Jude- No Tragedy Here.

Jude Law has proven all his critics wrong in his latest endeavor of playing Hamlet on Broadway.

When walking into this show, I am guilty of thinking- "Jude Law + Shakespeare...eye candy and brilliance- can't go wrong." Not knowing how I could possibly get past Law's charming looks and see past his usual romantic comedy roles, I was intrigued to see how Jude would handle the role of Hamlet.

Hamlet is arguably one of the most drama filled characters created of all time. He is quirkly, quick to contradict himself, reckless yet cautious, heartfelt but immature, fiesty yet smart. He is clearly consumed of hatered in learning that his father's death was no accident. This role, is one of the most layred, complicated masterpieces of all time. Jude Law needed to respect William Shakespeare all the while stepping away from the big screen and translating Hamlet on the big stage on Broadway.

Well he certainly did that. A long 3 hour production that highlights this tragedy of Hamlet in a modern day light. Law and the rest of his cast were wearing jeans, sweaters, leather jackets and boots. The casting ranged of different ethnicities showcasing an interesting interpretation of the orignal Hamlet. This unique Broadway production is a must-see. Make sure you are mentally prepared to be swept away into Shakespeare speak. Great Sunday show...

While the first few moments of Law taking the stage definitely caused the theater to flutter, it was soon outshined by his raw pure talent. From that moment on, Jude embraced his role making the audience laugh and cry in his journey with Shakespeare. The cast included some great breakout roles, but Jude certainly carried that "star quality" and truly deserves a Tony this year. Simply flawless.

Watching this show alongside my best friend from LA Sonal and dear friend from Chicago Shrujal, I felt lucky to experience this amazing New York City moment amongst the rest of the Theater. Congratulations to Jude Law and the entire cast of Hamlet for truly serving the master Shakespeare right. No easy task.

Mr. Ray

Soulful. Chilling. Beautiful. Tear Jerking. Brilliant. All words that come to my mind in regards to my experience in watching Ray Lamontagne at The Beacon last night.

I took a dear friend from High School (Naperville!) who has never seen Ray live and mid show- she leaned in and whispered- "Thank you for inviting me."

Thank you Ray- for having such an amazing energy that pulls you in. Its one of the voices that you imagine a rainy night, a bottle of wine, tunes and candle light. Tears are likely to be caused listening to his beautiful lyrics and story- beware.

Yes, Ray has quirks. He silences the crowd. He mumbles into the mic when speaking to us. He has an insanely dark dry sense of humor that the crowd crumbles at. One moan show- Cabbie lid- interchanging between guitars of choice- this man has found his own mastery.

Ray was introduced to me years ago when I lived in CT by an amazing group of friends in a room we referred to as "The Record Room." He is fitting for the wee hours we worked in CT. The beers. The company. Ray carries a "right in your own living room" feel which he carried at The Beacon standing on his "stage" which was an old dirty living room rug.

I am wearing his adorable concert series shirts that reads "Mr. Ray" that are a part of the smiley face series with a smiley face adorning a full beard. New favorite Tshirt!

PS. Ray has officially made it onto my Top 5 shows of the year:

1. Wilco @ Coney Island

2. Ray Lamontagne @ The Beacon

3. Depeche Mode @ MSG

4. Rodrigo Y Gabriela @ Terminal 5

5. Kanye West/ NERD/ Lupe Fiasco @ MSG

6. Mew @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

7. The Killers @ MSG

8. MGMT @ Prospect Park Band Shell