Fortunately for Lloyd and Susan Ecker, they both were big fans of Bette Midler. In 1973, he took her to see The Divine Miss M on their first date, which led not only to their 40-year marriage but to a cottage industry of bringing one of Midler’s idols — “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” Sophie Tucker — to the silver screen, the written page and, perhaps, the Broadway stage. … [Read more...]
‘Echo Spring’ probes alcohol as source of inspiration, tragedy
It is almost a cliché that famous writers and alcohol go together. In this important new book English author Olivia Laing focuses on six prominent American writers who struggled with alcoholism — F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, John Cheever, John Berryman and Raymond Carver. Laing grew up in an alcoholic family, which partly explains her intense … [Read more...]
‘Spring Awakening’ set for Kravis; radio chief mum on WXEL changes
‘Spring Awakening’ coming to Kravis The Kravis Center’s 19th season of theater, film, music, dance and comedy will include a performance in March of Spring Awakening, the Duncan Sheik adaptation of Franz Wedekind’s play that won the Tony for best musical in 2007. In its initial run, the musical starred Lea Michele, the current star of Fox’s TV show-choir comedy, Glee. The … [Read more...]