Friday, October 23, 2009

TDF and Me

Theater, theater, theater

"TKTS"
Oil on canvas
30 x 36 inches
Sold


One of the greatest things about living in New York is going to the theater! When I was a child, my mother used to drag my brother and I to Broadway to see a Saturday matinee. I grew up to love the theater-going experience, and I try to take advantage of the many ticket offers and discounts that are available which allow me the luxury of attending a show. A cabinet in my studio is packed with Playbills, I don't have the heart to thrown them away. The Theater Development Fund, the folks who run the TKTS booth on 47th Street, do a great service by making possible affordable tickets. As the prices have climbed higher and higher over the years, I'm fearful that many folks, especially younger people, will not have the opportunity to see live theater.

I did this painting several years ago of the TKTS booth which has since been torn down and totally remodeled, as often happens with subjects that I have painted. Might have do do another painting of the snazzy new structure. I share this one with you today because the Fall has been wonderful for this ardent theater-goer. Among the plays that I've seen that I've really enjoyed have been "Memphis" (a great new musical!), "Hamlet", "Superior Donuts", "Finian's Rainbow", "Rock of Ages", "Wishful Drinking", "The Royal Family", "After Miss Julie" and "Ruined". Have also seen several wonderful off-Broadway shows but there is only so much room on this blog.

I don't always agree with the critics. The rumors that the Great White Way is on it's last legs still abound. But, for me, theater and New York are inseparable and I thank my lucky stars that terrific plays are being written and revived and that terrific actors are still treading the boards, to the delight of many.

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