US – Sunday, March 21

Photo: CAROL ROSEGGValerie Harper gets ‘Looped,’ dahling
Tallulah Bankhead was as much of a character as she was an actress. Although she set the screen on fire in such films as Alfred Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat” and garnered rave reviews on Broadway, her scandalous personal life — and her witty take on her indiscretions — made her a legend. Valerie Harper takes on Bankhead in her twilight years in the new Broadway production of “Looped.”
 

Photo: CAROL ROSEGG
New York Arts
The mistrial minstrel show fails to balance
Clearly John Kander and the late Fred Ebb, creators of musical classics such as “Cabaret” and “Chicago,” knew how to spin cynicism into theatrical gold. And that talent is very much in evidence in “The Scottsboro Boys” at the Vineyard Theatre, which combines hard-boiled skepticism with tuneful razzle-dazzle to often entertaining effect.  Yet despite its clever story-telling, “Scottsboro” fails to find its balance. It should take your breath away but barely elicits a sigh.
 
New York Arts
Pop culture meets experimental nature
More than 2 million people have watched, on YouTube, a drunken David Hasselhoff attempt to eat a hamburger. Another thousand or so will see David Neumann’s Advanced Beginner Group recreate the grim scene — several times over — during “Big Eater,” Neumann’s latest work at the Kitchen.
New York Arts
The right cast helps to cut the clutter
Kate Whoriskey’s production of William Gibson’s 1959 drama, “The Miracle Worker,” is nothing if not sturdy. Anchored by strong performances from its two exceptional leading ladies, it charts just-out-of-school teacher Annie Sullivan’s struggle to get through to blind and deaf young student Helen Keller and counteract the influence of Helen’s overindulgent family. Abigail Breslin is smug and ferocious as Helen, while Alison Pill is a study in single-mindedness as Annie, determined to open up Helen’s world through language.
 

Photo: YI ZHAO
New York Arts
Diamond jubilee for dance at 92nd St. Y
Since 1935, the 92nd Street Y has harbored dance, hosting such pioneers as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey and Robert Joffrey. In 1994, the Y began sponsoring a spring festival, held off-site, to showcase contemporary choreographers. This year’s 75th-anniversary celebration returns the festival to the Upper East Side facility.
 
New York Arts
Suzan-Lori Parks’ moment of ‘Grace’
Get ready for an Armory art attack
Adorable meets intelligent
Mapping changes in classical music
Paul Taylor is dance stripped to its essentials
Come on, get ‘Happy’
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
This ‘Time’ drags on
Seductive classic gets a habanero-hot staging
This ‘View’ is not one to be missed
New York Arts
Dance on Camera fest: The merging of motion
When you have to walk the walk
From their outfits on up — this ‘Lear’ rules
In her dream world
Channeling the history of Latinos
Refreshing ballet turn at the Joyce
First comes love ...
A delicious feast for your eyes and ears
These boys are really bad
Designing character
 
 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.
 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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