Category: people

“[She] toured the world with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, performed with the Ballet Theater in New York and then gained acclaim on Broadway in the World War II-era musicals One Touch of Venus and On the Town,” in which she played “all-American girl” Ivy Smith. — The New York Times

“Ms. Zall was known for vivid portrayals of women drawn from history, including Mary Queen of Scots and the French author who wrote under the pseudonym George Sand, as well as fictional characters, like Amanda Wingfield from Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie. Lean, small of stature and angular of build, she gave performances that were praised for their commitment and focus.” — The New York Times

After obtaining permission to study art in the 1980s – largely through books and postcard reproductions of the great works obtained from galleries – Sister Wendy decided to write a book to earn money for her convent. Contemporary Women Artists, published in 1988, was followed by more books and articles. In 1991 the BBC commissioned her to present a television documentary on the National Gallery in London. Dressed in black nun’s habit, Sister Wendy stood in front of paintings, and without script or autocue discussed them to the camera. – BBC

Since 2014, the year Russia took Crimea from Ukraine and annexed it, Russia’s prominent cultural figures, writers, artists, gallery owners, musicians, film-makers, and journalists have been moving out. According to the latest study by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, nearly every third young Russian wants to emigrate. – The Daily Beast

“Some people like to paint trees. I like to paint love.” (Robert Indiana)
“It never came to mind: ‘Maybe I’m not good enough.’ I never thought like that.” (Roy Hargrove)
“The myth was that because you were black that you could not do classical dance. I proved that to be wrong.” (Arthur Mitchell)
“Don’t shove me into your damn pigeonhole, where I don’t fit, because I’m all over. My tentacles are coming out of the pigeonhole in all directions.” (Ursula K. Le Guin)
— The New York Times

He played key supporting roles in The Stepford Wives, In The Heat of the Night, and The Exorcist, and he directed the film adaptation of The Trip to Bountiful, but his biggest impact was probably with his musical about a brothel called The Chicken Ranch. — Houston Chronicle

Geisel, the widow of Theodor Geisel and a fierce protector and advocate for his estate, died on Wednesday. “Ms. Geisel, a petite woman of boundless energy, would hold court each morning with aides at a hotel restaurant in San Diego, The Associated Press reported, arriving in a 1984 Cadillac with a license plate that said GRINCH.” – The New York Times

In 1955, Shepherd co-founded Compass Players with Paul Sills, and, as one comedy historian put it, “Without David, no Compass. Without Compass, no Second City.” Which means no North American improv or sketch comedy as we know it. — Chicago Tribune

“American critics called Mr. Moffat a consummate pro who could play any supporting role from Shakespeare, O’Neill, Ibsen, Beckett, Pinter or Shaw, as well as the lawyers, doctors, husbands and tough guys who are the stock in trade of movies and television — characters that make the stars shine and place the accomplishments of the ensemble above personal glory.” — The New York Times