Has Anyone Seen Ny Mind.

In the newly constructed Laurie Beechman Theatre is written by Bill Russell and is directed by Justin Ross Cohen. It is tapped as "musings" from "Side Show" writer Russell.

Apparently it is a personal work about Russell's life, his love and everyday frustrations. Russell has collaborated with several composers on the project, Janet Hood; Nick Cearley, and Broadway director Ronald Melrose.

No program was given out so I am not sure who to credit for the very good, exceptional singing that was performed last night. When the show had singing, it was decent (even though some of the songs lyrics were lousy).

I think that Mr. Russell through together words which didn't make to much sense. The book itself goes on a political rant. I'm not sure what bothers him in general. He does say the show is about his frustrations.

Russell is keen to hit the liberal points that bother most liberals... gay rights, illegal immigrants rights, age discrimination, and most of all: how white males are all of the countries problems (what do we know, we only built this country!).

At times, for me, the politics become unbearable. While most people left and right want to go see shows to be entertained, we get performances like this one that spew hatred and point fingers. Russel himself in his long winded introduction mentioned SNAP that was hurt by the shutdown of the government recently. He paused and fumpfered on his words. He was intimating that it wasn't Schummer who shut down the government, but the right that did that to the audiences applause.

It is no secret that Broadway is left leaning, way left. It is however, annoying to hear politics from people who have no, or very little knowledge of political science. Things get written and performed by actors who no nothing about economics, politics or in-depth world events. Here, Russell is clueless giving the adage :just shut up and sing and act! When I am forced to listen to that it's all whitey's fault, I have a problem with that.

Russell touches on integration and mixed marriages as well as the civil rights act. Sure these were issues in the 50's and 60's as well as the 70's and so was woman's lib. The problem is that the way it is written is that one issue is not blended into another, and thus the show comes off too staccato with no flow to it.

If the show was more cabaret like, if it focused on better quality book with better lyrics, then he may have had a better result. The word in the theater was that he wants this to be produced commercially. I can't see a path for this. Russell's anger toward society is a weak one. The way he explains it is just not clear enough. The writing, the show is just to amateurish! It's confusing and to mingled to be a serious body of work to considered for production.

I do not believe that people will want to come see this rant of a show if Russell is able to get this produced. He will have to tighten up, rewrite this for it to be meaningful. In the meantime it is just another liberal spew dump on the public.

"The Queen of Versailles" to close. After luke warm reviews and audience indifference to this musical "Queen" is set to close early. But who really wanted it in the first place? Broadway producers have to think long and hard about what they produce in the future, especially musicals. With high costs to even put on a musical, this one was a bad choice!