CHANGE

As I sit and write this week’s blog, I, along with many, have just watched the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Today, January 20, 2009, is a big day in history, and as much as I wish I could have joined my sister, nephew, and a few fellow friends on The Mall in Washington, D.C. to view the event in person, I feel proud to have been able to witness the moment, in any capacity, and share the unique experience with the world.

None of us knows what is to come in the hours, days, weeks, months, or even years ahead, but if we can actively work to keep the overall unity, hopefulness, and welcoming attitude towards change, shown today, present in the times ahead, I truly believe that the possibility of a better tomorrow is attainable. Simply looking back over the past century and beyond, it is clear to see how far we have come and that an even better tomorrow still is possible.

That said, we still have a long way to go to fully attain the “change” that President Obama is anticipating. Can we make that “change?” “Yes, we can!” Just as we can in any aspect of our life, we just have to make that simple, yet sometimes difficult, decision to change. Something that can start as early as today, regardless of your religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, status, class, political party, or anything in between.

Just as the world is changing, so is the acting front.

We members of the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) may be about to vote to strike, and this is happening during a very tough time for our economy. In hopes of avoiding this, resolving current issues, and reaching a compromise, our union’s President, Alan Rosenberg, and National Executive Director, Doug Allen, sent a formal letter to and called a special meeting with the National Board of Directors. The letter proposes that, “before the membership ratification vote, we meet immediately with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) to determine to what extent, if any, they are willing to improve their last offer, to maximize its chances for ratification.”

So, it is now up to the National Board to move forward with what has been put before them or not. Regardless, I will continue to follow all that develops and am hopeful that we can and will work together in order to resolve any of our differences, whether or not a strike is necessary.

Needless to say, a lot is happening on many levels in the world, and to think that 2009 has just begun! However, despite all we are facing, I have a feeling that it is going to be a good year, overall, and am confident that everything will unfold, as it should, in this time of change.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

MARY LOUISE PARKER IS HEDDA GABLER

Last night, after a fun day in the city, complete with some shopping at H&M on 5th Ave., which I used to frequent when I lived in midtown Manhattan, I was off to the hustle and bustle of Times Square. There is where I met a dear friend of mine for coffee surrounded by the colorful lights and electrifying energy it projects, a truly perfect combination. All before heading to the Hilton Hotel for dinner stories up at the ultra modern Above restaurant with my parents.

After an oh so classy and very yummy dinner, I headed across 42nd St. to the American Airlines Theatre to see the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Hedda Gabler,” starring Mary Louise Parker. This is a show in which I once played Hedda for a scene in one of my theatre classes at UNCG, while working on my BFA degree in Acting. Actually, I had forgotten until the scene started and all the lines came back to me.

It happened to be opening night of previews for the show, and every seat was filled! This was wonderful to see, since the last few productions I have seen on Broadway lacked a full and promising audience, a fact that mirrors the condition of the economy; somewhat hurting at this time.

“Hedda Gabler,” written by famed Norwegian poet and playwright Henrik Ibsen, was first published in 1890 and premiered on stage in Germany in 1891. Although this first run was not successful, with less than shining reviews, when it re-opened in the US on Broadway in 1902, starring Minnie Maddern Fiske, it was a phenomenon.

Although I saw the very first performance of the 2009 production last night, I have a feeling that this new adaptation is going to be just as successful as the Broadway debut of it was 107 years ago. I found Ms. Parker’s leading performance as Hedda, with all her stunning, perfectly tailored costumes, and the show itself, with its use of haunting beats and eerie music throughout, to move at a wonderful pace. All with fine support from the six other unique characters. I highly recommend the somewhat dangerous, shocking, and psychologically driven play to anyone who is in the NYC area or planning a trip there before its final performance on March 29th of this year.

As I left the theatre, after a truly enjoyable experience, I was dropped back into the magic that is Times Square, still very much awake, seeing that it is the city that never sleeps, and I was just as happy as when I’d arrived earlier that evening. It and NYC hold marvelous memories for me, and I always feel so lucky to be able to experience many of them again with the people who mean so much to me.

On my way back home, I stopped by my old apt. area on 55th St., which looked exactly the same making me miss it dearly. That said, no time in my old Hell’s Kitchen stomping ground would be complete without a stop into what used to be my corner deli, the10th Ave. Gourmet, to see the manager and the super fun deli men who always looked out for me during my years in the city, and to pick up my favorite NY deli sandwich: honey ham, honey mustard, and lots of extra brie (which they always throw in just for me), once again.

All in all it was a perfect day in my beloved NYC, getting to spend it with some of the people I hold closest to my heart. There is nothing better, in my book, than fabulous friends and family, wonderful walking, super shopping, calming coffee breaks, classy cocktails, divine dining, and electrifying energy all in marvelous Manhattan!

I’m hopeful you have gotten to enjoy something like this in your life, as well, in whatever form, or will one day soon. I hope some of you will find yourself on 42nd street at the American Airlines Theatre very soon to see the Ibsen classic come to life on stage because Mary Louise Parker is Hedda Gabler!

“It was vivid and bracing when Ibsen did it, and I think it should be all those things now.” – Mary Louise Parker (on “Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen)