Organizing Your Dropbox for Work & Play just got Easy with Dropbox Automator from Wappwolf

January 10th, 2012

Austrian company, Wappwolf just launched a new application, Dropbox Automator to help organize your Dropbox from any mobile device and location by just one click. Similar to the concept of iCloud by Apple, the new application allows users to upload work documents and pictures, but the difference is users can customize the documents when they get uploaded, so PDF’s become text documents and pictures are resized and straightened. Even the red-eye can be  removed when you upload. Probably the most interesting feature is the ability to post pictures to Facebook and other major social networking platforms. When it comes to business users have the ability to send electronically signed documents or faxes from any device when they’re on the road simplifying the ‘work from anywhere’ model. Dropbox Automator has a free application which makes it easy to try it for yourself. Watch the video below of how to use Dropbox Automoator.

Smart Phone Gives Two Bay Area Filmmakers More Than 15 Minutes of Fame by Kevin M. Thomas

December 22nd, 2011

Patrick Gilles has dreams just like the rest of us. But his dream of making a movie has been realized and he is now basking in the limelight with his co-writer and co-director Hooman Khalili, a San Francisco radio personality.

This may end up being more than 15 minutes of fame as Gilles and Khalili have done something no filmmaker has done before – they filmed their first feature “Olive” entirely on a smart phone.

I sat down with Gilles at the Hotel Frank and discussed with him the challenges of making a movie on a smart phone and asked how the film can have a beautiful crispness on screen when the camera is a phone.

Click on the link below to also learn how they were able to get two time Academy Award nominee Gena Rowlands to star in this extremely low budget film.

Bay Area resident Gilles points out why the film cannot play at the Sundance Film Festival and instead is playing at Los Angeles’s Laemmle’s Fallbrook Theatre, released right in time to qualify for Oscar nominations. Check out show times at http://laemmle.com.

Watch our interview and learn what will happen to “Olive” after it finishes its run at Laemmle Fallbrook 7 Theatre.

To learn more about “Olive” and to see the first five minutes of the film,  visit www.olivethemovie.com.

And thanks to Hotel Frank, http://www.hotelfranksf.com

Progressive Pulse will follow up to find out when “Olive” makes it’s premiere in San Francisco and hits other major cities, so stay tuned.

Race, Class and Family are Presented with Intelligence and Plenty of Laughs in Lydia Diamond’s Broadway Debut of “Stick Fly” By Steve V. Rodriguez

December 8th, 2011

Ruben Santiago-Hudson & Tracie Thoms in "Stick Fly"

Ruben Santiago-Hudson & Tracie Thoms in "Stick Fly"

“Stick Fly” which is presented and produced by Alicia Keys makes it’s Broadway debut after having it’s world premiere in Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre Company in 2006. The play went on to play in D.C and win awards in Los Angeles and New England for best direction, playwright, ensemble and new work. Playwright Lydia R. Diamond has written a superbly relevant and fresh play about two African American brothers who both come home to Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend to introduce their respective new girlfriends into the LeVay family.  From the get-go Kent (aka Spoon), played by Dule Hill returns to the family vacation house first with Taylor (Tracie Thoms – Rent) who can’t believe how grand the house is which even includes a guest house. With eyes wide open, Taylor takes it all in including all of the original African America art on the walls as she tells Spoon jokingly, that she thought she was with him because she loved his personality, but now she might have to stick with him for his money. Cheryl (Condola Rashad) is already present in the house preparing the home for the arrival of the family. The daughter of the family’s housekeeper who grew up with the LeVay’s since she was a little girl, Cheryl holds a torch for eldest brother Flip and is holding a secret that her mother reveals during her time in Martha’s Vineyard. Joe LeVay (Ruben Santiago-Hudson) is the patriarch of the family and arrives solo sans his wife. Apparently she is on her way…. Flip (Mekhi Phifer) is the eldest brother who arrives next with Kimber (Rosie Benton). Flip has already prepared his brother and Dad that Kimber isn’t black. With a joke that gets recycled up to three times yet never loses it’s wit, whenever anyone mentions that they heard his new girlfriend is white, Flip immediately fires back that she’s Italian.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Condola Rashad, Mekhi Phifer, Dule Hill, Tracie Thoms

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Condola Rashad, Mekhi Phifer, Dule Hill, Tracie Thoms

As the family unite and the girlfriends get acquainted we begin to see a ground work being laid that this weekend’s getaway island visit is going to experience some major eruptions that have been bubbling under for each of our characters as well as the family unit. With layers of class, race and the family upbringing and dynamic, Diamond gives her actors a plethora of sharp and witty dialogue that is intelligent yet shadows each character’s internal demons that they are keeping under wraps. With references to author/feminist Bell Hooks and character discussions that involve talks of race and class, but always laced with personal stories related to the family dynamic, Diamond has created a fish bowl for examining her characters which refers to the title of the play. The character of Taylor who is an Entomologist who’s job it is to catch insects, particularly the fly, places some honey on a popsicle stick and adheres the fly to the tip so she can examine it’s wing behavior when confronted with stimuli.

With a cast that understands timing, innuendo, humor and the intricate ability to escalate a discussion to new heights, “Stick Fly” is easily one of the best plays to hit Broadway recently that will resonate with a multitude of diverse audiences. Often it’s easy to pick out actors that shine in a production, but “Stick Fly” allows each actor to explore their character’s back story and bring a multitude of layers to their role. As a whole the entire ensemble rise to the occasion making every moment on the stage a pleasure to watch while captivating it’s audience. Director Kenny Leon does a fantastic job directing his ensemble utilizing David Gallo’s beautiful and functional tiered set design. Often conversations between two characters occur at the same time in separate rooms on the same stage that effectively plays like a live film. Reggie Ray (Costume Design) outfits his characters with vibrant colors that suit each cast member’s personal back story. But, it’s Alicia Keys who not only has her name associated with the project, but fuses each scene, and in between scenes, with original music that further adds to this dynamic play.

“Stick Fly” opens December 8th and plays at the Cort Theatre. Visit telecharge.com for tickets or go to www.StickFlyBroadway.com

Jonny Blu Ignites the Season with New Song and Video, “Holiday For Two”

November 30th, 2011

Holiday-For-Two-CD-FrontCoverSinger, Jonny Blu offers an original holiday tune this season with classic big band sound. “Holiday For Two” was co-written by Jonny Blu and Bob Malone and is an uplifting full orchestra track destined to be a future classic. Get the song on iTunes to add to your holiday playlist and check out the very cute video for the song directed and produced by Jonny himself. The video features his girlfriend/actress Jacqeline Pinol, The Grove in Los Angeles as well as a very clever n cute surprise at the end.

Holiday-For-Two-CD-FrontCover

DOWNLOAD ON iTUNES:

Holiday For Two - Single - Jonny Blu

Tranny “Golden Girls” bring bigger and better Christmas episodes to SF by Kevin M. Thomas

November 30th, 2011

The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes! Those girls are back and more golden than ever.

It’s become a San Francisco tradition – the tranny version of “The Golden Girls” will be in San Francisco to perform the TV series Christmas episodes. This year, they are at a much larger venue, the Victoria Theatre, and they’ll have 11 performances between Dec. 1-23.

Seems their fans have made them seek out a larger venue, so according to Heklina, who plays Dorothy, says, “We decided to bite the bullet and go for this larger venue, which of course gives us the challenge to make the show bigger. More professional, so we hired a set designer, a wardrobe person, and a publicist!”

If anyone recalls my chats with the girls in the past, they had a very tiny backstage and no dressing rooms. But Heklina is ecstatic to say they “have a huge backstage! Each ‘Golden Girl’ will have their own dressing room; there’s even a refrigerator and a bathroom…..heaven.”

The original cast is also back, In addition to Heklina, Matthew Martin is back as as Blanche as is Cookie Dough as Sophia and Pollo Del Mar as Rose. Since the TV series only did two Christmas episodes in its entire run, the girls had talked about writing their own episode in the past, but that has still not happened but Heklina says perhaps one day. She adds, that this year, “we are taking two of the more gay themed episodes and giving them a yuletide twist.”

Heklina says they are very excited by the new sets, stage and costumes and the audience too will be thrilled as the Victoria Theatre serves alcohol.

It will be great to see our girls again. Heklina says that everyone should also lend their support to Darcy Drollinger who will step in for Pollo Del Mar opening weekend while Pollo recuperates from a health issue. But the show will go on with Darcy and Pollo will be back soon!

The show plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Opening night is a benefit for Project Open Hand.

To get tickets, go to www.ticketfly.com and to learn more, visit www.trannyshack.com.

A Song and Video that Reflects America’s Dissatisfaction with the Country Sung by Jonny Blu

November 30th, 2011

peoplenotprofits

The most recent arrests for Occupy America movement occurred in Los Angeles and Philadelphia yesterday. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco with my family, however across the street I was very much aware of the Occupy San Francisco movement camp in full peaceful effect. As the movement, demonstrations and arrests show no immediate signs of ending, singer Jonny Blu offers a very relevant song and video that reflects America’s dissatisfaction with the country. Take a look at “Thing$ Have Got To Change (We Are The 99)” video below by Jonny Blu.

NYE 2012: KEEPING IT CLOSE By Ben Selle

November 9th, 2011

For most Americans, 2012 New Years Eve plans are probably going to get confirmed, oh, say sometime midday on Dec. 31st.  However, if you suddenly have the inclination to lock something in now, but want to keep it simple without getting too crazy, traveling too far, or spending too much, then read on.  In this article I am going to lay down the groundwork for some available NYE hotel specials that you can still party it up at in a major city near you.  This season, I am purposefully avoiding anything involving air travel.  Airlines have significantly cut down the number of flights that normally are available between the few weeks before Christmas and the week following New Years.  Because of that, fares have skyrocketed between 30-50% of what they were at this time last year.  So let’s keep it simple and focus on taking a night or two off this New Years somewhere close, but still cool

BOSTON – HYATT HARBORSIDE (www.harborside.hyatt.com)

Hyatt Harborside

Hyatt Harborside

Boston definitely has it going on and especially at the relatively new Hyatt Harborside.  Right downtown and near the water, this property is close to everything happening this holiday season.  Special NYE rates start at $199.00 per night as long as you jump on it now and book by Dec. 25th.

NEW YORK CITY – WELLINGTON HOTEL (www.wellingtonhotel.com)

New York City - Wellington Hotel

New York City - Wellington Hotel

Located near the Theatre District, Times Square, and a stone’s throw from Central Park, staying in Manhattan can still be done without breaking the bank.  The only downside is that you need to book a minimum of three nights to take part in their NYE promotion that prices at just over $366.00 per night.  But keep in mind the rate does include complimentary internet access, local shopping discounts, and a full American breakfast for two each day of your stay.

NEW YORK CITY – MANDARIN ORIENTAL (www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork)

mandarin-oriental-new-york-4

New York City - Mandarin Oriental

If money is not an issue, then check out the Mandarin’s NYE special that requires a two night minimum stay starting at a breathtaking $2,725.00 a night.  But the perks are pretty sweet as this deal includes two tickets to their exclusive black-tie NYE Gala in the Mandarin Ballroom on the 36th floor, daily American breakfast for two, valet parking, and a late 4 p.m. check-out based on availability.  Keep in mind, just scoring a pair of tickets to the Gala alone will set you back a cool $1,500.00 if bought separately.

ATLANTA – GRAND HYATT BUCKHEAD (www.grandatlanta.hyatt.com)

Atlanta Grand Hyatt Buckhead

Atlanta Grand Hyatt Buckhead

Want to experience Atlanta’s legendary Southern hospitality this New Years?  Then look no further than the Grand Hyatt nestled in the up-scale and trendy neighborhood of Buckhead.  Normal rates hover around $349.00 per night, but this NYE one can take advantage of their promotional $209.00 a night deals that includes a late check-out.

MIAMI / SOUTH BEACH – COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT (www.marriott.com)

Miami - Courtyard by Marriott

Miami - Courtyard by Marriott

New Years on South Beach is quite the party zone as most ocean front properties are guaranteed a full-house during the holiday season.  It took a bit of digging to find any deals, but this Courtyard smack dab in the center and on Washington Avenue offers up a $379.00 nightly rate for NYE.  Nothing too splashy like its famous neighbor hotels, this nonetheless comfortable spot offers breakfast for two, champagne, and party favors.

DESTIN, FL – HILTON SANDESTIN RESORT & SPA (www.hilton.com)

Destin, FL Hilton Sandestin Resort & Spa

Destin, FL Hilton Sandestin Resort & Spa

Want the warmth and sands of Florida, but want to avoid the mayhem of Miami?  Then consider the Hilton Sandestin up on the northwest corner of the state.  This all suite property is perfect for families, couples, or groups wanting to get away.  Suites for NYE price at $498.00, but include tickets for two to their 27th Annual NYE Gala that offers a dinner buffet, live entertainment, party favors, and a souvenir photo.  If you wish to stay longer, Gala guests are offered a rate of $159.00 for any additional consecutive nights.

HOUSTON – HYATT REGENCY (www.houstonregency.hyatt.com)

Hyatt Regency Houston Hotel

Hyatt Regency Houston Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Hyatt Regency is close to businesses, entertainment, and shopping.  For their holiday special of $299.00, couples are given a room for the night, access to Houston’s largest NYE party, and 8 drink tickets to get bring in 2012 properly.

ST. LOUIS – MILLENNIUM HOTEL (www.millenniumhotels.com)

St. Louis Millennium Hotel

St. Louis Millennium Hotel

The Millennium is centrally located in downtown St. Louis and along the banks of the grand Mississippi.  If this New Years finds you in the shadow of the Gateway Arch, then spend the night here, and for a good cause.  All proceeds from their party ticket sales goes straight to the Salvation Army.  Couples can take advantage of the promo rate of $297.00 that will include their room, gourmet cuisine, an open bar and their non-stop dance party.

CHICAGO – THE DRAKE (www.thedrakehotel.com)

Chicago, The Drake

Chicago, The Drake

Since the 1920’s, the historic Drake Hotel has been a landmark in the city of Chicago.  Within easy access to everything downtown, The Drake is currently promoting their “Chicago Scene NYE??? package.  Based on double occupancy, the rate of $539.00 includes two (general admission) tickets to the Chicago Scene holiday party (www.chicago-scene.com) and requires all guests to be 21 years or older.  Do it right and get blown away this year when partying in the Windy City!

SAN FRANCISCO – THE FAIRMONT (www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco)

The Fairmont Hotel

The Fairmont Hotel

A permanent fixture in downtown San Francisco, the Fairmont is ideally situated next to the only spot in the city where each of the cable car lines meet.  If this random factoid won’t get you going, then the luxurious digs at this historic 591 guestroom palace will definitely do the trick.  At about $329.00 for NYE, take advantage of this promo that offers overnight accommodations, a bottle of champagne, breakfast for two, and 25% off the San Francisco Symphony’s NYE Masquerade Ball (normally $80.00 each).

SAN DIEGO – RANCHO BERNARDO INN (www.ranchobernardoinn.com)

San Diego - Rancho Bernardo Inn

San Diego - Rancho Bernardo Inn

Just minutes from San Diego, the Rancho Bernardo Inn is an elegant escape that offers a little bit of something for everyone.  If you and your special someone desire something a bit more intimate and less chaotic this New Years, then get ready to fork over their nightly holiday special of $499.00.  Aside from luxury accommodations, this rate includes dinner for two at El Bizcocho, a champagne toast, party favors, live music and a New Year’s Day brunch for two.

LAS VEGAS (www.lasvegas.com, www.vegas.com & www.visitlasvegas.com)

It does not need to be NYE for there to be a party going down on the Vegas Strip.  Deals, specials, discounts, and the like are constantly available depending on when, where, and how much.  So check-out the above sites if Nevada is your destination and sneak a peak at some of the following celebrity parties going down this NYE:  1. The Cosmopolitan (The Chelsea) = Stevie Wonder  2. Paris (Chateau Gardens) = Kourtney Kardashian & Scott Disick  3. The Hardrock Hotel & Casino (The Joint) = Drake  4. Encore at Wynn (Surrender Nightclub) = will.i.am

Of all the cities mentioned, Los Angeles was one of the biggies that oddly enough really did not have any hotel stay packages available for New Years.  Regardless, keeping it Cali-style is still doable by running to San Diego, Palm Springs, and San Francisco.  But wherever this NYE finds you, take advantage of what is out there and keep a ‘close’ eye on what is nearby.  Be safe and see you all in 2012!

Been a trip reporting…

TIP OF THE DAY: Make your holiday plans now before it’s too late, and too expensive!!!

Singing the praises of “Silence!”: Off-Broadway musical big entertainment, little money by Kevin M. Thomas

November 8th, 2011

Photo: Carol Rosegg

Photo: Carol Rosegg

There’s a lot of shows on and off Broadway that are commanding top dollar. And many of them are worth it. But in the flurry of movies that become theatrical musicals there are few that offer so much for so little money.”Silence!” the riotous satire of “Silence of the Lambs” is only asking for as little as $25 to see this stupendous musical in its new home at the 9th Space Theatre in the lower East side.

If you have a love of musical, like I do, and very little money like me, this is definitely the show not to miss.

Already a cult hit having had its songs debut on the internet in 2002 and then winning a top prize at the 2005 New York Fringe Festival, “Silence!” manages to include all of the plot points from the Oscar winning movie and mixes them with ribald songs that not only make you laugh but advance the plot.

The brain child of songwriting brothers Jon & Al Kaplan, “Silence!” has a wonderful pace about it and successfully manages to turn a cast of 12 into what seems like a large company – thanks to the actors playing a multitude of roles.

Photo: Carol Rosegg

Photo: Carol Rosegg

About that cast.

Over the years, Hannibal Lecters may have come and gone, but Jenn Harris has played Clarice Starling through all of the incarnations, perfecting Jodie Foster’s mannerism and bringing a great deal of humor – subtle and slapstick – to her dry role as the rookie FBI agent who is trying to solve serial murders with an imprisioned killer’s assistance. There’s never been a more spot-on spoof of a character that it makes you think that Harris might have a future doing musicals of all Jodie Foster movies. Perhaps “Nell” might be next for her. Her voice, tone and even walk reminds you of Foster’s Clarice and yet she makes her part – whether she’s being obvious or subtle with her interpretation.

The current Hannibal, David Garrison, is a master in his role and commands our presence as much as Anthony Hopkins did in his Oscar winning role. He is given some of the show’s best moments, including a laugh-out-loud bawdy number “If I Can Smell Her Cunt,” complete with dancers in which the woman’s vulva is completely prominent in the number that it really makes you wonder…can you smell it? Garrison is given the tougher job as Hannibal Lecter was already a bigger-than-life character. But Garrison manages to utter some of Hannibal’s best lines – from “fava beans” to “having an old friend for dinner” – and makes them sound fresh as if he was saying them for the very first time.

The supporting cast is also in top form especially Deidre Goodwin in her big solo number, Lucia Spina as both kidnapped Catherine and her mother and Stephen Bienskie in his Buffalo Bill role.

Hunter Bell’s book of the show also deserves kudos as he has managed to connect the Kaplan songs with great, witty dialog and he is matched by the swift direction of Christopher Gattelli that keeps the show moving forward at a brisk pace, with only a few pauses for laughter.

Move over Trey Parker and Matt Stone as there’s a new satire in town – and the tickets are more accessible!

To learn more and to get tickets, go to www.silencethemusicalnyc.com. You can also read and hear about some of the Kaplan brother’s other spoofs on their website www.jonandal.com.

America is fed up! starring Cain, Wall Street, Banks You Name it… By Kimberly Hayes

November 8th, 2011

Stimulus Package 999!
hcDo you have your 999 plan all figured out?  Well, it looks like at this rate we may see 999 accusers of sexual harassment by Herman Cain come forward prior to any tangibility of a GOP nomination for President in 2012.  Herman Cain is a Republican Presidential candidate hopeful who has been wowing the nation with his surprise success at straw polls all across the country that gauge his chances at actually grabbing the GOP nomination.  I have no idea why the media is even entertaining this farce that Cain can seriously be considered as a potential candidate when he has absolutely NO political experience.  Cain is using his business experience as  what he thinks of as a viable qualification to run the United States of America.  Go figure.   Personally, I do not think that Cain expected to fare as well as he has during this preliminary period before the Presidential nominees are decided, he was perfectly fine with being a motivational speaker and now an author.  Cain’s resume – that includes being a business executive (CEO) of Godfather’s Pizza, head of the National Restaurant Association and a few odd jobs here or there where he allegedly led in a position of power, have nothing to do with running for president, but has everything to do with furthering his career as a motivational speaker and an author.  Since Cain announced that he would run for President, he’s been booked at speaking engagements everywhere for a nominal fee, his books are flying off of bookshelves everywhere and his popularity is undeniable.  Mission accomplished.  Good job Herman Cain.  You have definitely proven your business skills to be stellar.  You’ve made the best business decision of your career, the speaking engagements that you longed to overcharge folks to attend is now entry level and people will now actually read your books.  So the question now is, who is going to stop this charade?  I cannot get with the press enabling this unintelligible man any longer.   His lack of respect for foreign countries appalled me when I heard his now famous line, “I’m ready for the gotcha questions.  If they ask me do I know what the capital of Uz-beki, beki, beki, beki, stan-stan is, I’ll say no, do you?”  (Please find this clip if you have not already seen it – Courtesy – Comedy Central – The Colbert Report.

The field of other potential candidates for the 2012 Presidential election leaves a lot to be desired.  No one is taken very seriously so far, which is why Herman Cain has been able to flourish.  As of late, contender Rick Perry who previously lost leverage for his anti-abortion, pro-HPV mandates for children in TX and other ludicrous positions, has recently gained support from former president Bill Clinton with his decision to allow undocumented residents in Texas to be able to attend in-state college tuition-free.  Perry recently signed a bill to allow for undocumented residents to be considered for this option but he has drawn a lot of criticism because of the bill.

Other GOP presidential hopefuls that continue to show up at political debates include Michelle Bachman, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and a few other folks that at this point make no difference.  And is it me, or are there like a million and one GOP debates?  There were only a handful during the last presidential election and most of those potential candidates won’t even make the ballot.  Stop wasting our time and interrupting Modern Family!

Occupy Everywhere
occupyBy now, almost every town in America has an “Occupy [Insert City Here]” movement in protest to Wall Street and big banks and their relationship with the state of the current economy in America.  People are unemployed and people are fed up.  The illustration of solidarity in citizens’ respective communities are sending a message the people want the big banks and Wall Street to feel a little of what most of America (excluding Wall Street) is feeling.  Arrests are being made all over the place to remove citizens that are passionate about this issue and are sacrificing their temporary freedom and voice to show and prove that they won’t stand for it anymore.  Even in a small town, you can see people with self-made signs showing their disgust and disdain for how things have gotten this far with businesses in America.  The protest definitely makes a bold statement and I don’t see it going away anytime soon, even with the arrests.  People are looking for some type of solace in their country and it is very hard to see big corporations flourish while everyday people are struggling to make ends meet.

President Obama has been taking measures to incorporate alternative ways to fix the economy.  Bills are being signed, but the passing of the bills is where we run into problems.  This is nothing new, but every locale seems strained because of the current state of the union.  This has to change!!  And speaking of state of the union, don’t expect things to change in the process of how we elect a president anytime soon.  There were talks of revamping the electoral process and the role of the electoral college has been a conversation that has been sparked over the last several years, but it looks like it won’t be going anywhere just yet.  The super congress has temporarily shut down any hint of this process being changed.   We’ll see how things go in 2012 and revisit again once it’s back on the table.

“Chinglish” translates well on the Broadway stage by Kevin M. Thomas

November 8th, 2011

When you hear the word “chinglish” you might think it’s like spanglish – combining Spanish and English into a pretty coherent sentence.  Chinglish is actually what happens when English is poorly translated from Chinese words, which is demonstrated oh so well by the current Broadway play with the same name.

According to playwright David Henry Hwang, when he was once in China and saw a sign that read “Deformed Man’s Toilet” (instead of “Handicapped Restroom”), he felt this funny situation would make a great premise to a show.

While it’s a show about a man who sells accurately translated signage, it was not easy to find a great bilingual cast, but director Leigh Silverman says it was a bigger challenge to make the timing of the humor translate as well. She says the languages are so different, the Chinese actors tended to want to put emphasis on the wrong part of a line, effecting the timing and, therefore, the humor.

Photo: Michael McCable

Photo: Michael McCable

Casting and directing challenges aside, “Chinglish” is a swift, intelligent comedy that mixes its politics, humor and sexual interludes much better than the interpretations of the two languages. From page to stage, nothing is lost in translation as “Chinglish” is a winner from beginning to end.

Photo: Michael McCabe

Photo: Michael McCabe

Hwang’s story, although simplistic in many ways, brings the best of both Chinese and Western cultures and truly transports it’s audience. He is so well partnered with director Silverman who proves to be a yin to his yang and keeps the story moving at an excellent pace. Silverman’s placement of subtitles is inspired and her vision of the show is strengthened by the Tony caliber scenic design of David Korins.

Korins’ work here is so exceptional that his praise comes even before that of the actors on stage. The modest Longacre Theatre stage is transformed with easy and quick pace from a Chinese restaurant to office space. And the seamless way the set goes from hotel lobby to guest room is nothing short of amazing.

Fortunately, a set can only hold our attention for so long and the cast does achieve the perfect timing that Silverman strived for and brings out bravura  performances, particularly from Jennifer Lim. The cast for the most part are excellent, but when Lim is on stage, she commands your attention and only takes a moment to make us realize this isn’t a play about signage. Tough, tender, smart, funny – Lim embraces all emotions and runs with it.

Director, Leigh Silverman; Writer David Henry Hwang

Director, Leigh Silverman; Writer David Henry Hwang

Kudos also belong to Stephen Pucci who plays a business associate to Gary Wilmes’ lead character who also happens to be an interpreter. Seemingly, as I don’t know Chinese, Pucci’s flawless translations and stage presence makes quite an impressive Broadway debut.

Normally, on Broadway, I catch all of the musicals. But as a fan of Hwang’s gay-themed  “M. Butterfly” I though I’d give a play a chance. And I was not disappointed.

“Chinglish” is on Broadway at the Longacre Theater, 220 West 48th Street, Manhattan; (212) 239-6200; telecharge.com.

You might enjoy some misinterpretations on the show’s website, www.chinglishbroadway.com.