Author Archive

An Asian American Play About Asian American Writing

Written by Victoria Moy on . Posted in Posts, Theater

It comforted me to see a play where all the Asian American characters spoke perfect English and behaved without any trace of immigrant scars.  The topic of the play was writing.  And though such a topic under a less-skilled playwright might have come off as self-indulgent, Carla Ching’s new full-length play TBA handles it exceptionally. 
[ read more... ]

Be the first to comment on this post

Meet ‘The Bard’ and Horny Judges at ‘The Gong Show’ at Arlene’s Grocery

Written by Victoria Moy on . Posted in Arts & Film, Posts

With everyone wanting to make a fool of themselves on reality TV these days, it only makes sense that the silliness of the '70s game show, The Gong Show, would have a resurgence. In New York alone, there’s The Gong Show organized by Horse Trade Theater the third Thursday of every month and, recently, Dana Sterling started a Gong Show at Arlene’s Grocery.  And let’s not forget the Falun Gong show, even if it’s not the kind of Gong Show I’m talking about.  Plus, when the gong is struck at the Orchid Lounge, everyone gets a free shot on the house.

Last week, I went to the newest iteration at Arlene’s Grocery for a fantastically surreal experience. I’m a little too young to have seen the original program on TV, but when I stepped into the LES bar, I walked into a fictional world where everyone becomes a two-dimensional character on some sort of show. If they're not a vicious, narcissistic (or horny) judge, then they're a crazed audience member shouting “take off your pants!” to every performer on stage.  It's really just a trumped up talent show, with a judge who strikes the gong if they hate an act.  Audience members vote for one of the finalists whom the judges choose.

As I took a seat, a minstrel named Captain Zorikh in a kilt with a guitar strapped to him came over and kissed my hand and asked me to please vote for him when it came time for audience’s favorites.  Then he gave me his card, which looks something like a Magic The Gathering game card.  On the front, it says “The Bard.”  On the back, after stating his race, height, weight, class, alignment (“vertically symmetrical,” natch), and weapons, it reads: “Whether in the far-flung future or the dimly remembered past, his powerful voice and dry wit has brought a smile to the lips and a tear to the eye of many a hardened warrior and lovely lass.”

Dana Sterling, the woman who brought us Amateur Female Jello Wrestling, has managed to attract an eclectic contingent of folks full of pretend perviness...

Read full "Gong Show" here.
[ read more... ]

Be the first to comment on this post

Stare Into the Red Eyes of the ‘Giant Invisible Robot’

Written by Victoria Moy on . Posted in Arts & Film, Posts

The destructive Giant Invisible Robot makes for such a beautiful metaphor for the loneliness of a man striving to be more human after having survived painful traumas. Jayson McDonald, a London, Ontario-based writer, director and performer, who plays at least five distinct personalities in his comedic one-man show, Giant Invisible Robot, is a master of
[ read more... ]

Be the first to comment on this post

London Souls at Luna Lounge

Written by Victoria Moy on . Posted in Music, Posts

Though none of the members of The London Souls were in London for extensive periods, they call themselves that because they’re all influenced by "the greats"—Jimmy Hendrix, Cream and the Beatles—who all first made their mark in the English capital. Drummer and vocalist Chris St. Hillaire explained that those musicians became famous in England for
[ read more... ]

Be the first to comment on this post

Reliving Women’s Fears of V-Day Can Cause Panic

Written by Victoria Moy on . Posted in Arts & Film, Posts

I celebrated Valentine’s Day last night by going to Viva La Diva, a “caburlesque show” at Ars Nova hosted by Bridget Everett.  I admit, I’m still new to all this female empowerment through performance thing. So I was amused when Mel and El did a hilarious dance and song number that loosely parodied Madonna’s "Vogue,"
[ read more... ]

Be the first to comment on this post

..