#ruby sunrise

RUBY SUNRISE and BARBECUE are both plays that I saw at the PUBLIC. Both use the idea of television as a theatrical device. Both reveal TV cameras to explode open the world of the play and make a play that seemed to be about one thing about something else that’s much broader. 

I liked both but critics pretty universally panned RUBY SUNRISE, which I actually loved more. I found it to be emotionally raw and structurally inventive. I cried at the reveal at the end of the first act. It was a revelation. I thought Oskar Eustis’s staging was genius. I couldn’t wait to see more plays by Rinne Groff. But I haven’t. I just looked Rinne Groff up and I couldn’t find very much about her. I don’t know if she’s teaching now but I can imagine how heartbreaking the reception to her play (and the libretto for her excellent collaboration with my late genius friend Michael Friedman Saved!, which will, I imagine, find its way back to the stage) must have been. 

Rereading the critical response to these plays, I couldn’t help but notice how much her writing was criticized for being ambitious but untidy. Who cares if something is a bit messy if it’s also ambitious and exciting? Do they truly prefer the tidiness of, say, Other Desert Cities and the other plays that bore me to tears? 

Happy holidays, Dear Drinkers! This time of year not only brings chilly weather, drifting snow, and Frightful weather outside; it also brings Cheer, and joy, and... fish? Yes, Dear Drinkers, Fish. And Socks. And in the spirit of those two mainstays of the season, and to honor a long-time and dearly-held, deeply respected friend, I bring you today's honoree.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

It's Ruby Sunrise!

This magical fish is a mainstay of the community, and one of the hardest working artists I know. Despite a nearly constant stream of setbacks, not only does she continue to soldier on, she does so with a goofy demeanor and a wonderful attitude. This Peep is the one who introduced me to Minty's Christmas Adventure, and the abject wonder that is Thistle Whistle.

A Ruby Sunrise Ingredients:

1 1/2oz Acai Vodka

1oz Pomegranite Juice

1/2oz Lime Juice

Ice

dash of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters

Pomegranate Seeds

Mint Sprig

1/2 oz vanilla cardamom syrup (Recipe to follow)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

6 cardamom seeds

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

A collins glass.

A Mortar and Pestle

A Pan

Special Equipment: A Mortar and Pestle, a Pan, a Stove, a fine mesh strainer Making a Ruby Sunrise:

Male the Vanilla Cardamom  Syrup

Crack the Cardamom seeds.

Grind seeds in Mortar and Pestle to fine powder.

Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

Add the vanilla extract and ground cardamom and let simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Let cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine mesh strainer.

Add ice to glass

Add vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, vanilla cardamom syrup, and bitters.

Stir gently.

Garnish with seeds and mint.

Drink!

You’ve just finished making a Ruby Sunrise!

This drink not only hits the brilliant ruby color of Ruby's scarf, but also is a delicious Christmas libation that is best enjoyed curled up in a blanket, watching a G3 Christmas Special, or at your favorite Holiday Party!

NaomiKnight17: R-ruby

NaomiKnight17: ... why

NaomiKnight17: ... why you do this to me

Ruby Sunrise: qq

NaomiKnight17: I thought we were friends, Ruby

RellikReaver: She feeds on your tears?

NaomiKnight17: I THOUGHT WE HAD SOMETHING, RUBY

NaomiKnight17: WHY

Ruby Sunrise: kdfansdgfbsdhgfjdks