When it's gray and cloudy, I find it really difficult to even look out the window, let alone step outside for anything.
In the past week I've watched a few films and productions that have lifted my spirits considerably. Last Sunday, these included the outrageous
Michael (starring John Travolta, Jean Stapleton, William Hurt, Andie McDowell, Robert Pastorellizzi). And this was followed by the absolutely silly and wacky
Jane Austen's Mafia!, which I'd never even heard of before. I nearly busted a gut because of the sillies.
But this past week I've decided to delve a little into Dickens, and enjoyed yet another viewing of
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1982), starring Roger Rees, which brought back good, nerdy memories. I think seeing this nine hour theatrical production (which was broadcast first on commercial tv without commercial interruption and then public tv) prompted me to see the actual nine hour extravaganza on Broadway back in 1986 with my mother. I think it a major accomplishment because I know of NO ONE who has gone to a ten hour theatrical outing. The adaptation is just so gripping, well written, acted, directed and produced, that it was able to draw enough of an audience to have a short run on Broadway. I doubt it could be done today. I'd probably be one of the few that would go. I have never had a more satisfying experience in the theater since. I still have the soundtrack on vinyl, which reminds me that I've got to
update that to cd. All I have to hear is the
Overture to this and I see all things Dickensian, LOL!
I think I'll just be moving on to Scrooge and Oliver next...
