Pick A Little Talk A Lot

Sundance is happening! Award Shows are Not! It is most definitely an election year as we follow the candidates from state to state! Everyone is waiting to hear when and if favorite TV shows are returning! “American Idol“ is back on TV with a kinder, gentler Simon Cowell and the same, boring pre performance format! How many times can we make fun of bad singers and get high ratings? Clay Aiken of Idol fame is joining the cast of Broadway’s “Spamalot” tomorrow–hmmm? Perfect timing! Think it was planned? Above all I want to take advantage of the many cultural offerings in New York that I often miss–I recommend a new blog at The New Yorker Magazine: Goings On - Cultural happenings in New York and elsewhere. to help you keep up with Manhattan’s happenings.

I am resolving to attend more plays, ballet, art shows, openings, book signings etc. and am starting with an Off Broadway show and a workshop presented by two actors this weekend. Two new shows that are at the top of my list to see: “39 Steps” at the Roundabout Theatre. I had lunch with UK Casting Director Simone Reynolds, who cast the UK original version, and found out all about this hilarious spoof on Alfred Hitchccok’s movie thriller. 4 actors play about 100 roles which I would think makes for a really creative piece! Also, I hope to soon see Steppenwolf’s “August: Osage County” since I have been hearing raves about it since Chicago. As the writer’s strike continues it is good to have Broadway up and running. Having just returned from Los Angeles (where it is very quiet for actors right now) it is good to have a new year of theatre revving up!

I am back after a brief hiatus which much to say. Spring and summer in New York is a time of endings and new beginnings–Broadway Shows end and new ones gear up for the autumn season (JOURNEY’S END has already closed and I could kick myself for not seeing it during its brief run), the NY institution HBO’s Sopranos now “sleeps with the fishes”! Although I think the touted last episode may have been a set up for a feature film or HBO movie! I was stunned and not in a good way! The last few minutes were the best because of the tension that was built and then Pow! I thought the cable went out as I am sure half of America did. Speaking of America–I am not sure what I think about this year’s AMERICAN IDOL! I am still processing. The two ladies of my favorite current Broadway musical GREY GARDENS collected their much deserved Tony awards. (I have to say by the time the Tony Awards arrives I am weary of awards shows) I did see a portion of the MTV awards and which did seem to be totally about duplicating the old MTV kiss between Madonna and Brittany. When Sasha Cohen Borat and Will Ferrell did their own liplocking, it was time for me to tune out!!! More of my opinions to follow! We haven’t even touched on all the television series in New York, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Christopher Plummer on Broadway, summer movies, Ocean’s 13 and more!

A couple of weeks ago the lovely actress Monika Jolly jetted in from LA for a weekend and it was an opportunity for actors and others to gather in her honor. An after work soiree was held at Von, a unique wine bar on Bleeker at Bowery. Actors, directors and fashionistas from Marc Jacobs gathered for an evening of talk, wine and hearing what was new with Monika, her career and life. Von is the perfect spot for a group to congregate for a relaxed atmosphere where you can hear each other. It is a trendy yet relaxed bar that even allows dogs (th owners have a dog named Happy). The back room where we were is cozy with planked floors, benches and tables and the front bar was lively and crowded so you have the best of both worlds. Always great to find a new place in NY! While we were there Monika booked a commercial! The rule is always actors leave town and you will book immediately!

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!

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.

It is interesting that there is such a crossover between film and Broadway theatre these days. Hairspray, Producers, Wedding Singer and more from screen to stage and Chicago and now Dreamgirls from stage to screen. I have not seen Dreamgirls yet but have heard raves from everyone that has and intend to see it this week. The biggest controversy I have heard regarding it has been the $25 tickets at early screenings of the movie at the Ziegfield Theatre in NYC! But I say why not? I am thrilled to have musicals back at the movies. Can’t wait to see Jennifer Hudson (never could fathom that she was voted off American Idol) steal the show. Yes, I think that $25 is quite a bit of money for a movie but it is worth it if you want to see something in advance of all the hype and hey it was a holiday event!

“Pick a little, talk a lot”
Most actors or those working behind the scenes have come in contact with “The Music Man” and its famous gossiping ladies. In the spirit of that musical and the many other plays, scripts or musicals that first introduce us to the world of stage and film, this blog is dedicated to Gossip! Scuttlebutt! Behind the scenes news and thoughts! I promise to pick a little (constructive criticism only) and talk and sometimes squawk a lot!

After about my third helping of leftover turkey, I read this week’s “New York Observer” and came upon a review of the newly opened Mary Poppins. (I have not seen the show yet but have heard many varied reports—most great, some not.) Anyway, in his review John Heilpern writes about taking a child with him to see the show and ends with “My young guest and new friend . . . enjoyed every minute of it. How wonderful, I thought. How wonderful to be going to the theater as if transported, the talent, curtain calls, applauding—the whole package. It is good to go back to the theatre as if it is the first time but also go back to what started you loving theatre, acting or a career related to it. This time of year in New York, with all the holiday shows and out of town visitors, I always think how many of these kids will skate in Central Park, visit Rockefeller Center and see their first Broadway Show. Many of them will have their lives changed forever when they quietly say, “That is what I want to do.” Its nice to revisit what started you in the business and kept you there! One of my New Year’s Resolutions will be approaching each new show like I am going to theatre for the first time!