Seminar

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Okay first I have to say that I have loved Alan Rickman since the first time I saw him in Truly, Madly, Deeply.  And he’s only gotten better and better and better.  So the chance to see him on Broadway was a dream come true.  Second off, my husband also loves Alan Rickman, but still managed to forget that we were going to the theatre, so I wound up seeing the play without him (but with my daughter which was every bit as wonderful).

And the play (as well as the man) did not disappoint.  In fact, unlike several star turns I’ve seen of late, I was impressed with the quality of the entire cast.  Comprised of only five people it was great fun to watch four of them spar with each other as Rickman served as instigator.  Particularly wonderful was Lily Rabe, whose character pulls the audience right into the class with her.   I’d seen Rabe (who is Jill Clayburgh’s daughter) in Steel Magnolias a few years back and was delighted to have the chance to see her again, but her performance definitely outshone any preconceived notions I might have had.  She’s a delight.

Hamish Linklater who’s pivotal role is understated throughout was no less enjoyable to watch.  He was so believable as a writer and student, I almost forgot at one point that I was watching a play.  He superbly embodied both the of the fragility of writers and the idealism of students.  Supporting characters played by Jerry O’Connell and Hettienne Park were also excellent and rounded out the cast nicely.

But the center of the piece obviously was Rickman.  He has aged gracefully (as I fear I perhaps have not) and still has that magical voice that rivets you to your seat even when he’s speaking expletives.   The dichotomy of his character was well written and even better acted.  And I so enjoyed every minute he spent on the stage.  Although I’ll admit to one moment where I broke from the play wanting him to say “Potter” just once.

The play, a world premiere, written by Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck is about four aspiring writers taking a private seminar conducted by a world renowned writer

(Rickman).  It is by turns hilariously funny, vicious, sexy, witty and poignant.  The story and its characters weave to a bittersweet conclusion that leaves the audience satisfied but still thinking.

Well-acted and well written, I highly recommend it.  I may have gone to see Alan Rickman, but I came away loving the play.

Seminar, Golden Theatre, 252 W. 45th St. between Broadway & 8th Ave

The Promise

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I’m happy to annouce that the last book in my time-travel trilogy, prism winner The Promise, has now been re-issued in digital format at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords!

The mine called to Cara from deep in the San Juan Mountains, near the town of Silverthread.    Surrounded by a murderous tapestry of lies, it had once been rich in ore, overflowing with wealth that could make a family’s fortune—or destroy it.  But also in its labyrinthine tunnels lay the path to redemption and love, a magic that could draw a woman one hundred years into the past, into the arms of one who could make her life whole.

But crossing time was just the beginning.  To right wrongs already done, to paint a new future, one brighter and full of love, Cara would have to unravel the mine’s mysteries.  She would have to depend upon the rugged man who emerged from its opening and trust his vow to keep her safe and cherish her forever.  Then, and only then, would she truly understand the danger—and the power—of the promise.

And don’t forget the other two books in the trilogy:  Everything In Its Time and Wild Highland Rose

Happy Holidays!

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Manhattan is decked in its finest. The tree at Rockefeller Center.  The department store windows.   There are Santas on the corners and the smell of roasting chestnuts from sidewalk vendors.  Skaters in Central park and holiday markets springing up everywhere.  Even the buildings are gaily decorated—Christmas trees and menorah’s shining in lobbies and windows across the city.

Tis’ the season and magic is in the air.  Not just in the city—but everywhere!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous new year!

Wild Highland Rose

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Just in time for the holidays;  the second book in my time travel trilogy, Wild Highland Rose, has now been reissued in digital format.   Check it out at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Smashwords.   iTunes and Sony versions should be available soon.   Glad that Marjory and Cameron are getting a ‘second chance’!  Here’s the blurb:

Trapped in a loveless marriage, Marjory Macpherson rejoices at the news of her husband’s death, only to find that he is, in fact, very much alive.  Marjory has spent her life hating the Camerons, waiting for the day that she can avenge her father.  Now suddenly, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a man who is the enemy.

Cameron Even awakes on the side of a Scottish mountain trapped in another man’s body.  Despite evidence supporting his fifteenth century existence, Cameron is faced with the fact that the few memories he does have clearly depict a different kind of life, one that will not exist for another five hundred years…

“Put the soundtrack to Brigadoon on and enjoy the ride. Ms. Davis has delicately crafted a beautiful story that will leave you wanting more.”  — Huntress Book Reviews

On A Clear Day

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Recently went to see a preview of On A Clear Day at the St. James Theatre.  Starring Harry Connick, Jr., the revival is more of a redux, as the story has been reimagined slightly, with the focus now being more on Dr. Mark Bruckner than on Daisy Gamble.

Originally, a starring vehicle for Barbara Harris on Broadway and Barbra Streisand in the movie version, this time out, Connick is clearly at the center of the piece, although the ensemble cast is excellent and fills things out nicely.  In this version, Daisy is now David, played with breezy ditz by David Turner (who was absolutely marvelous).  And his long past self, Melinda Wells, now a singer from the 40’s, is played by Jessie Mueller.   In the original, both Harris and Streisand played both parts.  But in splitting David/Daisy and Melinda into two unique characters—who are able to occupy the stage at the same time, I found the story much more haunting.

By adding the gender issues involved with Mark falling in love with Melinda, through the

David Turner

physical presence of David, who in turn begins to fall in love with Mark, the show has added depth.  It’s an impossible triangle, and one which I think adds resonance to what was essentially a fluff piece before.  (Although, that said, I did watch the movie over and over as a kid.)  To add layers to Connick’s character, the story is framed around the loss of his wife, and the grief and loneliness that result from that loss.  I think it makes Mark’s somewhat callous use of David and his past more understandable.

Set in 1974, the costumes and set seemed to come more from the late sixties, but the colors were fun and provided as a provocative backdrop to the “modern” day parts of the story.   David’s magical touch with flowers remains along with his romance with Warren Smith, played by the charming Drew Gehling.  Added or at least not remembered by me, was a pining colleague of Mark’s, and a wonderful turn by Lori Wilner as Mark’s secretary.

Jessie Mueller

The music, some of it taken from other Lerner fare, is fabulous.  Particularly when Connick and/or Mueller sing.   Ms. Mueller’s voice is really strong, and the audience has no trouble at all buying her as an up and coming singer in the 1940’s; especially in her first number “Open Your Eyes.”  Connick, who seems more comfortable here than he did in the Pajama Game (which was wonderful on all counts by the way), blends into the cast with remarkable ease, and at times you even forget his star power.  But when he opens his mouth, particularly on the first act number, “She Isn’t for You”, and the title piece “On A Clear Day”, it is pure heaven.  His voice, although aging slightly, is still remarkable.  Smooth, easy and sensual all at the same time.

Turner’s “Hurry! It’s Lovely Up Here” is delightful.  And his physicality throughout the musical is great fun to watch.  The transformation of David into Melinda is both humorous and heart-rending as we begin to see the pain in store for both David and Mark.  A moment in the middle of the play when Mark dances with Melinda (and by default also with David) brought tears to my eyes.  I wanted everyone to have their happy ending.   And yet I knew, it was impossible.

Overall, I thought it was a wonderful show.  And I’ll be honest, based on the changes, I

Harry Connick, Jr.

wasn’t sure I was going to like David as much as I did Daisy.  But the truth is, I liked him much more.  Turner kept David from dropping into stereotype, instead giving the character strength as well as ditz and a charming innocence that pulls the audience in and has them rooting for his happiness.  How I wish Turner could have been Jesus in Godspell, it would have been an entirely different revival.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening at the theatre.  And I highly recommend it.  Sometimes things change and they manage to lose their luster.  Sometimes though, the changes only make everything better.  On A Clear Day falls into the latter category.

On A Clear Day, St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th Street, (212) 239-6200,  www.telecharge.com

Everything In Its Time

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An earring, a murder, a legend…

Years ago while vacationing in Scotland, Katherine St. Claire believed she’d found the love of her life. She shared a night of passion with a stranger, in a hotel castle called Duncreag. But come morning, her lover had disappeared. And she has spent the last eight years trying to convince herself it was all a dream…

Living in the 15th century, Iain Mackintosh remains haunted by the memory of his greatest love. Eight years ago, she disappeared, leaving behind a cairngorm earring as the only evidence of her existence. Iain’s family wants him to stop pining for this fantasy woman and submit to a sensible marriage. But Katherine suddenly returns to him and reveals to him where—and when she’s from…

I’m so excited to announce the re-release of my very first novel, Everything In Its Time.   First published in 2000, it has been out of print for almost ten years.  So whether it’s for the first time or the tenth, I hope you enjoy reading Katherine and Iain’s story!  Buy it now from:  Kindle, Nook, Smashwords And check out www.deedavis.com for reviews, excerpts and more.