The 0-1 Buffalo Bills travel to steamy Miami to take on the AFC East leaders, the Dolphins. The Bills had a 10-0 lead at half-time last week and fell to the Steelers 23-16. Can the Bills put that failure behind them and win a divisional game in the Florida heat? How will your favorite NFL perform today?

I would estimate that 90% of the audience that watched Frozen: The Musical at Shea’s Performing Arts Center were little girls in princess dresses and their mothers. Although I’m not in the prime demographic for this exciting production, I enjoyed the spectacle and most of the music.

The play version of Frozen follows the main plot of the movie version: two young princesses grow up in a small kingdom. One of the princesses, Elsa, has magical powers. When Elsa accidentally almost kills her younger sister, Anna, their parents separate them for safety.

Years go by and the princesses grow up. It’s time for Elsa to be coronated but that triggers a disaster as her magic powers are unleashed. Elsa flees to the wilderness and Anna decides to follow Elsa and try to help her.

I loved the redheaded Anna, played by Caroline Innerbichler. She was clever and funny and…gullible. Caroline Bowman, who played Elsa, belted out “Let It Go” at the end of ACT I and brought the house down.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center required everyone to wear masks. Diane was hoping they would also require proof of vaccination, but that didn’t happen. The audience of about 3000 showed their enthusiasm and loved the performance. Plenty of cool special effects, too! GRADE: A-

Musical numbers:

All songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez unless otherwise noted.

Act I “Vuelie”†‡ – Company (music and lyrics by Christophe Beck and Frode Fjellheim) “Let the Sun Shine On” – Young Anna, Young Elsa, King, Queen and Townspeople “A Little Bit of You” – Young Elsa and Young Anna”Hidden Folk” – Queen, Pabbie, Young Elsa, King and Company “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?“† – Young Anna, Anna and Elsa “For the First Time in Forever“† – Anna, Elsa and Townspeople”Hans of the Southern Isles” – Hans “Dangerous to Dream” – Elsa and Townspeople “Love Is an Open Door“† – Anna and Hans “Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People“† – Kristoff “What Do You Know About Love?” – Anna and Kristoff “In Summer“† – Olaf “Hans of the Southern Isles” (reprise) – Hans, Weselton and Townspeople “Let It Go“† – Elsa

Act II

• “Hygge” – Oaken, Kristoff, Anna, Olaf, Family and Friends
• “I Can’t Lose You”∞ – Anna and Elsa
• “Fixer Upper“† – Bulda, Pabbie, Olaf and Hidden Folk
• “Kristoff Lullaby” – Kristoff
• “Monster” – Elsa, Hans and Men
• “Hans of the Southern Isles” (reprise 2) – Hans and Anna
• “True Love” – Anna
• “Colder by the Minute” – Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, Hans and Townspeople
• “Finale: Let It Go” (reprise) – Company

† Featured in the 2013 film.

‡ “Vuelie” written by Frode Fjellheim and Christophe Beck

∞ Song added February 2020, replacing a reprise of “For the First Time in Forever”

Helen MacInnes, sometimes referred to as the Queen of Spy Writers, also wrote a variety of suspense novels. Horizon, published in 1945, follows the adventures of wounded British soldier Peter Lennox. Lennox was an artist in civilian life, but after enlisting in the British Army, Lennox now struggles with the injuries to his hands received during his capture at the fall of Tobruk. His dreams of returning to his artistic pursuits, now threatened by his wounds, forces Lennox to consider a future where he can never paint again.

Horizon starts with Lennox as a POW in an Italian prison camp. When the Italians surrender to the Allies, Lennox finds himself recruited to help a band of resistance fighters. Lennox has the language skills and knowledge of the local terrain to assist the resistance fighters against the Nazis.

Building a resistance movement, guarding against moles and infiltrators, dealing with a growing Nazi presence in Northern Italy all fuel the suspense in Horizon. Peter Lennox has to confront his demons and map a new direction for his life while contributing to the war effort in a different fashion. Helen MacInnes delivers a compelling war novel with credible characters in dire situations. GRADE: B+

This 2-CD set celebrates Motown’s 40th Anniversary in 1998. There’s a mix of 40 “hits” from mostly the heyday of Motown’s success. A few songs from the later years of Motown are included, but you’ll notice a sharp fall-off in quality.

In the 1960s, many of these songs were part of the soundtrack of my Life. I was a huge fan of Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and the Supremes.

Do you remember these songs? Any favorites here? GRADE: A-

Tracklist:

1-1	The Marvelettes–	Please Mr. Postman Producer – Brianbert Written-By – Brian Holland, Freddie Gorman, Georgia Dobbins, Robert Bateman, William Garrett	2:27
1-2	Smokey Robinson & The Miracles*–	Shop Around Producer – Berry Gordy Written-By – Berry Gordy, William “Smokey” Robinson	2:46
1-3	Martha Reeves & The Vandellas–	(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier *Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Edward Holland	2:43
1-4	Mary Wells–	My Guy Producer – Smokey Robinson Written-By – William “Smokey” Robinson	2:53
1-5	Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell–	Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing Producer – Ashford & Simpson Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson	2:15
1-6	Four Tops–	I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier *Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Edward Holland, Jr.	2:43
1-7	The Originals–	Baby I’m For Real Arranged By – Paul Riser Producer – Marvin Gaye, Richard Morris (2) Written-By – Anna Gaye*, Marvin Gaye	3:18
1-8	Jimmy Ruffin–	What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted Producer – William “Mickey” Stevenson*, William Weatherspoon Written-By – William Weatherspoon, James Dean*, Paul Riser	2:59
1-9	Eddie Kendricks–	Keep On Truckin’ Producer – Frank Wilson, Leonard Caston Written-By – Anita Poree, Frank Wilson, Leonard Caston	3:32
1-10	Jackson 5*–	ABC Producer, Arranged By – Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, Alphonso Mizell*, Freddie Perren Written-By – Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, Alphonso Mizell*, Freddie Perren	2:57
1-11	Diana Ross & The Supremes*–	Stop! In The Name Of Love Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier *Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Edward Holland, Jr.*	2:53
1-12	Stevie Wonder–	My Cherie Amour Producer – Henry Cosby Written-By – Henry Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy	2:53
1-13	Gladys Knight & The Pips*–	Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) Producer – Joe Porter Written-By – Jim Weatherly	4:22
1-14	The Temptations–	Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) Directed By [Orchestration Direction] – Jerry Long Producer – Norman Whitfield Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield	3:47
1-15	Marvin Gaye–	What’s Going On Arranged By – David Van DePitte Producer – Marvin Gaye Written-By – Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson	3:42
1-16	Diana Ross & The Supremes*–	Someday We’ll Be Together Producer – Johnny Bristol Written-By – Harvey Fuqua, Jackey Beavers, Johnny Bristol	3:27
1-17	The Temptations–	Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone Arranged By, Conductor – Paul Riser Producer – Norman Whitfield Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield	6:58
1-18	Jackson 5*–	I’ll Be There Arranged By – Bob West Producer – Hal Davis Written-By – Berry Gordy, Bob West, Hal Davis, Willie Hutch	3:58
1-19	Smokey Robinson & The Miracles*–	Tears Of A Clown Producer – Henry Cosby, Smokey Robinson Written-By – Henry Cosby, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder	3:00
1-20	Diana Ross–	When You Tell Me That You Love MeProducer – Peter AsherWritten-By – Albert Hammond, John BettisProducer – Peter AsherWritten-By – Albert Hammond, John Bettis	4:12
1-21	Martha Reeves & The Vandellas–	Dancing In The Street Producer – William “Mickey” Stevenson *Written-By – Ivy Hunter*, Marvin Gaye, William “Mickey” Stevenson	2:39
2-1	Rick James–	Superfreak Producer, Arranged By – Rick James Written-By – Alanzo Miller*, Rick James	3:24
2-2	Dazz Band–	Let It Whip Arranged By – Dazz*, Reggie Andrews Producer – Reggie Andrews Written-By – Ndugu Chancler*, Reggie Andrews	4:06
2-3	Johnny Gill–	Rub You The Right Way Producer – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Written-By – James Harris III, Terry Lewis	4:14
2-4	Jermaine Jackson–	Let’s Get Serious Arranged By – Stevie Wonder Producer – Jermaine Jackson, Stevie Wonder Written-By – Lee Garrett, Stevie Wonder	3:33
2-5	Teena Marie & Rick James–	Fire & Desire Producer, Arranged By – Rick James Written-By – Rick James	5:46
2-6	Rockwell–	Somebody’s Watching Me Producer, Arranged By – Curtis Anthony Nolen, Rockwell Written-By – Rockwell	3:55
2-7	The Temptations–	My Girl Producer – Smokey Robinson Written-By – William “Smokey” Robinson	2:43
2-8	Edwin Starr–	War Producer – Norman Whitfield Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield	3:22
2-9	Diana Ross–	I’m Coming Out Producer – Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers Written-By – Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers	3:54
2-10	Lionel Richie–	All Night Long (All Night) Producer – James Anthony Carmichael, Lionel Richie Written-By – Lionel Richie	4:15
2-11	DeBarge–	All This Love Producer – Eldra DeBarge*, Iris Gordy Written-By – Eldra DeBarge	4:09
2-12	The Commodores*–	Three Times A Lady Producer – The Commodores*, James Anthony Carmichael Written-By – Lionel Richie	3:38
2-13	Shanice–	I Love Your Smile Producer, Arranged By – Narada Michael Walden Written-By – Jarvis Baker, Narada Michael Walden, Shanice Wilson, Sylvester Jackson	4:23
2-14	Boyz II Men–	I’ll Make Love To You Producer – Babyface Written-By – Babyface	3:58
2-15	Stevie Wonder–	Superstition Producer – Stevie Wonder Written-By – Stevie Wonder	4:01
2-16	Marvin Gaye–	Let’s Get It On Producer – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye	4:01
2-17	Today–	Him Or Me Producer – Gene Griffin, Teddy Riley Remix – Timmy Regisford Written-By – Gene Griffin, Larry McCain, Larry Singletary, Lee Drakeford, Wesley Adams	4:20
2-18	Dennis Edwards Featuring Siedah Garrett–	Don’t Look Any Further Arranged By – Dennis Lambert, Paul M. Jackson *Co-producer [Associate Producer] – Paul M. Jackson, Jr.* Producer – Dennis Lambert Written-By – Dennis Lambert, Duane Hitchings, Franne Golde	4:04
2-19	Jackson 5* Featuring Black Rob–	I Want You Back ’98	4:20

People VS. Withers & Malone collects the screwball comedy/mysteries of Stuart Palmer and Craig Rice. Ellery Queen’s “Introduction” gives the details of Palmer’s and Rice’s friendship over the decades.

This collection of stories features the collaboration of two sleuths, John J. Malone, alcoholic and womanizing lawyer of Craig Rice’s mystery books, and the canny schoolteacher, Hildegarde Withers, created by Stuart Palmer. These stories were written by Stuart Palmer, with Ms. Rice contributing an idea or plot point, but otherwise apparently not involved in writing process. 

I really liked the title story, “People VS. Withers & Malone,” where Withers and Malone hunt for a missing witness in the murder trial of a Malone client and wind up pulling off some courtroom pyrotechnics in Perry Mason style.

 In “Cherchez la Frame,” the two sleuths travel to Hollywood to look for the missing wife of a Chicago gangster and find her strangled with Malone’s tie in his hotel bathroom. As usual, Withers has to crack the case to save Malone.

The first Withers and Malone collaboration, “Once Upon a Train” (original title: “Loco Motive” and published in 1950) sets the pattern for the rest of the series. This spoof of the Murder-on-the-Orient-Express genre takes place on the Super-Century train traveling from Chicago to New York. A naked dead man is found in Withers’s compartment while the murder weapon was conveniently planted in Malone’s adjoining compartment. A clever combination of quick thinking by Malone and a revealing dream by Withers solves the murder.

If you’re in the mood for some screw-ball mayhem with a dollop of humor thrown in, I recommend People VS. Withers & Malone. GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

AN INFORMAL INTRODUCTION BY Ellery Queen — 7

PREFACE BY SUART PALMER — 13

Once Upon a Train — 17

Cherchez La Frame — 49

Autopsy and Eva — 81

Rift in the Loot — 115

People VS. Withers & Malone — 151

Withers and Malone, Brain-Stormers — 203

Sandra Oh plays Professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed chair of the English department at Pembroke University. Like many colleges and universities, Pembroke is facing declining enrollments and budget problems. As the first woman ever chosen as Chairperson of the English department, Sandra Oh’s character faces a tenure battle with her elderly staff over a young black colleague. She also has strained relationship with her well-known professor, Bill Dobson (the former Chairman of the English department). In addition to all her work problems, Ji-Yoon Kim has to deal with her difficult adopted daughter.

This Netflix 6-episode series has a talented cast and realistic situations present on most campuses right now. Anyone who has worked in a college or university will recognize the various types of faculty members and administrators. Very realistic! I’m hoping The Chair attracts enough of an audience for a Second Season. And thanks to Michael Padgett for recommending The Chair. GRADE: B+

I took Katie for ballet and dance lessons for years so I’m familiar with the setting of Megan Abbott’s The Turnout. Dara and Marie Durant run The Durant School of Dance. Dara and Marie were trained by their demanding mother. When their parents die in a car accident, Dara and Marie decide to run the dance school with Dara’s husband, Charlie.

Marie teaches the little kids. Dara, demanding like her mother and more talented, teaches the older students. Charlie, who used to be their mother’s best student, is now dealing with crippling injuries from his years of dancing. Charlie handles the scheduling, paperwork, and the bill paying/business aspects of the dance school.

After a fire damages one of the dance studios, Dara, Marie, and Charlie agree to hire Derek, a contractor, to repair the damage. Derek reminds me of the cunning stalker in John D. MacDonald’s Cape Fear (aka, The Executioners), Max Cady. Derek slowly starts to dominate Marie and enrages Dara as the annual performance of The Nutcracker looms. Derek’s presence triggers a series incidents full of growing dread.

The Turnout shows how secrets slowly fester and suddenly blossom into terror. Of all of Megan Abbott’s books, The Turnout is my favorite. GRADE: A

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills take on Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers at balmy Highmark Stadium today. The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-70s with a stiff breeze. The game is a sell-out so 65,000+ screaming fans will be in attendance. The Bills are 6 1/2 point favorites. How will your favorite NFL team perform today?

Where were you at 8:45 A.M. on September 11, 2001? What do you remember about that day?

The movie version of Come From Away, the musical about the flights diverted to Newfoundland because of 9/11, is available on Apple TV. Wonderful! GRADE: A

I’ve had Josephine Tey’s mysteries on my shelves for decades. Last week I decided to read one of Tey’s books and I chose The Daughter of Time (1951). Friends who have read Josephine Tey’s works rave about The Daughter of Time. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, while recuperating from a broken leg, finds himself drawn to a portrait of Richard III. That fascination leads Grant into investigating the heinous crime Richard III is supposed to be behind: the murder of his brother’s children to protect his crown.

Clearly, investigating a crime hundreds of years old is the coldest of cold cases, but Josephine Tey provides Grant with the help of facts from the British Museum and an American scholar to clarify whether Richard Plantagenet was really behind the killings of the Little Princes in the Tower.

I confess I wasn’t expecting such a suspenseful tale with so much history behind it. After reading The Daughter of Time I wanted to drop everything and watch a performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III! Robert Barnard’s fine “Introduction” provides more insights into the book and the author. GRADE: A