'The Mousetrap': 60 Years in London's West End

Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap' at St. Martin's Theatre, London
(image: Snapperz/flickr)

In the past couple of years, the West End musicals 'Les Miserables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera' celebrated 25 years on the London stage and still counting. But there is one show that has run 35 years longer. Running on the West End since November 25, 1952 Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetraip' is currently celebrating 60 years and the show's producers are the marking the diamond jubilee with events through the year.

Seen by 10 million people and running over 23,000 performance, the play is currently presented at St. Martin's Theatre. Marked by its brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner, the whodunit has become of the greatest pieces of theatrical history. It's title as long run champion in London was first attained on 1958.

During the record-breaking run, almost 300 actors and actresses have appeared in the play, 86 miles of shirts have been ironed and over 320 tons of ice cream sold at the show. The set had to be replaced in 2000 but it still has the same design as the original and the task completed over a weekend without the loss of a single performance.

Performance on 'The Mousetrap' set.

The show has seen the Cold War, Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and survived 12 British Prime Ministers. For the year-long 60th year celebration, the show producers announced it will begin its first ever tour of the UK in September 2012.

Another interesting fact about 'The Mousetrap': Agatha Christie gave the rights to her grandson Matthew Prichard as a birthday present and she stipulated that only one version could be performed outside of the West End annually.

Visit the-mousetrap.co.uk for more information.

Movies To Travel By: "Letters to Juliet" (2010)

A sweet, wistful romantic comedy, "Letters to Juliet" stars Amanda Seyfried (“Mamma Mia”) as Sophie, a fact checker for the New Yorker, on a pre-engagement vacation with her fiancée (Gael Garcia Bernal). She stumbles upon the courtyard of William Shakespeare’s Juliet in Verona and learns of the Secretaries of Juliet who answers the letters pinned to the courtyard walls by visitors who have been forsaken by love.

Sophie finds a letter written 50 years ago by Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) and with the blessing of the secretaries answers the letter. Claire, with her grandson (Christopher Egan) in tow, returns to Italy in search of her lost love. With Sophie, the three embark on a journey that is is beautifully photographed through bountiful picture postcard settings in Verona and the Tuscan countryside.

Vanessa Redgrave, Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan

Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Egan

Amanda Seyfried at the Juliet wall constructed for the film.
(film images: Summit Entertainment)

In his review (three out of four stars), Roger Ebert writes: “I know (the film) is a soppy melodrama, and I don't mind in the least. I know the ending is preordained from the setup. I know the characters are broad and comforting stereotypes. In this case, I simply don't care...All of this is wrapped up in imaginably beautiful shots of the countryside, the warmth of the friendship between Sophie and Claire, and visits to many of the men named Lorenzo Bartolini, which was the name of the boy Claire loved so long ago.”

In the DVD extras, we learn that after Hollywood popularized the legend of Romeo and Juliet (starting with the 1936 version Oscar nominated for best picture directed by George Cukor), an enterprising museum director thought he would help visitors to Verona meet their expectations. He remodeled Juliet’s house which was a rundown tavern. He constructed a balcony out of 14th century sarcophagi and recovered a gothic portal and rose window so that the house would resemble a medieval building.

Amanda Seyfried and Christopher Egan

At around the same time the custodian of Juliet’s tomb planted rose bushes, taught turtle doves to land on tourists shoulders and would accompany tourists on their visit. People would write letters about how they enjoyed their visit and he would answer them as the secretary to Juliet.

Though the secretaries in the film work above the Trattoria Lettere a Giulietta, this restaurant is a fictional place. The secretaries do exist today however. Called The Juliet Club, the volunteers of the association promote the legend of Romeo and Juliet and reply to thousands offering advice and support.

The film is based on the book "Letters to Juliet: Celebrating Shakespeare's Greatest Heroine, the Magical City of Verona, and the Power of Love by Lisa Friedman and Ceil Friedman which tells of these letters and the volunteers who have been writing responses for over seven decades.

Spoiler Alert: Ebert points out an irony in the casting of Lorenzo for the film. Played by Franco Nero, he and Redgrave starred in the movie musical “Camelot” in 1967 as Guenevere and Lancelot. From his review: “So you see, when Vanessa marries Franco 40 years after falling in love with him, and they are playing characters who meet after 50 years, and this all has to do with Juliet’s balcony – reader, what am I to do? I am helpless before such forces.”

The DVD / Blu-ray extras include:
- "The Making of Letters to Juliet: In Italia"
- "A Courtyard in Verona"
- Audio Commentary with Director Gary Winick and Amanda Seyfried
- Deleted and Extended Scenes

Throngs of tourist visit Juliet's house and balcony in Verona
(image: Dave-F/flickr)

Juliet statue in Verona. Touch her right breast for good luck
(image: ShakeFrog/flickr)

The real Juliet wall in Verona
(image: ShuBoPhotography/flickr)

"Letters to Juliet" book with tie-in movie cover.

Cheap Flights: Look for Airline Dead Zones

(photo: ChrisPederick/flickr)

As another year is upon many of us are already planning trips for the year and thinking about the cost and ways to save on a vacation. Rick Seaney, airfare expert, reported in USA Today last month about cheap flight deals during airline dead zones.

He recommends figuring out when everyone wants to fly, and then travel in the opposite season. Summer is popular therefore winter is a dead zone. But he cautions that peak holiday periods don't count.

Dead zones include:
- First two weeks of November.
- First two weeks of December.
- The month of January, beginning January 3rd.
- Most of February, excluding Valentine's Day weekend and the Super Bowl.
- Late August through September, excluding Labor Day holiday.

As a rule, Seaney indicates that the best dead zone travel prices occur in the 'dead of winter'.

The best times to shop for dead zone deals is at least three weeks before travel since sales for these periods require a 21-day advance purchase. The exception to the winter dead zone rule are to popular ski resort destinations and to places where people are seeking to escape the cold. So rule out Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Dead zones disappear during these periods:
- Summer from mid-June through late August.
- Spring Break - varies from mid-February to mid-April.
- Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel periods.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Hau'oli Makahi Hou (Happy New Year in Hawaiian) from The Hopeful Traveler

Aloha Tower and fireworks.
(photo: alohatower.com)

A Return to Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies, the high-end cookie and candy shop in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is always a definite stop when I'm there on business. This time I picked up a box of dark and white dipped coconut shortbread ($12, 9.5 oz). On a previous trip last month a couple boxes of milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts in favor boxes ($33 for 24 boxes). With the touch of a gold ribbon and a little note, they were perfect to give away during the holidays.

Visit their online store or call for catalog. A shop to keep in mind for holiday shopping next year.

See my previous post about their store in downtown Hilo by clicking HERE.

Visit bigislandcandies.com for more information. The gift shop at their factory located at 585 Hinano Street in Hilo, Hawaii (conveniently near Hilo International Airport) is open daily 8:30am-5:30pm. Toll-Free 1-800-935-5510 (US & Canada); 1-808-935-8890 (Outside the U.S.).

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies: A Delicious Way to Say Aloha

When visiting Kona and looking for some yummy gifts for family and friends (or something for yourself), be sure to stop by Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies. Situated at Kaloko Industrial Park between the Kona International Airport and downtown Kona on the Big Island, the small shop will entice you with their sweet and tasty array of freshly baked cookies.

I picked up a dozen and a-half gift box that contained a mix of cookies last week during a business trip to Kona. If you can't get to the store, visit their online store. All orders are shipped 2-day express to the U.S. mainland.

Choose among these delectable favorites starting from bags at $13.80 to two-dozen gift boxes at $37:
Macadamia Nut Shortbread
Chocolate Chip Mac Nut
White Chocolate Mac Nut
Coconut Shortbread
Chocolate Dipped Mac Nut

They also sell 100% Kona Coffee ($17-$150) and Macadamia Nut Brittle ($7-$25).

By the way box I bought didn't last the weekend.

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies is open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-4pm. Visit konacookies.com for more information.

London During the Holidays

I found these photos early this week on Flickr and it appropriate to share them on Christmas Day. As faithful readers of this blog know, London is one of my favorite cities and I have long thought of the idea of one day spending the holidays there. One day. Happy Christmas Everyone!

The London Eye
(photo: PhilHammond/flickr)

An unusual sight on the escalator on the London Underground.
(photo: tijo/flickr) 

Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas

One of my favorite collections of Christmas songs this year and likely for many years to come is Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas. The CD mainly features the actors who played the role of Frankie Valli in the Broadway, Las Vegas, the US National Tour, London and Australia productions performing holiday songs in the style of the Four Seasons.

The whole CD is a package of fun to past the time during the season. Among my favorites is "A King is Born" featuring Jarrod Spector (Broadway), "Angels from the Realms of Glory"featuring Bobby Fox (Australia) and "Santa Medley: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town/Here Comes Santa Claus/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" featuring John Lloyd Young (Broadway). Ryan Molloy (London), Rick Faugno (Las Vegas), Joseph Leo Bwarie (National Tour) and Travis Cloer (Las Vegas) are also featured in singing such holiday classics as:
"Joy To The World/O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
"Winter Wonderland"
"Little Drummer Boy"
"O Holy Night/Rise Up Shepherd"
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
"Jingle Bell Rock"
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
"White Christmas"
"I'll Be Home For Christmas"
"Silver Bells/Silent Night"
"Do You Hear What I Hear"
"Breath of Heaven/We Three Kings"
"Carol of The Bells/Angels We Have Heard On High"
"Auld Lang Syne"

Pick up a CD or digital copy. It will light up your holidays.

It should be noted that the CD version available from Target stores exclusively includes two bonus songs: "What Child Is This" and "The Merry Christmas Medley"by the original Four Seasons.

Recommended: Archtek Toothpaste Tablets

Back in May I published a post about Archtek Toothpaste Tablets. Today I finally took the opportunity to try out the product. They're very convenient to use. Just pop one tablet into your mouth, chew and begin brushing. After a few seconds the crumbs of the tablets began to stick to my teeth at which moment I began using a toothbrush. The product will foam as you brush. It does feel different from brushing with regular toothpaste but it still does the trick. After brushing my teeth, gums and tongue my mouth felt clean.

Because the product is not a liquid or gel, you don't have to include it in your quart-size plastic bag at security at U.S. airports. Just remember to pack a toothbrush as well. The product is unlikely to replace regular toothpaste for regular brushing but it's perfect for those long or overnight flights and long layovers.

For more information visit archtekinc.com. The item can be purchased from Archtek or from Magellan's Travel Supplies at $12.95 for 60 tablets. It's also available on amazon.com through other sellers.

  

"Rock of Ages" Movie Trailer Released

Finally moving images from the upcoming release of film version of the Broadway musical 'Rock of Ages' starring Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, Malin Akerman, Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta.

Scheduled to open nationally in June 2013, the film set in 1987 utilizes hit songs from the '80s as the numbers sung by the actors. One thing that appears the producers is keeping under wraps at least for now are any scenes showing Cruise singing. No doubt that may just bring in some curious moviegoers.

In the meantime, press play and enjoy the trailer of 'Rock of Ages' the movie. Click HERE for more info about the stage production.



From press for the film: Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen.

“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

A Gift from the 'Wicked' Preview Event

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

It's the holidays and though I'm in the midst of picking up the last of the holiday gifts on my list, it was nice to receive something before Xmas. At the sneak peek presentation this past Wednesday for the Honolulu premiere of the musical 'Wicked', gift bags were offered to the guests who held the original invitations to the event. The bags contained one large t-shirt which had the "Defying Gravity" printed on the back, a pin and sticker. Also included was a gatefold flyer featured images from the show.

Those wanting to purchase official 'Wicked' show merchandise can purchase them at booths at the show or the online Ozdust Boutique or Playbill.com. Surely one of the original souvenirs available has to be the projector pen.

Projector Pen image from the Ozdust Boutique online store.

Broadway in Hawaii: 'Wicked' Preview Event at the Blaisdell

Today officially launched group ticket sales for the Hawaii premiere of the hit musical 'Wicked'. A not so exclusive event of several hundred people at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu offered guests a chance to partake in a party atmosphere filled with lots of food and generous amounts of alcohol in a display accented by 'Wicked' and Emerald Oz accents. There was even a huge gleaming bowl of green-colored gelatin among the spread of food.

But the real event was the preview which featured 'Wicked' producer David Stone, Michael Braxton of MagicSpace Entertainment (presenter for the Honolulu show dates) and Honolulu City and County Mayor Peter Carlisle. A taped presentation featured the show's composer Stephen Schwartz. Another video presentation of highlights of the production was enthusiastically received by the audience which was topped by a live performance from two actresses playing the roles of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda (the Good Witch) in the National Tour singing two songs from the show.

Cocktail tables decked out in a 'Wicked' theme at the exhibition hall at
the Blaisdell Center.

The actual presentation took place in the Pikake Room with live and
filmed presentations.

By my observations many who attended were expecting to be treated to more than just a couple of numbers from the musical. Though many left immediately after the presentation, a long line of people remained to submit their orders forms and snag priority seats to the Honolulu performance dates of 'Wicked'. The final tally on my order form was 30 tickets for family and friends. We were told that orders placed today would be fulfilled first before the official group sales begins next week.

The last time I saw 'Wicked' was four years ago in London and before that in 2004 in New York City. The event did its job on me as I actually now can't wait to see the show again in Honolulu almost a year from now. I have to admit the excitement began two weeks ago when I got the invitation to this preview event. Of course part of the joy is seeing the show and sharing the experience among a local crowd without the cost of airfare and hotel.

Signs at the event announcing the arrival of
'Wicked' to the islands.

It's been a while since the announcement of a Broadway musical playing Honolulu was launched with such fanfare. 'Mamma Mia' underwhelmed when it played the Blaisdell Concert Hall in 2009. It's likely 'Wicked' will be met by the same enthusiasm that greeted 'The Lion King' when it played Honolulu in 2007 and broke the local box-office record for a musical that held steady since 1993 by 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

It appears that 'Wicked' is also charging the most for premium price seating at $150. 'The Lion King' did offer premium seats at a similar price but it was part of a package that included a show souvenir merchandise so in the way if one were to proportion the cost of each item, the premium seats at 'Lion' were less expensive. Also unlike 'Wicked' a whole patch of prime orchestra seats was not devoted to premium ticket sales. Premium seats for 'Wicked' only includes the reserved prime seating. It should be noted that group ticket sales are 10% off full-ticket prices and service fees are less substantial than the charges of Ticketmaster.com.

Group ticket sales opens to the general public on December 19th by calling (808) 593-2468. Visit the Broadway In Hawaii website for order forms and more information. Single ticket sales date to be announced (anticipated for late spring).

The DETAILS
Official Show Website: wickedthemusical.com
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
When: Tue-Thu 7:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2 & 8pm; Sun 1pm & 6:30pm (additional dates available)
Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including one intermission)
Ticket Prices: $40-$150
Opening: November 24, 2012
Closing: January 16, 2013
Book Online: ticketmaster.com
Book by Phone: 1-800-745-3000
Cast Recording: Original Broadway Cast Recording

The line finally opens for advance group ticket orders.

This reception area (above and below) of the Blaisdell Exhibition area
would be packed once the 'Wicked' preview event was about to begin
in the adjoining auditorium. 

Gift bags were offered only those holding official invitations to the
event. Other guests left empty handed. See my next post on the
'Wicked' swag contained in each bag.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

AMR parent of American Airlines Bankruptcy Filing

American Airlines Boeing 737-800.
(photo: The Boeing Company)

It's been two weeks since the announcement that American Airlines parent company AMR Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York. As readers of this blog know American Airlines is my airline of choice where I currently hold a platinum elite level status in their Aadvantage program.

However at this point I can only be reassured that the airline will conduct business as usual as it attempts a reorganization process to unload debt built by years of accelerating jet file prices and labor struggles. As any flier who has built a loyalty in one frequent-flier program, it would be difficult to start from the ground up again. In addition as a matter of habit frequent fliers know what to expect of the airline in terms of service and cabin comfort.

American Airlines and American Eagle has contacted customers mainly via email that they would:

• Fly normal schedules with 3,300 daily flights.
• Honor tickets and reservations
• Fully maintain the Aadvantage frequent-flier program, with miles remaining in intact.
• Continue Admirals Club amenities for eligible customers.

The airlines will also continue to provide employee wages and benefits. It should be noted that American is last of the legacy airlines to seek protection from creditors. News reports indicate the airline reports that is spent more than any other airline to abide by labor-contract rules as it avoided bankruptcy. United and Delta were to able to scrap their existing labor contracts after filing for Chapter 11.

American Airlines JFK Terminal
(photo: Urbanphotoz/flickr)

Even with the bankruptcy announcement being fairly recent that some news outlets are already speculating that one of the major carriers is planning to buy American. That kind of guess work is far too premature.

Coincidentally the filing is the 100th by an airline since 1990, according to the Air Transport Association. Some airlines including Hawaiian Airlines and US Airways, have filed for bankruptcy more than once so it it is amazing that American held out this long. One of the most high-profile filings was the Chapter 7 liquidation of Eastern Airlines in 1991. The ATA does not note that some of the 100 bankruptcy filings comes from smaller unknown carriers such as Mahalo Airlines in 1997, which attempted to complete with Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines in Hawaii's inter-island carrier market. The list also includes cargo carriers.

Digital Camera Mistakes To Avoid

(photo: PauloBrandao/flickr)

Consumer Reports featured some quick and simple tips to avoid some common mistakes when using a digital camera. However unlike when we used camera film, today we shoot many shots and choose the best ones when we return home. But as we all know this becomes a chore after a while. Better heed these tips to save time while on vacation and when reviewing the photos back at home.

Not reading the user manual. This will deprive you of features that could greatly improve the shots you take. You should brush up on it at home or while traveling to your destination.

Not bringing a spare battery. Even if you charged the battery the same morning, reviewing shots on the camera can deplete it by late in the day. Exposure to cole can also reduce battery life. Charge a spare and keep it on hand.

Trying to squeeze too many photos on the storage card. You can do this by lowering the resolution or increasing compression, but both will reduce the quality of larger prints. Memory cards are cheap. It's better to bring extra along.

Using a flash when you shouldn't. Flash can cause red-eye, wash out skin tones, and flatten scenes. To avoid using flash, shoot with the sun or light source to your back or move the subject closer to a window or other sources of light. Never use flash on a subject more than a few feet away as you'll get a dim subject with a black background.

Using a very high ISO. If your camera has this option it's tempting to crank up the ISO to the highest setting. But this will degrade the quality of the photos you snap.

Click HERE to view the full article.

Architectural Wonder or Curiosity: Wacky Buildings in China

As part of a sports complex in Anhui province's
Huainan City is the "Ping Pong" Hotel.
(Rendering Huainan Municipal Bureau of Sports)

Steering clear of anything traditional, building designers in China continue to push architecture beyond the imagination. In 2008 when Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics, the world gazed upon some of these achievements in the "bird's nest" Olympic stadium and the glowing Water Cube swimming venue. New buildings constructed today and on the drawing boards will help to bring attention to China's design aesthetics for years to come. Take a look at these unusual buildings from an Inman News report.

The "Ping Pong" Hotel is planned as part of $260 million sports complex spread over 165 acres aimed for completion in 2016. The $46 million 500-foot hotel is shaped like a giant ping-pong racket and will include a viewing deck in the handle.

The sports complex itself will include buildings shaped like a volleyball (to house a swimming pool), a soccer ball, basketball and an American football.

Overview of the planned sports complex in Anhui province.
(Rendering Huainan Municipal Bureau of Sports)

Above are two views of the "Piano House".
(photos: Xinhuanet)

Also in Huainan province is the "Piano House" shaped like an open grand piano and a giant glass violin resting against its side. The violin houses an escalator. Built in 2007, the building has been used as a performance and practice venue and an exhibition space.

Above are renderings of the planned Comics and Animation Museum in
the Zhjiang province, 111 miles southwest of Shanghai.
(Photos: MVRDV Architectural)

Probably the most striking of these new architectural wonders is the plans for the Comics and Animation Museum. To be built in Zhejiang province, location of the International Comic and Animation Festival, the museum will include eight interlocking buildings shakes like speech bubbles. Within the bubbles will be a roof terrace restaurant, comic library and three cinemas. The museum is part of the 33-acre Comic and Animation Centre which begins construction in 2012.

Renderings of the Shenzhen Bao'an International Terminal 3.
(photos: ARUP Engineering)

Less odd but still unusual is the Shenzen Bao'an International Airport Terminal 3 which is shaped like an airplane. Located in the Guangdong province, along the South China Sea, the new terminal is currently under construction and should increase passenger traffic at the airport from 26.7 million to 45 million per year.

Click HERE to view the full article on Inman News which is the leading source of independent real estate news.