Pick A Little Talk A Lot

It was announced today that the artists, actors and dancers who were interviewed by Michael Bennett for the Original Workshop of A CHORUS LINE will receive a financial interest in the current Broadway production and in all future shows. This is a landmark decision and very interesting when considered in reference to the writer’s strike within a similar industry. Michael Bennett’s hit show was based on interviews with the group of actors that first did the workshop with him which included Donna McKechnie, Kelly Bishop, Priscilla Lopez and Robert LuPone. The Bennett Estate and these artists arrived at this agreement which extended the artists’ 1976 agreement. Seems like a fair decision. For the basic facts you can check out Playbill’s article on the subject.

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!

Saw A Chorus Line last week with Susan Lowery, one of my closest friends, NYC from Dallas for a brief visit. Susan is not a professional actress but should have been one. She was in a production of the final number for a charity event in Dallas directed by Bob Hess, director, actor and choreographer, so the show brought back a lot of great memories. I had seen the original cast in 1975 so there was a bit of fabulous deja vu for me returning me to those old days in New York. I love a good revival. Comparisons are inevitable but I still found the show thoroughly enjoyable. The dancing is outstanding. I really did not find anything about it dated and I have heard some people remark on that. Charlotte d’Ambroise is an amazing talent. Broadway is lucky to have her. My friend Susan could not stop grinning and said she was going to get her derby out and dance when she returned to Dallas. I bet she is!

The Broadway Bears 2007 Auction benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aidsis in a pre-bid stage now! These one-of-kind bears costumed by Broadway’s finest designers and audtographed by Broadway stars are fabulous pieces of memorabilia and at the same time benefit a great cause. I’m most definitely bidding on the Edie Beale Bear autographed by Christine Ebersole star of Grey Gardens on Broadway simply because this bear has “the perfect costume for the day”!

One of the most enjoyable things about New York is how there is always a so-called “secret” place (that, of course, everyone actually knows about) where all the stars of stage and screen and other members of the “in crowd” hang out. The current in-spot is the Waverly Inn in the West Village. Mandy Stadtmiller wrote about it in the New York Post article “Secret Scene of ‘Inn’ Crowd! (Pun intended) Graydon Carter of Vanity Fair is one of the owners of this latest difficult to get into (no phone for reservations or actually a phone but they don’t give out the number) and even harder to “get a good table at” place. If you want star sightings it is the place to be lately! Of course, by the time the restaurant is officially open the “stars” will have moved on!

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!

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.

<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>

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 . . .