Review: Young Frankenstein

Lovers of old fashioned nights at the theater, you know the ones where you sing and dance your way as you exit the theater and felt like you had a rousing good time, will love “Young Frankenstein” now showing at Charlotte's Blumenthal Performing Arts Center until Sunday.

The show’s lead Christopher Ryan (playing Dr. Frankenstein himself) is energetic and delightful charming the audiences on a two-hour fun fest that has all the delight of the classic Mel Brooks movie and more. Ryan offers a deft comedic touch and dancing chops that put Fred Astaire to shame. (To read my interview with Ryan, visit: http://www.thecharlotteweekly.com/arts_entertainment/2011/03/a-monstrous-hit/)

When Brooks hit comedy gold by transforming his 1968 sleeper movie, “The Producers” to a Broadway musical at the encouragement of his wife actress Anne Bancroft, he turned around and took the same creative team and they looked to doing the same with “Young Frankenstein.” When the show hit Broadway in 2007, critics’ enthusiasm was a bit muffled but truly the comparisons of the two are unfair.

“Frankenstein” is unique to itself. The audience is so enthusiastic about the material they mouth the lines even before the actors have a chance to. The result is that it’s more of a communal theatrical experience much more akin to “Rocky Horror Picture” but with so much more fun.

The musical numbers you loved in the movie, like “Puttin on the Ritz” is so much more when the real audience gets to play a part. And numbers like “Join the Family Business” take on a life of its own with a reimagined dream sequence that takes the original material to new heights.

Joining Ryan are Cory English (Igor) and Johanna Glushak (as Frau Blucher) who are truly spectacular. Musical numbers “Translyvania Mania” and the “He Vas My Boyfriend” are worth seeing the show for alone.

Whether you are a fan of the classic movie or newbie, go see “Frankenstein” and have a delightful evening. It’s old-fashioned entertainment in the very best way imaginable!

Tickets for “Young Frankenstein” can be purchased at http://www.carolinatix.org/ or by calling 704-372-1000.

Book Review: Butterfly's Child by Anne Davis-Gardner

Editor's Note: You are most welcome to submit book reviews by e-mailing them directly to me at alison at thecharlotteweekly.com.

Review of Butterfly’s Child by Angela Davis-Gardner
By Vera Woo

"Butterfly’s Child" is a unique and beautiful story and the imagined sequel to Puccini’s beloved opera, “Madam Butterfly.” Written by Angela Davis Gardener, who spent time when she was a professor emeritus in Japan, “Child” is a captivating novel of love, guilt, sin, sorrow and finally joy.

Set in the early 1800’s when America did small trade with Japan, the novel’s fascinating the transcultural theme sets the perfect back drop and yet remains particularly relevant today.

The story begins where “Madam Butterfly” ends. Expansively imagined, carefully researched and beautifully told, Davis-Gardner has written this book for anyone who longed to know what came next after the famous unhappy ending of the famed opera.

With a narrative that sweeps from the farmlands of Illinois to the Japanese settlement of
San Francisco to Butterfly’s homeland in Nagasaki, Japan, the story starts with Butterfly (Cio- Cio) being introduced by Sharpless, an American seaman, to Colonel Pinkerton in Nagasaki, Japan. They enjoyed each other’s company and Cio- Cio ends up conceiving a child from the union.

Colonel Pinkerton is recalled to duty in America but promises that he will return to Japan. He does return two years later, but with an American wife.

Cio- Cio is so distraught over this; she fakes suicide with a sword – the same one her father used to commit suicide. Prior to committing suicide, she butchers the family cat and lies on the cat. Her lover and his wife come in and see her in a pool of blood and take her son away with them home to Illinois to live with his mother. Though they introduce the boy, Benji, as an orphan his arrival raises eyebrows with his looks. Benji sports blond hair and a big nose similar to Pinkerton.

Kate, Pinkerton’s wife, is a good woman. She treats the boy well and even teaches him English. In the meantime she tries to get pregnant but miscarries each time. She joins a literary group to keep busy. She gets invited to a “Suffragettes” meeting but because of her illness declines.

When Benji finds a photograph in his kimono with inscription on it, he takes it to one of the Suffragettes to read it, since she is a woman of the world. The woman looked at it but said nothing to Benji. Instead she gossiped with her host that Pinkerton was in the photo. Soon, the news spread like wild fire in the village.

Benji heard of this and decided to run away, before his father heard the news.
He saddles his horse and leaves home that night. He rides as fast as he could towards the West Coast with a goal to reach San Francisco. His idea is to make his way to Japan to seek his mother’s relatives.

On his way he makes friends with a Japanese business man who does Import/Export. This man gets him a Birth Certificate and a Passport so he can boards a ship to Nagasaki.
When he arrives in Japan he sets out to find his mother’s relatives. But along the painful search in the Geisha district, he meets a woman who knew of his mother’s tale.

To say any more would deprive you of the joy of reading how the skilled author resolves the plot but needless to say, this is a very fulfilling read. Fans of Puccini’s opera will also find some fascinating clues as to how the true story of “Butterfly” came to international acclaim.

Davis-Gardner explores and researched this book with great tenderness. It is beautifully written and deeply moving. Once you enter Benji’s world and begin his journey, there’s no turning back. I read this book in 48 hours and did not stop until I finished the book.
I enjoyed the book and loved every bit of the author’s style. Now I am looking forward to reading more her previous book, "Plum Wine."

"Butterfly's Child" is available at booksellers everywhere.

Turning a new page...

Hello all!

Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday that we met to discuss the fabulous "Juliet" book by Anne Fortier.

While we retool before our next book club selection (more news on that soon!) I'm going to be updating the blog with the latest and greatest books for your reading pleasure.

Please sign up on the blog so you can receive these updates directly in your inbox.

What are you reading now? Send me your news or comment here on the blog.

Cheers!
Alison

Review: In the Heights, Charlotte

If you're looking for a fabulous experience where your heart soars, you wipe tears away from your eyes and you struggle to stay in your seat because the beat of the music wants to make you salsa your way down the aisles, run, don't walk to see "In the Heights" playing at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center until Feb. 20.

This show has been described as a modern day "West Side Story" but it's so much more. Born as the brainchild of creator Lin Manuel Miranda, this 2008 Tony-award winner for Best Musical is the inspired tapestry of stories from residents living in NYC's Washington Heights. Fear not, the New York-inspired stories translates well; much like Seinfeld's humor became universal. It works because it tugs at the heartstrings and carries the universal stories no matter who you are or where you're from.

The entire company is inspired. But absolute standouts include Joseph Morales ("Usnavi,") Genny Lis Padilla ("Nina") and Danny Bolero ("Kevin.") The ensemble carry the same type of intensity and energy that made this show such a hit on the Broadway stage. Know that this is a modern show, one that honors the best of Broadway musicals of great storytelling, beautiful sets and magical lighting but brings something entirely fresh and modern that we haven't seen in a contemporary setting before.

Miranda's lyrics blend the best of hip-hop, rap, and a pop beat mixed with salsa, meringue and bossa nova beats. All set within the American Dream. That's a pretty high bar and "Heights" surpasses it in every song.

This is a show that will be enjoyed by anyone who ever had a dream and put it all on the line to make it happen. It's one of the most entertaining and inspired theatrical experiences I've had in awhile. 2011 is shaping up to be a fabulous season for the arts in Charlotte. See "Heights" and know your heart will soar the heights, too!

Alison Woo
Arts & Entertainment Reporter, Carolina Weekly Newsgroup

To read my interview with "Heights" actress Genny Lis Padilla, click here.

Review: Opera Carolina's La Traviata

Opera Carolina's sensational production of "La Traviata" debuted to delighted Charlotte audiences providing a spectacular no one will soon forget. Giuseppe Verdi's beloved opera tells the story of true love found, noble sacrifices and love triumphant.

The story is a classic: Violetta is a courtesan in Paris in the 1850s when Alfredo professes his unabashed love for her. As someone who uses love as currency, she never believed that true love could happen to her. But she allows life grand experience to happen to her, her entire life changes. She begins to heal from the consumption she battles and they move to the country. Three bliss-filled months later, Alfredo's father asks her to give up their love to save their family from scorn. She does with much difficulty, returns to her life as a courtesan in Paris and tries to convince Alfredo that she no longer loves him. After a duel with her patron, Alfredo's father tells him of her sacrifice. He rushes to her side and they reunite but her illness takes her life shortly thereafter.

Leads Jennifer Black (Violetta Valéry) and Jonathan Boyd (Alfredo Germont) bring the lovers to life with full splendor. Ms. Black, a recent graduate of the Metropolitan Opera prestigious training program (think American Idol for opera singers) is spectacular and will be the next great opera star. See her in this production now so you can say you knew her when.

The production was brought to life under the guidance of guest conductor Joel Revzon, house conductor for the Met. The entire set glitters with spectacular costumes, evocative lighting and a score that has you humming out the door.

If you're looking for one artistic experience this season to lift your spirits and send your soul soaring, see "La Traviata" before the run ends. This show reminds us why classics deserve to live on for so long and Opera Carolina's production of the show is truly world class.

Steve Harvey Rocks the House!

Photo Credit: By Adriana Medina

Steve Harvey feels his mission is to empower women. During his visit to a packed Barnes & Noble at the Arboreteum this weekend, he shared his story. Six years ago his life changed and he's now doing something for women. He believes that "failure is a wonderful teacher." He feels he hasn't always gotten it right, so the books are about him and sometimes his friends and trying to get it right.

Question for Harvey: "Due to the advent of social media sites such as Facebook and Classmates.com, many people are reconnecting with former loves. From a male perspective, if a guy finds and reconnects with a former love, what's he thinking, what does that mean to him?"

His respond was that this is exactly what happened to him. His wife was a woman he had dated 20 years earlier. He thinks that the reconnection is "God telling you, 'let me show it to you again. Please, listen to me this time.'" I asked him if he thought it was any different if a woman reconnected with the man, and he responded, "No. Love is love." As he answered other questions, he mentioned his belief about men, specifically, that "real men need to take care of business." And that "if [a man] promises something to a woman, he needs to keep that promise."

He also expressed his belief about women. He said, "women, you are so powerful. A man cannot hold your hand without your permission. He cannot hug you without your permission. He cannot kiss you without your permission. He cannot lay with you without your permission. Women, you are so powerful. Stop giving up your power."

By Adriana Medina, CW Book Club member

Steve Harvey Comes to Charlotte

Get ready Charlotte to be rocked! Steve Harvey, best-selling author, radio show host and TV host of the "Family Feud" is coming to Charlotte this Saturday at the Barnes & Noble at the Arboreteum. I had the great honor to be able to ask him a few questions. Here's what he had to say:

QUESTIONS

1. Mr. Harvey, you have become an expert on helping women understand men. How do your male friends feel about you revealing their "secrets?"

Well, you know my real friends that have read the book, they like it, they understand what I’ve done. I’ve exposed the truth so that women have a better understanding of men. Now if you’re out there running game, then I’m sorry but what do you want me to do? That’s not the business I’m in [running games]. That’s really not the business we’re supposed to be in, but we are as men oftentimes; you know I just think if we’re going to play the game with women and they’re going to play the game with us, then they ought to know all the rules.

"Straight Talk, No Chaser" is available at booksellers everywhere.

December Speaking Volumes Selection: The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir

Typically when you think of holiday books, you think of sweet, quaint holiday stories full of magic and mirth. As we progress into our sixth year of book club selections, we have chosen a decidedly offbeat yet thoroughly charming holiday book, “The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir” by Ken Harmon as our December pick.

Harmon, who holds a very serious day job at Wells Fargo writing much of the bank’s marketing materials, decided to tweak this holiday tradition. The result is a book that is both unexpected and thrilling. Harmon took some time out of his very busy schedule to answer our questions.

South Charlotte Weekly: What inspired you to write "The Fat Man?"

Ken Harmon: Most of the stories we have about the North Pole, the main characters are very sweet or befuddled, but good at heart. Don’t they ever get tired? Don't they ever have a bad day? When I started asking these questions, I began to imagine the different jobs elves and others could have in the North Pole machine and started to explore what that world would be like. If things aren't always hunky-dory, then there would have to be some kind of law enforcement - that's where my elf detective of sorts, Gumdrop Coal, was born. SCW: The book has a definite Raymond Chandler-esque tint. What were your influences? Are you a fan of noirs, books and movies?

KH: I am a big fan of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett and the fun they have with the language. I reread The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon and some other works to study the rhythm of the language and re-discovered some of the great slang from that genre. I am also a

fan of the old, black and white detective movies of the 40's and re-watched quite a few of those.

To put those tough-talking, hard-boiled guys and dames into the world of the North Pole was where the fun came. It was a great time.

SCW: What was it about Christmas that inspired you to set the story during that period?

KH: In the secular Christmas, there is naughty and nice - a fixed battle between good and evil - conflict that every story needs. We can all identify with the part of Christmas that's full of drama and anxiety as we try to work through that to get to the peaceful promise of the holidays. We see people getting violent in lines shopping for toys. We get angry at traffic and lines. I thought it would be interesting to see what would happen if characters at the North Pole did too - and then take it a step beyond.

SCW: How did you manage writing and your full-time job at Wells Fargo? Seems like the skill sets are dynamic opposites? Did that provide a good counter balance for each job?

KH: I get up very early in the morning to do my fiction writing. It's quiet and I can concentrate more easily. The marketing work at Wells Fargo is much more collaborative with lots of going back and forth. The writing of the novel was fun because I had more than a headline or a short paragraph to tell a story. The two kinds of writing do demand two different skill sets, but they do help each other. Even in the novel, I found myself trying to write as descriptively while being as concise as possible.

Meet the author

Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 7PM at the Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall to discuss the book with its author. Please RSVP by e-mailing bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Google Launches eBookstore

If you're a reader who is digitally connected, life just got a little sweeter!

Today Google launched their new eBookstore where you can download eBooks onto your reading devices or on your PC. In addition to all the usual suspects you can buy, "The Help," "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" and "Freedom," you can also download a fair amount of free ebooks, including Oprah's latest book club picks, "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Great Expectations."

Over 3 million books are available! Check it out by clicking here.

Anne Fortier Chat Rescheduled

Due to a number of tech issues, we had to reschedule the video chat with author Anne Fortier.

We so apologize to all those who were at Barnes & Noble and those who tried to log on at home. We're trying to find a date to resked with the author. It will most likely be towards the end of December.

Many thanks to all and thank you for your patience!

All the best,
Alison

Online video chat with "Juliet" author Anne Fortier

Hi all,

Please join us Monday, Nov. 22 at 7 PM to chat with author "Juliet" Anne Fortier.

This is an AMAZING book! And you'll enjoy talking with this spectacular author.

You can join us in one of two ways:

1. You can come watch the video chat at Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall. Come to the second floor and ask for Becky, who will be in the cookbook section.

OR...

2. You can participate in the chat from the comfort of your home or office with the following directions below.

Details to chat with "Juliet" author Anne Fortier.

Join our online webinar:

1. Log on to: http://snipurl.com/1i1hvi

The meeting password is: books.

You can use your own computer's speakers and microphone to chat with the author.

2. Or you can just listen to the audio portion of the call. Call-in at toll number 408-600-3600 and put in the access code:807 175 737.

Have any questions? E-mail me at alison@thecharlotteweekly.com.

Enjoy!

Alison

Ready to write a novel?

This is it, book lovers!

Nov. 1 begins National Novel Writing Month! That means you get to join people all over the world who have decided to shun all the excuses and just do it! Write, write, and write! Every day for a month!

It's pretty exciting. And it's all free!

Thank you to fellow book club member Lena Claxton, who's running a great new writer's retreat in Jamaica, who reminded me of all of this this morning.

Learn more here on the National Novel Writing Month website.

Who's in?

Speaking Volumes Selection for November: Juliet by Anne Fortier

The lushly beautiful book, "Juliet" by author Anne Fortier is our book club selection for November. We'll be chatting with the author live on the web via video so everyone who is a fan can join in. Details to come! But mark your calendar. The event will be Monday, Nov. 22 at 7 PM.

Keep checking back for new news or sign up for updates on this blog and get the latest news in your inbox!

-Happy reading!

Alison

Review of "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"

From our book club member and guest reviewer Adriana L. Medina

A “hornet’s nest” usually refers to a contentious situation. So if you stir the hornet’s nest you are likely to make people uncomfortable and upset. However, if you kick the hornet’s nest, you can better believe that an army of “hornets” are coming after you with a vengeance. That is exactly what comes to pass in Stieg Larsson’s final installment of the Millennium Trilogy, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest."

This third novel is much like the first two in that the story jump starts from the first page, in this case, right where we left off in book two, but then slows down as additional back-story is provided through exposition. There are new characters introduced and their relationship to the “hornet’s nest” or Sweden’s security police, and the criminal investigations surrounding the murders for which Salander is the prime suspect, are slowly revealed. A few of these new characters are on Salander’s side; however, most are not. Those out to get revenge will sacrifice even themselves to protect the “nest,” the other “workers,” and the “cells” they have created over time. Since Salander is in critical condition due to a gun shot to her head, this time, it’s Bloomkvist’s turn to outwit the “hornets” and he does so by pulling a few pages from Salander’s book. Still, Salander, in her true fashion, also does her part to undermine authority and through her own methods take the law into her own hands for what she deems to be justice.

This novel does tie back to the first one and once the reader sees the parallels and Salander’s choices are revealed, he/she will agree that Salander has matured over the course of the trilogy. She is capable of maintaining her sights on the bigger picture and of making better choices. And while her kick of the hornet’s nest does create quite a stir and many problems for her and others, ultimately, like any good crime thriller, lose ends are tied up, the crime is solved and exposed, the “hornets” are captured and the “nest” is eliminated, and the detective, who in this trilogy is sometimes involved in criminal activities herself, proves that she has more wits and fury than a nest of hornets.

"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" is available wherever books are sold.

Review of "Look Again" by Lisa Scottoline

Review by book club member and book blogger Cheryl McDermitt.

"Look Again" is another wonderful mystery/thriller written by Lisa Scottoline! I have to admit at first when I saw the subject matter of this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. Stories about abducted children aren’t the genre I usually read. I am glad I read this one though.

Ellen Gleeson is a Philadelphia reporter who adopted this sick little child named Will. She juggles work and home life like any other single mother. She has a very competent nanny named Connie to help her out with Will. One day she picks up her mail and staring her in the face is a card with an age-processed photo of a little boy named Timothy Braverman and he had been abducted in Florida . Ellen can’t stop thinking of how much the little boy on the card looks so much like her Will. Ellen’s mind constantly goes back to the little boy in the picture and she starts investigating her son’s birth mother. During the length of the investigation she finds out the attorney that handled Will’s adoption commited suicide 3 weeks after the adoption, the supposed birth mother, Amy can’t be questioned because she died of a drug overdose and according to Amy’s mother Amy could never get pregnant. Ellen tries to locate a man who was Amy’s boyfriend at the time of the abduction of the Braverman boy. Ellen keeps going back and forth in her mind about whether Will could be Timothy Braverman or not. Her instincts are telling her they are one in the same but her Dad tells her to leave well enough alone and her present attorney tells her the same thing.

In a desperate attempt to find out the truth Ellen flies to Miami where the Braverman’s live. She finds their home and parks out on the street watching them. All the time it is driving her deeper and deeper towards danger. You really need to read this book to find out how the story unfurls-it is worth the read!

David Sedaris Visits Charlotte; Signs 'Squirrel', Sings Praises

Photo by Anne Fishbein

Almost every year, America’s beloved humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris visits Charlotte to read from his latest work, albeit a book, an essay or even bits from his journal. This week, the author’s visit to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center featured a happier, shinier version of the author who enchanted the packed Belk Theater leaving the audience more uplifted and enlightened than when they arrived.

Sedaris fans are an interesting cross section of the community that might not ordinarily come together in one space. There were his National Public Radio fans; (Sedaris breakthrough the comedy barrier with his piece for Ira Glass on what it was like to be an elf in Macy’s Santaland in NYC.) And then there were commuters who delight in hearing his exquisite and unique voice read his numerous best-selling books such as “Me Talk Pretty”, “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” and “When Engulfed in Flames.” And then there were the progressive, forward-thinking citizens that delight in Sedaris’ acid tongue and rapier wit.

Sedaris on stage is something to behold. All he needs is a few well-chosen essays and you could feel the laughter of the packed audience here to see North Carolina’s favorite son buoy to higher levels of delight. The author’s newest book (which he reminded the audience is now No. 5 on the New York Times best-seller’s list) is “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.” “One might call them a set of fables; but they are not,” Sedaris opened. “Fables have morals. These are a collection of animal stories where the animals act like people.”

Indeed his latest book can easily be best described as animals gone awry or at least gone human. And with his incredible attention to detail, animals take on the type of qualities we humans might be afraid to mock in ourselves. However in animals, it’s all together charming.

The collection of stories includes “Motherless Bear”, “The Parenting Storks” and “The Grieving Owl,” which Sedaris read for the howling crowd. The story is about how a great horned owl, that recently lost his spouse, spends the rest of his time trying to become a more informed creature by asking his prey to teach him something. Sadly, just as he does and lets the animal go, a family member will swoop down for the kill. “It’s easier than doing it alone; think of the hours I’m saving, the owl’s sister shrieked,” he read.

Sedaris and friends on tape
Normally one of the best things about a new Sedaris book is the audio book version, which features his deadpan delivery and inimitable voice. For the uninitiated, his comic stylings are as unique as Woody Allen or Chris Rock. This time, “Squirrel” features the vocal talents of three other contributors who breathe a new twist into the author’s words. “When I write these stories I keep reading them aloud over and over and testing the material in front of audiences,” he said. “But when you hear (Broadway legend) Elaine Stritch read the sentence and talk about the Motherless Bear in her own way, it’s pure delight.”

To keep producing quality work takes a commitment to the craft. Sedaris told the audience that he writes for at least four hours a day, every day of the week, splitting the work between morning and evening. “After any more than four hours of sitting in front of the computer and it becomes time to check out YouTube for videos of animals eating other animals,” he opined.

The stop in Charlotte was one of many; the author will visit 36 cities in 37 days and then begin a four-week book tour to promote “Squirrel.” Sally Brewster and Frazer Dobson, owners of the esteemed Park Road Books who have often been the bookseller of choice on his visits, commented on the author’s convivial air at the Belk. “You can tell he’s happier and more relaxed this time around,” said Brewster.

Part of that can be attributed to the author’s new healthier lifestyle: he’s quit smoking and works out regularly. He even had time to offer praise for a Charlotte institution. “Do you all know how lucky you are to have an amazing YMCA?” Sedaris offered praising the Dowd. “They will all be friendly, but swimming in the pool at the Hilton was amazing!”

Sedaris rounded the evening out by sharing essays such as “Stand By” about the travails of airline traveling and selections from his journal. It can be intimidating to think, ‘who can be funny even in their journal?’ But as audience members lined up to get their book inscribed and chat with the delightful author, the author asked those in line to share their favorite joke. As many comic tidbits flowed forth it became obvious, this man knows how to not only be funny but help others delight in the humor of life as well.

“Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” is now available at booksellers everywhere.

Review of Opera Carolina's "Cosi Fan Tutte"

There are many reasons art enriches life. Besides its beauty and its spectacle, it speaks truth.

Recently, I've been musing a lot about the role of love in one's life. It's very easy to somehow forget how transformational true love really is. We all get busy with work, family and just day-to-day life and even if we have a beloved in our lives; it becomes very easy to forget the magic.

Opera Carolina's premier offering of the season, Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" reminded me just how important love really is. And more importantly not questioning or testing love but believing, accepting and surrendering to its power.

At the heart of the story lies two sisters who are faithfully devoted to their beaus. However a world weary older man convinces their boyfriends that they could be swayed by their devotion. And therein the plot unfolds.

To say more might ruin the fun. But take a dash of "The Road" movies with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, add some modern goddesses and add some the lushly inspired music of one of the world's greatest composers and you begin to understand what a delightful experience "Cosi" offers.

James Meena's thoughtful staging of the show really helped make the plot relevant and realistic. Originally Mozart wrote this as a contemporary piece in the 1790s but Meena updated the period to the 1920s/30s and used a somewhat contemporary set from "The Transit of Venus." This helps make the opera far more approachable than if it had stayed in the 18th century. Even though stories of love are universal, the updated staging and costumes helps the audience just relax and slip into the beautiful arias.

The opera talent on stage -the combined talents of Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannard (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo) - are uniformly spectacular. Together with Sarah Callinan and Krisopher Irmiter, as Despina and Don Alfonso, respectively, the cast puts forth a world class offering. They make the quartets and sextets reach incredible heights as well as shine in their solo arias.

Ultimately the story leaves you wondering to the end how this romantic folly will play out. But I walked away feeling more hopeful about love than before and being grateful how great art can inspire great living. See "Cosi Fan Tutte" before its run finishes this week at the Belk and remember the magic of love!

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CarolinaTix.

Alison Woo
Carolina Weekly Newsgroup

Opera Carolina's Cosi Fan Tutte

Opera Carolina launches its new season with “Cosi Fan Tutte,” featuring, from left to right, Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannartd (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo).

Ah, Mozart. Nothing really does it for me more then a bit of Wolfgang.

That's why I'm super excited to be going to Cosi Fan Tutte, Opera Carolina's debut offering this season.

There are still tickets left so join me! With performances Saturday, Oct. 16, Sunday at 2 PM (that's the one I'm going to!) and Thursday night, Oct. 21, you still have plenty of chances to join in the magic. Here's more details.

I had the great fortune of sitting down with the esteemed conductor of Opera Carolina, James Meena, who is now in his 11th season with the beloved arts organization. Read my article here.

If you can't make it this weekend, I'll be tweeting and blogging more. Be sure to follow me on Twitter by clicking here. I'll give you all the inside scoop on what's bound to be the premier event of the season!

See you at the opera!

Alison

Speaking Volumes Selection for October: The Works of Laura Esquivel

Photo courtesy of Simon and Schuster

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we've decided to do something completely different. Rather than just read one book, we're going to open it up to any or all five of the compelling works from one of the most popular and enduring authors of modern literature, Laura Esquivel.

Laura Esquivel is a Mexican born author who sprang to fame more than twenty years ago with her brilliant work, "Like Water for Chocolate." The story started as a series of installments that captured the tales of Tita and Pedro. Being thwarted from pursuing their love, Pedro marries Tita's sister, Rosaura. The two spend the next twenty years under the same roof while Tita shares her love through food. The lyrical novel offers recipes and romance in such a poetic manner; it instantly became one of the most successful books written by a Latino author of all time.

It was No. 1 on the best-sellers list for more than three years and was translated into 23 languages. The book also became a movie, with the screenplay written by Esquivel herself and directed by her husband, Alfonso Arau.

Esquivel's second book, "The Law of Love," did not achieve as much success as its predecessor but offers a tale of magic realism at its best. The story revolves around Azucena and her beloved Rodrigo and their fate of finding love through different ages. It's lushly romantic and it pushed the forms of literary convention in a time when such things were not heard of. The book comes with a CD, the songs of which are geared to trigger certain emotion and memories for the characters, and a Manga-esque storyboard. This is hands down my favorite book and the one I'd be taking with me on a desert island, given the choice of just five books.

In 2000, she followed up "Love" with a collection of essays on love, food, romance in To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we've decided to do something completely different. Rather than just read one book, we're going to open it up to any or all five of the compelling works from one of the most popular and enduring authors of modern literature, Laura Esquivel.

Laura Esquivel is a Mexican born author who sprang to fame more than twenty years ago with her brilliant work, "Like Water for Chocolate." The story started as a series of installments that captured the tales of Tita and Pedro. Being thwarted from pursuing their love, Pedro marries Tita's sister, Rosaura. The two spend the next twenty years under the same roof while Tita shares her love through food. The lyrical novel offers recipes and romance in such a poetic manner; it instantly became one of the most successful books written by a Latino author of all time.

It was No. 1 on the best-sellers list for more than three years and was translated into 23 languages. The book also became a movie, with the screenplay written by Esquivel herself and directed by her husband, Alfonso Arau.

Esquivel's second book, "The Law of Love," did not achieve as much success as its predecessor but offers a tale of magic realism at its best. The story revolves around Azucena and her beloved Rodrigo and their fate of finding love through different ages. It's lushly romantic and it pushed the forms of literary convention in a time when such things were not heard of. The book comes with a CD, the songs of which are geared to trigger certain emotion and memories for the characters, and a Manga-esque storyboard. This is hands down my favorite book and the one I'd be taking with me on a desert island, given the choice of just five books.

In 2000, she followed up "Love" with a collection of essays on love, food, romance in "Between the Fires." Shortly thereafter, she penned "Swift as Desire" an intriguing story about true love and what happens when communication, or lack of it, distorts it.

Most recently, Esquivel wrote "Malinche" based upon the real-life story of the translator who worked for Herman Cortes, the Spanish conqueror. Malinche holds a controversial place in history and was seen by many as a traitor to her people. But Esquivel does a noble job examining her plight as a woman caught between two worlds. The author travels a familiar, yet satisfying, route of navigating the territory of dancing between one's head and heart.

In all of her books, the author captures an elevated sense of life and love in such a darling and endearing way, it's really hard to pick a favorite. "Chocolate" was a previous book club selection but for all our new members, feel free to start your voyage of discovery with this book or any of the others mentioned here.

Save the Date
We're still working out details but we'll be meeting on Monday, Oct. 25 at 7 PM to discuss the book at a festive location sharing delicious and authentic Latin-inspired food! Check this column next week for more or visit our blog at: http://bestbookblog.blogspot.com/ for details.

Happy reading!
Alison

Speaking Volumes Radio Show: Live Chat with NYT Best Selling Author Jennifer Crusie

Author Jennifer Crusie

Hi everyone! Please note we've had to make a quick change on the date for this event.

Join me LIVE on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 PM EST as we chat with New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Crusie,who has just returned to the literary scene with her first solo novel in years, "Maybe This Time."

Click here to listen to the show or call us at (347) 539-5852 to ask Jennifer a question!

We'll talk about her latest book, the writing life and what she's working on now!

Have a question? You can also e-mail it to me at alison@thecharlotteweekly.com.

Note: This live chat will be recorded for future listening.