ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Today, it's fun being green. It's the St. Patrick's Day parade on Fifth Avenue. I took photos of some of the spectators who were just as interesting as the marchers. The first St Patrick's Day parade in New York City was held in 1766 when city folks marched the streets usually organized along fraternal, trade or military organizational lines. The early St Patrick's Day marchers would form up at their parish churches or their organizations' headquarters and march to the Old St Patrick's Cathedral (now at Mott and Prince Streets). The Archbishop greeted the groups, dignitaries and politicians addressed the crowd and the marchers dispersed in search of a bit of St Patty's Day celebration. Today's parade started at 11:00 AM at 44th Street and marchers traveled north to 86th Street. It is customary for the New York Archbishop to review the parade in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral. The St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the few remaining where no cars, floats, buses, trucks or other vehicles are allowed. People march up Fifth Avenue, led by members of the 165th Infantry (originally the Irish 69th Regiment of Fighting Irish fame). Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the more than 150,000 marchers are members of various Irish societies from New York and around the country; many Eire-based societies make the Atlantic crossing to trek the two miles uptown. Large contingents include the Emerald Societies of the New York City Police and Fire Departments, line dance groups, bands, and any politician running for office. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT

Scanned image of the promotion card for the play

A powerful seven-character play called THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT brilliantly written and directed by the talented TERRENCE WALSH opened March 8th at Theatre Row’s Studio Theatre. I saw the play last night and was moved by the story and amazed by the forceful performances of the cast. Set in Chicago in 1980, the play examines family conflict that takes its roots from an alcoholic and abusive father. Marie, exceptionally played by Terri Eoff, is a 47-year-old, first-generation Irish-American who has just lost her mother whom she lived with her entire life. The conflict arises when Marie's brother Seamus (suitably portrayed by Kim Shipley) attempts to sell the condo that Marie and their mother have lived in for 25 years. In the end, Marie, who left the altar to take care of her ailing mother, learned to finally shed her martyr-like passiveness, stand up for herself, find joy in a new relationship, and refuse to let anyone “steal her life.” There were many funny moments provided by Marie’s hairdresser friend Eileen (Barabara Suter). As Seamus’ wife Carol, Susan Wands was very convincing and Jimmy Aquino's performance as Marie's possible new love interest Carlos was appealing. I liked the clever flashback scenes where the fine actor Ryan Garbayo who plays Marie’s nephew doubles as Kevin, Marie’s former boyfriend. Fr. Bob, Marie’s uncle, was played by Larry Swansen. The set design was simple and intimate and the lighting was very effective. Performances run through March 18th at the Studio Theatre at 42nd street between 9th and 10th Avenues.