John Logan Celebrates Sue Mengers, Hollywood’s First Woman Superagent by Patricia L. Morin “I’ll eat you last” is the caustic last sentence the renowned Hollywood talent agent Sue Mengers imparts to clients who left her or displeased her. Her promise or threat best represents her wit and confidence. Set in the 70s, John Logan’s…
Millennial Notes Mel Brooks Exposes Taxes & Tricks in Musical Comedy by Hamilton Nguyen “The Producers” imagines a Dynamic Duo trying to manipulate IRS rules to make money on a big musical FLOP. A sleazy Broadway producer and his shy accountant put on a a ridiculous and sure-to-fail show praising, of all people, Hitler!…
Brown & Frew Revive the Tale of Julia Child in France by Patricia L. Morin “To Master the Art” is an enjoyable mix of French history, American intrigue, and humorous cooking lessons. Julia and Paul’s loving marriage endures and inspires us, as their two separate worlds find a place in each other. After WWII,…
Taylor & Jones’ Musical Echoes Mahalia Jackson’s Spirituality by Barry David Horwitz In “HALIE! The Mahalia Jackson Musical,” co-writers Wendy E. Taylor and Darryl V. Jones dramatize the life of Mahalia Jackson, the most gifted Gospel singer of all time. She influenced all the music around her: Blues, Rock n’Roll, Pop—they all incorporate Jackson’s…