Of all the songs that make

me think of the current human condition in America, it's "A Hard

Knock Life." Well, maybe not, but this is my second all-time favorite

showtune behind "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina."

And yes, I do have list of

my all-time favorite showtunes. I have downloaded them all from Napster

onto one CD and listen to them while I am in the bubblebath.

I was soaking in the culture

this weekend as I went to see our local production of "Annie"

off me like saltwater off a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. It's great

to feel superior artistically in such a crass society. I wonder if my

plastic feelings should somehow be voided by the fact that on the same

day, I went to the dollar movie showing of "Crocodile Dundee III."

Nevertheless, they aren't.

You eat your popcorn at the intermission of live theatre and you don't

drop the empty bag on the floor when you are done, either. Even I understand

the precepts of situation culture.

I have seen many productions

of "Annie." I've seen it on TV and video; with Carol Burnett

and with Kathy Bates. So, I am obviously a connoisseur of such fine, artistic,

depression-era fun. I know quite the history of "Annie" too,

like "Sex in the City's," Sarah Jessica Parker started her career

playing the little orphan girl on Broadway.

And most people don't even

realize there is sequel to the original play, featuring Annie as a vigilante,

militant woman of N.O.W. called, "Annie, Get Your Gun." I am

just chic that way.

Though I usually recommend

most live theatre to people who wish to overcome insomnia, this local

production of "Annie" was vibrant, well-paced and I would even

say, audacious! Well, I would say it, if I could pronounce it. So, I'll

write it at least.

Seriously, I was amazed at

every aspect of the play. I can't even presume to give a critique of the

talent that crossed the stage, but I can say it was the most amazing stage

singing I have ever experienced. The acting was dead on, the scenery was

perfect in pulling you into the story. It was great.

I was disappointed when FDR

didn't get up and walk like he did in the "Pearl Harbor" movie,

but in a very Beatle-esque, subliminal way, I did catch him stretching

his toes when Lili made her stage entrance. There's your "New Deal."

My daughter Olivia loved getting

the autographs afterward and especially "all the cool cussing by

Miss Hannigan." Jk. (Jk is "just kidding" to all you non-Internet

savvies, and at you, I am lol).

Enough about the performers,

though; this should get