Theater Review: ‘Road Show’ at Encores Off-Center at City Center

by Jonathan Spira

The third and final musical in the Encores Off Center Series at City Center, Stephen Sondheim’s “Road Show,” completes the trilogy of shows for the 2019 season that started with a highly introspective “Working: A Musical” based on Studs Terkel’s highly acclaimed book of interviews of the working man and woman and followed by “Promenade,” a revival of the thrilling 1960s musical.
“Road Show,” which was called “Wise Guys” at its …

Review: ‘Legally Blonde’ at Argyle Theatre, Babylon, N.Y.

by Jonathan Spira

Anyone producing “Legally Blonde – The Musical” is up against one big challenge: How will the lead stack up to Reese Witherspoon’s 2001 portrayal of Elle Woods in the movie that inspired the Broadway show. Witherspoon’s presence on the silver screen makes it clear why – be it at the sorority house or in a courtroom – the Elle Woods character will command attention. Not so much in the musical …

Review and Test Drive: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE

by Paul Riegler

The Toyota Corolla’s reputation is that of a solid, reliable, economical, and boring sedan since its launch in the 1970s. Back then, Toyota called its hatch a Liftback but, with the launch of the aggressively styled 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE, the “h” word is in.
Our Oxide Bronze Metallic hatch arrived on a warm spring afternoon and quickly became the center of attention, thanks to its rakishly good looks.
It soon …

Briefly Noted: ‘The Overwhelming Weight of Happiness’ at Katzspace, London

by Blaise Buckley

Five stars for “The Overwhelming Weight of Happiness,” a new one-hour hilarious play, that ran last month at Katzspace, a new 50-seat theater in the heart of London Bridge.
The two-person play, written and performed by Molly Dooner and Tim Harris, will have its third short run in London again at the Albany performing arts space in Southeast London on August 5, 6, and 7 at 7:45 p.m..
The quirky original comedy …

Cesar Pelli, Designer of Iconic Airports and Buildings, Dies at 92

by Paul Riegler

Cesar Pelli, a distinguished architect whose work ranged from Washington National Airport to the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, died Friday at his home in New Haven, Connecticut. He was 92.
Mr. Pelli was a frequent traveler who held strong opinions about airports.
In a 1997 interview with the Washington Post at the time of opening of the terminal he designed in D.C., he defined what a great airport should be, although …

Today Is National Ice Cream Day: Here’s The Scoop on Free Cones

by Jesse Sokolow

Pass the sprinkles, please.  Today, July 21, one of the hottest days of the summer in many parts of the country, is National Ice Cream Day, a holiday that celebrates the sweetened and flavored frozen dairy treat.
What was referred to by some as “frozen snow” goes back to Persia and Ancient Greece where flavors were combined with ice to produce a refreshing summertime treat. The ancient Chinese are credited with developing …

5 Tips for Surviving the Mid-July Heat Wave

by Jeremy Del Nero

Forecasters expect temperatures to reach the high 90s in much of the United States in the coming days and, in some cases, accompanied by severe weather.
While many enjoy the scorching heat, it would be unwise not to take certain precautions, especially for those spending a significant amount of time outdoors.
Here are five tips for staying healthy in the hot summer sun.
1.) Drink lots of water.
Consuming copious amounts of water helps …