R.I.P.: Rue McClanahan

by | Jun 18, 2010 | Cherchez La Femme

The inimitable Rue McClanahan died today at age 76 after she suffered a major stroke. McClanahan’s character on Golden Girls (the sitcom ran from 1985-1992), Blanche Devereaux, was not only lovable for her zippy Southern tongue and manner of saunter, but kind of...
Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight

Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight

by | Jun 18, 2010 | Stage

Stephen Sondheim is unquestionably the most influential figure in musical theater of the last half-century. His acerbic lyrics, angular melodies and world-weary themes have changed the personality of the Broadway show. Outside the rock musical and Lloyd Webber...

Between the Lines: Smithsonian Courts U.S. Vendors

by | Jun 18, 2010 | News

Bernie Sanders, the Independent (and self-styled socialist) U.S. senator from Vermont, has given the country a present. It was planned as a Fourth of July present, but it’s ready ahead of schedule. It seems that last Christmas, Sanders was doing some Christmas...

Progressive Dems Push the State Party

by | Jun 18, 2010 | News

The most progressive elements of the Massachusetts Democratic party chalked up some satisfying victories at the recent state party convention. Among the items added to the party’s “action agenda”—which the party calls its “road map to...

Imperium Watch: Now Weiner, Already

by | Jun 18, 2010 | News

So Anthony Weiner becomes the latest politico to jeopardize his career by making a fool of himself on the sexual front. A man with an informed, detailed familiarity with issues surrounding health care reform, who so humanely advocated for medical aid for the 9/11...