Saturday Night in the City.

12-17-17 SHORT HILLS: Saturday we saw a new play that actually opens today, Farinelli and the King. Mark Rylance is the bipolar, severely depressed king of Spain, Philippe V, and he dominates the stage, as usual. Farinelli, the equivalent of a rock star in his time, was an Italian castrato and the toast of Europe. Queen Isabella induced Farinelli to come to Spain and sing for the King to try to cure his depression. Playbill says the play is ‘derived from Historical reality.’

The singing, several arias from Handel operas, are performed by Iestyn Davies and James Hall in alternating performances. They appear on stage when Farinelli, acted by Sam Chase, needs to sing. It’s as if Farinelli’s voice is separate from his person, which he hinted at one point. The musicians are on stage with the actors.

I liked it, especially the music. Judy did not.

We ate at Osteria al Doge, a few doors away from the theater, where they have decked the halls for Xmas. The food was OK.


Red bird is dramatic in the snow.

Osteria al Doge restaurant decked out for Xmas.

Seafood platters.

Belasco theater. Lots of candle chandeliers, sconces and footlights, before the performance.

Times Square teeming with crowds and bright as day.