Standing of the Shoulders of Giants

On Tuesday evening I received incredibly sad news. My teacher, my mentor and my dear friend Nancy Wheeler lost her battle with cancer. I cannot - at this time - respond to the depths of sadness that I have been experiencing, but Wednesday was particularly hard. I was convinced that the funeral was going to be over the weekend, and I would not be able to get home in time for it. I have already missed the funeral of Dave Dedrick who I idolized as a child and loved and respected as an adult, not being able to say goodbye to Nancy was just too heavy.

So on Wednesday morning I got up and thought, “If Nancy was in New York, what show would she want to see?” Easy – South Pacific at Lincoln Center. This musical has been playing for about two years now, and frankly, I have had little interest in seeing it. However, I believe that my love for musicals comes from the influence of Nancy Wheeler and Raymond Peterson in my life. This classic American musical was the perfect choice for me and Nancy to attend.

I have to admit that I cried through most of the first act. Yes, it was beautiful, but more than that, I was overwhelmed with I – Kim Schetnan Bartling, who grew up on a farm in rural SD – was sitting in Lincoln Center in New York City. How did this happen? Who told me I could spend a quarter of my year in this city? What do I know about theatre? Where did I get this appetite to always know more?

Nancy Wheeler. Karen Foster. Bette Gerberding. Sylvia Henkin. Sharon Kringen. Joyce Evans. Mary Alice Haug. Roberta Rude. Julia Bennett. Michele Pawk. Rosie Blunk. Jennie Sievers. Florence Schetnan. Lillian Leithesier. Janet Schetnan.

I have had amazing teachers. Women who have showed me how to love, learn and live. Nancy Wheeler taught me all that plus she showed me how to be a woman passionate about education, theatre, students, family and faith by example.

I have never enjoyed a musical more as I did on Tuesday. It was an honor to watch it with Nancy who as of Tuesday evening will be traveling with me on all my adventures .

Tony Awards Here I Come?

I attended Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge. I have never seen a production of this play before. It was glorious. Scarlett Johansson was quite good, but Leiv Scribner left me breathless. Eye twitches, fighting back a eruption of everything from vomit to tears, and a death scene, this man is the real deal. It was an honor to watch him work. He just….goes there.

I had a standing room ticket, so at intermission, I moved into an empty seat in the 5^th row of orchestra. I struck up a conversation with the man to my right. I asked him if sees a lot of shows. He said, “All of them. I write the script for the Tony Awards.” I responded, “Well, then I am sure you have heard of me as I write the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts in Sioux Falls, SD.” I said it deadpan and after a well played paused laughed. He enjoyed the joke. I wish I had asked him for a job as a Tony seat filler…that has always been a bit of a dream for me.

After the show, stopped by DaddyO for my ginger ale. Luce had a spot waiting for me right next to Rachel Maddow. This is the way this went down, “Rach, I have been waiting to introduce you to someone as special to me as you are.” We hit it off. Rachel rocks. I have ofter thought when watching her show, “I want to be her friend.” Now I am.

Mario Fratti

Tuesday was one of the best days – ever. I met Mario Fratti, the legendary playwright who took Fillini’s film 8 ½ and rewrote it into the 5 time Tony Award Winning Nine. Currently, the musical is getting new breath as it has just been released as a feature film starring Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sophia Loren, and Judy Dench.

My friend Joe arranged a lunch with all of us. We arrived at Mario’s AMAZING apartment that he has lived in since 1963 around noon. I wish I would have been bold enough to take pictures of this place. It is two stories with original art on every inch of the walls, books stacked like a maze in every corner, and theatrical history that permeates the air.

It was an immediate lovefest. This man managed to learn more about me in the first 30 minutes than most of my colleagues will ever discover. For the next three hours, we managed to cover all facets of politics – religion – education – theatre. I cannot believe how much I learned. It was a master class with…the master.

The first thing he asked me was what I was reading. I told him that I had to buy a new suitcase yesterday because of the amount of books I have purchased since arriving. At the same time, I confessed that I am addicted to used book stores, and that my bounty search includes looking for books that have writing in them. I love nothing more than reading something that has inspired someone before me to script comments on the text. (this is why I don’t think a Kindle is not in my future). Mario got really excited and said, “I need to show you my latest purchase.” It was a book about Freud that dripped with oodles of comments and glowed with underlining. He then said, “Look at the title page.” It said, “The notations were not by M. Fratti. He wanted to make sure that upon his death, his authorship was clear.

After ohing and ahing over the text, I said, “Have you ever heard of the Housing Works?’ He got the strangest expression on his face and said, “Yes…very much so.” “Good,” I said, “because they have the best used bookstore in the city on..” ” Crosby and Houston, ” we said in unison. He had – in fact – bought the Freud book there yesterday at the same time I was there. We delighted each immensely.

One of the pictures included here is of the window directly across from his desk. He told me that early in his career, he would get up early, sit at his desk, and look across at the window at his neighbor Tennesse Williams. They would wave at each other and start writing.

Other William’s stories…I never knew that he died from a bottle cap as he used his teeth to open his medicine. In addition, he told me something that will forever change the way I teach. He said that Williams told him that the key to writing was to include a)the reality – the story b)the author’s biography c)one’s imagination. This is to become a continual assignment in everything from my acting to directing classes.

I also need to mention that on the second level of his apartment is his music studio which includes a baby grand that Katherine Hepburn once owned and gave to him. Yep. Also, he has an amazing rooftop terrace and said that the next time I come to the city with students, we should have a party there!

They asked me if I wanted Chinese or Italian food. I said that if I was going to spend the day with Italians, I wanted to break bread with the Italians over Italian. So, they treated me to a 4 course Italian lunch. At one point, Mario said, “I would like to toast to January 26, 2010 the day I met Kim.”

Joe had been gracious enough to buy me a collection of Mario’s plays, so I had him sign them.. However, Mario also surprised me by giving me a complete packed of his scripts. He also said that if I want to direct one of his plays, he would consider coming to see it. Ummmm….yeah!!

I wish I could list all the fascinating nuggets that he dropped, but in truth it was all so overwhelming that I just listened in awe. We talked about the new movie of his musical, what he likes on Broadway now, his opinions about today’s playwrights, and his life (daughter, Italy, social activism etc).

The two Italians fought over who was buying lunch – it was all wrapped up in some cavalier rules that we just do not abide by in SoDak. We all then hoped in a cab to take Mario to his dictation appointment. He only writes in long hand, so he goes daily to dictate to a woman who types his work. Again, they fought over who was paying for what. Mario finally put the money in my hand, but quickly took it back and shoved it at Joe and said, “Here, take it. A woman should not have money in her hand.” Hmmmm….he is an 82 year old Italian, what can I say?

Stupid Crazy for NYC

Today, the students and I took a tour of The Fountain House. From their website:

Membership

At Fountain House, our members – men and women recovering from mental illness – volunteer their time to help operate the organization in exchange for the chance to gain skills, access opportunities, and make friends. Working collaboratively with a professional staff, members take part in every function of Fountain House: a unique approach that fosters mutually respectful relationships among our entire community, ensures that our services are responsive to our members’ changing needs, and engenders a feeling of investment in the programs that members create for themselves and their peers.

Services

We offer innovative support services in the areas of employment, education, housing, and wellness, as well as an initiative targeted at young adults. By combining life-long community support and diverse opportunities for advancement, we empower our members not only to recover but to pursue their goals and dreams. Fountain House’s programs are redefining what our members believe is possible for their lives and changing the way society views the capabilities of people with mental illness.

Fountain House produces results:

· 77% of participants in Fountain House’s Education Program complete their studies. The average education completion rate for students with mental illness is 32%.

· 65% of Fountain House members have achieved employment through our employment program. The average employment rate for people with mental illness is 15%.

· Members receiving psychiatric services at The Storefront, our partner clinic which integrates psychiatric and primary healthcare, have a relapse rate of 7%. The current average relapse rate is 50%.

It is a remarkable model that has “clubhouses” all over the nation except in South Dakota. Seriously, I really need to win the lottery so I can just volunteer my time to start all these incredible services. It was impressive and moving. I just want Sioux Falls to have all of this to serve those that need it the most.

Cuban food is on the student’s “to do list,” so I took them to the East Village to Café Havana. From grilled Cuban corn, to sautéed spinach, to mozzarella and avocado quesada, the students agreed that this was the best meal they have experienced since getting into the city.

Since it was 60 degrees (although sporadically rainy), it was a day to stay outside until the last possible moment. Anne and I scavenged through the housing works on Crosby and then enjoyed their bookstore next door. This is one of those places that you are thrilled to discover – a cooler, inexpensive Barnes and Nobel where all the proceeds go to fighting HIV and AIDS – but then you realize, that it may result in empty, empty, pocketbooks.

I met Luce at Sweet Revenge for coffee, cupcakes and conversation. Have I mentioned how much I love this man?

It was still too beautiful to go inside, so Haley met me to continue window shopping around the neighborhood. Fortunately or unfortunately, it became real shopping. It is a great time to buy boots in the city! At least that’s my story, and I am sticking to it.

Teake caught up with us, so we ended the evening with pizza from Karavas. I love the fact that most evenings I get to wind down with my son and students. As I finish up this entry, it is midnight and my window is wide open. I understand they are having another blizzard in SD this evening….this is the best interim ever!

Serving Smiles

Teake and I arrived at St. John of the Divine to assist in serving the needy. The church is the largest in North America…who knew? As archaic and gorgeous a structure it is physically, the real beauty was happening in its basement.

Along with about 15 others, we served over 200 individuals a warm meal of spaghetti and meatballs, broccoli, tossed salad, applesauce, fruit salad, cornbread and homemade bread. My job was to greet each person and give them a plate and silverware. I loved my job! I got to look into the face of every person and greet them. My face hurt from smiling J

The response I received ranged from full engaged dialogue to nods. My goal was to get each to respond to me. I was pretty successful. In fact, by the end of the meal, I had even some of the most stoic smiling – yay!

It was a gift to serve. To see people take the time to pray, share communally with others in need, and appreciate the small gesture of serving them filled my heart with God’s grace. I was struck by the following:

-the proportion of men to women. My guess is that in the 200 plus guests, there were only about 10 women.

-the conversations. From a friendly debate about the success of Obama’s first year to the – of course – the possibility of the NY Jets in the Super Bowl, these people are connected to current events.

-the importance of looking right into someone’s eyes. I did all day and saw sadness and hope, joy and despair. I saw people doing the best they can.

The rest of the day included watching football over a turkey burger…dang Vikings and Jets! I am ready for baseball.

Saturday Theatre Crawl

Saturday was all about theatre. West Side Story gave me chills, and for the record, I really had no deep interest in seeing it. A couple of things were worthy of note. The amount of Spanish included was refreshing and made sense. Where has this been since the original hit the boards in 1957? The transition in Act I from the tailor shop to the dance at the gym was truly magical. Finally, the choreography and physical transitions were some of the best that I have seen.

Next, I attended Circle Mirror Transformation at Playwright’s Horizons. This production was as funny as it was touching. I highly recommend it to anyone with a background in theatre as you will see yourself in all of these characters. This script goes on my “to do list.”

The night cap included Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind by the New York NeoFuturists. Thirty original plays and sixty minutes was on the menu. The entrees were wrong, poignantly sincere and funny! Jordan, Teake Jon, Eric and I had a great time. Hanging with the guys, was a great end to my Saturday theatre crawl.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? practice, practice practice.

I woke up to a text and picture message from Anne Wentworth; she had an allergic response to – we think – a mango. The poor thing looked more like a losing prize fighter than the beauty she is. Unfortunately, she had to stay home from our Carnegie Hall tour to sleep.

Joe Schmaderer is an O’Gorman grad and head of operations for Carnegie Hall. He took the students on a thorough and fascinating tour of the entire building. Learning about this historical landmark and being able to view the spaces from the boxes to the stages was a great beginning to our weekend.

After checking on Anne, I was joined by Teake and Jordan for one of one of favorite lunches at the White Horse Tavern. Their hot tuna sandwich is as classic as the history of this NYC landmark.

Friday evening was one that I have been looking forward to since December when I made a date with former student Tony Kutayli. Tony was one of my “big dog” actors/interpers at O’Gorman. I am so proud of what he has gone on to do with his life. Along with his law degree, he is using all of his communicative and personable talents to make a living and a difference.

Recently moved to NYC, Tony attended his first Broadway show with his “ole’” drama director. How lucky am I? We hit David Mamet’s new play Race. It was a racial version of Oleanna, but the script was still engaging. However, Mamet needs to walk away from directing his own scripts. The staging and acting was not just uninspired it was like listening to Morse Code. Example:

He: Why did you ask him for the financial retainer?

She: (pause)Why did I ask for the financial retainer?

He: (pause) Yes.

She(pause) You are asking me why I asked for a financial retainer?

He: (pause) Yes, I am asking you.

Kill me. Kill me now.

Thankfully, Tony and I had no problem with interesting conversation or lull in timing as we went for a late night dinner at Angus McIndoe. Tony is an absolute joy to be around. I am inspired by his bold enthusiasm to “change it up.” He and I share a love and respect of the city.

In one week, I spent time with three former O’G students. Each of them has molded me as a teacher, director and woman. It has been a long way from riding a bus to Clear Lake for an oral interp tourney or the stage in Sioux Falls. However all three continue to make me proud in the roles they have chosen.

Taking a Little Time to Enjoy the View

Thursday, Anne, Mariah, Jordan and I got up at the crack of dawn - okay 7 am - to get in line for tickets for The View. We took a cab and were still behind 3 Aussie college students who had been there since 5. God bless them. Well, long story short, only 1 of the 4 of us getting in. The kids decided that I would probably die before them, so the dears let me go.

I made the most of it on behalf of my students. When the “warm up” comedian asked for dancers, there I was. Along with the other selectee – Sylvia – I was on camera on the set of The View “getting down with my bad self” to “Shake Your Groove Thing.” Also, I got a shout out as I was only 1 of 4 people (the others being the Aussies) that was not from the Tri-State area.

The main guest was Julia Andrews. How lucky can I be? Two theatre icons is less than 24 hours – first Landsbury and now Andrews. She oozed grace and sophistication.

On the other hand, it was fun to see Joy Behar in action with the second guest, Linda McMahon. Behar was not a fan. Of course Elizabeth Hasselbeck gushed about former WWE’s executive director McMahon’s decry to not use PAC or special interest money to finance her campaign. Joy finally said, “Why would you take anyone’s money when you have millions. I don’t think that’s honorable, it is the right thing to do.” At the commercial break, Joy could not get away from the table fast enough. When the segment was over, McMahon shook everyone’s hand except Joy’s. So when they asked at commercial break if anyone had any questions for the panel, I shot my hand in the air. “Since there are so many personalities and sometimes obvious conflicts, what do each of you do to make sure that every day at work is a great day?” After Barbara told me to slow down because I was talking too fast, Joy responded, “money.” Barbara said that this is the best job in the world, and they do not have bad days. Easy for her to say, she comes and goes when she pleases, and as the Queen Bee so she makes all the decisions. Elizabeth said, “No matter how much we disagree, we all respect each other.” Sheri was the most talkative. She actually came off the set to address me and tell me that it is all about preparation. “I come every day with a positive attitude that I am going to learn something today. “ I appreciated al their candor. The taping went really quick. With all the commercials and clips, we were on the air about 25 minutes.

I was supposed to have lunch with Sarah Torretta, a former O’G student, but she had a sick child, so I headed home and took a long and luxurious nap.

Anne Wentworth and I had a Reading Circle at a Nursing Home for NYCares. I loved it! There was a nice turnout of residents and volunteers. One of the residents read some poetry that he loved; then the rest of us jumped in. Anne read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and I read an essay/story that I wrote about my mother. Everyone was so receptive. In fact, as I was leaving, they were still making parallels between my story and their own mothers.

This is one of the absolutes that is coming out of this trip to nyc. I will be starting a reading circle as a local nursing home or – maybe – Trail Ridge.

A late night Mexican meal with my son ended the day. Perfect.

Ann to Anne to Angela to Angus

Got up early Wednesday to get in line for tickets for A Little Night Music with Anne. From there, she and I did a little boot shopping before I grabbed the L Train for Brooklyn to have lunch with former student and lovely from the inside out Ann Weisbecker. It is always so good to see her. She and her boyfriend (and former student) Matt – Guy – Fiorita are happy and successful in the city. The two of them ran the NYC Marathon this part fall, so it was fun to hear about their adventures and their plans which includes more marathons.

Wednesday evening was another landmark production. Angela Landsbury as and Cathrine Zeta Jones in A Little Night Music was glorious. Anne and I had standing room seats, but at intermission I “eye-spied “ some empty seat in the 5^th row…so we crept in. Most of the time, I prefer to watch theatre from the back of the house or from the balcony/mezzanine because I can observe directing patterns. However, with this script/production, it is all about the acting. There is very little movement. To watch Landsbury that close was surreal. Also, Zeta-Jones was wonderful. “Send in Clowns” was in very capable hands. I had forgotten how funny and – somewhat risqué – the script was.

After the show, I passed by Lilly Tomlin, so I told her that it was an honor to be in the audience with her and introduced Anne to her. She was very gracious. Outside, I saw Daphne Rubin-Vega (the original Mimi from Rent). I approached her, introduced myself and invited her to the University of Sioux Falls at any time to teach a master class. She asked immediately if I knew Jarrod Emick and said that coming to Oral, South Dakota (Jarrod’s hometown) would be a hoot. I had to break it to her that we were not even remotely close to oral SD, but that we would love to host her.

Because it was a great night, it seemed logical to top it off with bread pudding and coffee at Angus McIndoe. This is my favorite place in Times Square. It is a small restaurant owned by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. Over the years, I have met and/or seen numerous actors, playwrights, choreographers and directors at Angus. Their bread pudding is just the cherry on the culinary and cultural cupcake.

In addition to the pics of Catherine Zeta-Jones, are some random pics from the city.

NYC Public Transportation - Roosevelt Island to Rest

"Muy Bien" Is a Necessary Communication Tool

The Roosevelt Island Tram was a first for me. It was a beautiful day on Monday, so some of the kids took advantage of it. We also tried to walk around the Chelsea Galleries, but they are closed on Monday. It is amazing how fast this city gobbles up days.

I was to meet my friend Luce at a coffee shop at 5:00 so I had to abandon the student ship to get to Sweet Revenge on time. I have written about Luce numerous times. I met him when I was here the fall of 2007. He works at DaddyO where over the last two years, I have sat on the end of the bar writing numerous articles and drinking my ginger ale’s with 2 limes thank you very much. Over the years, we have shared stories of personal heartbreak, family loss and love, and individual plans for what we want to be when we grow up. Today was a treat to have a couple of hours in a quiet coffee house -no interruptions of taking orders and not having to talk over the music and patrons.

“The USF Boys” and I decided to check out The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). They have sketch comedy or stand-up comedy sessions every hour and a half beginning at 6:30. UCB, which originated in Chicago, is where names such as Amy Poehler and Horatio Sanz got their start. At $5 a set (we watched 2), it was a cheap night of original – as some very smart - entertainment. We all agreed that the most successful teams were those that didn’t fall to the lowest common dominator in language and subject. My favorite sketch was two play by play baseball announcers for a Boston Red Socks – Dinosaur/Extra Terrestrial/Magical Begins Team. Brilliantly written and performed. We laughed a lot, groaned once in awhile and even found a yawn here and there.

On Tuesday, I invited the “kids” to join me on a brisk walk to Chelsea Pier. I warned them that I walk fast. They should have believed me. Eric, Anne and Jordan chased after me; we must have looked pretty silly based on city park people reaction as we whizzed by.

I couldn’t wait to see Mitch Maguire and his over the top cute daughter Sadie. I love these two people so very much. I was treated to a warm greeting, familiar friendship and delicious food. I really love the area of New York that they live in – predominately Dominican Republic. The neighborhood bombards ones’ senses. The combination of Spanish and Latin music underscores the colorful scenery…and the food! Mitch treated me to a cod stew from a DR restaurant. It was as rich and smooth and delicious as the culture of the neighborhood.

At six, Mitch and Sadie walked me down to the Inwood Public Library where I was going to read to children as part of NYCares Bedtime Stories.

I don’t know who learned more – the kids or adults. Here is something that I never thought of until Tuesday. All of those children books that I cherish and collect are published in other languages too; in this case, Spanish. So, I headed to the bookshelves and pulled out some of my favorites: Buenas Noches de Luna (Good Night Moon), Olivia Forma Una Banda (Olivia Forms a Band), No Dejes Que la Paloma de Conducir el Autobus (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus), Crisantemo (Chrysanthemum). It is amazing how quickly languages come back to you when immersed. My New Year’s Resolution was to learn Spanish (I only had one year in college). I am now more committed than ever. The students that attended were all ESL and most of them spoke very little English. This did make me wonder if it would have been better if she read them books in English. The compromise we reached was that we pointed and asked basic words (animals, colors, numbers) first in Spanish and then in English. I had worked with two children. Rositta (5) and Nacho (4). Rositta was liquid as she sat on my lap. She could not be close enough to me and would jabber to me in Spanish like we were old pals. Nacho was a tougher crowd. He spent the first hour with his head on the table. Then we had treats, and that was all he needed – a little fuel. He became interested in the books, but it wasn’t until we moved to crafts that I hooked him with my amazing drawing abilities. Okay…he is four and is easy impressed. Then, I taught him how to cut paper, and we were off! Cutting, pasting, markers – it was an universal language. This sweet, sweet boy did not speak all night until I got him all bundled up in his coat and his parents came to pick him up. “Buenos noches senorita. Gracious.” I wanted to hug him. Instead, I got a high five on street as I walked by the family a few minutes later.

What an amazing program. We need to have this in Sioux Falls for all children. Maybe it is something we could start at the St. Francis House or at Our Lady of Guadalupe? I think I need to talk to Diane VanDenOver in the Spanish Department and Rachel Loven in the Education Department at USF, this would be a wonderful across the curriculum opportunity to serve.

Anne Sporting the Newest Fashion in NYC 2010 Millinery

The Best Lesson A Student Ever Taught Me

Kennedy Center American College Theatre (KCACTF) Regional Five Festival is an extraordinary opportunity for college students. Throughout the week, they participate in acting competitions in which they have been nominated. They attend workshops with experts in the theatrical field ranging from professors to Broadway actors, designers, directors and playwrights. They also attend productions that have been invited to perform. Just to clarify, our region includes: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. That is a plethora of universities and collegiate productions of which to chose; to say the least, it is a huge honor to be selected to perform. Since my first year at USF, I have been a strong advocate for KCACTF. We participate throughout the year and attend the regional festival every January.

In 2002, I took a group of 20 plus students to the KCACTF Regional Festival . These theatre students were hungry and devored every master class, every panel Q and A and every performance. Amidst heavy hitters like the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Drake and Kansas State, there was Bismark College’s Laramie Project. After the show, I walked out on UNL’s Lied’s Center with 800 other theatre students, professors and patrons. My ears were ringing with opinions, criticism and ranting. To say the show was not well received would be an understatement. I was unnerved by the assumed superiority of most of the audience. I may not have experienced any catharsis from the production itself, but the masses response to it, could be one of the most moving lessons I have ever learned.

Lando Anderson was a senior who came late to the USF stage. He, like many others, came to SuFu Coo to be a star on the football field. Lando was a successful actor because he led with his heart; he was rewarded with an acting award nod, which meant he could audition for ACTF scholarships. On one of the last days of the festival, Lando and I were walking back to the hotel after, yet, another workshop. That is when he said, “Kim, this has been the most important thing that has ever happen to me. I will never be the same. Thank you.” I am always taken aback by those that know how to verbalize appreciation. Lando’s sincerity melted my heart.

Then, it came to me. We have it all wrong. As an audience, it is not about us.

From that moment on, I have been acutely aware that I have been blessed to be involved in many individual’s “best moment ever.” It includes but is not limited to: the high school students performance at the SD State One Acts, the USF freshman’s first time on stage, the understudy’s first shot at the role, one’s first time of seeing a Broadway show, a theatre student meeting her theatrical hero…..the list goes on and on.

I have applauded in numerous houses on a Broadway opening night. I have stood in the back of the theatre as a student says Shakespeare’s words for the first time on a stage. I have told a high school thespian that I was moved to tears or succumbed by laughter by their 10 minute oral interpretation or their 30 minute in a one act. I have sat in a dark Sundance theater and served witness as a pedestrian becomes a star. I have watched student performers realize he or she is – in fact – an actor.

Did I think that Bismark College’s production of the Laramie Project was superior? In a sense of theatrical values – no. However, I was in the room, breathing the same air as the cast of 17 while they had their best day of their lives thus far. What an honor. What a gift. Thank you.

...and also with you.

Today we went to Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Archbishop of New York, the Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan was....fun? The church was packed and the processional huge; between the Knights of Columbus, the priests, the nuns, the seminarians and alter boys, there must have been an initial parade of over 200 people. Archbishop Dolan brought up the rear and waved and smiled at everyone, even saying to the students and I as he went by, "So, good to see you. How are you?" He was so jovial and approachable. Also, he gave a beautiful homily by making the parallel of Christ's first miracle of turning water into wine and our need to make things happen in the devastated country of Haiti. Also, I am always so taken with the reverence given to Mother Mary in the Catholic church. In a religious denomination still dominated by men, their respect of the wisdom and ability to nurture by women is applaudable.

The students and I shared a Sunday brunch at the Hudson Diner before going our own ways. It is a rainy New York Sunday, perfect for poking around thrift stores, watch football playoffs and blogging....so that is what I shall do.

Tuesday - Thursday Sandwich Distribution at Broadway United Church of Christ

Hip Obscurity...I Like It!

Dang cold. It is sucking time from me. I had to let the germs have their way with me, so I did not get moving from the apartment until the afternoon. I wanted to catch an Off-Off Broadway production of A Doll’s House, which is my favorite play of all time. Furthermore, it was my MFA thesis project. The company was called Hip Obscurity and it consists of a lot of young actors that have the mission of “producing theatre that explores issues of gender, sexuality and self-identity as a construct lived in the everyday.”

The production was okay. They used the Dover translation and the director also took a stab editing to his liking. I use stab because I was a bit horrified by the brutal carving of Ibsen’s words. For some reason, the director changes the word “miracle,” which is key to the time of Advent in which this Norse tale is set to the phrase, “something wonderful.” Also, he completed cut the last line of the first act which to many scholars is the cornerstone to Nora’s subsequent decisions.

The importance of recognizing the sexuality in this play cannot be stressed enough. Certainly, the sensibilities of the time in which it is set (last 1800’s) means establishing a conservative sense of proper decorum. This production had little balance sexually. Either Nora and Torvald were cold and disciplined (which I would contend are two words that are the antithesis of Nora) or they were so sexually aggressive that it almost appeared to be on the verge of rape. Neither of these choices worked for me.

A few things, as a director, that made me go hmmmm….

a.Do not underestimate the power of the sound design. We listened to everything from Frankie Valli to Cher, but the play was set in the 1950’s. Why does the sound design have birds chirping? I understand the stereotypical metaphor attached to this play, but birds in Norway in December? Also, they sounded a bit like mice in the walls.

b.Wear undergarments ladies – especially if you are setting it in the 1950’s. A slip is your friend.

c.Listen to the language. Just one of many, many, many examples: Nora to Torvald, “You have always been so kind to me.” The audience must at some point see Torvald as kind.

d. Why was Nora serving Christine Linde a drink? Huh? (too many weird exits and entrances to outline to even try to include). Understand why you are doing what you are doing. Phrases like “being in the moments” and “the moment before” are to performance what eggs and flour are to cake.

e.Casting is key. The strongest actor on stage was playing Christine. She should have been Nora. Also, the character of Krogstad should have been Torvald. By the way, they were most successful because they were listening and not acting.

With that ALL said, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the company; I certainly respect and celebrate their objective and enthusiasm. When I arrived at the small theatre, everyone from the director to the artistic director was there to welcome the audience. Because of their welcome, I so wanted this production to succeed, and even though the production values were lacking I think this company will find success. Why, because they cared about their audience and are passionate about their mission. Before I even sat down, I knew their names and they knew mine. Afterwards, the artistic director came to find me and talk about the show. I am hooked. I am invested in their art. If they continue in this vein, they cannot fail.

After, the show, I met Ms. Anne at the Drama Bookshop for a little reading time. They too had some young artist performing a new show in the basement once the store closed. Why not? I paid my $10 to see The Fallout. The premise of this short comedy is fun. “A family’s relationship is strained after the husband’s poor performance on the game show, Deal or No Deal. Scenes 1 and 3 were in a family therapy session. Scene 2 was their Deal or No Deal performance. It was obvious that the therapy sessions were being improved. Both were about double the length than they needed to be. Hopefully, they will figure that out. Some fresh performances and fun scene 2 made it worth my while.

I headed home to my Commerce Street apartment to try my friend Luce’s cold remedy of eating a lemon and drinking ginger tea.

The View From the Brooklyn Bridge

My favorite student and my second favorite students walking the Brookly Bridge

Some Favorite Shots From the Week

NYPD keeping 42nd Street safe, Haley Ward, Anne Gridley and I after Romeo and Juliet and an applaudable marketing campaign on 7th and Commerce.