Plum Viewing
Welcome to the latest edition of Plum Viewing, my weekly roundup of arts and culture to enjoy online.
Hello lovely readers. This has been a bit of a crazy week, so let me apologize in advance for a shorter Plum Viewing. Hoping there are a few interesting finds here that you can enjoy as you soak up the sun.
So with that, here are this week’s picks!
After Midnight first premiered on Broadway in 2013 and Mr Fairs and I were lucky enough to see it then. At the time, the cast was led by the multi-talented Dule Hill, who will forever be known to me as Charlie from the West Wing and Canada’s own prairie girl, the one and only k.d. Lang (my god, that voice!!).
Anyway, Signature Theater is bringing it back to life and streaming it until August 4. In this iteration, Christopher Jackson (“Hamilton”) leads the cast which takes us on a whirlwind tour of jazzy Cotton Club-era songs. This show is so energetic and it literally has everything: singing, dancing, and a heart pounding tap dance number that will make you wish you actually stayed with your tap classes when you were 5! So many pleasures to be enjoyed here! Get your ticket here.
Ok, here’s something for us ladies. If you have yet to hear of Sandra Tsing Loh, you are in for a treat. She can best be described as a ‘force’ in the truest sense of the word. In her hands, no subject is off limits and her latest topic is menopause, which she writes about in her typical bitingly funny style. In 2015, Loh toured her highly successful solo show which was called, ‘The Bitch Is Back: An All-Too Intimate Evening’. The Broad Stage (I know, right!) is bringing the show back for a digital encore, and God Bless them for it! It runs through to June 30. You can learn more here.
Let’s head back to the Irish Rep Theatre for Ghosting. Here’s the description:
“Ghosting is the practice of ending a personal relationship with somebody by suddenly, and without explanations, withdrawing from all communication. Síle (played by Anne O’Riordan) wakes up in the middle of the night to find Mark, who ghosted her six years ago, standing at the end of her bed… in London. Mark has ghosted her once — and now he’s doing it again. Síle must face her demons and go back to the last place on Earth she wants to be. Waterford. Home.” Described as both hilarious and moving, it is not one to miss! It is streaming from June 22 — July 4. You can reserve your ticket here.
The Art Gallery of Ontario has been entertaining us throughout the pandemic with a series of talking and small, intimate concerts. On Monday, June 28, they are turning th e spotlight on themselves with a look back at the gallery in 1921. Marilyn Nazar, AGO Archivist, and Amy Furness, Head, Library & Archives take a close look at photographs from this time and the historic moment at which the gallery emerged, and its place in Toronto today. The event is streaming for free on Facebook Live and you can register here.
Okay, let’s end with this beautiful gem. London’s National Theatre is open (yay!) and for their first live performance in nearly 16 months, they have chosen very wisely indeed: Under Milk Wood, staring Wales’ pride and joy, Mr. Michael Sheen.
Unfortunately for us, it is not available for streaming (yet!), but we can savour just a 2-minute teaser here with Micheal Sheen’s performance of Do not go gentle into that good night. And, here’s the text from the great man himself, Mr Dylan Thomas (Wales’ first pride and joy).
And, final, final ending. This week marks the 50th anniversary of Blue, Joni Mitchell’s iconic album. By every measure, Blue is a masterpiece. Every song tells a tale and when you listen to the album in full (which truly you should do right now!), it takes you on the most wondrous journey. Joni is truly a national treasure and to quote the wonderful Emma Thompson, “I love her and true love never dies.” Here’s a short and very Canadian video of Joni marking the 50th anniversary. And, if you want to listen to Blue with friends, here’s a link to NPR’s Listening Party, with singer-songwriter (and Joni’s friend — my God, can you imagine!!) Brandi Carlile.
See you next week my lovely readers!
And, an ask: While we’re enjoying these wonderful performances, let’s remember that for the arts organizations producing this incredible content, this is their livelihood; not a hobby. If we can, now is our time to continue to support our incredible arts community!
And, if you’d like to receive Plum Viewing weekly, send me a note at maggiefairs@gmail.com and I will add you to my mailing list.