Old Friends - New Friends

I got up yesterday to do a bit of shopping at my favorite spots. Also, I was going to meet my former student and dear friend Mitch Maguire and his 4 month old daughter Sadie so I needed to stop by Barnes and Noble. I picked her up all my favorite titles: Horray for Wodney Wat, Where the Wild Things are, Chrysanthemum, Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Bedhead, Fancy Nancy. Mom had also china painted her a baby bootie with her birthday and vitals.

It was so fun to see Mitch and his new daughter. She is absolutely gorgeous with eyelashes that go on for miles and soft blue-grey eyes. I got to hold her the entire hour…loved it. It was good to catch up with Mitch; he will forever be one of the most important people in my life.

Next, I dashed off to the Atlantic Theatre Company to interview Doug Hughes for my book. Wow. He is not only a brilliant director, he is gracious, warm and refreshingly unguarded. He was the easiest interview yet; he just free associated the words with not only his approach to the stage but also just him as a man in the world. Considering how swamped he is with work (he had just finished rehearsal the then they had a preview performance at 8), I was thrilled that he gave me an hour and a half window.
On the way out, I grabbed a student ticket and who was working? Fran who I met numerous times through the Women’s Project and had already ran into at the performance of Speed the Plow. The theatre world is very, very small.
Farragut North was frighteningly time relevant. It was about the dog eats dog world of political spin. It starred Chris Noth and John Gallagher Jr. The young girl was particularly good. The space is very small; it seats around 200 and her choices were subtle and smart.

After the play, I waited to tell Doug Hughes how much I enjoyed the conversation. I did say hi to Chris Noth, but I did not remind him that we were in Alaska together in 2002. As I waited, I could not help but watch Olivia Thilby . I decided that I would ask him for an interview as he would certainly lower the age demographic, and – let’s face it – since his performance as Moritz in Spring Awakening, he is the hottest young actor on the scene.

He was wonderful to the all of young people waiting to speak with him. In fact, he was so good, that it took forever for me to speak with him. When I did, he acted like I was the first person to ever give him a compliment. He gave me his full attention and preceeded to tell me how lucky he is. I told him that there may be a bit of luck, but he is successful because it is obvious that he treats people with respect. He will always work because people want to work with him. It would be fun to interview him.

I went home happy again. I saw good friends, good theatre and good manners.

Variety is the Spice of Theatrical Life

On Wednesday, I went to A Man for All Seasons at the American Airline Theatre. It starred the great Frank Langella and it was the first time in a long time that I cried in the theatre. It was oozed class. Things found in my notebook after the show

• Never underestimate the power of light as a metaphor. There was an point when Cromwell snuffed out the light of enlightenment.
• Off stage sounds should never be forgotten
• Hughes is the king of directing scene changes; they are deliberate and orchestrated
• In the design there are lots of lines to cross – in the flooring, the beams, the doors, etc.
• Excellen t playfulness of Henry VIII. He was depicted as a walking party…he even had musicians traveling him. He was an infectious personality.
• Sir Thomas Moore: “God is too subtle.”
• “It is not holy; it is just old. You can’t see it or touch it ….it is theory.
• “I trust I make myself obscure?
• Thought is the middle…Kirby Wilcoxson is a modern day Sir Thomas Moore
• The law is not a light in which to see by.
  

The reason I found myself tearing up was first the relationship between Moore and his daughter Margaret and his wife…he respected them and protected them. The other reason was because it was a student matinee. When I bought my ticket, they basically apologized that the house would be full of students. I said, “I taught high school for 12 years. I am totally up for the challenge.” It was an honor to be in the audience. The show was close to 3 hours long and they were so engaged.

During the curtain call, Frank Langella stopped to address them. He told them that they were the best audience ever and that this play addresses the issue of conscience. He said, “It is of great importance to listen to one conscience and know the man or woman that your are voting to represent you in the affairs of the state. It was sincere and it made an impact.
After the show, I dropped some interview requests at Speed the Plow for Jeremy Piven and Raul Esparza. Then, I ran up to 54th to grab some soup from my favorite spot…yum. Seafood Chowder and Crab Bisque.

That night I attended Fifty-Words at the Lucille Lortel which is three blocks from my home. Ummmm…it was scary in a ohmygodIdonotwanttobethesepeople sort of way. Norbert Butz who is a huge Broadway name drives me nuts…he pulls the last vowel in the last word of each sentence. The pattern is irritating.

New plays – old plays. Young audiences – old audiences. Broadway - Off, Off Broadway, 1ooo in the house – 2oo in the house….I love the variety right outside of my door.

Bogartism

My meeting with Anne Bogart went really, really well. I started the conversation by asking her a couple of random questions. “Do you think we will see a new ‘ism’ in our lifetime? Are we moving toward anything? ” I asked. She responded, “Well, I think we are moving to a rebirth of learning. The last ‘ism” was post-modernism. However, we need to see a deconstruction in order for there to be growth. It is approaching.”

I asked her if – before we started talking about the project – I could tape record it. I explained that my memory isn’t what it used to be and that the what I used to take to help that (estrogen) has been removed from my daily supplement by my doctor. She retorted, “I know what you can take. Take notes.” Touche.

I pitched the project by explaining the importance of her text in the USF CST program. Then, I told her about my artistic journey. I assured her that my continual quest for knowledge keeps me alive as a teacher, and that my goal as an instructor is prepare the students in their discipline but also to show them how to change the world with art – right where you live. I told her that Terrance McNalley once told me,”Do art where you are. If you make New York, Chicago, LA or even Minneapolis your barometer of success than you will be unhappy .” This is why I want to do the supplemental book. I want to bring the stories of the artists to them. Furthermore, I want to show my students that all people have stories and that it is our job to tell them.

She listened intensely and then simply said, “I love the idea. I am excited about its possibilities; you have my complete support. Now, I need to get back to rehearsal, and I will see you at the show.” It was quick and absolutely everything – and more – than I hoped it would be. I did attend her radio play of War of the Worlds afterwards. Jeffery France, one of the actors that I interviewed last year, was one of the actors so that was a lovely surprise. Julie Crosby, from the Women’s Project and her significant other, Bruce, joined me at my table. It struck me how small the theatre world is even in nyc.

The performance was chilling. I am so drawn to her direction…it is simple: listen to the text. It is powerful how large she can make a production when – in reality – the stage was absolutely tiny to house the seven actors.

After the show, I touched base with Jeffery and then headed back to the Village. I stopped in Daddy-O and caught up with Luce. It feels so good to be able to pick up with my nyc friends right where we left off last December….we both had a lot to share.

USF Superhero Comes to the Rescue

After a lovely group meal at Spice, the students packed up and headed home. It was a good day to leave the city as it was pouring and cold. After they boarded the van, I actually prepped in one of their apartments for my meeting with Bogart. Then came the call – from Amanda. Their flight had been cancelled due to the weather and the closest they could get to home was Chicago.

It was de ja vu all over again. Two years ago we had the same problem traveling to nyc. At that time, I called President Benedetto as he is originally from Chicago and asked for advice. He not only found the students a hotel, he found one with a shuttle and free breakfast AND he picked up the bill. Two years later, I need my Benedetto superhero powers again. He came to the rescue again. I think it is amazing that our university is close enough that not only do I feel comfortable enough to ask, but that he feels such a connection and responsibility to these eight random students.

A View From the Bridge

Bridges, Cherry Lane, Letterman and Cupcakes

Another nyc first…together with Kimmy Norlin and Tracie Erdmann , I walked the Brooklyn Bridge. Since Tuesday’s forecast calls for rain, a couple of us made this a priority on– yet another – beautiful October day. As much as it was a leisurely and picturesque walk, I could not help seeing the images of 9-11 that are imprinted in my mind.

We met up with Leah Hofkamp who had been exploring MoMA all day for a early dinner at Lower East Side vegan-friendly restaurant. They eventually headed up to Central Park; I have not seen the guys all day. Actually, that is not true. I did see Keegan. He and Amanda were going to join us on the Brooklyn Bridge; however, he lost his cell phone on the subway. He finally did get a call and had to go meet the party who were gracious enough to return it.


Tonight, some of us met up to go to Fault Lines at Cherry Lane Theatre which is right around the corner from my apartment. It starred Josh Lucas but the entire ensemble was impressive on stage and on paper. Furthermore, Fault Lines was directed by David Schwimmer. It was a solid performance. It was full strong choices and – yet – it all looked so simple.

After the show, we waited to meet and greet the cast. They were so approachable; they asked the girls questions, signed Playbills and took pictures. Lucas even gave me his email so that I can contact him about collecting an artist interview. I am so glad they saw an Off-Broadway show so they could actually see actors work.


Up the five flights of stairs to my apartment we went for a little post-show discussion. They had been to the famous Magnolia’s Bakery earlier, so I brewed some Porto Rico coffee, and we had a lovely time. We solved some world problems and then….watched Keegan Warwick and Amanda Simon make their CBS debut. They got some really good air time on Letterman.


Kimmy, Tracie and Leah headed back to their apartment, but Amanda crashed on my couch. I really do love these students. They continually teach me every day, and it has been such a pleasure to get to spend time with them off campus and know them all a bit better.

Coming and Going from the Women's Project

Extraordinary Day

Amanda Simon and I attended the final production of the Women’s Project production of Alien with Extraordinary Skills. It was odd to walk back into the theatre where a year ago, I spent so much time. From the moment we got there, we were put to work. I rocked the membership table and Amanda sold concessions – it was a great way to see free theatre. It was also fun to see the old crew – Allison, Julie, Jack, Gian Murray and Megan. However the real treat was seeing Lucy Martin who was part of the Wapato cast from last year. She was one of my nyc surrogate mothers. The first question that she had was about the final chapter in the Velarie – the homeless woman – story. I was pleased to tell her that after a month at St. Vincent’s, I did move her to Watertown where she is living “happily ever after.”


Aliens with Extraordinary Skills was a beautiful show….funny and poignant. It was a sweet tale about following your dreams in a fresh, new way. We loved it.


Amanda and I spent the rest of the evening in and around Canal. Five pairs of shoes later, we were literally and figuratively spent. Following a group tour of the Lower East Side Toy Company, we called it a day.

What am I running to or from? No matter what, I always end up where I started.

The following is the web description of the road race that I completed yesterday

Poland Spring™ Marathon Kickoff Race

On the Sunday prior to the ING New York City Marathon, this race travels the roads of Central Park covering part of the Marathon course including the same finish line. The 5-mile race is open to all runners, not just Marathoners. In addition to plenty of Poland Spring® Brand Natural Spring Water to keep runners hydrated, everyone who completes the race receives a Poland Spring Souvenir and t-shirt.

I met Ann Weisbecker and Matt "Guy" Fiorita at CP for the 8:30 run. Guy took off immediately and ran some ridiculous time like 30 minutes. Ann and I ran together for the first couple of miles, but since I had not ran since I fell and busted off my front tooth, I told her to continue on at that pace...I had to slow down. Also, I thought we were running a 5K. After the one mile marker and I asked her exactly how long 5K was in miles, Ann said, "Yeah, um...it is 5 miles. I didn't know when it would be a good time to tell you." Okay. 5 miles. No problem....and really it wasn't. I finished running under 10 minute miles. Not bad for someone officially closer to 50 than 40. I really wish I had brought my camera as it was really wonderful to be able to take part in an event with 10,000 others, but more than that to do it with 2 former O'Gorman (and Ann also graduated from USF) students who I directed and coached.

Little fyi about Ann and Guy. First of all, the name "Guy" came after high school, so I have a difficult time calling him that - he is Matt to me. Anyway, they are both O'G grads, both amazing actors and interpers for me, but did not know each other (he is older). They met in nyc and have been together for a couple of years now. Life is amazing

...anyway, back to Central Park. It was an absolutely perfect morning in the city. The sun was shining and it was perfect weather for running. It was so communal. People were lined up around the park to cheer us on; it really does give you marathon fever. Next Sunday, I am going to Guy's apt in Williamsburg to watch the NY City Marathon and return the "fan favor" to real runners!

Broadway Hit and Miss

Yesterday, I got up and hit the Housing Works....where else can you get a $200 designer jean jacket for $15?

I met some of the students for All My Sons. This was the show that turned me on to theatre. In the late 80's, I saw a production by the same name at SDSU starring names such as Jarrod Emick, Vicki Fuller, Trey Karlen and Michael Barnett. I could not leave the theatre because I could not quit sobbing....it forever has defined the word "catharsis" for me.

So, here I am listening to John Lithgow, Diane Wiest, Katie Holmes and Patrick Wilson speaking Miller's words....directed by a Brit - and it shows. Swear to God, the American born, Juliard trained actor playing George had a British accent. I found the staging contrite.; I knew where they were moving next. Also, the style was very John Doyle. Give them each an instrument and we have Sweeny Todd or Company. Stage vs Film chops showed...no matter how earnestly she projected, Ms. Holmes/Mrs. Cruise was out of her league.

Saturday night, I went to 13. Thank goodness it is only 90 minutes long. It was written and performed for a pre-pubescent audience; I am over 3o years too late.

I went to bed early to prepare for my Sunday am road race.

Amanda, Keegan and I enjoying the Knicks - Nets Game
Dan hanging on to the Staten Island Ferry for dear life, along with Kimmy, Tracie, Leah, Nick, Corbin and Keegan.

Protesting on the Wall Street

Two First for the NYC Old Timer.

It has been a pleasure to have the students in the city. This group is amazingly good at making decisions and playfully discovering the city on their own.

Yesterday, the the day was spent figuring out the theatre puzzle...where to get the cheapest tickets where and when. They are really good at it!

They did a lot of star spotting, ticket buying and a little shopping before meeting me @ 2. After scouring Loehmann's for shoes, we headed down to Ground Zero. It is always a powerful gift to visit this spot where so much life, love and potential was lost with students who are oozing with those very same qualities. I love and cherish the fact that I can grab hands and pray with my students....especially when we are sharing moments such as the reality of life's fleeting nature.

We continued down to Wall Street. What an interesting time to be in the Financial District. Since our economy is not just wavering but wallowing, there were protests all over. The kids and I talked about how amazing it is to live in a country where we can stand on the steps of the stock exchange and verbally rant about specific companies and people. How about that First Amendment? We take for granted the rights we have as citizens.

Our walk south down Manhattan landed us at the Staten Island Ferry. We took the free ferry ride - which goes right by the Statue of Liberty. Fun, fun, fun. I had never done that before - what a easy, fun and cheap treat.

Last night, I was the guest of Amanda Simon's as she spent the day shadowing the New York Knicks Cheerleaders. As the coach of the Skyforce Skyleaders, she got a sit down with their staff and a set of tickets for the Knicks and Nets. Keegan Warwich came too. We saw a great game...3 dunks by Patrick Ewing jr. and the final score was 110-111 Nets. That was my first trip to Madison Square Garden - another first in one day!

Having the enthusiasm of the students in the city has really been a gift to me. I am invigorated watching the learn to love the city.

"We will leave some traces, for we are people and not cities." - Ionesco, The Chairs

Last year, I took over 50 pictures of gloves that had been lost and abandoned around the city. The photo collection entitled Hands Across New York is one of my favorite pieces of art in my home.

Because I am currently directing Steven Deitz' Lonely Planet, I am acutely aware of all the empty chairs randomly left on the streets of New York. Who sat in these chairs? What does it say about their personality? Where did the owner go? Why is the chair no longer needed?

Pinch Me

Isn’t there an MTV program called “Best Day Ever?” I – totally – needed to be on that show today.

I actually arrived in nyc yesterday. However, since I really haven’t slept until sometime in August, I arrived exhausted, dragged my posterior up the five floor walk-up to my studio on Bedford, and went to bed.

This morning, I awoke to a gorgeous October day in Manhattan. The first thing on the agenda was to walk over to Porto Rico Importing Company to buy beans. This is the best coffee shop in the world; they also have an online store and if anyone reading this ever wants to buy me a Christmas or Birthday gift, just send me some coffee from PRIC and I will love you forever. Check them out at http://www.portorico.com/store/

I then savored a quiet breakfast of bagel, cream cheese and jam, pumpkin spice coffee, a banana and yogurt. Heaven.

I constructed a letter of which I have been procrastinating. Since I am trying to collect artist interviews to place in an anthology that suppliments Anne Bogart’s book A Director Prepares: Seven Essays of Art and Theatre, I should probably consult Anne Bogart. I have been dragging my feet, because in addition to being a theorist, director and teacher, she is also writer. I have been hesitant in contacting her because I have been afraid that she will put the “kabash” on the project – maybe she wants to do this herself or maybe she just doesn’t like the idea. Also, without crashing SITI Company, the theatre company and school that she originated, or Columbia, where she teaches, I had no idea how to get into contact her.

So, I wrote a letter, explained my interest and sent it to an address I found on the Columbia website. She responded – enthusiastically about my work – within the hour. I was over-the-moon! She has agreed to meet with me next Tuesday. Pinch me.

Then, I also received a response from an email request that I sent director Douglas Hughes. He too agreed to meet with me, send me his cell number and told me to call. Pinch me.

I finished breakfast and floated over to the Housing Works to do a little shopping. Then, the USF kids called, they had landed in Newark found their driver and were headed to one of the apartment I had rented for them in Chelsea. Happy Fall Break USF!

We dropped their bags and walked down to the West Village. I introduced them to my neighborhood by having lunch at the White Horse Tavern, meeting Miguel and Hercules, and showing them all the quant tree-lined streets.

Next we headed uptown. They wanted Spring Awakening tickets…and got them. Amazing. Student rush – front mezzanine. I walked them by Rockefeller Center and on to the shrine called H & M. I needed to get down to the other apartment to grab keys, so I left Kimmy and Keagan to grab a student rush ticket for me to the Opening Night performance of the revival of Mamet’s Speed the Plow with Raul Esparza, Jeremy Piven and Elizabeth Moss.

Fyi…the kids’ apartments in Chelsea are on 28th and 20th (cross street is 7th for both). Both apts are really cute; I hope they are pleased.

I really enjoyed the direction and acting of Speed the Plow. How can you go wrong? Amazing actors – seasoned director. I always love sitting in the mezzanine as one can see directing patterns so clearly.

Afterwards, I was lingering around the stage door, just to eye-spy. Since it was opening night, I saw a lot of who’s who going in – Robert Kline, Blythe Danner, John McEnroe and Patti Smyth, Marian Seldes, and Barbara Streisand. On the way out, I spoke to Fredrick Weller and exchanged hi’s with the “Can you hear me now” Verizon guy. However, the thrill came randomly. Patricia Clarkson walked by.

Every year in Intro to Theatre, I am asked who are my favorite actors. My standard answers are Edward Norton and Patricia Clarkson. Earlier today, I was lamenting a bit that I was incredibly lucky to have so many amazing men to agree to meet me for an interview, but I really need more women. I was just thinking earlier today – I would love to interview Patricia Clarkson….and there she was.

I approached her and – truthfully – was star struck. I had trouble formulating a sentence, but I did ask….and she agreed!!! She said that she was “intriqued” by me and insisted that I call her Patty. First I get to call Kathleen Chalfant “Kathy” and now “Patty.” Pinch me.

After the kids got a slice to fill their tummies and end their first day, got the girls settled in their apartment, I headed home.

It was the “Best Day Ever.”