Man and Boy - 1963 - Broadway Articles Page 12

The fiftieth anniversary of John Kennedy's assassination last November turned up an avalanche of books seeking to present new angles or re-hash old ones. Larry Sabato's The Kennedy Half-Century does a bit of both. Those who read Kennedy literature basically break down in three camps: obsessives (about the presidency, the assassination or both), neophytes (looking to get a handle on the basics) and tweeners (interested and reasonably astute about those basics but not on the verge of giving up their day jobs to learn more). I count myself a member of the third category. While I can't speak for how it would strike those who are a great deal more knowledgeable about the subject, for me, this was an easy and reasonably rewarding read. The book is broken down into three parts: Kennedy's life and presidency; his assassination; and his legacy. I'm not sure much new could be said on the first two matters and, for the most part–excepting a few tidbits on the assassination that amount to debunking-of-previous-debunkings-of-previous-debunkings and so on–Sabato makes no real attempt to give any substantially new perspectives or draw any rare conclusions. However, within the bounds of what he clearly did set out to do–i.e., give a summation of those aspects of Kennedy's life and death that would hold the attention of the general interest reader and provide an easy-access overview for at least some newcomers–he delivers very nicely. The really interesting and, I think, valuable part of the book is the last: a long and fairly detailed look at the effect Kennedy's legacy has had on his nine successors. This is still relatively fertile ground and, here, Sabato does come to some surprising conclusions and offers solid evidence to back his thesis. If you want to know why and how a conservative Republican like Ronald Reagan was able to channel Kennedy's aura and style more effectively than Lyndon Johnson (who was Kennedy's own vice-president), then this is a good primer on the subject. Same if you want to know how a good-old-boy policy wonk like Bill Clinton could effectively utilize the Kennedy brand–both as campaign style and governing substance–without having much of JFK's rhetorical wit (Kennedy was not exactly long-winded) or having overly warm relations with Senator Ted Kennedy, who was long-established as the family patriarch by the time Clinton reached the presidency. In addition, Sabato does a fine job of treading on some tricky ground regarding the “real” JFK who actually governed the country for two and half years, and the mythical JFK, whose shadow hung over subsequent issues from Viet Nam to Civil Rights to the Space Program to the basic arguments over the tax code. Turns out, virtually every president since 1963 has tried in some form or fashion to use the aura of the Kennedy mythology–and, in some cases, the assassination mythology as well–to advance his agenda. While some have been far better at it than others, Sabato makes it clear that none have turned down the opportunity to exploit the legacy when the opportunity arose. The books final third really turns on personalities then, but it avoids most of the common traps. I don't think there is anything here that strains credibility and that's a relief. The tendency to over-reach is all but endemic in the approach Sabato chooses, but–based on interviews I've seen with him and on the even more compelling evidence of the book itself–he seems to be inclined to stick to the facts. For instance, although Sabato seems to side with elite political and historical opinion which consistently tells us that the Bay of Pigs invasion was an unmitigated disaster, he also reminds us that the poll taken immediately after the event gave Kennedy's performance an eighty percent approval rating. It might seem a small thing, but plenty of historians would choose to leave out a little remembered fact that raises questions about their own conclusions. It's to the author's credit that he provides this kind of exemplary even-handedness throughout. The happy result is a book where Kennedy's real accomplishments are acknowledged, as are the (mostly successful and highly self-conscious) efforts at hagiography carried on by his surviving family (especially his widow) and many of the political allies who served under him. By the same token, Kennedy's almost incredibly reckless personal behavior is explained without being either rationalized away or reduced to the usual morality lessons. Sabato eschews peep-show licentiousness as deftly as he avoids preaching. I didn't come away thinking either Kennedy's sexual peccadilloes or his often seedy political tactics (this book does not shy away from reminding us that the main difference between Nixon's operatives and Kennedy's where dirty tricks were concerned in the 1960 campaign was that the Kennedy ops were better at it) were less than unsavory–frankly, the man was no saint. But I didn't feel like taking a bath either. Frankly, the man was a pretty effective president for all his faults and–even more frankly–we're all sinners. It's a rare Kennedy book that doesn't make me feel like I'm being snowed just a little so I especially appreciated this book's lack of agendas. In Sabato's hands a simple recitation of the facts makes for a good read. I think it's safe to say that most people will find it satisfying–just so long as they aren't after feeding an obsession!

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has added an exciting roster of screen legends and beloved titles to the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival,

The 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival will honor legendary actor, filmmaker and humanitarian Jerry Lewis with a multi-tiered celebration of his remarkable career.

Premiering tonight, Jan. 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, National Geographic Channel goes off the map to kick off its first do-it-yourself series, Building Wild.

Acclaimed British rockers Peggy Sue will kick off 2014 by touring the U.S. in advance of their highly anticipated third full-length Choir of Echoes, out January 28 onYep Roc Records. Joined by Mandolin Orange and Mariner's Children (Peggy Sue bass player Ben Rubinstein solo), on select dates, Peggy Sue will play shows in New York, Los Angeles and more. Please see below for full tour routing.

A look at some of the musical theatre, opera and cabaret productions in South Africa in 2013.

Premiering Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, National Geographic Channel goes off the map to kick off its first do-it-yourself series, Building Wild.

The festival is proud to present the lineup for the 2014 film festival to be held February 6-9, 2014.

In a neighborhood torn by gun violence between black and Mexican youth, a prominent black minister, haunted by the ghosts of his struggles as a 60's radical, faces his own impotence to restore order in 'Welcome Home Sonny T,' a new play written and directed by William Electric Black. Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., will present the work tonight, December 5 to 22, 2013.

Nine of Miles Davis' earliest albums on Columbia Records, encompassing music that he recorded for the label in monaural sound from 1956 to 1961 (and released from 1957 to 1964), will be issued together on CD for the first time as Miles Davis:The Original Mono Recordings. This historic box set, comprising nine CDs in mini-LP replica jackets, will be available everywhere today, November 12, 2013 through Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

In a neighborhood torn by gun violence between black and Mexican youth, a prominent black minister, haunted by the ghosts of his struggles as a 60's radical, faces his own impotence to restore order in 'Welcome Home Sonny T,' a new play written and directed by William Electric Black. Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., will present the work December 5 to 22, 2013.

Casting is announced for OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR, a Theatre Royal Stratford East Production:

The 'Greatest Star' Returns Home in Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn on Great Performances Friday, November 29, 2013 at 9 p.m. as Part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin previously announced the directors for the Company's 2013-2014 Main Stage season at the Addison Theatre Centre. Directing the season opener, Hank Williams: Lost Highway (tonight, October 11-November 3, 2013) will be Michael Serrecchia.

A Finborough Theatre commission, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Michael Hastings' Lee Harvey Oswald - A Far Mean Streak of Independence Brought on by Negleck opens at the Finborough Theatre for a limited season onSunday, 3 November 2013, with an special additional performance on Friday, 22 November at 12.30pm at the exact time of the assassination.

The Emmy Award-winning star of 'Breaking Bad' brings his considerable acting heft to the role of President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the American Repertory Theatre's exciting new production of 'All the Way' now through October 12 only.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today the full schedule and complete lineup for the upcoming film series, Jean-Luc Godard - The Spirit of the Forms.

TACT/The Actors Company Theatre presents Natural Affection by William Inge, the first production of the company's 21st Season. Directed by TACT Co-Artistic Director Jenn Thompson, performances begin at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Avenues) tonight, September 17, 2013. Opening night is set for Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm. Performances will continue through October 26, 2013.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University welcomes three-time Emmy Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston to play the lead role of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Robert Schenkkan's new play All The Way opening the A.R.T.'s 2013-14 Season at the Loeb Drama Center. The production, directed by Bill Rauch, will begin performances tonight, September 13, 2013.

TACT/The Actors Company Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for Natural Affection by William Inge, the first production of the company's 21st Season. Directed by TACT Co-Artistic Director Jenn Thompson, performances begin at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Avenues) on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Opening night is set for Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm. Performances will continue through October 26, 2013.

Nine of Miles Davis' earliest albums on Columbia Records, encompassing music that he recorded for the label in monaural sound from 1956 to 1961 (and released from 1957 to 1964), will be issued together on CD for the first time as Miles Davis:The Original Mono Recordings.

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin today announced the directors for the Company's 2013-2014 Main Stage season at the Addison Theatre Centre. Directing the season opener, Hank Williams: Lost Highway (October 11-November 3, 2013) will be Michael Serrecchia. The Game's Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) (December 13- January 5, 2014) will be directed by Robin Armstrong. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (January 24-February 16, 2014) will be directed by Emily Scott Banks. Spunk (April 11-May 4, 2014) will be directed by Akin Babatunde.Good People (June 6-29, 2014) will be directed by Rene Moreno and Dogfight (July 25-August 17, 2014) will be directed by Terry Martin.

THE STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY is an unprecedented cinematic event, an epic journey through the history of world cinema that is a treat for movie lovers around the globe.

Westchester Broadway Theatre presents A Standing Ovation Studio Production, OLIVER!, with Book, Music & Lyrics by Lionel Bart, direction by John Fanelli, choreographed by Carrie Silvernail, with musical direction by Kurt Kelley. The show opened last night, August 15 and runs through September 8, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Standing Ovation Studio's OLIVER! will open on August 15 at Westchester Broadway Theatre, and run through September 8. The colorful characters of Charles Dickens' classic 'Oliver Twist' come brilliantly to life in Victorian London. This beloved musical tells the tale of the orphan boy who is swept into a band of pickpockets; the Artful Dodger, the menacing Bill Sikes, the kind-hearted Nancy, all led by the wily Fagin.The sensational, Tony award winning, score is full of Lionel Bart's irresistible songs including 'Food Glorious Food', 'Consider Yourself', 'I'd Do Anything', 'Oom Pah Pah', 'As Long As He Needs Me' and many more. This show truly captures the joys and challenges of youth and will be sure to warm the heart of your entire family. Below, check out a first look at Broadway's John Treacy Eagan as 'Mr. Bumble' in costume below!