In which I’m filled with symbolism and things like that It’s the oldest story: Masses are oppressed Faces, clothes, and bladders all distressed Rich folks get the good life Poor folks get the woe In the end it’s nothing you don’t know : “Too Much Exposition” For nearly a week now—beginning, with eerie prescience, shortlyContinue reading “We’re in Urinetown”
Author Archives: Cecilia Gigliotti
Lit Review: THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT
In which I play the Cecilian Defense *WARNING: SPOILERS* I suspect I was always one nudge away from playing chess. Growing up I might have had the makings of an enthusiast if I hadn’t devoted almost all my energies to literary pursuits. Or if I hadn’t been so troublesome at board games, a jealous playerContinue reading “Lit Review: THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT”
The ‘20s Begin (For Real)
In which I emphasize a point I made a year ago NOW will you believe me when I say that the ‘1’ year is the proper start of a new decade??? Ones place, people. Not tens. Ones. Here goes nothing. ⭐️
The Greatest Jazz Album…?
Or, a Christmastime observation I’m relying on holiday tunes more heavily than usual this year to keep the spirit of the season alive in relative isolation. I can’t help listening a little more closely, perhaps only because I can. Among the records on regular rotation is, for self-evident reasons, the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s soundtrack toContinue reading “The Greatest Jazz Album…?”
My Year in Song
In which I compile an eclectic playlist for an eclectic year As we commence our closing tricks in the death-defying circus act of 2020, let me gift you with a soundtrack to help us carry them off. These picks more or less sum up each thirty-day cluster; some are snapshots of the state of myContinue reading “My Year in Song”
A Brief History of A Cappella
In which I sing the praises of a much-misconstrued genre The above image, whose painter I could not identify for the life of me (drop a comment if you can), does not depict the a cappella style we know, as there are instruments present. However, it does depict (again) that musical troublemaker St. Cecilia, plusContinue reading “A Brief History of A Cappella”
Every Beatles Reference in “You’ll Be Back”
In which I send a fully armed battalion to remind you that all you need is love Hamilton’s George III, our favorite mad king, steps out in the middle of Act I to the most fanfare since, well, Hamilton stepped out. He proceeds to introduce himself with a tune I can only describe as Late-StageContinue reading “Every Beatles Reference in “You’ll Be Back””
Tribute
John Winston Ono Lennon 9 October 1940–8 December 1980 (9 December in Europe) #40Years
So Beautiful It Hurts
In which I direct my readers to a departed talent Gwendolyn Brooks, poet and relentless voice, left us twenty years ago today. For those unfamiliar with her name on sight, she was the mastermind behind the oft-misread “We Real Cool,” She was also: The first Black writer (of any discipline) to win a Pulitzer PrizeContinue reading “So Beautiful It Hurts”
The Prisoner Who Just Wanted Some Soup & the Man Who Refused to Give Him Some
In which I review a groundbreaking play So goes the title of this slice of mid-aughts theatrical life—written by Sam Puckett, performed to intriguing effect by the playwright and her co-star Carly Shay on an episode of their equally iconic web series “iCarly.” The production is short and sweet, as was the playwright’s probable intention,Continue reading “The Prisoner Who Just Wanted Some Soup & the Man Who Refused to Give Him Some”