Bent

I saw Bent at the Beck Center this past Sunday.  It so affected me, I was not able to bring myself to write about it until now.   The play is from the 70s, and is about a gay man during World War 2.  He is captured by the Nazis and sent on a train to a concentration camp.   I cried at intermission.  I cried afterwards.  I felt really horrible for several days after viewing the show.   Death and horror.   It also coincided with Pride.  It's sad that the subject matter is relevant again.   It's a good play, but very difficult. 

I am including a link to the Wikipedia article with the whole plot.  I don't usually spoil shows in my write ups, but you need to steel yourself before seeing this one.  Bring tissues.  And have something cheerful planned for afterwards to soothe your aching heart.

The Royale

I went to see the Royale last Saturday performed by Cleveland Playhouse.   It is a historical fiction about boxing during the Jim Crow era.   Our protagonist is the black heavyweight champ and he wants to fight the white champ.  This is agreed to, but at a great financial cost which causes bodily fear and incidents in the black community.

The fighting was accomplished via dance moves, specifically krumping.   Timed claps, stomps, and inner monologue are able to produce an amazing fight.  Go see this.

Marie and Rosetta

On Sunday we had the pleasure of seeing Marie and Rosetta, the true story of Rose Etta Tharp meeting Marie Knight, and bringing forth the music that would eventually become rock 'n roll.   This play has wonderful music, but I wouldn't call it a musical.   It's more of history featuring music.    It shows the painful realities of what it was like to be a black person traveling back before the Civil Rights movement.   Even though Sister Rosetta was famous, she couldn't stay in proper hotels because of discrimination (relying on the Green Book for safer travels).   In fact, the whole show (90 minutes without intermission) takes place in a funeral parlor. 

Cleveland Playhouse is only the second theater to present this show.  I highly recommend it.

Otto Moser's

 Last night we had dinner at Otto Moser's.   They have a Facebook page but no website.   The restuarant has been open since 1890.   I'm reading a book right now about the history of dining in the US, and we only got proper restaurants in 1830.   The walls are decorated with old photographs of theater actors.   Pictured above is the fish and chips I ordered.  I don't really care for fries, so I had veggies instead.  Also, I had applesauce instead of cole slaw.  The haddock was nicely cripsy.  It didn't feel heavy at all.

 Steve had this burger with salami.   It was really large.  

I had salted caramel cake for dessert.   I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to Otto Moser's, but it's a nice little sandwich place with other casual dining items.   I'd go again for a tasty and familiar meal.