I’ve never watched Formula One Grand Prix racing, so I wondered if I could love the film RUSH as much as the critics.
Never doubt Ron Howard.
His retelling of the 1976 rivalry between racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda simultaneously celebrates the sport and rises about it.
Yes, there is amazing driving footage, and Howard chronicles the races and locations of their real-life points race. But the differences between these two men — in looks, personality and approach to the sport — and their very complex relationship is the most compelling part of this movie.
And when you see photos of the actual Hunter and Lauda —
You realize what a tremendous job casting director Nina Gold has done.
Wave the checkered flag, people.
The Sticky Egg 
So filling
I saw the new musical Waitress on Wednesday.
Sara Bareilles was the entertainment during the break.
It’s not the first time I have experienced stoppages like this on Broadway. When I saw Harvey starring Jim Parsons from “The Big Bang Theory,” they too had pesky set pieces that simply would not move.
That’s what you get when you go to early previews.
And with Waitress, you get a wonderful, heart-felt, truly hilarious take on one of my favorite films. Kudos to the casting director, because every role was spot-on — especially the male supporting characters, who stole the show every time they stepped out on stage.
Drew Gehling as Dr. Pomatter — a role originated by my man Nathan Fillion in the movie — has big shoes to fill and does it with unique comedic timing and fantastic chemistry with star Jessie Mueller. But the biggest ovation at curtain call — rightly so — went to Christopher Fitzgerald, who chews up the scenery (or should I say pie?) as the quirky Ogie the Elf.
The music is wonderful, and ya gotta love any set that features a cherry pie curtain, even if the darn thing doesn’t work all that well. Because the show?
Sweet!
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Posted in Broadway, Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Movies, New York City
Tagged Broadway, casting director, celebrities, Christopher Fitzgerald, comedic timing, commentary, curtain callpie, Drew Gehling, entertainment, film, Harvey play, Humor, Jessie Mueller, Jim Parsons, Movies, musical, Nathan Fillion, New York City, Sara Bareilles, scenery, set piece, The Big Bang Theory, theatre, Waitress the Musical