.  I had the Chicken Schawarma and it was also stuffed with tender, perfectly cooked meat and surrounded by a very fresh pita bread.  

Moroccan Mint Tea

    We also ordered a large Moroccan Mint tea, which was more than enough for the three of us.   Made with honey and enormous mint leaves, it needed no time to steep and was piping hot.  I drank four small glasses of it and could have drunk four more.  Although it’s a dark, 

The Golden Tajine Interior

plain space, the staff certainly does not try to rush patrons out.  This is a place I’d certainly return to and if were closer, order take out.

thegoldentajine.com

72 hours in Nashville: Days Three and Four

Exploring some of the best 

of Nashville's Southern appeal

DAY THREE

     Franklin was our first destination of the day.  It's a Civil War town that has exploded since the '80s becoming one of the largest cities in the state.  There's a reason for that.  Franklin is one of the most charming towns one can find in the USA and exemplifies everyone's picture of the perfect American 

Landmark Booksellers

village.  Our first stop was Landmark Booksellers on the northern edge of Main Street.  It's like walking into someone's home to visit long lost friends.  The books are showcased in different rooms both upstairs and down.  Sometimes conversations are happening around the "living room" coffee table with locals chatting about almost anything.  It's a fascinating place that's full of rare and unusual literature.  The staff is so knowledgeable it will leave you shaking your head.

Downtown Franklin, TN

     In the middle of town is Pucketts Restaurant & Grocery
known more as a restaurant serving local food fare to the rich and famous, as well as people just like us.  It's worth a visit for some of the best food you'll find in the area.  From there, we took a walk around the block checking out some of the garden and gift shops.  One could spend several hours exploring the entire town and there are some Civil War sites around also, if that's of interest.  We were there on a Sunday, which limits some of the shop openings.

Relaxing at Arrington Vineyards

     Traveling with six people, it becomes difficult to put together an itinerary that will appeal to everyone.  I found a winery in the area and thought that would hit a positive spot with some of our group.  It was a pretty drive to Arrington Vineyards about twenty minutes from Franklin.  It was the perfect spot to recoup on their wrap-around porch where one can purchase a bottle of wine and snacks.  We would have lingered a bit longer if a storm had not been brewing.  Luckily, we made it to our car just in time.

The View from the Vineyard

     Dinner was at the Loveless Cafe after a rest at the hotel.  Lines can be long, but we hit it just right on a Sunday night around 6:30.  It's an old stop on the route to Nashville from the south that was once a motel and diner.  Closed for a short period, it now serves many of the original recipes (fried chicken for one) and traditional southern fare that packs in the locals and travelers.  

Station Inn on a Sunday Night

     From there, we traveled to the near south side of Nashville to The Station Inn for an authentic jam session.  It's a place where any musician can show up and join in with others to form one large band that sounds like they've been playing together for years.  It's a pure Nashville scene that everyone visiting the area should experience.

DAY FOUR

     Our morning started with breakfast at Pancake Pantry near the Vanderbilt campus.  It's a mainstay in Nashville and one of those places where you'll understand why once you've eaten there.  They offer unusual combination pancakes as well as the tried and true.  It was the fabulous ending to our 72 hours in Nashville.

72 hours in Nashville: Days One and Two

Bubbling with personality 

and background music everywhere

DAY ONE

      We've made a few trips to Nashville, finding it a vibrant city with a variety of entertainment opportunities.  On our latest venture, six of us headed out on a Friday morning in a VW van.  Dining is an important part of our entertainment, so our first stop was at a favorite for lunch, Chefs Market & Catering in Goodletsville just north of the city.  It's a cafeteria with a fine dining slant and some very interesting side dishes.  Our "home" was the Residence Inn at Cool Springs about 20 minutes from downtown.  It's a convenient location if you're planning to visit some of the tourist areas south of the city, as we were.

Opryland Hotel

      Of course, any visit to Nashville is not authenticated unless you plan to see the Grand Ole Opry.  It's been at its current location adjacent to the Opryland Hotel since 1971.  We arrived early to take a look around the hotel.  It's a short walk from the Opry House and the parking is free on that side of the complex.  Otherwise, you're looking at a $25 per car parking fee just to see the hotel interior.  

Waterfalls in the Delta

That said, the charge is worth it when you consider the magnificent structures and landscaping.  A stroll through the Cascades and Garden Conservatory passes by numerous waterfalls and seasonal floral displays culminating in the Delta with more restaurants and shops.  

The Boat Ride

There's also a boat ride that everyone should take once, and that's all you'll need to do.  We've never stayed there, but I'm sure the experience is well worth it.  

Grand Ole Opry

The Opry House is an experience in itself.  Although there is always a line up of acts, one never knows who will show up for the live broadcast.  That surprise came from the appearance of Chris Jansen on our latest visit.  We think he has the makings to become a big star.  The audience also felt so because they gave him two standing ovations, something usually only reserved for iconic country stars.

DAY TWO

Entering the
Johnny Cash Museum

      Our first stop was at the Johnny Cash Museum located in an old downtown warehouse.  It has won several top awards for museum design and content so I was really looking forward to seeing what all the hoopla was about.  My first impression was that the space was way too small, creating a bottleneck in the first viewing room.  Granted, there is a lot of memorabilia pertaining to the early Cash years that later expands when entering subsequent rooms exhibiting lavish costumes, records, and family values.  

Wall of Recordings

I particularly liked the long hall displaying his record covers and 45s.  It all culminates in the final room leading to Johnny 

Cash Family Timeline

Cash's accomplishments, one of which is that he is the only artist to have songs on the Billboard charts for six decades.  It's a museum befitting such an amazing entertainer.

All Day Entertainment Along Broadway

      Music Row (Broadway) has seen some changes in the past few years.  Walking up from the museum, there are several bars with live entertainment throughout the day.  We stopped in Ernest Tubb's Record Store only to find it desolate with very few CDs.  What happened?  Perhaps it was a sad sign of the times that have passed with iTunes and MP3 downloads.  

Bridgestone Arena

      Lori, Eric and I walked further past the Bridgestone Arena and on to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the flowing architectural lines of the Music City Center, host to the  

Music City Center

CMA Fest. A little backtracking to Broadway brought us to Jacks Bar-B-Que, an institution among visitors and locals that can be attested to by the line formed outside the entrance.  There was a large birthday celebration during our visit that was causing a backup in seating. Otherwise, the line moved fairly fast.

Ryman Auditorium

      Taking a right coming out of Jack's took us to Tootsies, another familiar spot for enjoying new acts and veteran performers that will sometimes come out the backdoor from the Ryman and play a few rounds before calling it a night.  Like so many places, one just never knows who they will run into.  Take a stroll around the corner to have a look at Ryman Auditorium, the original home the the Grand Ole Opry.

      Leaving Broadway, we took a little driving tour of downtown passing AT&T's "Batman" building and the Tennessee Capital sitting atop the city skyline.  Driving further west on Broadway, we took a short trek through Vanderbilt University and then Centennial Park, which is the home to the Parthenon, a reproduction of the original in Athens.  From there we drove through Belle Meade, one of Nashville's grander neighborhoods with many older mansions.  If you have the time, Cheekwood is a wonderful place to visit.  It's the former home of the founders of Maxwell House coffee, which is now an art museum and botanical gardens.  Both are exquisite.  

Bluebird Cafe

Onward, we made our way to the Bluebird Cafe made famous in the Nashville series.  It was closed for a private party, but none-the-less a popular selfie and photo spot.

     After a refresher at our hotel, we moved on to dinner at Marché in East Nashville.  It's a local hangout that serves some of the best (and inexpensive) European cuisine you'll find anywhere.  

    Our night was capped off at the Loser's Lounge in Cool Springs that would be our music fix for the evening.  Forty-five minutes after the published time for the music to begin, we were still waiting for the band to "check, check".  Finally, the lead female singer (trying to channel Stevie Nicks or Kim Carnes) took the stage.  We stomached three songs and called it a night.  For us, the place couldn't have been more appropriately named.