Wicked September 30, 2007

The musical “Wicked” has returned to The Opera House in Boston bringing a burst of color to the city’s autumn arts scene. It’s interesting, though, that a show that features a lead character with bright green skin is really all about the grey. Nothing is black and white – or in this case – green [...]

A Brief History Of Time Travel September 27, 2007

So, did you catch NBC’s “Journeyman” on Monday night? Boy, where do I start? I kind of like it … I kind of hate it. I’ll be back for episode 2, but fever dreams of “The Nine” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” have already begun.
Let me say right out front that I’m [...]

The War and Ken Burns September 24, 2007

Some quick observations on the first episode of “The War” on PBS. There were several moments of brilliance … but an equal number of dull lapses. The opening hour was a big let down. SO much time devoted to establishing the four communities central to the story … a cliche riddled bore-fest.
The stories from the [...]

Friday Night Rock September 21, 2007

Some great rock music choices out there tonight … but some flexibility is required.
Rilo Kiley is at Avalon. Jenny Lewis and company recently released their major label debut, “Under The Backlight” and it brazenly breaks the rules of most major label debuts. It’s got horns, it’s got disco, it’s got songs about underage sex … [...]

I Know You Didn’t Ask But … September 19, 2007

Is Dane Cook the luckiest guy on the planet right now? As a comic he’s got some interesting observations to make … but filling arenas to hear them? As an actor he’s all right, pretty likable … but co-starring with Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson? I mean, I like the guy and all, but does [...]

Take Back The Berkshires September 16, 2007

I’ve got a message for all you New Yorkers who’ve been border hopping into Western Massachusetts — we’re taking back the Berkshires. I don’t mean a hostile takeover — we residents of the Commonwealth appreciate the currency infusion you bring us on a regular basis — it’s just that it’s ours, and you guys are [...]

Celebrity Smarts September 13, 2007

In the entertainment world being smart won’t necessarily make you successful — but having a little grey matter to fall back on has to be a comfort. In recent days there’s been quite a bit of good news for folks who can put two sentences together without a publicist. Let’s take a look.
Jon [...]

Sully September 10, 2007

There’s a line in the George S. Kaufman/Moss Hart play “You Can’t Take It With You” in which the character Grandpa says to a Wall Street big wig, “A cat can look at a king, can’t he?” To me that was the essence of Paul Sullivan. The WBZ radio talk show host, and Lowell Sun [...]

Early December September 7, 2007

When the lyrics include words like petticoats, catacombs, parapets, balustrade, wastrel, fontanel and waylaid it’s a good bet you’re not listening to the latest gem from the mouth breathers in Hinder. No, it could only be The Decemberists, and their sound is as unique and haunting as their words. Boston is fortunate to [...]

They Are Zombies .. They Are Neighbors .. September 4, 2007

Yeah, I know I’m late, but The Mike Stand has to fight off those post-Labor Day blues too!
Anyway …
Haverhill’s Rob Zombie is the king of the movie box office right now — his re-imagining of the horror classic “Halloween” took in an astounding $31 Million over the Labor Day weekend. That’s a new record, and [...]