A Strange Cultural Experience...

Sam and I don't attend the theater (wow, that sounds pretentious) as often as I would like. Currently, my brother and his small band of misfits are in town performing in an off-Broadway play called "Not Clown". Not wanting to miss the chance to delve into some culture, Sam and I took a trip to Chinatown last night to see my brother perform. I have been a huge supporter of Robert's acting for a very long time. He is incredibly talented and hilariously comedic. He has quite a physical presence and does a great job of making play-goers laugh.

So this play "Not Clown" is a bit of a deviation from the standards that he is usually in. For one, it's not Shakespeare. For two, it's not a comedy of errors. For three, it's incredibly dark and weird. Really weird. Uncomfortably weird. Did I mention it was weird? About an hour after seeing the play, however, I came to the conclusion that even though it was weird, it was somewhat brilliant. Normally, I am not cerebral enough to get the political implications of plays, I usually just take them for what they are -- something that usually entertains me for an hour or two, something that I don't have to think about. But after further discussions with Robert, I get it, I see the politics and I like it.

My parents saw it last week and the only thing that my mom could tell me to prepare me was..."Well, it's different." To which I replied, "but does Robert stand out? If I'm going to bring my friends, I really want them to see him as an actor". And her response...."Well, he definitely stands out!" What an understatement. He stands out because he's playing a woman and at one point is running around stage in a sequined bra, striped tights and a long red wig. He definitely stands out in the mind...And it's a nightmare that I won't soon forget!

Anyway, we're very proud to have a family member performing in an off-Broadway play. We're enjoying spending time with Robert, which is something really rare since we are ten years apart and have never been close. We're excited to be housing someone for a short period of time who has never been to New York. As I write this, my brother is traipsing around Times Square like the good tourist that he is.

For those of you outside of New York, you're really missing a great play. For those of you in NYC, it's not too late. He's performing 4 shows next week. His first three shows were all sold out -- what a great tribute!!