Spooktacular Sights!

It was another beautiful day in Manhattan. After seeing Whitney and Kacie off, I walked all the way home. It was about 5 miles total, but the East Side is not an area I travel very often. It was just too beautiful to spend the inside reading - which was my plan for the day. I took my act on the road. When Teake was here, we bought this cool lawn chair that folds up into a backpack with storage. So, I grabbed the scripts that I am reading for the Women's Project, my computer, journal and a blanket and headed to Central Park.

The Great Lawn was...great. I read, sunned and relaxed. Four hours later, I packed up - a little pinker and a lot smarter - and headed home. I walked down W. 70th Street on the way to the subway discovering another unexpected treat. As this is a very wealthy housing district, it should not be surprising that some families hire professional decorators to "hallodaze" their brownstones. The preceding pictures are some frighteningly fantastic examples.

Bundled up and Booking it

This was my view...I know what you are thinking....and yes, those are my feet.

Bartling and Bloom at B & N

Once an English Lit Major...always an English Lit Major

Amy Bloom is one of my favorite authors. I discovered and fell in love with her collection of short stories Come to Me years ago. Tonight she read from her new novel Away at Barnes and Nobel on 22nd and 6th. Her work is witty, nostalgic and sexy. She seems so approachable; she has this quality that makes you want to have her as a best friend.

After she read, she did a short Q and A. Someone asked her how she "ran" her creative writing class at Yale.

• I can't teach talent, but I can teach what a good sentence looks like and what a bad sentence looks like
• I tell them that just because it happened doesn't mean it is interesting.
• I have a few rules...men cannot write about smashing beer cans against their heads because of a woman, and women cannot write anything about throwing up.
• The class is more about laying bricks than anything creative.

Other soundbites:

• She said that the key to writing short stories is to not include any diversions. Every action much propel the plot and illuminate the characters.
• She was most influenced by Superman comics and Charles Dickens.

Afterwards, I met the sweetest girl named Laurel. She is an actor, originally from California. She had such an interesting background. Like all nyc meetings, we exchanged card and talked about getting together for coffee.

Tomorrow is Halloween, so I need to get to bed so I am ready for the biggest holiday of the year in the Village.

At One Point All of These Women Lived in Garretson, SD...Who knew?

The Nightmare of Frankenstein

Today I met with the Halverson girls from Mellette, South Dakota. Jennifer is one of my shining star freshmen at USF. She and her mother came to the Big Apple for fall break, and they are doing it right. I am so impressed with all the shows and nyc highlights they have gotten in since arriving in the city.

After meeting me in my apartment, we strolled through the Village. They dared to eat Thai food with me before we went on a boot hunt. I am pleased to report that Jen came out victorious. They are such wonderful women, and I am so glad we were able to spend the day together.

Next, I met with Kacie and Whitney who were shopping down in my neighborhood. My new friend John von Soosten called and asked if I wanted to see Frankenstein with him at 37 Arts. At first, I thought we were going to Mel Brook's new (old) hit Young Frankenstein; however, he quickly told me that it truly was a musical adaptation of the classic Frankenstein.

This was an amazing cast - Hunter Foster and Christiane Noll! The spectacle was spectacular..the scenic, lighting and sound design were supportive, inventive and impressive.

Unfortunately, the writing was horrible. No relationships were created. Lines and lyrics coming out of their mouths were embarrassing. I can't believe that actors of this quality and experience committed to a project as trite and corny as this. During intermission, I said to the publicist (who was there to review it) next to me..."I think I need chocolate to keep me on my game for Act II (I had no time for dinner and found myself yawning a lot in Act I) ." He said, "I need hard drugs." I caught him checking his watch 6 times in Act II. Unfortunately, it hasn't even opened yet. I think some producer somewhere is taking a huge financial hit.

I am happy to say that I am relaxing in my apartment writing this entry. My internet server has not been working, but the powers that be have rewarded me for sticking out the Frankenstein fiasco. I am again online!

Sunday in the Park with Kim

From Jazz to the the Kitchen Sink

The kid on top was twirling so fast (like a helicopter blade) he was difficult to distinguish. The other was stabbing oranges mid-air.

Some practice guitars and others practice baton twirling

New Yorkers are crazy for their dogs. Today at the park, there was a Halloween Party for dogs. The runs were all decorated and numerous canines came in costume. I included my favorite...a Native American Pincher. He even has leather cuffs.

The Skinny on Size in the City.

As a professor and advisor, I have always said that Sundays are toughest on girls. I don't know what it is, but Sunday evening are - many times on college campuses - filled with nostalgia and sessions of "poor me'" and homesickness. I fell into that cesspool today for the first time. Because of my dad's hospitalization, I have had other episodes of wanting to go home. However, today I found myself lonely in this city of 9 million.

My first remedy was to walk it off. Since I normally love Sundays in New York, I went in search of good energy. I headed to Washington Square Park and enjoyed numerous buskers. I walked all over the East and West Village, Soho, and Chinatown. My second remedy was universal to all women - shop. This activity can be tricky for those of us bigger than a size 8. In fact, it can actually add to the blues. To be Nordic and Midwestern is considered diverse in Manhattan. It is a city of petite colorful people, many of direct European, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic decent. The women will understand this...you know how the sale racks in the Midwest are full of size 2 and 4? In New York, they are heavy (pun intended) with sized 10-16 because we are few and far between. That is what one calls bittersweet.

Perfume always fits as does jewelry. Also, the current fashion of "pregnant looking" sweaters that is hot right now, works for me. I feel better and my wallet feels lighter.

Currently, I am down the street at Daddy O's enjoying my first meal of the day. Also, I am watching Game 4 of the World Series. To say the least, the Rockies have been disappointing.

Whitney Ullom, Kacie Fodness and I on the Great White Way...pretty good for three girls from Flandreau and Garretson.

Fall Weather - Spring Awakening

Saturday was a cold and rainy day in New York City, so I did they only thing I could. I went and purchased a cozy blanket at the Salvation Army thrift store, came home and read scripts.

Kacy and Whitney called, and they scored Spring Awakening tickets for the evening. I saw it when it was still previews, and - frankly - was not blown away by it. I thought there was gratuitous sexual content and the actors spit so much as they spoke and sang that it took me out of the story. Of course, what do I know...it went on to win the Tony Award.

I am really glad that I saw it again. They had made a lot of good changes. Basically, they trusted the musical more, so they could pull back on the more shock factor moments. John Gallagher continues to impress me as does the young woman who plays Ilse. The concept of taking a story that takes place in Germany in the late 1800s and combining it with a rock genre musical score still sounds like it should not work, but it does.

Afterwards, the girls came down to the Village to visit my apartment. It ended up being a beautiful evening, so we enjoyed coffee, tea and sweets on the fire escape. It was so lovely to have company - especially people as dear to me as these two.

This Badlands down the street does not seem to help cure my homesickness. Unlike the natural beauty of SD's Badlands....this landmark prides itself on customers by the hour. (Mom...don't ask).

TGIF

Friday, I did my final schlepping of I Want What You Have props back to the WP and handed in receipts. USF students Whitney Ullom and Kacie Fodness came to the Big Apple. I set up their housing, so I darted over to the East Side to get them into their adorable apartment. At 1, I had a lunch date with Megan C. to discuss future involvement for me at WP. I am going to Assistant Direct their first show of the season Wapato by Peggy Stafford. I am thrilled and honored. Also, I am reading scripts for their lab series. Like I said, WET took a month to get me into a meeting, and WP has trusted me with my second production in three weeks. I think I have made my decision.
Tonight, I attended The Atlantic Theatre Company’s second year conservatory students’ production of Heart’s Desire and Blue Kettle by Caryl Churchill. Gia Forakis, the director of I Want What You Have directed this project too. I think I need to read the actual scripts to appreciate the performance.

This poster/billboard is on 54th Street in front of the Neil Simon Theatre that houses Hairspray. It features my dear friend Michele Pawk as Velma Von Tussle

It Is Wet In NYC...Inside and Out.

On Thursday, October 25th, I had an apartment to clean, errands to run and an appointment at Women’s Expressive Theatre - what a difference from the Women’s Project. First of all, WET is located on the penthouse floor on Lexington and 44th Street. I thought I was in an episode of Entourage- the room we met in was surrounded with sliding smoke glass doors, and I had to make a choice between being served green, black, or white tea. At the Women’s Project, you just clear yourself a spot and get to work.

They had my vitae in plastic coated folders and wanted me to commit to specific days and hours as a volunteer. As much as I love their education mission with high school girls, I am not sure this is the environment for me. They do not seem to do a lot of theatre. It seems that WET is a lot of show, but WP is all go.

Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of When the Messenger is Hot by Laura Eason at 59E59 was my Thursday night choice. It was a funny and gorgeous story of one women’s journey through her mother’s death. I rarely find myself moved to tears in the theatre. This show was not as much sentimental as it was realistically raw. This is yet another play that should make its way to the USF stage.

OINK (Only in New York) Moment

This woman and her pets were window shopping on Lexington Avenue. Notice the way the cat looks right into the camera. The dog looks like an extra bag.

Two people who used to play with the Catholics....Kim Bartling and Christopher Durang. This lecture and book signing took place at the 92nd Street Y on October 25, 2007.

Kim's Coast of Utopia - Part I

Wednesday was so big, I am posting it in three parts. If I planned a best day ever, it would start something like this....

Morning

After used book shopping and checking in on my dad (he's going home today - prayers answered), I grabbed a 6 train and traveled to the 92nd Street Y. Christopher Durang was interviewed on stage by Roger Rosenblatt.

Durang is nothing like I thought he would be. He not only physically looked boyish; he seemed almost embarrassed by the attention. He read segments from older works such as Bette and Boo, 'dentity Crisis, and Laughing Wild, and he also read from his new play that is yet to be titled. Following are notes from the lecture:

· His first play was in 3rd grade. It was a 2 page version of the episode of the I Love Lucy where she has a baby (his school actually staged it).

· At 14, he wrote a play which included the shoulder strap scene from Gypsy. The nuns pulled the girls out of the Del Barton (all boys’ prep school) production because it was too scandalous. They had borrowed the girls from a local girls prep school.

· He was introduced to theatre by his mother, who especially loved Noel Coward.

· How to Succeed in Business was the 1st musical he ever saw - it affected his writing forever.

· His plays usually start with a character or an idea...not a plot.

· The Catholic Church had a significant impact on him. "When I was growing up the Catholic Church had an answer to everything. However, when my mom got sick...it just wasn't enough to take the nuns at their word."

This was the catalyst for Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All for You. The project began with a nun just talking, and then he realized that non-Catholics would not get it. Durang said that he found himself explaining it to his best friend, Wendy Wasserstein (yes, THAT Wendy Wasserstein).

It became too difficult to write at this time because of his mother's illness; he put the play away. "I wish I still believed," he said very softly during this interview. Durang came back to Sister MI years later and added the idea of inserting the return of the students. Durang says he is always dismayed when productions insert humor in the play where it is not intended. For example, Diane's monologue is not to be funny. Durang was not going to finish the play, but he realized that would not be healthyand said, "One should never give in to writer's block or fear." Ultimately, Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All for You became his most critical and financially successful work. Unfortunately - he said - it came too early in his career, and since then everything he has written has been measured against it.

· He was asked how his relationship with the Catholic Church is now. He laughed, “I have done more for nuns than anyone who has ever lived." He went on to say that he became very serious in his faith in high school and believed in a divine entity that would defeat all things including war (this was during Vietnam). Durang anticipated that when he got to Harvard, he would find more liberalism in Catholicism, and there would be grand discussions on faith. He did not find this and lost hope. He cited that many Baby Boomers have left the Catholic Church because they experienced the same reaction to the black and white word of the Church during such a difficult time. He said, "I was taught that Limbo was a place of fact was that was just too hard for me. Frankly, I do not know anything about the Church anymore." He added that he doesn't know when Christianity became about money and war, but it jaded him.

· Durang wrote a musical called, The Greatest Musical Ever which he described as giddy. It was a comical version of the life of Christ; he said it was like a child's view of the story and featured songs like, "Everything's Coming up Moses." It was called blasphemous, and one letter he received described it as pigs at alter. He submitted this letter along with his application to Yale.

· Baby and the Bathwater began with just a he and she. He quoted Wendy Wasserstein, "Start a scene with two people and when the third person enters, you now have a play."

· The idea for Actor’s Nightmare came from a story that he had heard where an understudy, who had never been rehearsed (and had been smoking pot outside), was called to go on. Durang didn’t have access to any books when he was writing it, so his inclusions of the Noel Coward, Shakespeare and Beckett works were from memory.

· Bette and Boo is autobiographical. He is the character of Matt.

· When asked about how the internet has affected his writing, he said that he has trouble writing when not at the computer. However, he has some students who have gone back to writing their scripts long hand.

· The Hardy Boys and the Mystery Where Babies Come From was written in the 1970 for a TV show called the Comedy Zone. It was written as a spoof on the Shaun Cassidy and Parker Stevenson television series.

· He used to write a play every two years until Laughing Wild. When he was 40 years old it, Reagan changed the healthcare so many mental patients were forced to wander the streets of New York. This play came from observing these individuals.

· Durang cited the New Yorker’s Edith Oliver as a dramaturg/critic who was always gracious to him.

· I asked him what his role was in the rehearsal process. For example, they are currently working on a Broadway revival of Bette and Boo; I wanted to know how he works with directors and casts. He said that he asks for casting approval, and he always asks the director to go with him if he wants to work and/or speak directly with the actors.

After the reading, he did a book signing. I talked to him for a while about my experience in 1998 when the Catholic League of America contacted Governor Janklow’s office to shut down Rapid City Douglas’ production of Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All for You at the SD State One Act Festival. I was serving on the SCASD Advisory Council at the time, so I was thick in the middle of the controversy. He was quite interested in the situation, and we conversed for an extended period.

I am so glad that I went to this event. Christopher Durang is nothing as I thought he would be. I was expecting cynicism with a thick layer of angst. The person who showed up was humble, softly spoken, witty and attentive of his audience. His work will definitely look differently to me now. I used to think that he was a gay man who blamed the Catholic Church for any and all of his woes. This just is not true. He is a man with questions and a longing for hope.

Kim's Coast of Utopia - Part II

Afternoon

After my early afternoon with Durang, I needed to get to the American Airlines Theater on 42nd Street for the next chapter in my perfect day of theatre. I went head over tea kettle down the stairs trying to catch a downtown 6 train. Everything fell out of my purse…newly signed Durang books, wallet, and my entire purse potpourri. All of these men came out of the subway car, scooped me and my stuff up while another sacrificed his body in the subway door so it could not close. They kept yelling, “Come on sweetheart…you can make it!” It was a glorious moment of chivalry by men who ended up being homeless buskers. It was a true OINK moment.

Since I had gone with John von Soosten to Pygmalion last Friday, he invited me back to the matinee talkback with the cast that he was conducting (XM28 Broadway Satellite Radio). Claire Danes had bailed. The excuse given was that she had to rest her voice between performances. The truth (I discovered) was that some of the reviews about her Broadway debut published over the weekend were less than glowing. She was devastated and hesitant to talk to the public. I hate to admit it, but I am so grateful that she was absent. Had she been there, inevidently the discussion would have revolved around her introduction to the stage and a comparison between stage and screen.

I could listen to Jefferson Mays speak for hours. He not only enlightened an entire audience about Shaw and the Edwardian era (Higgins represented the changes bursting during this time and Pickering represents the man between the Victorian and the Edwardian age), he also gave great insight to the text itself. Here are some of the lessons learned:

· Shaw wrote Pygmalion for Mrs. Patrick Campbell with whom he was in love. He called her Stella. However, later in their life when she asked Shaw if she could publish their love letters, he said, “My dear Stella, at this time in my life, I refuse to be the horse to your Lady Godiva.”

· The character of Eliza was originally cast as a woman in her late 40’s

· Jefferson Mays has never seen the musical My Fair Lady or the movie version of it. However, he says it is first on his Netflicks list after their December 17th close.

· The biggest difference between the musical and the drama (besides the obvious) is that in the straight version, the transformation of Eliza happens offstage. This genre is about the repercussions of the changes.

· This is a feminist play. It digs deep into Shaw’s own relationship with his mother. In Pygmalion there is much more development on Higgins' mother – he find more strength from her and values her opinion. A higher level of respect is observed.

· Mrs. Pierce knows exactly how the plot will end from the beginning.

· Jefferson Mays is a student of Viewpointing. He cited Anne Bogart numerous times. He talks about the responsibility that an actor has. He also talked about the degree of energy and rigor an actor needs just to stand on the stage. Finally he emphasized risk taking as key to interesting stage work.

· Mays claims that the text must be the bible to the process. The problems that need to be solved are in the play, and that is the work of the actor.

· Shaw believed that if one is going to expose people to the truth, one better be prepared to make them laugh.

· Shaw thought that he could get people to think like him through his writing. Where Marx and Lenin thought socialism would happen through revolution. This is a play about social change.

· We still judge people by the way they speak – certainly one’s class and education.

· Transformation is the American way…that is why American’s prefer My Fair Lady to Pygmalion.

· He cited Oscar Wilde who said, “The British has a class system and is proud of it. Americans have a class system and pretends it does not exist. “

· Lerner (half of Lerner and Lowe who wrote the music for My Fair Lady) had said that he was attacked for his work on the musical. People would say, “How dare you do that to Shaw.” Now, people have the opposite reaction. They say, “Where is the music? Where is Freddy, Ascot and 'the rain in Spain?'"

Afterwards, I got Jefferson’s autograph and told him that I was so impressed with deep knowledge and his ability to articulate it to the audience. Also, I told him that my dear friend Peppy Biddy had such great things to say about him when he was at the Sundance lab working on I am My Own Wife. He seemed thrilled by hearing Pep’s name and told me to greet him.
John and I had planned on having dinner before he was to take his colleague’s daughter to Mary Poppins (I was a bit jealous as I saw this amazing musical last March). We went to Angus McIndoe. As we waited for our meal Tom Stoppard walked in and sat two tables away. My day just gets better and better….

Kim's Coast of Utopia - Part III

Evening

The Stoppard citing consumed me. I remember that his new play Rock and Roll opens next week but preview began last week. This all makes sense; he is in town to tweak the show. After dinner, I made my way to the Royale Theatre on 45th Street in search of a photo op with Stoppard.

As I waited, Trevor Nunn walked by me….I thought I was going to hyperventilate. Five minutes later, Nunn (with his wife and famed British Actor Imogene Stubb) and Stoppard are walking right towards me.

A word of explanation for those who do not live in the world of theatre. Tom Stoppard is - arguably - our generation’s greatest living playwright. Theatre titles include: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Jumpers, The Invention of Love and The Coast of Utopia (which included three separate but evolving plays. Last March, I did the Utopia marathon. I saw all three plays in one day. It began at 11 and finished at 11 pm) . Stoppard also won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for Shakespeare in Love. Trevor Nunn is Britain’s most celebrated director who is responsible for titles such as Cats and Les Miserables.

I said, “Excuse me, Mr. Nunn, can I implore you to take a photo with me?” He said, “I can’t believe you recognized me.” I responded, “Are you kidding? I am a director. I absolutely know who you are.” I then took a breath and said, “Mr. Stoppard would you join us in this photo?” “I would be thrilled” he answered.

Trevor Nunn then asked me who I was and what I did. I cannot believe -yet - that I was introducing myself to these living legends.

I took this as a sign. I ran to TKTS with 3 minutes until close and asked if they had any tickets for Rock and Roll. He found me a 6 row orchestra seat for $50. I told the clerk that I may have to kiss him…he held me to it. I had to give his service window a little smooch.

As I darted back to the theatre, Stoppard was walking out. I said, “Are you not going to the show? Do you not have a ticket? This is so sad, but I will totally spot you the money.” He laughed. He needed to have a smoke before curtain, and he planned on standing in the back. Then he said, “So tell me again where and what you teach.” I did. He then said, “South Dakota…it sounds so romantic.” My response was, “Wow, you are a cheap date. However, I would love to invite you to visit us. My gosh, my students would canonize me.”

The final lights were flicked, so I went into to take my seat. Once I sat down, I realized that I had not thought on my feet enough to give Stoppard my card. I got up and went back to speak with him - again. I told him that I was trying to write a directorial comparison and would love to hear his opinion. He said, “I know nothing about directing, but I will give your information to Trevor.” I responded, “You and I both know that you not knowing anything about directing is not true, but I would appreciate any help you could give.”

I took my seat…all smiles. As the lights went down, I took a final look to the back to see if Stoppard was – in fact – pacing the back. What I saw was that James Earl Jones was seated two rows behind me.

At intermission, I approached JEJ and asked him for his autograph. He said, “First things first. My name is James Earl Jones and who are you?” Me: “Kim Bartling. I am a theatre prof from South Dakota.” JEJ: “Oh my, you need to meet my wife Cecilia. Also, what is this book I am signing?” Me: “It is just a journal. I take notes throughout every show I see.” JEJ: “You are a teacher.” I spent the entire intermission speaking with JEJ and his wife Cecilia Hart.

Rock and Roll is a typical Stoppard play - hip, fast and cerebral. It parallels the political demise of Czechoslovakia with the evolution of classic rock and roll (Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Greatful Dead, Rolling Stones etc.) The acting was amazing and the conceit brilliant. However, I feel that there was a Directing 101 error. True to a Stoppard script, there are numerous scenes. During each change, the audience was put in the dark as an appropriate song transitioned us. There was a scrim on which was projected all the music recording info (where and when it was recorded, producers, musicians and vocal, etc). These moments were too many and too long. It allowed the audience to mentally leave the action. I do not understand why they didn’t shoot the projection onto the scrim while we watched the transition in grey….unfortunately, no one asked me.

Pinch me. I met Christopher Durang, Jefferson Mays, Trevor Nunn, Tom Stoppard and James Earl Jones all in one day...so many men...so little time.

Don't we look like old friends? Kim Bartling, Tom Stoppard and Trevor Nunn outside Rock and Roll on October 25, 2007

These are some of the faces of the Women's Project (l-r).

Gia Forakis (director of I Want What You Have), Allison Prouty (associate producer of the Women's Project), Leigh Goldberg (producer of I Want What You Have) Megan Carter (associate artistic director of the Women's Project)

The cast of I Want What You Have Leanne, Chriselle and Tamila (l to r).

The Women of WP Rock!

Call at Pace University for the Women's Project performance of I Want What You Have was 8 am. This is officially the earliest that I have been up since arriving in nyc.

Once we got there, we were suppose to have a tech rehearsal from 8:30 - 10:30. This did not happen. Instead, we were given 45 minutes. I have to say, that I handled it all quite well. I kept Gia (the director) calm, the actors supplied with information and beverages, and the officials of Pace and Make Mine a Million (the organization for whom we were performing) on task.

We had 3 hours to chill. Chriselle read our palms...it was an amazing experience. I know that like a fortune cookie or horoscope you can find whatever you want, but she hit on things that were right on. For example:

• I had two sons - who are not close in age but close in relationship
• I have a tendency to "run away" which I have been doing since I was a child
• A man whose name began with a "R" came into my life during after an life altering time but would have not been in my life without the life altering event
• In my 60's, my life dream will be realized
• A female whose name in Kathy or some derivative will become very import to me
• My left brain tends to dominate my right
• I carry my past positively with me day by day

Chriselle studied my hand for at least 30 minutes. She is originally from India and has lead such an interesting life. Currently, she is an office manager, but she is also a model and actor. After she read my palm, we went for a walk. We had a lovely talk as she did not know anything about me personally nor I her.

The performance went on without a hitch. I called the cues from the booth, the actors were terrific, and the audience loved it. I will miss all of these women. However, I already have plans to go to another play directed by Gia on Friday with Tamila, to go to church with Leanne and to have lunch with Chriselle. They have made me a stronger director and woman.

My dad went back into the hospital with another heart scare. It is really difficult to not be able to hop on my scooter and go to Avera. He will be fine, but I told him that most people have a "to do list" before they die. He seems to have a "not to do list." Between my lack of sleep and my first bout of homesickness, it was a pity party afternoon and evening.

Tuesday night, I just vegged. I was completely spent from a weekend of company and all the performance demands. I was in bed by 11...I do not think I have been in bed that early since high school!

Final Day of Rehearsal - Final Night of Guests

Monday my guests went up to the Today Show and The View. They came come with dvds and gps systems...I totally need to get to a tv show; there is hardware to gather.

I had the final rehearsal at WP for I Want What You Have from 12-4. I really come to enjoy these women - those involved in the the performance and those who work in the office. They treat me like I have been working there for years. It is so easy to be there; thisis the greatest compliment I could give them or they me. I also really enjoy stage managing. I get to absorb a new directing style and three completely different acting approaches, while relying on my left brain skills of organization.

After rehearsal, I had to take all the costumes and props with me, so I hopped a cab home before meeting Debbie and Jill for calamari and wine in Chelsea. They headed off to Phantom of the Opera, and I went shopping for all white clothes for the doll. FYI...even Goodwill in Manhattan is expensive. It was nice to have a few hours of playoff baseball (it is official - it is a Rockies-Red Sox World Series) before it was time to get to bed for an early show call.

Three South Dakota cousins making the trip to give homage to another women who represents individuality, freedom and strength...everything we celebrate. We should have a statue of Lillian, Janet or Jenny (our mothers and grandmothers) in Sioux Falls!

Empire State Building - view from the bottom (with the moon to the right) and the view from the top (with stars in the middle).

Daytripping to the tip and top of the Manhattan

Debbie treated Jill and I to a bus tour of Manhattan today. It was a complete touristy thing to do, but I absolutely loved it. I learned so much! The guides are really knowledgeable so it is a complete history lesson. I will pass along a few of my favorite pieces of info: 1 in 10 New Yorkers is a Chinese immigrant; Manhattan is 13.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide; 14th street was the first street in the USA to be lit by street lights; the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public in Washington Square Park; Soho and Tribeca are acronyms for South of Houston (a main East-West artery) and Trains below Canal.

Some of the tour guides are movie buffs so they point out what movies that were filmed in certain locations while others are obviously architecture experts and are not afraid to tell you how much they hate the Madison Square Square structure.

The tour included a boat ride around the Hudson Harbor and up the East River. We then went out past Ellis Island and received an up-close and personal view of Lady Liberty. Also included was a trip to the observation deck of the Statue of Liberty. I have never been up there at night; so, that was a treat. It was stunning.

There was a lot of patience needed today as we had to wait in a lot of lines to board buses, boat and buildings. Unfortunately, by the time we were to leave the Empire State Building we were all tired and hungry. The exit line was more tedious that the ones to go up. They want you purchase everything from your group pic to art noveau kitsch. I had had enough. I walked over to some of the "kids" who were herding us and told them that I was having trouble breathing from claustrophobia and felt as if I was going to vomit. Jill, Debbie and I were down the last 86 flights and strolling down 5th Ave in about 7 minutes flat....please do not try this at home.

We walked up to Grand Central which is still one of my personal favorite pieces of architecture. It is ironically graceful and serene considering it is such a place of chaotic coming and going.
We hopped on an express train to Union Square from where we walked home to eat our left over Mexican food. Currently, Debbie is already in bed as they are getting up early to get standby tickets for The View and then go to the taping of The Today Show in Rockefeller Center. I am going to sleep in a bit before I try to figure out how to get to my Viewpointing class at SITI Company and rehearsal at the Women's Project at the same time...yikes.

Jill and Deb enjoy my "room with a view" apartment. Here we are keeping watch over Morton Street on a Saturday night.

There are Dakotans in the House!!

My cousins Debbie and Jill arrived yesterday and have really taken the city by storm....literally. For the past week, it has been raining in SD; however it has been gorgeous in nyc. When they showed up yesterday around noon, the clouds moved in. By the time we were ready to eat at an outside table at the White Horse, the rain came. It was pouring when we wanted to go Central Park, so we hailed a cab. I dropped them off at Herald's Square to do some shopping while I traveled up to the Women's Project for another rehearsal of I Want What You Have.

I love the movement that these actors bring to this piece. It really has a sense of dance. I also adore the three actors. Each of them are so different - not just in physicality (Indian, African-American and Caucasian) but in training and technique. I am not sure that I am cut out to be a stage manager...however, I do now appreciate them more.

Later that night, we tried doing to the TKTS "thang" to get Jill and Deb tickets to a Broadway show. I remembered that there is a little info store next to McDonalds, so I ran over there to check out their coupon opportunities. I managed to snag them 2 tickets to The Color Purple for a pretty reasonable price.

I went with John von Sotten from satellite radio for my third night of Roundabout Theatre. We saw Claire Daines, Jefferson Mays and Boyd Gains in Pygmalion. I do not know if I have ever seen Shaw's straight show of the - later - famous musical My Fair Lady. I was amazed at how verbatim it was - without the obvious segues and inserted music.

There are only two settings in Pygmalion - Higgins' office and Mother Higgins' living room. The lighting design was weak which really makes a difference for acoustics. If the audience cannot see their lips move - especially with British accents - it has trouble understanding. It got better after the initial scene. The acting was solid...solid....solid.

I would love to do this play, but I found myself wanting the tunes as well. I always said that My Fair Lady should be performed with a meal at intermission; it is just too long. I have changed my mind....the songs are bonus tracks to a wonderfully timeless play.

After the play, I met up with Deb and Jill. We were going grab a bit of food, but Debbie's legs were giving out as her shoes were not supportive. So, we opted to go home and splurge on the Chex party mix that she brought along....I was happy as a clam.

Today, Jill won Drowsy Chaperone lottery tickets, so she and her mom went to the matinee (when you win lottery, you can buy up to 2 tickets for $25 \each). I went and ran about 7 miles in Central Park. A group of young women were selling copies signed on a gorgeous children's book. I am such a sucker for children's books. They were students from King's College, who were selling this book by a former professor of their's, in order to raise money for a project where they mentor to high school students. Of course, I wanted to not only support this endeavour, I wanted to know more. We decided that they should talk and - maybe - team up with my college students. They wanted $25 for the book, but I only had $10. So, I gave it to them with my phone number. One of the girls - Laura - said that she would meet me some day soon with the book and more information about their college and mission, so we could start the collaboration. Love it!

Together with Deb and Jill, we tried - to no avail - to win the Wicked lottery. Instead, they caught a performance at the Laugh Factory. I went home to check on the cats, the baseball game and take a shower.

We had a wonderful meal at Burrito Loco with the world's most attentive waiters. We also have enough food so that we should not have to eat out tomorrow. We took a stroll through the debauchery of Christopher Street on a Saturday night, before perching on my fire escape for some people watching. So far, three people have peed within 50 yards, and there was a Durango across the street that housed activity so steamy that they had to wait about 10 minutes for the windows to defrost before they could drive away. As it approaches the 3 am hour, Jill and I are still holding out for some illicit activities in which to report....I'll let you all know tomorrow.

This is the queue line for The Color Purple today. I could not love this picture more.

Today I did the unthinkable....I patronized Toys R Us on 43rd and Broadway. The doll I borrowed from Sylvia was not to Gia (with a hard g) liking so I had to take one for the team. Do you know that they take your picture when you enter...like you are entering Disneyland? I immediately asked "Where are the dolls?" Answer: "Second floor - right in from of the Barbie Castle. I wanted to die. I grabbed the first doll I found under $20 and made my way to the Women's Project.

I had to paint the Blackberry white, finalize the other props, arrange and clean the rehearsal space and check details with the people at Pace. Once I got there, I also helped out with more marketing before heading home to get ready for the theatre. The entire communication network on this project is less than impressive...frankly, it sucks.

I am so glad that I am having this opportunity. To say the least, we work differently. However, it will all be so helpful when I teach directing in the spring.

I got caught in traffic in a taxi. Eventually, I paid and got out and ran the last six blocks in my heels. I just made the 7:30 curtain. The Overwhelming was BEAUTIFULLY directed; I am so drawn to that type of seemless movement with an ensemble. The director was all over that stage. The lead - Sam Roberts - was out of his league with the rest of the cast. Acting 101 things, like owning cutoff lines, were thrown; I could see the black of the text as he spoke.

The script is amazing. I can't wait to read it. It will be a wonderful script to use in directing as we break scripts for research and dramaturgy.

After the show, John von Sooten and I went to Angus to talk about the show. We had a table right next to Tony Roberts - wow. John is going to be such a great resource for me and the university. His work in media and with all the major theatre artists of our time could be the best job ever...right after mine.

Aft

Talk About Stretching a Buck...

Yesterday I slept in a bit as I recuperated from all the excitement of Tuesday. However, it was Wednesday and you know what that means...matinees! Theatre matinees are on Wed, Sat and Sun. On Sundays there are no evening shows and most Broadway houses are dark on Monday. For theatre junkies like me Wed and Sat are golden because we can get double the fix. I have been know to even sneak a 5:00 (off off Broadway) show in on Sat too, making it a triple espresso of theatre. So, for those of you who have ever said or thought, "I would love to go to New York with Kim sometime!" My response is, "Are you sure? It is a lot of running and a lot of theatre."

I tried getting into about 5 shows before I found an education rate. The Roundabout Company's production of Terrence McNalley's The Ritz at Studio 54 offered me last row balcony for $26, middle mezzanine for $36 or middle orchestra for $46. As I was still pretty tired and also very hungry, I opted for the best seat so I would not miss a thing. I than told myself that I would only be allowed one show as I would be exhausting my budget for the day.

I grabbed and gobbled a quick veggie wrap across the street as the show started in 20 minutes. When I took my seat which was absolute 5th row center, I noticed the man next to me was preparing to take notes. I remembered that the last time I was at the Studio 54 it was for the opening night of Three Penny Opera with Cyndi Lauper and Alan Cumming. I think I had the exact same seat which had just been released by the producers. I sat between Lauper's agent and Wallace Shawn, the playwright who had written this new adaptation. Mr. Shawn is best known as the actor who played Vizzini in The Princess Bride and Mr. Hall in Clueless. As I sat down, I said, "Mr. Shawn, I am a big fan of your writing. Aunt Dan and Lemon is one of my favorite scripts. It is an honor to sit next to you." He said, "Likewise...and who are you." After I told him who I was, he was fascinated because of the politics in SD (this was last fall during the Roe vs. Wade debate and the whole nation was watching). He was particularly knowledgeable about the subject. As the lights went down, he said, "I would like to talk about this further after the show." Then, he did the oddest thing...he pulled out his ratty old backpack from under his seat, unwrapped a hard boiled egg that was wrapped in paper towel; he peeled and ate it. We did talk after the show, and he is as brilliant and charming as he is quirky.

Okay, back to yesterday. I asked the man why he was taking notes. He said that his name was John von Soostetn, and that he worked for satellite radio. After today's matinee there was going to be a live recording of a interview with Rosie Perez and Kevin Chamberlain - the leads.

At intermission we spoke more about it, and he asked if I would please formulate a question because getting the audience involved in a Q and A is always difficult. Also, it would be on national radio, so I would be heard from coast to coast.

Also, during intermission, I asked John if he had any contact info for Terrence McNalley as he had said that he had meet him a few times. I told him that in 2002, I took some classes with McNalley in Valdez, Alaska (along with Edward Albee, Rommulus Linney, Paula Vogel and Emily Mann). However, it was McNalley who said to me, "Do art where you are. If Chicago, LA or New York are your ultimate goals, you will be disillusioned and disappointed. You can make a bigger difference in Sioux Falls than anywhere else." I have since adopted that mantra of "Do art where you are" as the thesis for numerous speeches and workshops that I have given. I totally agree.

I love being here, I love studying here, but I also can't wait to go home and share it with my students and community. Anyway, when I first met McNalley, I told him I was from Podunk, SD. He continued to use that phrase throughout our workshops, "Even if you are from Podunk, SD there is work and art to be done." When I returned home that summer, I found this shirt downtown Sioux Falls that had Welcome to the Boondocks - Podunk, South Dakota. I bought it for him and have held on to it for the past 5 years. I brought it along to nyc knowing The Ritz was opening and maybe I could get a glimpse of him. John told me to wait until after the radio interview, and he would help me find someone who could get me to McNalley - Score!

I loved the show...but what is not to love? Terrence McNalley's writing, Joe Mantello's direction, William Ivey Long's costumes, and Studio 54! I was amazed that a show that was first mounted in 1975 about a gay bathhouse a)did not seem more archaic in language and subject and b)was charming and sweet it was. I do not typically like farce, but this production is different. It was an American farce which makes it all a bit more palpable for me.

At the radio interview and audience talk back, there was a gasp and giggle when I had to announce my name and state. People always react this way when they hear "South Dakota." The most common response I get is, "I do not think I have ever met anyone from South Dakota before." I think my comment-question went something like this," Thank you for a wonderful afternoon of theatre. It was an honor - Mr. Chamberlain and Ms. Perez - to watch you work, and to borrow a word from Mr. McNalley, it was a "sumptuous" performance. I am a huge fan of Mr. McNalley's writing. I would like to know how involved was he in the the rehearsal process and how accessible has he been to you and the production?"

As I waited for John to wrap up his radio obligations, the young man who had me sign the radio waiver before I asked my question came over and said,

Young man: My parents are from SD."

Me: Where?

Young man: Mitchell

Me:What is your last name?

Young man: Gerlach

Me: Like Shawn Gerlach (SDSU theatre/Rep alumni)?

Young man: He's my cousin. Actually, my folks (which is such a SD word) are from a little town outside of Mitchell

Me: Mount Vernon?

Young man: Wow. Yeah.

Young woman with him: That's amazing.

Me: No, that is the Theory of Dakotativity.

Young woman: Yeah, I am from Minnesota, so I understand that.

Me: Really? Where?

Young woman: Mankato.

Me: Did you go to MSU?

Young woman: No, Duluth.

Me: Great program. So did you study with Tom Isbell?

Young woman: Yes, he's the reason I went to Duluth, and he's the reason I am here.

Me: See, Theory of Dakotativity works everywhere.

It turns out that these two actually work for Roundabout Company and they will get me the McNalley contact info. Cool.

John - from Satellite radio - asked me if I got what I needed from them. I said that I had and thanked him. He then asked if I seen the Roundabout's other productions. I said that I had seen Speech and Debate, but I had yet to see Pygmalion and The Overwhelming. He said that he had tickets to all their fall series shows, and that he would love to share them with someone who loves and appreciates theatre as much as I. So, tonight I am seeing The Overwhelming and tomorrow Pygmalion. My $46 splurge has certainly paid off.

I finally went and treated myself to a sit down dinner last night - the first one since Teake left. Eating warm vegetable lasagna was the perfect way to end the day...almost. I then popped in the Barrow Inn to share a glass of wine with Natalie. Once again her establishment was patronized by the most eclectic group of people. She is so kind to each one. From the English tourists to the nyu female rugby team to 4 businessmen playing pool to the 3 bikers around the jukebox to the old couple with no teeth at the end of the bar. She knows almost all of them by name...and they each other.

It had been another full day and learning and living.

OINK (only in new york)

This gaggle of Germans were not afraid to announce to the world (or at least those of us following them on Bleeker)...the secret! Evidently, there are no Victorias in Deutschland. Truly, their march down the street almost looked choreographed...loved it!

Filming Law and Order

Seriously...unless you really love me or want to wallow in SD comfort...DO NOT READ!

Today was a chapter out of The Devil Wears Prada. I schlepped my baby carriage and other props down to Pace University by 11. I was dreaming up all sorts of excuses as it was 10:40, and as SM for I Want What You Have , I think I should have been there by 10 (one hour before rehearsal was to begin). After checking in with Homeland Security (Pace was basically whiped out because of its proximity to the Twin Towers), I waited almost a half an hour before any of the actors or the director showed up…I should have seen this an a sign.

To walk anyone through this step by step would be excruciating. I lived it for all of us. This play is only 12 minutes long; it was mounted in April to great success. Make Mine a Million (an entrepreneurial organization) has contracted The Women’s Project to remount the show as their “entertainment” for this national convention next Tuesday at Pace. We are in the space that Inside the Actor’s Studio is shot.

One would think that remounting a show with the same script, actors and director would be…painless...exciting?...fun? Um……

The first hour – once everyone was there – was dedicated to talking about things like, “Who are these women in the audience?” “Why are they here?” “How does the space speak to us?” Then, the fact that they were asked to perform in front of the grand and on the apron just brought the whole process to a complete stop. When I suggested that this audience had never seen the piece, so whatever they gave them would new and ephemeral, I was immediately corrected. “Kim, it is not that simple. These actors are invested in the performance. An extra chair and limited stage space can break the performance.” Robert Cohen lesson Number 1, “Acting and theatre is serious business, but never take yourself too seriously.”

Once everyone had “discovered” the space on their own terms, Gia gave them a 5 minute bathroom break. 35!!!! minutes later, they returned obsessing about personal dramas….I want to either a)kill them or b)kill myself.

Blocking rehearsal begins. The bottom line is that 1.5 hours later, they only have their entrance and initial tableau completed. Highlights include:

*Mispronouncing Gia’s name. I was saying it with a soft g (like gee). Evidently, it is a hard g (like girl.) I said, “Oh, I am so sorry. I wish you had corrected me immediately.” She responded, “I did not want to embarrass you.” Me: ”It takes a lot to embarrass me. In fact, I am not sure if I have ever been totally embarrassed.” (Mind you, she waited until the day was almost done, and she screamed this information across the stage….but she did not want to embarrass me).

*Gia (with a hard g) could not figure out how to get all the actors on the stage on the right count. Finally, I suggested that they come from the house (she is the one so concerned with who these women in the audience are…this would let them bond with them…feel their energy…feel their struggle…feel their pain... you all know I am being a complete smart ass right?) Right after this, one of the actors said that the line she had just did not “feel right”. Gia (with a hard g) got all stiff, put her chin up, clinched her jaw and said, “I appreciate all your ideas, and I just want you to know that I have thought about all of them throughout my process. You are just going to have to trust me.”…I did not open my mouth again.

There is so much more to this, but it may just be funny and frustrating to me. I just kept with my stock responses, “I am taking care of it” and “No problems; I have a call in.” I called Jim on the way home and told him that we need to appreciate each other more.

Next, I needed to get up to 6th and 42nd to pick up the 100 cupcakes for tonight’s Women’s Project Gala. The problem was that I could not get into my apartment to drop off the stroller etc because Law and Order was shooting on my street. I finally convinced them to let me through. I picked up the cupcakes at Crumbs, FINALLY got a cab (which is tough to do with no arm to spare at rush hour), dropped them off at the theatre and hauled butt home to get ready.
I had a wonderful evening. I served, I schmoozed and I smiled. I had two favorite moments:

#1 The performance. We were walked around the space (on-stage, backstage, wings, hallways, green room and even the street) to experience Suzan-Lori Parks 365. I have seen 9 shows since arriving in NYC and this was the best 30 minutes of theatre that I have seen. I can’t wait to do it.

#2 I had called Tamilla (one of the actors in I Want What You Have) earlier because she took off with the Blackberry prop (I needed to paint it white by Friday). She said she would bring it to the gala. I talked to her briefly earlier in the eve. However, later in the night, I went to remind her to give me the prop before she left. It went something like this…

Me: Tamilla, can I get the Blackberry before you take off?

Tamilla: Sure. Kim called me about it.

Me: Um…yeah.

Tamilla: Will you give it to her?

Me: What?

Tamilla: Kim. Will you make sure she gets it?

Me: I am confused.

Tamilla: Why? Did you talk to Kim?

Me: I am Kim,

Tamilla: Huh?

Me: I am Kim.

Tamilla: I don’t get it.

Me: Me either.

Tamilla: How do you know Kim? You and I met before right? At a LAB event?

Me: I am Kim.

Tamilla: What?

Me: This morning? Rehearsal?

Tamilla (She looks long and hard at me and then begins to scream) OHMYGOD!

Me: What?

Tamilla: You are gorgeous.

Me: Excuse me?

Tamilla: No (she pulls people in) she was in braids, a hat and flip flops this morning. I feel so
dumb. KIM!!

She continued on this was for the next 20 minutes. I am not sure if it was degrading…a compliment…or….EMBARRASSING!!!

Here I am in the subway on my way home. Stroller, pumpkin in a bag, weird red purse, and the baby doll in the purple bag hanging off the back. I think the eye-patched David Bowie t-shirt was the perfect choice to top off this entire look.

Motherhood 101 - Do not put baby in a plastic bag

I finally went to a somewhat "organized" job today! I didn't have to be in until 5, so my plans for the afternoon were to run through Central Park for a couple of hours and have - finally - a nice sit down meal before heading to work. That was the plan.

Instead, I discovered that I had been assigned a prop list that included numerous things including a baby doll, a stroller and a Blackberry. Change of plans. I decided to - literally - do a "prop run." I ran to numerous thrift shops that I discovered while working on the apartment - no dolls. I stopped at no less than 10 cell phone stores, before some wonderful man gave me an obsolete Blackberry (with the battery lid missing). In the meantime, I had scored a pretty sweet flip cell as a backup. The doll continued to be a problem.

As I was running down 3rd Ave., I passed a preschool with 4 mothers, strollers and babies talking outside of it. I ran two more blocks before convincing myself of my own mantra..."All they can say is no." I ran back and asked where they would send me if I needed a doll for a play. All three of them offered to loan me a doll....I love New York. Lisa asked her daughter Sylvia if I could borrow one of her triplets for the week. Sylvia said absolutely not. I told her that her doll would not only have a wonderful adventure and be in a play, but I will bring her back in a new white outfit. It was a deal.

I got up to the Women's Project and worked on getting the packets and other materials ready for tomorrow's Board of Trustee Meeting and Membership Gala. After rehearsal tomorrow, I need to run home, get dressed up and go work at the festivities.

A baby stroller had been found and left for me at the office, so I needed to take that and the copies of the scripts home with me tonight. At first, I looked like a normal New Yorker; I am pushing a stroller without a baby...just 'cuz. Making little sense makes total sense in the city.

It was a beautiful night in nyc (and according to all my midwest reports, the rain is coming), so I decided to take advantage of it and walk over to East 43rd from West 68th to retrieve the baby doll from Lisa and Sylvia. On the way, I discovered a great deal on pumpkins, so I decided to splurge, especially since I would not have to carry it and could just put it in the stroller. The entire walk to grab the doll took me @ 1.5 hours. The doll lives in a BEAUTIFUL condo overlooking the United Nations to their east and the Chrysler Building to their west.

I headed back to Grand Central to grab a 6 Train to Astor Place (I need white spray paint, and K-mart is the only thing open until 10). On the walk back, this very sophisticated woman dressed in off-white from head to toe (the hat was a bit much, but she didn't ask me), was walking toward me on the sidewalk. All of a sudden, she started to scream. She thought that my pumpkin (which was wrapped in 3 grocery sacks and strapped into the stroller because I didn't want it to fall out and lose its stem) was a baby. She thought I had wrapped my baby in a grocery bag and was taking it out for a walk! She still didn't find the humor in it even after I proved that I was only the proud mother of a 13 pound pumpkin. She just stormed off in an off-white designer poof, and I laughed all the way home.

My day ends with a slice of spinach, onion, black olive and broccoli pizza, baseball on the tv and the cats cuddled around me. Can you hear the sigh?

2 bagels, 2 plays, and 2 new friends

After fighting a night of flu-like symptoms during the evening, I woke up late but actually felt good enough to go for a run. I enjoyed the Hudson Park path which runs all the way up and down the west side of the island. The wind off the Hudson River was cold but invigorating.

I showered and wolfed down a bagel with lox and cheese before dashing to the Atlantic Theatre Company to see Scarcity. The writing was reminiscent of Sam Shepherd and George Walker - gritty, blue-collar drama with quirky character. Kristen Johnson was wonderful and owned the stage. I love the Atlantic space because you are practically onstage. It is fascinating to watch the acting choices that close.

Between shows, I found this little restaurant called Las Ramblas on 4th Street. I only had an hour, so I read and enjoyed calamari and a soda. Two women eating next to me asked if I wanted to share in their cheese plate. Turns out they both used to live in nyc and were in town, and this was their favorite restaurant. One of women was Wendy Torrel, is a retired nyc police officer, who now writes children's book. She had a copy of it on her...it is really a beautiful book entitled, Guardian of Dreams. I am going to have our kids work it into a performance piece and sent it back to her...I love the way this city works. By the way, you can get the book at Barnes and Noble.

Walmartopia at the Minetta Lane was a wonderful surprise. It is a satire on what will happen by 2037 if Walmart continues to take over the world. For an obscure off-Broadway project, this musical included a lot of heavy hitters in its cast. Moreover, it was a strong political piece. There was a talkback with the actors, and I was impressed by most cast's passion and knowledge on the subject of Walmart's contributions and detriments to society.

After walking around the Village for an hour (I love Sundays in NYC), I came home, cleaned the apartment and treated myself to hot cocoa and a bagel. Goodnight.