FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com MARCH 14, 2013 • THE COURIER SUN 39 victoria’s secrets VICTORIA SCHNEPS vschneps@queenscourier.com A perfect celebration Samantha, Morgan and Blake joined me in seeing “Annie” on Broadway, which is as powerful now in its revival as it was when I saw it decades ago. The best part of my birthday was celebrating with my beloved family, including newest addition Hudson. The Pajama Game at Marathon LTG A VIEW FROM come in for our WINTER specials DYNAMIC DENTAL WORK 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106 175-15 JAMAICA AVENUE • JAMAICA THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN $500 OFF $500 OFF I love a party and love to celebrate life, and when birthdays come it’s a time to do just that! Since we are a family of multiple March birthdays, parties abound. But I planned mine months ago. As soon as I heard that there was a revival of my old musical favorite, “Annie,” coming to Broadway, I bought tickets for Blake, Morgan, Samantha and myself for my birthday. Ironically, it was so long ago, that when we left for Manhattan I forgot them at home and had to turn around! Sunday was a picture-perfect day with not a cloud in the sky. Even the traffic cooperated as we made our way over the Ed Koch, 59th Street, Queensborough Bridge (pick your name for the majestic crossing). As we drove over the bridge I was in awe of the changing skyline of Long Island City. There is even a movement to give the area “sex appeal” by renaming it “LIC.” The new buildings springing up literally on every corner are bringing a new crop of residents of every age with many “yuppies” in the high-rise rental buildings along the waterfront. And happily, soon, up to 5,000 people will be living in affordable housing being built on the site that was to be the Olympic Village. Sadly, that project died. Ironically, the number of new businesses in LIC is fewer than in neighboring Astoria. Maybe because it’s a much older community. Regardless, an exciting, bustling future awaits Long Island City along the waterfront and west of Queens Boulevard. Our destination for the birthday celebration was Blue Fin, a restaurant perfectly located in the heart of the Theatre District. The brunch menu was a good choice before our 3 p.m. show time. But what really made it special was that I was joined in the second- floor dining room by my beloved son, daughter and step-daughter with their children. There’s no better gift than seeing all of them. Blue Fin makes its brunch celebratory by offering choices of champagne, Bellini cocktails or bloody Marys. I chose from a very eclectic menu a tuna burger, while Josh had a platter of oysters, Samantha had California rolls and Stu enjoyed Eggs Benedict. All the portions were plentiful and perfectly and beautifully prepared. But the piece de resistance was the dessert. We ordered an assortment so we could all share. My favorite was the molten chocolate lava but Josh loved the multiple profiteroles (cream puffs). The unusual and unique sorbets were also a treat. If you are seeing a play, Blue Fin is a great place in the heart of Times Square. Visit them at www.bluefinnyc.com. The Palace Theatre showing “Annie” was across the street from the restaurant. A “mall” created on Broadway between 47th and 49th Street was filled with mobs of people. Many were lined up to get reduced- price theatre tickets at the TDF Booth. I tightly held Blake’s little hand and Samantha squeezed Morgan’s hand as we made our way to the theater. We walked down the aisle to our frontrow seats and looked behind us to see every seat taken in the orchestra, balcony and the second balcony as well. This was a sold-out house and for good reason. The revival is great entertainment and even with two understudies in place the show was enchanting. Three-year-old Morgan sat with her mouth open as Annie sang the classic “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” I got a bigger treat from watching her enjoy the songs and performers than from watching them myself! “Annie” originally opened on Broadway 1977 with lyrics by Martin Charnin, who bought the rights from the Chicago Tribune’s comic strip of the same name. The music, by brilliant Charles Strouse, and the fast-moving book by Thomas Meehan (also known for “The Producers” and “Hairspray”) are all genius! I am a person who likes theatre with a message, and the optimism of “Annie” is perfect. So powerful! What a treat to leave the theater singing the songs. They don’t make musicals like that anymore. Try it, you’ll love it too! For tickets or more information, visit www. anniethemusical.com. Everybody’s a winner when labor battles management in the beloved musical comedy, “The Pajama Game.” The Marathon Little Theatre Group completes their 23rd year with their latest lighthearted production. The story focuses on a serious situation between garment factory workers and their employers in the late 1950s. Instead of drama, the audience is treated to a wonderfully romantic, disarming, musical comedy. Heather Bilczic as union powerhouse Babe Williams has a strong, reassuring voice. She also has a strong attraction to management’s Sid Sorokin, played with a great tenor lilt by Gary Ducoing. As is typical of many community productions, the onstage and backstage talents are related to each other. Let’s start with three members who share the same surname. First is confident, competent and effervescent director Barbara Auriemma. She is complemented by her son Austin J. Auriemma and her husband Frank Auriemma. Frank is Hines, the neurotic efficiency expert for Sleep-Tite Pajamas. His hysterical “schtick” is done to perfection, from his loudly mismatched costume to his cross-eyed musical confessions. Austin also convincingly inhabits his character, Prez. He’s the charming, skirt chasing but absolutely dedicated and determined union president. His advances are parried by Mae (Jane Kharkover). Tanya Fiebert is giggly Gladys. She portrays the slightly scatterbrained but well meaning boss’ secretary with appealing sincerity and an infectious smile. Community theatre veteran Sue Fiebert has performed diligently on local stages for more than two decades. She enjoys performing as Mabel alongside Tanya who happens to be her granddaughter. Producer Sandi Plotkin is a mainstay of the troupe. Ever present Bob Plotkin is also a positive influence. Set designer Linda Cashman enlists several family members for theatrical support. Cigar chomping, penny pinching and slightly unscrupulous factory bigwig Mr. Hasler is well played by Bob Alpert. Nods to his son Josh, a member of the ensemble. Musical director Rhea Arkin and choreographer Lindsay Levy are welcome members of the MLTG family despite the absence of immediate relatives onstage. There is one more weekend of performances at 245-37 60th Avenue (Marathon Jewish Community Center) in Douglaston. For information call 718-229-4644 or surf to www.marathontheatergroup. com.
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