John Edwards...Vice President material?

According to the Democrats, "It's time for our party to show a little backbone and to have a little guts..."

That's the message that arrived by e-mail communication this morning from the JOHN EDWARDS camp.

Heh, where have THEY been?

In the past few months, major press outlets have been swirling around two major galaxies - that of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Now, John Edwards comes out swinging, at last.

His campaign slogan is,

"Heroes...join the campaign to change America"

Who are the heroes?

Edwards assures us the heroes are,

"The working men and women of this country"

It has appeal, to be sure!

All-American in approach.

But, what of the man who would be the future King of Camelot?

Well, he has all the trappings...the accent - a good sign (John F. Kennedy had a distinctive one and look where it propelled him); the good looks, albeit, a bit on the pretty side (Mrs. Edwards no doubt worries a lot when he's on the campaign trail); and, the demeanor...indeed, he has the ability to appear honest and straightforward - prerequisites for a PREZ, don't you think?

Everyone loves the Cowboy who rides into a troubled town and sets things straight.

According to his Deputy Campaign manager, Jonathan Prince, Edwards intends to do that.

In yesterday's e-mail (get a lot of 'em lately) he tackled the hardcore issues...

Oh-ma-gosh!

Edwards had the courage to speak out against the big, bad oil companies and the evil pharmaceutical giants; in fact, he took a nasty slap at the all-pervading corruption and incompetence, he says is awash, in Washington, D.C.

Do tell!

Then, the youngster Senator argued that the founding fathers in Philadelphia knew where the governmental reins should reside - why, with humble Americans, of course - not in the custody of the rich or the powerful.

Wouldn't you agree?

Yup, he "hit on" the issues that trigger the emotions, make people spring into action, and incite a Nation - to vote!

The agitated Senator ended with a poignant question...do we want to turn a mess over to our children?

He's clever, too; after all, Edwards knows it's in poor taste to point an accusing finger, so - he admits he's at fault, too.

You know what, though? He's willing to change!

Give yourself a pat on the back, John.

But, there's one problem...he has a crooked mouth, see?

That must portent something ominous, don't you think?

And, for what it's worth,...most Americans are under the impression, too, that John Edwards is but scant Vice-Presidential material; clearly, not the man to throw up his feet on the big desk in the Oval office and bark orders to the Chief of Staff.

Can he lead?

Well, he's sure capable of orchestrating hysteria in short spasms of time, and adept at offering up good public relations lip - as the race gathers steam, anyway.

Here's what his team is spinning out,

"The American people are hungry for change. They don't want a candidate who defends the broken system in Washington. Any candidate who stands with the lobbyists instead of the American people will lose."

"But with John Edwards at the top of the ticket, we can turn red states blue, build stronger Democratic majorities in Congress, and help Democrats take back more governorships and state legislatures across the country."

"Because John knows that in this election, we need a bold leader—not someone who's just a little better than the Republicans. John is the only candidate in the race who has won in a red state. And poll after poll show him out-performing all the other Democrats against all of the top Republican candidates—especially in the swing states and red states we'll need to win to take back the White House."

Then, he boldly lays claim to victory at Tuesday night's debate.

His actions are typical...in the promotional clip he broadcasts his most strident, powerful moments - with a big thrust on the attack mode (spoken of in the press in recent days) - which was levelled at Mrs. Clinton.

But, just as Hillary clears her throat to respond, she is cut off.

Unlike Barack Obama, John Edwards is no fool.

For sure, he's not going to budge, or give credit to his opponent - or precious air time, for that matter - not on his meager purse strings, anyway!

The pitch hits hard at the end,

"Polls show that with candidates other than John Edwards at the top of the Democratic ticket, Democrats will have a tough time defending the blue states and winning the swing states we'll need to take the White House in 2008. We could even lose our majorities in Congress!"

For this reason, Edwards begs for my my support, and $$$ would be appreciated, of course.

And, what a send off!

Deputy Campaign Manager, Jonathan Prince, wished me a Happy Halloween.

Yeah, trick or treat!

"Third"...Geffen Playhouse stage production; 2/3 short of entertaining!

The Geffen Playhouse is a pleasant venue...

The front foyer is softly lit and aesthetically-pleasing to the eye. And, the courtyard is a lovely sanctuary to sip on a glass of wine, munch on a cheese and fruit plate, or engage in a quiet tete-a-tete.

As the curtain call rang, my eye quickly scanned a brief synopsis of the featured play I was attending - "Third" - by celebrated playwright, Wendy Wasserstein ( Heidi Chronicles).

Laurie Jameson is a professor who has made a number of important inroads - academically-speaking - at a private Liberal Arts College.

When Woodson Bull III (as in "Third") - a jock - who, in his own words, "just wants to learn, wrestle, and graduate" - is accused of "alleged plagiarism" by Jameson, the two hard-heads end up sparring over politics, Shakespeare, and campus culture - with dramatic results.

Sub-plots weave through the main story, which include - an insightful peek at the emotional trauma of a friend who is terminally-ill; the baffling rebellion of a troubled daughter; and an intriguing foray into the issue of "senility" and its impact - by way of a father...who, in the words of the daughter, "always made me feel safe".

The play is in two acts; each consisting of small scenes, which suffice to cut short material which often strains a little here and there throughout the production.

There are a number of problems with "Third" in its new incarnation at the Geffen.

First and foremost, it appears that Christine Lahti is miscast in the lead.

A case in point...

In the opening classroom scene, Lahti stands center stage, and talks to the audience as if they are her students.

Right off the bat, it is evident that Ms. Lahti lacks the ability to make the scene work; there is no subtlety or appropriate nuance in her characterization, for example.

While stage acting may require a role be played "bigger" - as opposed to those in another medium such as Film or Television - here, Lahti struggles to attain a proper balance.

Consequently, her acting comes across as forced and stilted; realism suffers, as a result.

Part of the problem is with the material.

Ms. Wasserstein's characters are mere puppets, manipulated to spill out her ideas, philosophies - whatever.

At times, it appears the playwright is using Jameson's character as a mere vehicle, to convey how intelligent, insightful, or educated she is...but frankly, people don't talk like that; subsequently, the material falls flat.

Matt Czuchry - who plays "Third" - uses a lot of body language in this play to effect a macho stance...but he lacks the acting ability to pull it off; in fact, at times, the excessive posturing - the strange flexing of upper-body parts, for instance - is distracting, does not ring true.

Years ago, a coach offered up classes on how to act "straight", with the aim of making actors more marketable for producers who oft times are homophobic - when it comes to leading men, anyway.

For some inexplicable reason, I got the distinct impression Czuchry was schooled there, but failed to land a certificate.

At times, his performance reminded me of another play by renowned writer, Edward Albee - "Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf".

In the movie version, George Segal effectively plays the role of young stud on campus. At times, I surmised Mr. Czuchry was imitating Segal, poorly.

I wouldn't write him off entirely, though.

In one key scene with Jameson's daughter, his acting style transformed considerably...became more natural.

A chemistry between the two young characters registered honestly, and showed a lot of promise, for both actors.

Maybe, Czuchry needs more seasoning, a better director, material of higher calibre... so that his talent may render itself more palpable to a paying, theatre-going public.

Originally, "Third" was a one-act play, which was expanded.

Maybe, this is where the trouble arises.

Material that is re-worked is often best left alone.

Here, there is too much dabbling, intellectualizing, mind-speak, shallowness of character...to be substance of a hit, or even a satisfying night of theatre.

Ironically, the promotional material in the program notes,

F. Scott Fitzgerald once proclaimed that there are no second acts in American lives...

Here, it applies to the "T", as in Theatre 1.

Did you get your exercise today?

Sunshine...hyper-space action thriller!

Oh, those magnificent men and their flying machines...

David Boyle's venture into the SCI-FI arena with "SUNSHINE" is kind-of a new twist on that.

If you pay attention to the reviews, you won't be fooled by this wide-screen event.

For example, one critic notes that it is a "staggering spectacle"; another raves that Boyle and screenwriter, Alex Garland, have admittedly, "...goosed up their science fiction with action, increasingly turning up the chills and thrills."

And, Kenneth Turan, a reviewer at the Los Angeles Times, reports it's "...a nail-bitingly tense science-fiction thriller."

But, not one critic is hailing it is a masterpiece or even potential best-film entry for the upcoming Oscar-race.

Why is that?

In essence, SUNSHINE is an action-thriller set in hyper-space; there's nothing innovative or ground-breaking about this futuristic yarn.

In sum, the tale is about a motley crew from planet Earth who are propelled into space for a journey to the Sun to resolve matters pressing to the human race.

Once you wade through the dazzlin' special effects ("every frame wows", notes Film Reviewer Jan Stuart at Newsday) gagetry, and CGI - the bare bones ot it - there's not much left.

The script - what there is of it - is weak.

In sum, a U.S. space crew second-guesses a computer genius charting their course - then, of course - the monkey wrench they throw into the midst to circumvent the dilemma they've created skyrockets the mission awry.

At this juncture, almost on cue, squabbles among the astronauts send all the onboard relationships spinning out-of-control.

Tense moments!

Yes, in spite of the fact man has imagined and realized space travel to the ends of the Universe, sentient beings can not seem to quell - or control - their insatiable appetite for strife within the ranks.

In a nutshell, it's a poor imitation of A SPACE ODYSSEY: 2001.

In this instant case, man should leave well enough alone.

Hillary Clinton...cries out for my support!

I'm such a popular fellow, lately.

A flow of e-mail communications from John Edwards this past week, urged me to support his campaign for..."Change in America".

In particular, campaign manager, Jonathan Prince, noted that a vote for Edwards was a ballot cast for the "Heroes".

Who are the heroes?

Why, they're the working men and women in this country, Edwards is fighting for.

Yeah, the political machine is gearing up, and it's getting dirty.

Just ask Hillary Clinton...

I just received a communication from her camp and this is what she had to say,

"Dear Julian,

If you saw the debate Tuesday night, or if you've seen the news coverage since, then you know that this campaign has entered a new phase.

On that stage in Philadelphia, we saw six against one. Candidates who had pledged the politics of hope practiced the politics of pile on instead. Her opponents tried a whole host of attacks on Hillary.

She is one strong woman. She came through it well. But Hillary's going to need your help.

Her opponents, trying to boost their falling poll numbers, started attacking Hillary weeks ago on the stump. Now they're doing it in the debates. And soon they'll begin a barrage of negative TV ads and mailings in the early primary and caucus states.

But Hillary knows that voters want real change - not more negative attacks.

And with just 60 days left before the Iowa caucuses, now is the time to show her that you are right there with her."

Whew, I'll do my best, Hill!

Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band...tribute to Masqueraders at the West Hollywood Carnival!

Britney Spears...quote, overheard at West Hollywood Carnival, Halloween Eve!

But, I REALLY am Britney Spears!