April 2025 Favorites

In addition to recapping my end of year favorites (films, plays, books, albums, etc.) I thought for 2025, I’d share each month. Without further adieu and in no particular order, here are April faves…

FILMS:

The Passion Of Joan Of Arc directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer – A masterpiece. One of the most haunting films I’ve ever seen featuring one of the greatest and most gut-wrenching performances ever given. (By Renee Falconetti. Talk about an artist giving a pound of flesh.) The film is nearly a hundred years old, yet feels like it was made today. Thus affirming that great art is timeless.

The Best Years Of Our Lives by William Wyler – A terrific film and one of the earliest to deal with soldiers’ difficult adjustment coming home after WWII. The ensemble is first rate, but it’s Harold Russell (a non actor and real-life Veteran) who steals the show. He won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award and also won an “Academy Honorary Award” making him the only person ever to win two Academy Awards for the same performance.

PLAYS (Live, In Person):

Mary Page Marlowe written by Tracy Letts – A magical Vs. Tuesday Night Live @PRT reading. A packed house filled with tremendous buzz and supportive energy coupled with a dynamite play and cast. As an Artistic Director, it was everything I hope these live readings can be, and harkened back to the readings in our old Vs. Lobby. Big thanks to Dalia Vosylius for sponsoring and Pacific Resident Theatre for giving us space. More to come!

1984 adapted from George Orwell’s novel by Robert Owens, Wilton E. Hall Jr. and William A. Miles, Jr. – Directed by my good friend and Vs. resident production designer, Danny Cistone, the production was spellbinding and compelling as hell. In addition to the play’s (and novel’s) urgency and relevancy, it had so many great takeaway moments, especially the lead character’s breakdown in the second act. I won’t forget “the rats” and “2 + 2 = 5.” A great Vs. Theatre Club night out. Bravo Danny!

Furlough’s Paradise written by ak payne – An awesome “Vs. Ally Night” at the Geffen Playhouse. Winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the writing is poetic and beautiful yet also incisive, with tons of dialogue pop. The two performers are fierce and phenomenal and leave it all out there. The show also has incredible production design. Don’t miss it! Runs through May 18th. Tix/Info Here. (Big thanks to Vs. Board Member Karen Gutierrez and the Geffen Playhouse for arranging these Vs. Ally nights.)

ALBUMS:

Emmy Lou Harris – “Luxury Liner” – I’ve been on an Emmy Lou kick recently and this early one in her canon is outstanding.

R.E.M. – “Murmur” – I always love going back to the beginning to hear a band’s debut. So many great, catchy tracks on here.

French Kicks – “Swimming” – Underrated and overlooked band from the early 2000’s. If you love The Strokes and The Walkmen (which I do), you’ll love this album.

PODCASTS:

Lex Fridman – “Robert Rodriguez” – Perhaps the best conversation ever about creativity. A must listen which you can get Here. I wrote this blog post about it.