Pick A Little Talk A Lot

One of my all time favorite plays EQUUS by Peter Shaffer is being reprised on the London Stage starring Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame. What a fabulous role for him and such a wise career choice. I remember the Broadway production as one of the most theatrically transporting experiences of my life. In the early 1970’s, EQUUS was a gripping work with nudity that was definitely not gratuitous. The web site for the new production states, “When the ground-breaking production of Peter Shaffer’s EQUUS premiered at the National Theatre on July 26 1973, its theatrical impact was unprecedented.

It was the most talked-about new play in London.” It will be interesting to see how it is received 34 years later. I think it will translate and be just as dazzling and chilling as it was then.

It’s that time of year in the entertainment industry when the red carpet unfurls and unfurls and unfurls . . . It does seem to just go on and on. To actors it can be both inspiring and depressing, reminding them of their goals and dreams. Lately, I have found myself reminding actors to think about the positives in their career–an audition that was nailed, callbacks, money earned doing what is loved, a fabulous role in a solid play, etc. etc. Jennifer Hudson has been nominated and won a few awards this season for her role in “Deamgirls” but she has worked for it. She may be a newcomer to the industry scene but she has been paying her dues performing at clubs, churches and on Disney cruises. Dreams do come true. We see it every year on these award shows. So, I guess my advice to actors is keep your eye on the future but also value the work you are doing now. Today is what will make tomorrow possible. So, while listening to all these acceptance speeches thank yourself for the strides you have made in your career this year!

Erica Palgon, Casting Director at Liz Lewis Casting is off to Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of Great World of Sound, a film that she cast. Also, Kim Miscia and Beth Bowling of Bowling Miscia Casting cast Delirious starring Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt, which is also at Sundance. Congrats to them and to the other New York Casting Directors, Directors, Actors and others with work at Sundance this year.

Last night, my daughter and I watched the season premiere of AMERICAN IDOL. We have been fans for four seasons but last night the negativity of the show took us both by surprise. What in past seasons had been a bit of laughter at the expense of “would be Idols” who seemed to play along with the judges escalated into a focus on the untalented and at times pathetic. Suddenly, it all seemed cruel because we were witnessing the humiliation of people who seemed to have emotional problems. Paula and Randy seemed exceptionally cruel to me. Simon, who we love to hate, seemed the kindest at times. So much of the show seemed mean-spirited. Maybe I am wrong but I felt like the total emphasis of the show switched to finding “bad” auditioners, the odd or crazy or the insecure and then ridiculing them. If the show’s point is to find the best, new talent then it should focus on that with just a few of the outrageous auditions. I think that auditioning as an actor is so difficult. Putting yourself out there on the line is never easy. Everyone has dreams and whether or not they are realistic, or the person is attractive, their particular dream has validity. For a show that is supposed to make a “dream” come true, it certainly crushed many dreams to get good ratings!

<p>ENOUGH! This week Barbara Walters, eminent newswoman and interviewer of world leaders, is trapped in the middle of this repugnant feud. What are <a href=”http://www.rosie.com/blog/”>Rosie O’Donnell</a> and Donald Trump doing? Is this a publicity ploy to promote <em>The View</em> and <em>The Apprentice</em>? If so, it is backfiring with me. These two are singlehandedly turning the talk show circuit into a Jerry Springer style cat fight! I watched <a href=”http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/”>Late Night with David Letterman</a> in disbelief as Donald Trump called Rosie a “degenerate.” David Letterman said, “You can’t call her a degenerate.” But, guess what he just did! We all know that Barbara Walters is one tough lady but does she have to be subjected to the indignity of this? Not to mention, Rosie’s kids! When asked his advice on acting, John Wayne replied, “Talk low, talk slow and don’t talk too much.” These two have definitely talked too much!</p>

i heard today and then read in Variety that two new pilots from Denis Leary’s Apostle Pictures were greenlighted! Canterbury’s Law, a one-hour drama centering on a rebellious female attorney will be produced by Denis Leary and Sony Pictures for FOX-TV. Meanwhile, NBC-TV ordered Fort Pit, “a drama with some comedy” (hmm a dramedy?) about an NYPD precinct that sounds like the last stop for career cops and the first stop for rookies, also from Denis Leary and Apostle Pictures. Here’s hoping that both of these will be cast and shot in New York like another Apostle favorite of mine, Rescue Me starring Denis Leary and cast by Julie Tucker Casting. Who does police and lawyers better than New York?

This woman is absolutely astounding and such an asset to the television, film and theatre communities. Her latest venture, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa is such a fine example of a celebrity not only giving money but of giving of herself. As always, some in the media have to try and create controversy about such a noble endeavor saying why hasn’t she done this in the United States. Well, I applaud her actions and her hands on selection of the students, equipping the school etc. What a global vision to add female leaders to the world and better the lives of children longing for an education.

There really is no place like New York City for New Year’s Eve–at least millions of people seem to think so. The crowds in midtown Manhattan begin immediately after Christmas Day and the whole nature of New York entertainment changes. The holiday bustle becomes a hustle and everyone converges on Times Square. Every year during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, as I return to my office in the Actors Equity Building in Times Square, I am astounded by the sheer number of people in the area. Tomorrow, on January 2nd as we return to business as usual, the crowds relax and New York is ready for a New Year. I do find the end of the year lists fascinating–Best movie/Best Play/Best Broadway Show/Top Ten Whatevers of 2006. Here is my list of “mentions” in the entertainment industry:

- Best of Broadway that I saw this year!All of the elements of theatre came together in this stunning production-funny, innovative, shocking and with one of the bests casts I have seen in a while. It did highlight the pointlessness of bloodshed and show ironically how a man can care for his cat but still be immune to killing his fellow man.

New TV Shows: Studio 60 (Does this just appeal to those of us with a knowledge of the entertainment industry?) and 3 Lbs (Yes, another Dr. show but a fabulous one and Stanley Tucci is sexy!)

Grey Gardens on Broadway! Christine Ebersole channels Little Edie!

Old TV Shows still strong: Lost (My friend Pat McCorkle started me on this one and I am truly addicted! The addition of one of my all time admired actors Michael Emerson only made it better! (He gave me the chills on The Practice in a short lived role so I am so happy to see him in a major role on this series)

and Gilmore Girls (It makes me want to live in a small town in Connecticut.)

Clint Eastwood (simply for being Clint Eastwood and all he represents–what an amazing man and career)

Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada and Mother Courage

Angelina Jolie and Bono for their contributions to the world.

Elaine Stritch for the laughter.

Dublin - I finally made it there this year! Book of Kells, The Abbey Theatre, the people and the pubs!

and the list goes on . . .