Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 16

43 DETROIT FREE PRESSTUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1989 HI I 'Burn This' has sparks but never blazes York in the '80s, things are Kt iiioj complicated. Not so complicated, thoueh. as ON STAGE "Burn This," a drama by Lanford Wilson, is performed at 8 p.m. 5 and 9 Sat, and 2:30 and 7 Sun. through Nov.

19 at the Attic Theatre, Third and West Grand Blvd. Call 875-8284, 11-5 weekdays. ranse anvone to wail "I'm sick of age I'm living in," yet this tion of contemporary human speec: and plenty more like it, constitute to much of "Burn This." While one-Iinei anlfintv and a eoodly number of irjoeT: speeches leaven the i Classical treats cluster this week fey John guinn Free Press Music Critic Those who dote on the special joys classical music have some tantalizing to make this week. Three world-class orchestras per-; form, two from across the Atlantic, one regularly in our midst. First-rate conductors and soloists appear with In addition, two homegrown pianists who have achieved international careers return to celebrate the birth of extravagant piano, and an organist 'from Paris will perform a recital in a locat fylethodist church.

line-up: Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Orchestra Hall (call; 833-3700, 9-5 weekdays). This distinguished German orchestra opens the DSO-sponsored Guest Orchestras from Europe series in a program to be led by Israeli-born conductor Eliahu Inbal, who has been the ensemble's imlisic director since 1974. Inbal and of Wilson dialogue seems natural. When "Burn This" gets physical i i i I moves to more solid ground, wit clinches that crackle, touches th; sneak volumes and one knockdown drag-out fight.

Credit director Lavirj By Martin F. Kohn Free Premt Staff Writer Like a blank sheet of paper, a loft anywhere, but especially in New York, where "Burn This" is set is a wide open space rife with possibilities. That's the impression given before anyone takes the stage at the Attic Theatre, and indeed there are possibilities aplenty in Lanford Wilson's play about a man and a woman and another man. Given such a setup, there are always possibilities. Yet a third man serves as a friend to the other three characters.

Ironically, he serves not to stir things up more but to calm them down, provide comic relief and, at a particularly crucial juncture, move the story toward its inevitable conclusion. Then there is the man who has conveniently died before the play begins and whose death serves to set things in motion. In order of appearance the characters are Anna, a dancer-turned-choreographer; her boyfriend, Burton, a screenwriter; her roommate, Larry, a gay art director, (you can tell he's gay because his socks, which are a particularly vivid shade of Moyer and fight choreographer Waynj David Parker for these welcome infu sions. Credit also Ronald MarteU, whe turns in a tensely commanding DerlV aqua, precisely match his shirt), and Pale, ne Jimmy, who takes his name from his favorite alcoholic beverage, older brother of the late roommate of Anna and Larry. Pale arrives like a sudden storm, full of sound and fury, drunk, grieving, enraged and anything but pale.

With all his weird buckaroo energy, Pale sweeps Anna off her feet. Naturally." But the course of true love never runs smooth. Also naturally. Whether that course should require nearly three hours to complete its run is another question entirely. This time around playwright Wilson would appear to answer in the affirmative.

In an earlier play, "Talley's Folly," Wilson dealt with the same theme in half the time and won a Pulitzer Prize for his trouble. "Talley's Folly," though, was set in rural Missouri in the 1940s. In New mance as Pale, Gordon Reinhart's exj pert timing as the quipster Larry, ant Richard Klautsch's believable Burton Jan Puffer, as Anna, moves fike 1 dancer mil is annoymgiy sen-conscious when she delivers her lines, makintr i his orchestra are perhaps best difficult to understand why two men would be so smitten with her, save for the obvious reason that she s. the 11,11 Ronald Martell as Pale and Jan Puffer as Anna star in "Burn This" by Lanford Wilson at the Attic Theatre. female around.

known in this country for their compact disc recordings of the Mahler symphonies on the Denon label. Mahler's Fourth Symphony closes Wednesday's program, Last-minute tricks for an evening's amusement It's Halloween, and you're not sure Prizes for best costumes. 6-11 p.m., 11542 Just for grownups Eliahu Inbal Conner, across from Detroit City Airport. Free. Dan Martin, Mark Lienard or Mike Wendland: 923-6830 or 267-9671.

SENIOR SWIM PARTY: Free program includes water exercises, lessons, prizes, refreshments. p.m., Macomb Community College Physical Education Center, Hayes sycoxi uwi SKATINC PARTY: Parents of the Northwest Lakers Basketball Teams present a benefit skating party. Prizes for best original costume (per age group). 7-10 p.m., Northland Roller Rink, 22311 W. 8 Mile.

Admission: $3.50 advance; $1 skate rental. Barbara: 342-1833, after 3:30 p.m.; Delorei: 834-5106. and Martin, Warren. 445-747b. HOUDINI'S HAUNT: Costume contest, tricks, treats and live entertainment with Spanking Bozo, the Goriea, Luxury Christ and Slaughterhouse.

8 p.m. at the Art Center Music School, 3975 Cass at Alexandrine. Admission: $4. 833-3443; 831-2585. ooo preceded by Ravel's "Rapsodie and "Sheherazade." American soprano Arleen Auger is soloist in "Sheherazade" and in the Mahler finale.

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, 8 p.m. Ann Arbor's Hill Auditorium (call 764-2538, 10-6 weekdays). Long an important part of the cultural life of the French-speaking region of Switzerland this orchestra was brought to worjd-class status by its founder, Ernest Ansermet, who was its music director for 50 years. Armin Jordan, its curfjent music director, will conduct Thursday's concert, which includes Debussy's "Jeux" and "La Mer" and what to do with the kids? Now, that's scary Here's a list of events today (does not include haunted houses): Special event THE PHANTOM OF THE Benefit performance for Music Hall. The Fox Theatre lobby will be transformed; ghosts, cobwebs, special effects.

Party starts at p.m.; performance at after-show party, too. Tickets: 567-6000; 645-6666. For the kids ULLOWfEFJ 0PEH MUSE, East Detroit Memorial Library. Kids in costume may join Griselda Witch and Morticia Mummy, 6-8 p.m., at the library, 15875 Oak. 445-5095.

UNIVEISAL MALL, trick or treating, 6-8 p.m.; 12 Mile at Dequindre, Warren. 751-3161. "GHOULISH GALA," Sponsored by Lakeside Mall for all ages; includes trick-or-treating, costume contest, prizes. 5 p.m., Hal at Schoen-herr, Sterling Heights. 247-1744.

COSTUME PARTY, for ages 2-7; advance registration required. 11 a.m., no charge, Early Learning Centre, Eastland, 18000 Vernier, Harper Woods. 839-8480. HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS: Costume contest, games and treats, for preschoolers through sixth grade. Sponsored by cities of Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake and Commerce Twp.

p.m., Walled Lake Central High School's old gym, 2978 S. Commerce. Free. I IK WE'LE 'PLACE IT FREE! KE The ABC WAREHOUSE REAL THING Electronic Show Sale! A sale SO BIG they had to move it to the Silverdome! WATCH FOR DETAILS IN TOMORROW'S FREE PRESS TO WIN FABULOUS PRIZES! At McQueen's Carpets Rugs we're sure you'll love your new Lydian Carpet. So sure, we guarantee it.

If you're not completely satisfied with your new Lydian we'll replace it, free. Naturally, Lydian is Wear-Dated CarpetV' with exclusive locked-in stain protection. It comes in a variety of colors, styles, patterns and textures, to fi perfectly into any room in your home. It's the Absolute AssuranceGuarantee. For complete details come to McQueen's Carpets Rugs.

mm issa WEAR-IMP C2J2Pq5RLJr Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto, with' Argentinian pianist Martha Ar-gerif as soloist. Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.ra Thurs. and 8:30 p.m. Sat. at Orchestra Hall; 10:45 a.m.

Fri. at Ford Auditorium (call 833-3700 9-5 weekdays). Young American conductor Hugh Wolff, seen by some as one oi the 'prime candidates to succeed departing DSO music director Gunther Hexbig, will lead an all-Beethoven program that includes the "Eroica" Symphony. American pianist Garrick Ohls-sijn will perform Beethoven's Fourth Concerto, the same work Argerich performs in Ann Arbor Thursday. Steinway and Friends, 8 p.m.

Fri. at Orchestra Hall (call 833-3700, 9-5 Weekdays). The Steinway that will be onstage Friday is the piano made by the firm, a rare instrument crafted of east Indian ebony and dyed Swiss pear and adorned with hand-etched signatures of more than 800 Steinway artists. Two of those artists, Detfoit-born pianists Ruth Laredo and James Tocco, will perform music of Schubert and Rachmaninoff on the unique instrument under the joint sponsorship of the Chamber Music Society of Detroit and Hammell Music Organist Olivier Latry, 8 p.m. Fri.

Detroit's Metropolitan Methodist Church (call 875-7070, 9-5 weekdays). Latry is titular organist of Paris' famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. The program he has chosen to play on the 7,003 pipes of Metropolitan's organ includes music by his predecessors at Notfe Dame, such as Daquin, and Cochereau, and an improvisation on a submitted theme. TRICK OR TREAT ON ENCHANTED STREET: Characters in costume give out treats to preschoolers accompanied by an adult; bags provided. 10:30 a.m.-noon, Oakland YWCA, 839 S.

Crooks, Clawson. Admission: $1 per child. 435-9100. OAK PARK HALLOWEEN PARTY: Oak Park Kiwanis and PTA groups are sponsoring a party for costumed children ages 12 and under at 6 p.m. at Oak Park Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.

Free. 545-6400 HALLOWEEN SKATING PARTY: Carnival games, face painting and more. 6-9 p.m., Skate World of Troy, 2825 E. Maple. Free admission; skate rental $1.25.

689-4104 HALLOWEEN BASH: Haunted house, magician, games, costume contests for ages 3-12 (age 3-5, bring a grownup). p.m., S. Oakland YMCA, 1016 W. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. Tickets: $6, $4 for members.

547-0030. TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL: Supervised walk with candy and treats. p.m., Bloomer' Park, West Bloomfield. Charge: $3. Reservations: 334-5660.

MALLWIDE TRICK OR TREAT: Ages 12 and under will get a trick or treat bag to visit Winchester Mall in Rochester for goodies, 6-8 p.m. Donation of a can of food or $1 requested. Register at east arcade entrance. Costume parade and contest at 7 p.m. Free.

652-1152. HALLOWEEN HOWL: Fun and slightly frightful Halloween magic show. a.m. at the YWCA of Western Wayne County, 26279 Michigan Inkster. Admission: $2.

COMMUNITY AWAREHESS CHILLER: Residents and staff of Conner House and Grateful Home present an annual community awareness thriller with plays performed by residents and staff and an 8-foot coffin to deposit your character flaws. Free candy for little goblins. IMm -'V Yf West Maple Road Oust east ot Telegraph) Birmingham I 0jL M'l 647-5250 7fEi jk EXTENDED r) Wif 1 1 GOOD SEATS t-Wr Premiere! ARE AVAILABLE i luc. NOV. 7 CALL NOW: MARK HARMON thru Sun.

NOV. 12 (313)646666 (f nT in Joe Louis Arena VMAt CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE: 1 1 IkYl foStMrS. TJ til (313) 645-6666 8 AM to 8 PM I I UWO ti I Nil I IJ l0 vV-4 I II fUU Ul ill III use visa, master card I Trl'I'Trffh JL If (service charge added to phone orders) HBHiMB(JjJM tyfrty fc t)l I ULy) Jl fJ I fcl I I An engaging comedy about tVyyp I a bachelor and three near Mrs. IggJ CmS I Li 'til NOV! SHOVING 'tHMQIjlTHIQ uaarm ssu" Hcoji nasi as mi i fi 5:15 7:30 9:55 6:30 8:30 12:20 3:00 5:20 7:50 10:00 10:0012:20 2 45 500 7:10 (15 NOW SHOWING icmraaan! 2:10 5:10 7:20 9:40 iWlilifAllLffll 5:15 7:15 9:30 5:00 7:00 9:10 4:45 7:30 9:30 THE BEAR E4 r.n luuuizis 4:30 7:15 10 00 1215 2 30 430 7:15 9 30 1:10 7:45 9:55 1:00 7:25 9:35 12:30 2:45 5:15 7:40 9:50 1:30 5:20 7:40 9:50 6:15 :15 1 2:40 3:00 5:10 7:30 9:35 MPIWUMCTHUIK AUWRIIi 1:05 7:25 9:25 1 2:40 2:40 5:00 7:40 9:40 1:15 3:25 5:35 7:45 10:00 NOW SHOWING T'TH'r-l 6:00 8:15 10.12:00 2:00 4:15 7:30 9:40 1:00 3:15 5:30 7:45 1 0:00 1:05 7:25 9:35 5:30 7:30 9:30 1:10 5:00 7:00 9:10 1:25 7:25 9:25 1:00 7:15 9:25 1:10 5:20 7:40 9:50 12:30 2:30 4:30 7:30 0:30 12:40 3:10 5:30 7:50 10:00 SORRY NO PASSES DURING THIS ENGAGEMENT 5:00 7:15 9:30 1:00 3:05 5:10 7:15 9:20 10. 12:15 2:30 4:45 7:15 9:15 -iIBSil3IEDGiiIBl 10.12:00 2:00 4:00 7:00 9:00 1 0.12:15 2:15 4:15 7:15 9:15 1:15 7:15 9:15 r.v Impact Of 'Terms Of 1:00 7:10 9:10 12:30 2:40 4:50 7:00 9:20 1:00 3:00 5:05 7:00 9:00 SORRY HO TMSES DURING THIS ENGAGEMENT Patrick a Endearment: YOU'LL LAUGH AND YOU'LL CRY.

Jack Iimmon is sheer SIM) S3 twm I' I. tfv-- wtNtR mm VVVff ll I f.liimiIHiJ IlOW Snowing MSMJMfliWFJE JACK IEMM0N -TED DANSON Somclimos, man you wr NOW SHOWING 5:00 7:00 9:15 fW.f.'.H!ilJhffliJUJlH.jl:UigFI 6:15 8:15 c-nn l'u 'u iuuu 1 AMBI IN PGj8 1:00 7:30 9:40 IN'lHIAiNMINl 1 10 4:40 I. ill v.eii 7 70 4-40 7:00 9:20 Now Showing i- in OS 7 7S 4B 1:05 7:35 9:45 i 1:40 4:15 7:10 9:40 V.M 13 12:55 7:35 9:50 nuWc im check: MOVIE DIRECTORY fOR showtimes 6MCK MOVIE DWECIONY FOR SH0WTIMEI 0 2:40 5:10 7:25 9:55 I.