The American Dream can conjure up many images. Something to aspire to, something that excludes, something that is as prevalent as ever or something outdated and no longer even available to anyone. In any case, it is a particular American phrase and way of life and something most everyone has an opinion about. The problem arises when discussing the topic with family or friends; like anything leaning toward the political, it can get a bit too hot to handle.

Henry James Digs into Your Psyche

Short plays, like short stories, have never caught on with the popular culture to the extent to which they so richly deserve. And yet they offer such a better return, really, for the public’s entertainment dollar. More stories, more sets of characters, more writers, directors and all of the other creative elements that go into live theatre for the same single ticket price.

One Way Ticket, Yeah

On Oct. 23 the Beatles are coming to the Vineyard. And you thought their debut at Shea Stadium was monumental.

For those worried, or excited, about ghostly visages, the folks playing the music will not be the Fab Four but rather local Island musicians who call themselves the Daytrippers. But close your eyes and it may truly be John, George, Paul and Ringo you hear.

Playhouse Fall Season

The Vineyard Playhouse is starting up its fall season this weekend with a series of short plays entitled Hot Tickets.

On Saturday and Sunday, both nights at 7:30 p.m., the evening will feature The Graduation of Grace by Wendy Kesselman, The Last Appointment by Madge Kaplan, and Slow Train Coming by Maureen Hourihan. The following weekend the plays will be Maker’s Mark by Alexandra Bullen The Lovers by Marisa Michelson and Joshua H. Cohen.

John Barrymore Lives

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the Tisbury Senior Center will present at 1:30 p.m. a program entitled Barrymore: The Life and Times of the Bad Boy Actor, John Barrymore. There is no charge for this event

Morphoses

This weekend the Vineyard Arts Project is presenting a performance by Morphoses, a dance company that has been in residence at VAP since Sept. 11. During this time the troupe has been working on a show entitled Bacchae by resident artistic director Lucca Vegetti.

Walking into the theatre at the Yard in Chilmark during a dance rehearsal this week, one couldn’t help noticing a spilled glass of water on the edge of the stage, and, upon further inspection, a puddle in the middle of the floor. A few minutes later a dancer stood in the middle of said puddle, relishing its slippery nature.

Remember that old 1950s TV show that posed the question, “Can this marriage be saved?” presenting his story, her story and a wrap-up by an expert? Most marriages hit rough spots, and when the subjects share their gripes, the listener find himself or herself silently asking the above question.

Comedian Scott Blakeman is back on the Island (he always seems to arrive with a hurricane) to treat Island audiences to a large dose of political humor.

Mr. Blakeman’s show is entitled Liberal Jew: The Comedy of Scott Blakeman. This, of course, is an indication of the show’s leanings, but no worries, in the world of politics and humor, all sides are fair game.