Every now and then, it would help if you did something to take you right out of your comfort zone to look anew. That is precisely what I did for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I went to New York with friends to see what’s new in the capital of culture. New York, New York. And this is what I found.
First of all, Times Square is a free-for-all. It’s like Noah’s Ark: two of everything in the world that never sleeps. Always busy with people and waiting patiently to welcome the tourists. You name it, they got it: from the street hustlers, the pizza shops, the most expensive advertiser billboards in the world, and the popular chain stores. Catching a taxi, Uber, or Lyft is difficult, but the rickshaw awaits you. By the way, the taxi is the cheaper ride, but you have to flag it down. Figuring out your mode of transportation is an adventure.
We visited Dizzy’s Super Club for a Thanksgiving evening show, and it was marvelous. It was patterned after a real jazz club of yesteryear with a stage and a beautiful city backdrop. The great jazz singers would have played in this club, for real. Dizzy’s is devoted to jazz seven nights a week and is showcased in a venue with separate stages. Food and drink are served, and the atmosphere is real and wonderful. So, why don’t we have something like this in Chicago? The Grand Lux Cafe or the former Signature Room in the Hancock Building could borrow from Dizzy’s page.
Then we went to see an opera on the Life and Times of Malcolm X at the beautiful Metropolitan Opera House, the epitome of American opera with five floors of box seating. No seat is bad at the expensive MET. The show was not one for the opera stage. Sorry, folks, Malcolm’s life is not an opera. I am sure this is controversial among those who lived Malcolm vs. those who did not. So, there is the generational gap. And then there is the Black and White thing. This theatrical production requires real help. The dancing and singing are top-notch, but it is not the reality life story of Malcolm X. It looks like a new production of Alvin Ailey Dance Company with beautiful voices set to an orchestra.
They speak of something called “Afrofutrism,” which is very dreamy but not real. Brother Malcolm X was confronting racism head-on right there in New York City. If one wants to learn the real story of Malcolm X, one should still see the Spike Lee movie starring Denzel Washington because it is real. The opera is a figment of somebody’s imagination to attract a set audience. One of my friends was offended by the play. I was disgusted, and another thought they used artistic license. We walked out on box seating. They should bring Tyler Perry in for a rewrite. And Malcolm turned over, I am certain. Malcolm’s story is not ready for the opera stage.
Then, there was the Jay Z Exhibit at The Brooklyn Library. The Book of HOV was a beautiful, well-produced exhibit featuring the life and works of Mr. Shawn Carter. The exhibits travel in “books” his life story from childhood living with seven other children to his status today as a business mogul. Each chapter is a room with photos, tickets, awards, media, jewelry, master tapes, and videos, all exhibiting his life. The exhibit begins at the front of the building, where his lyrics appear. There is a wonderful program book that provides his definition. There is art, music, and video in the library. Very clever. His is a story of a struggle to triumph from poverty to prosperity. His genius reflects. He went from baggy pants to suits.
He writes, “HOV is America,” with a story of success and fulfilling the American dream. He has an “Empire State of Mind.” His poetry is labeled as “majestic.” But I did not appreciate his likeness to a GOD. Too much, Mr. Carter. It invites worship. Too much. But what do I know? I am not a hip-hopper in the first place but I certainly appreciate his business acumen.
And finally, there was the Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center. It is a brand new cultural complex inviting all aspects of performance in three stories and 68 flexible theaters. It is the theater of the future, brought to you by Mr. Mike Bloomberg, a former New York Mayor. It will probably become New York’s New Broadway. The restaurant on the first floor is a living room setting inviting live performances with fine dining. There is no driving in the Trade Center area; please walk. It is beautiful and a must-see, where talent from all over the world will be showcased.
Ok, this was a cultural touch and feel of New York. And for defining culture, New York wins. They will set up a stage anywhere, in small rooms, restaurants, clubs, etc. I so wish Chicago had that flavor. And, of course, there is Broadway, where the latest shows are, but honestly, I find Chicago’s Off Broadway Theater better. New York is a must-see and necessary if you are an entertainer. But Chicago, oh well, it is home, and I am thankful for the lakefront and the beautiful skyline. I understand why Cone Nast Magazine has claimed Chicago for seven years as the “Best Big City” in the U.S. because it is. New York is a great place to visit and catch up on cultural happenings. Perhaps we should rename Chicago with a double name. Perhaps.
Glad to be back home.
