Itzhak Perlman. (Illustration by Pat Crowley)By Greg StepanichBOCA RATON – Itzhak Perlman really wants to conduct the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven.And Charlie Siemon has always wanted to hear the symphony in the amphitheater at Mizner Park where the third Festival of the Arts Boca gets under way Thursday. His wish dates back to the day the amphitheater opened with the Florida … [Read more...]
Book reviews: ‘The Soloist,’ and three others worth reading
By Bill WilliamsOne of the best things about being a book reviewer is discovering new titles that capture the imagination, stir the soul or are just plain enjoyable to read. Another reward is getting to tell friends and readers about worthwhile titles.With that in mind, here are four recent books that stand out:The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the … [Read more...]
Book review: Plummer’s ‘In Spite of Myself’ a delightful read
Christopher Plummer.By Hap ErsteinTwelve years ago, as he was working his way towards Broadway with a biographical play called Barrymore that would win him his second Tony Award, I interviewed Christopher Plummer at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manalapan.And while I knew I was treading on dangerous ground, I felt a journalistic obligation to bring up The Sound of Music, knowing it … [Read more...]
ArtsBuzz: Palm Beach Poetry Festival opens fifth fest this month
By Greg Stepanich DELRAY BEACH -- Four hours after the oath of office is administered to Barack Obama, a group of professional writers and everyday folks will gather around a microphone at the Crest Theatre in Delray Beach to read eight-line poems inspired by the event they have just witnessed, the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States. Poems written to … [Read more...]