Economiser Wrap-up: The 'Miser did pretty well last week, I saw six plays for an average price of $21.67. Kind of cheated Friday night, had a friend from Maine in town and she was staying at the Hilton, which is right across the street from the Nederlander Theater, which surrounds the stage where Rent takes place. I don't think I'm going to become a Rent-head, but it was good to see it a second time. This time last year, listening to the cast recording played a roll in moving me toward deciding to leave Washington, and it reminds me that if there's something you think you should be doing, get on with it. And you know, fight AIDS.

Saturday, I saw A Very Common Procedure at the Lucille Lortel theater, yes, where Joey Tribbiani was in the space ship play. This one was about a woman who falls in love with the doctor who fails to save her premie baby. You now know as much about why she'd do that as I do.

After the spectacular Rainbow Room brunch on Sunday, I saw Terrence McNally's new play, Some Men, about fifteen different stories of gay relationships that all tie together at one couple's wedding. In one way, it's the usual panoply of relationship stories, but it's funny, sexy and well acted. And no wait for the ladies' room!

I just watched the premiere of "The Riches" with demi-god Eddie Izzard. It could be one of these deals where the first episode is awesome but can't be sustained, but it was very unusual, cinematic, risque (Izzard coin slot!), and a very unusual universe--American Travellers. We shall see--"Studio 60"'s demise leaves an opening for an hour-drama.