Send in the Clowns

"Don't you love a farce; my fault I fear
I thought that you'd want what I want - sorry my dear
But where are the clowns - send in the clowns
Don't bother they're here"

- Stephen Sondheim

Have you ever noticed how often New Zealand governments refer to Scandinavian experiences to validate social experiments ? You gotta love the Scandinavians. Actually I have a Saab car, so I know they don't always get things right. So, from those lovely people who brought you the Vikings ....

Check this out.

S'funny how you can make weird connections. Last night I went to the launch of my friend Helen Medlyn's new CD. The clown song features and she performed it at Mollies in Auckland. Very posh. If you like that sort of thing. I'm more inclined to edgy bohemian myself. But I am always gobsmacked by Helen's ability to have the audience eating out of her hand. Like at at Sheepworld, but with rich people. I will never forget her performance in Madama Butterfly.(which I promoted for Auckland Opera). Helen was Mrs Pinkerton. Helen is a GREAT singer. Mrs Pinkerton doesn't utter (to the best of my shallow pond of knowledge) a note. But she commanded the audience's attention with an imperial confidence…no irony intended…
She rocks. Or Blues. Or Operas…

So, to wrap up…send in the clowns (no, not the New Zealand Parliament)…and find some way of hearing Helen Medlyn perform.
I like in real life, but hey,…the record is lovely.

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