Author: Matthew Westphal

Why Broadway’s (And Broadway Tours’) Box Office Is At An All-Time High

Alexis Soloski: “What accounts for the remarkable rise in revenue and attendance … that the last several years have witnessed? The answer probably relies on both the type of entertainment Broadway has been offering and the new strategies it has found to price and sell its wares.”

Buffalo’s Abandoned Train Station Is An Art Deco Treasure

“Opened in 1929 for the New York Central Railroad, the Buffalo Central Terminal was every bit as grand and opulent as Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal, Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and Washington DC’s Union Station.” (In fact, its architect is the same one who designed Grand Central.) One group is trying not only to restore it, but to get Amtrak to move in again.

Frank Loesser’s Do-It-Yourself Musicals For World War II GIs

“For PFC Frank Loesser and PFC José Limón, their contributions to the war effort took the form of a series of musicals, created for the soldiers to produce and perform themselves. The aim was to boost morale among troops stationed in places where the USO couldn’t go.” Now some of those plays are being revived. (audio)

“I Don’t Like To Be Without An Opera On My Desk,” Says Philip Glass

And that would explain why he’s managed to produce more than 30 of them – in particular the chamber operas he writes between major commissions. “I’ve found that experimental theatre companies are prepared to take on these things, and it is a handy form to work in, not requiring huge budgets.”

What Ballerinas Want In Shoes For Off-Hours

“‘We can’t walk barefoot, ever,’ explained Sara Mearns, a principal dancer at the New York City Ballet. Megan Fairchild, a principal dancer at the same company, echoed that sentiment: ‘We get up out of bed in the morning and put shoes on. We don’t go anywhere without something that’s shock absorbing.'” (includes video)

Top Posts From AJBlogs 01.10.17

What’s fear got to do with it?
In 2014 the Wyncote Foundation commissioned Lutman & Associates to research digital adoption by legacy cultural institutions. … When I spoke about the report at conferences and meetings, arts leaders’ responses were frequently that they knew they “should be” engaging digitally, but they feel overwhelmed about beginning. Surprisingly, the most frequent response from arts leaders was not excitement, but instead fear. … read more
AJBlog: Speaker Published 2017-01-10

Talk with Them
We have recently upgraded to a new used car from a very (very) old used car. … Now, you might well ask, why am I writing about this in Engaging Matters? Anyone get there yet? Here’s the deal. … read more
AJBlog: Engaging Matters Published 2017-01-10

Brace For More Bad News From The Metropolitan Museum
It’s coming – possibly Wednesday or Thursday of this week, though I doubt there will be any “announcement.” Rather, employees will learn of the museum’s financial outlook at a town hall meeting in the museum. … read more
AJBlog: Real Clear Arts Published 2017-01-10

What About The “Art Strike”? It’s Not So Simple
A group of artists, critics and gallerists have called for an art strike on Jan. 20. Inauguration Day. … They have every right to do so, and I have no quibbles if they want to. These are extraordinary times. But I do quibble with the idea that museums should join in – at least public museums. … read more
AJBlog: Real Clear Arts Published 2017-01-10

 

The Neuroscience Of Willpower

“It’s the rare neuroscience finding that’s immediately applicable to everyday life: By knowing the way the brain is disposed to behaving or misbehaving in accordance to your goals, it’s easier to get the results you’re looking for, whether it’s avoiding the temptation of chocolate cookies or the pull of darkly ruminative thoughts.”

‘This Is Your Brain On Selfies’

“In the face of [a] typhoon of data vying for our attention, we find a measure of self-actualization in the 16 ‘likes’ that friends proffer our duck-faced self-portraits. It mixes a sense of desperation, vanity, hunger for attention, and pathos … It’s also a modern mode of ‘bookmarking,’ like carving one’s name in a tree – witness the thousands of visitors snapping selfies in front of the Mona Lisa.” Noah Charney looks at the phenomenon, referencing neuroscience, Magritte, and Bosnian stand-up comedy.

You May Take Rumi Out Of Islam, But You Can’t Take Islam Out Of Rumi. Yet Westerners Keep Trying

“Rumi is often described as the best-selling poet in the United States. He is typically referred to as a mystic, a saint, a Sufi, an enlightened man. Curiously, however, although he was a lifelong scholar of the Koran and Islam, he is less frequently described as a Muslim.” Why is this, and when did it start? Rozina Ali has some answers.