LIFE AND LESSONS AFTER “POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE”

As I began writing this blog, I realized it was 8 years ago today May 13th that I graduated with my BFA in Acting degree!  I cannot believe it has been that long already.  Although it seems like yesterday, and I feel as though I haven’t aged at all, I have, in fact, changed and experienced quite a lot, good and bad, since.  In essence, I have continued to learn valuable lessons even after my schooling days.

Since graduation I have become an aunt; lived in what has become my beloved New York City; worked at Atlantic Records; experienced, first hand, the horrors of September 11th and how New Yorkers truly united as one to help after the fact; stood center stage on Broadway; walked down the middle of the street in Times Square with snow up to my knees after a blizzard; met and worked with Julia Roberts; moved across the country; gotten a CA license plate, something I always wanted growing up; had my identity impersonated on-line; guest starred on several TV shows; been at a party with Prince; gotten to play my cousin Zita Johann and recreate her famous scenes opposite Boris Karloff from “The Mummy;” been turned into a comic book character for “Scary Monsters Magazine;” spoken about acting to an auditorium filled with middle school students, which was a true joy; sat on a jury for a week long trial; attended red carpet events; received touching fan letters and am still amazed anyone is a “fan;” started my own card line; traveled to Prince Edward Island with friends, gained a love for sushi; appeared on my teenage favorite soap opera “Y&R;” felt an earthquake; and, among many others, was given the opportunity to document my journey as an actor here with FIB.

They always say that “time flies when you’re having fun” and seems to speed up as you get older, to which I can attest.  Sometimes it seems that every time I turn around another year has flown by, and, as in today’s case, the next thing I know, 8 years have passed since I walked across the Taylor Theatre stage at UNCG and was handed my diploma, with my amazing and supportive family sitting in the audience rooting me on, something they continue to do today.

In that moment, I had no real idea what the future held.  In fact, I had planned to move to LA upon graduation from college.  But instead I detoured to NYC after getting a call from a friend with whom I had taken acting classes at HB Studio in New York, back when I was still in high school.  She was looking for a roommate, so off I went, and I am so happy that I did.  Honestly, I sometimes wish I had stayed in the Big Apple a little longer, but they also say “things happen for a reason.”  I was, at that time, eager to move, and had I stayed I might never have experienced some of the above.  Quite possibly, I may never have teamed up with FIB, and, therefore, this very blog may never have been written.

As some of you may know, LA and the industry have lost a bit of its luster for me since my arrival 5 years ago.  I will be the first to admit that I may not fully appreciate all that this city has to offer, and it is a well-known fact that I prefer NYC over LA.  That said, I was amongst the bright lights on Sunset Blvd. last night, just before midnight.  As I drove down the then fairly quiet main part of the strip, I passed the Best Western Hotel, with beautiful Bougainvillea in fabulous fuchsia covering the front of it, right near the House of Blues.  I was flooded with the emotions and memories of arriving at that very hotel, from college in Greensboro, NC, 8 years ago to work on a KRYStAL and Backstreet Boys music video shoot, filled with pure wonder.

I remember how exciting LA was for me then and how, when I arrived at LAX and walked out into the warm night air, surrounded by tall, sleek, palm trees, it was a truly magical place for me.  Although I was to be in LA for only a couple days, I could not wait to be actually living here after graduation.  Needless to say, as I passed the hotel last night, on what was just another day, so to speak, I realized just how different and rather mellow my experience and feelings are about LA and the same location today.

Suddenly, it hit me, and, in that moment, I decided to instantly soak up what was surrounding me.  Once again, I noticed the unique Sunset Strip sparkle and the many famous landmarks it houses.  Landmarks I often passed without really recognizing because I live here.  I was quickly struck by just how lucky I am to live where I live, in the middle of a place so many only see on TV or in the movies, and it reminded me that LA is a place so many dream of one day simply visiting, let alone living.

This mini “ah ha” moment, as Oprah calls them, happened during what is a big year for me.  I will soon be entering a new decade of my life; something that has contributed to my reflection, and even projection of what I want and where I want, or hope, to be in the future.  Consequently, I am, once again, sitting here on May 13th with no real certainty of what the future holds.

Now, while part of that thought is rather scary for me, especially looking at my life outside of acting and seeing myself in a place so different from what I once thought, part is also very exciting and what life’s adventure is all about.  Ultimately, even after graduation you never really stop learning or experiencing new things.  No matter where you find yourself, there will always be life and lessons after “Pomp and Circumstance.”

“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.” - Unknown

MISSING-IN-ACTION, SECRET BALLOTS, AND CARLA LAEMMLE “AMONG THE RUGGED PEAKS”

Up front, I must apologize for my missing-in-action, 3-week hiatus of sorts.  I could say, “my dog ate my blog,” even though I don’t have a dog.  Or seeing that we are in LA, “I was stuck in traffic,” but, alas, I simply got behind in the adventure of life.  So sorry!  That said, here I am!  Miss me?

As I write this week’s blog I have my “SECRET BALLOT ENVELOPE” in hand.  What you ask?  Well, my long awaited Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) 2009 Commercials Contract has arrived.  In April, the committee finally reached a tentative agreement with the advertisers, after negotiations that began last year.  A full rundown of what this agreement includes is explained in the press release posted on SAG’s official website, here.

The ballot makes me feel as though I am back in school and taking a test, because it is in scantron, machine-readable paper, on which students mark answers to academic test questions, form.  I now need to decide whether or not I agree with the contract as is; one on which both unions are strongly urging it’s members to vote YES, by filling in the bubble that reflects my vote and mailing it in by the May 21st deadline.

Aside from my personal blogging delays and “tests” like SAG and AFTRA ballots, I have been auditioning and attending callbacks for some great TV shows, while keeping fairly busy overall.  Something special and fun I got to be a part of was my dear friend Carla Laemmle’s book signing, in Burbank a couple weeks ago.  I received one of her lovely phone calls the afternoon prior to the event to let me know she would be in my neighborhood for her first book signing at the age of 99!  It was held at Dark Delicacies, which she said is “a darker, spookier place that sells books from the horror genre, but hopefully she wouldn’t be too scary,” as she laughed, in true Carla fashion.

Carla Laemmle, whom I have mentioned in a prior blog, “99 YEARS AND COUNTING,” is the niece of Carl Laemmle, the founder of Universal Pictures.  Her book, Among the Rugged Peaks: An Intimate Biography of Carla Laemmle, is written by another wonderful friend of mine Rick Atkins.  It’s a “tell all” autobiography, whose title reflects the first line of the classic 1931 “Dracula” movie, spoken by Miss Laemmle herself.  The book includes a number of stories and beautiful pictures from her many years in Hollywood, which started in January of 1921, when her family made the big move from Chicago to Universal City.

She so kindly personalized an autographed copy of her book for me.  She also graciously signed for me a black and white 8×10 studio picture of her in the first scene from “Dracula,” on which she penned her very famous first line.  I already have it framed and on display among my James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, and cousin Zita Johann’s photographs, and prints and art, from what I like to refer to as the Hollywood years of sophistication.  I could go on and on about the beautiful person Carla is inside and out, as I have before.  She is an inspiration to me, as well as the many who cross her path.  I feel so honored to be considered one of her friends.

Till next time, I hope you are all having a Splendid Spring, and I will be sure not to go into hiding, so to speak, for so long!  Thank you again for the continued support and many wonderful comments, messages, and e-mails.  They all mean so much.  I cannot express enough how I truly appreciate all of you who continue to take with me this rather bumpy journey towards my trying to become a successful actor, in this fairly difficult, unstable, and rapidly changing industry….one baby step at a time!

“Among the rugged peaks that frown down upon the Borgo Pass, are found crumbling castles of a bygone age.” – Carla Laemmle - the first line in “Dracula” (1931)

SIDE NOTE: I have the links set to open in a separate window, but the server appears to be overriding it, so sorry! Just hit the back button and it will take you back pretty quickly!

A SPRINGTIME CHUCK E. CHEESE EASTER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH BROADWAY AND BABIES ON THE SIDE

Easter truly marks the start of spring for me, and I could not be happier!  I simply love being able to wear brighter, fun, and fabulous colors out and about, in such lovely, sunny weather, without it being too hot!  This year Easter was celebrated at good old Chuck E. Cheese, for my good friend, and fellow actor, Tara’s 32nd Birthday!  She is a true kid at heart and finds joys in the simple things in life, which includes keeping the child in her alive through her love for Dainty Disney princesses, Fairytale Fun, and Buoyant Birthdays, at a childhood playground of sorts.

Needless to say, we all had a blast running around like we were 8 years old again, playing games, like the classic Skeet Ball, collecting our winning tickets, and exchanging them for little goodies from the wall of playful prizes, like fluffy, cloudlike cotton candy in petal pink!  I have included some of the pictures from our Chuck E. Cheese Easter Birthday celebration below, so you too could experience some of our rather animated adventure!

Aside from that, and since my last blog in the form of a vlog, I have been keeping busy working with the oh so talented Bernard Telsey Casting team, in town from NYC, once again, helping them with two new shows, which is always a pleasure.  One is the upcoming Broadway musical “Memphis,” which tells the story of “Huey Calhoun, a fast-talking, ego-driven white radio disc jockey who is fascinated by the R&B music being made on Beale Street” in the 1950’s.  The other is the recent Vegas hit “Peep Show,” currently starring Spice Girl Mel B, aka Melanie Brown, and, from “General Hospital” and “Dancing with the Stars,” Kelly Monaco.  The show takes “classic burlesque and modern music with live bands, singers and dancers to create a contemporary, exciting, sexy, hot show” at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

While spring has sprung, so has the baby boom, it seems, among my fabulous friends back east, with four expecting little ones around the same time, right before the winter holidays, which is really exciting!  Right now, I get to experience and enjoy all of that through my friends and take on the role that suits me best, for now, Auntie Liesl, which even my friends refer to me as, and it is one of the roles I enjoy playing the most!

Also, I am working on more video ideas to post as Vlogs in the near future, since the response was overwhelmingly positive in wanting to see more like that from me.  What you want to read and see is what I hope to always bring to you!  ‘Till next time, I hope you enjoy the pictures below, are all having a super start to spring thus far, and that things are heating up for you, in a good way, aside from just the temperature!

“An optimist is the human personification of spring.”
 - Susan J. Bissonette

 

 

“THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS” …A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES

This week I thought I would blog in the form of a video, making it what is now known as a vlog. I have been back at CBS filming my recurring role on the Emmy Award winning soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” and thought I would take you with me behind the scenes.

By way of background, I began watching “The Young and the Restless” when I was 15 years old, after seeing Michael Damian star on Broadway in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” with my high school choir class. I noticed in the Playbill that he played Danny Romalotti on the show, so I tuned in to see it, and began developing a rather big, yet harmless, crush on him…just ask my family and friends! It quickly became Jeni’s, my best friend growing up, and my favorite soap opera. We recorded and watched every episode. Needless to say, it is a bit surreal to be on the show today, walking around the stages and sets at CBS. As the famous saying goes, “You just never know!”

Below is the behind the scenes video I put together.  It appears to work smoothly when viewing it in Normal Definition, but is clearer in the HD version.  Whether the HD version will load and run as sharply and smoothly as it should depends on the computer and Internet connection you are using.  You can check and see if it will run by clicking the HD button in the lower right hand side of the video screen after you press the play button.  If the High Definition version works for you, it is more crisp and clear, and the words are easier to read!  The regular definition works pretty well, though.  Also, if you use HD, it does take some time to load, so I suggest pushing pause and waiting for it to finish loading before pressing play again.  While you wait, you can always read some of my Fabulous Fellow FIB Bloggers in a different window.

Finally, feel free to let me know if you like this style and are interested in seeing more like it in the future or if you would prefer I stick to writing in the original blog form. Ultimately, I want to offer you things you enjoy reading and/or watching! Thank you in advance for all of your continued support! I truly enjoy taking each of you with me on my journey as an actor, and hope you will continue to follow my baby steps in this business known as show.

Enjoy and, hopefully, the HD version will work for you and be worth the download wait, but either way you should be able to view it!

Side Note: I had a wonderful time that day with Michelle Stafford, who plays Phyllis Newman, and Joshua Morrow, who plays Nick Newman, on “Y&R.” They are two of the kindest, most genuine actors I have had the pleasure to work with. They instantly made me feel welcome on set and have a wonderful sense of humor that kept it all lighthearted and fun! From what I saw, they are typical of everyone on “Y&R.” It is a true joy to be on that set and among such a friendly and talented cast and crew!

“I like soap opera acting. If it’s done really well, there’s nothing better. It’s old school. It’s like what those melodramas in the ’30s and ’40s were like.” - Parker Posey

SLEEP, SHOWER, EAT, WORK, AUDITION / FILM, AND REPEAT

The last couple weeks have consisted of the above at a fairly steady pace. During this somewhat difficult time in the acting industry and with the economy, I am thankful to have any work, particularly when part of it consists of work that involves acting! Therefore, getting to be back at CBS filming “The Young and the Restless” is a true delight for me. Additionally, I have the gift of receiving super flexible hours of side work through a friend who currently has multiple successful companies. All this, while having little adventures and fun gatherings with friends here and maintaining from afar the close friendships I have had with friends for over a decade, provides me that extra bit of refreshing energy to push forward.

I think the best thing for an actor, or anyone for that matter, who is lacking stability on the work front, is to keep as busy as possible, make a plan, and create something to accomplish or work towards each day. It’s especially true when you aren’t getting work in the area you desire, which for many actors is often the case. Keeping busy allows you to be out there meeting people, interacting, and making yourself feel more productive, than if you are just sitting around waiting for the next audition or next possible booking to happen, while working a job you might not like, but need to keep afloat.

Financially and opportunity-wise, this is a slow and difficult time for most. This is something I am actively seeing among my friends, especially those in the industry, and myself. It is somewhat of an odd feeling for me personally, because I find myself wanting to reach out and help them, whether I know them well or not. However, I realize that I can’t do as much as I would like - aside from being supportive, offering a listening ear, and/or sending a card covered in stickers to hopefully brighten their mailbox and day. All this could be nice in theory, but I suppose doesn’t help as much as needed when someone can’t find a job, is going through a truly difficult time, can’t pay all their bills, or even really buy groceries.

Current times have contributed to my finding joys in strange places. Like seeing how much I can save when I go to buy groceries for the week by turning it into a bit of a game, something my marvelous mother used to do when she lived in Paris, before she married my extraordinary dad. I now cut out coupons, search online for additional discounts before going to purchase my items for the week, buy what is on sale, and opt for non-name brand items, etc. I am amazed at how much one can truly save with just a little extra time and effort! I probably should have been doing this for years, but in all honesty, my situation didn’t require me to do so up until recent times, a fact that I never have, or ever will, take for granted! However, I see more clearly now the significance of it, regardless of whether you need to do it or not. Ultimately, small savings, where one can save, just makes sense!

I am beyond lucky to have constant support from my loving family, financially and emotionally, whenever I need it; something that many I know do not have. There is so much I still hope to accomplish, as well as to “give back” financially and through a charity. Even though this seems far away for me in this moment, I continue to stay as positive as possible, and plan to do all I can to make it happen one day. Which for now means I need to sleep, shower, eat, work, audition / film, and repeat!

“These are not tough times. They’re tremendous times for tough people.” - Anon

“SO YOU MEAN YOU DON’T WANT TO BE FAMOUS?”

Last week, I was out with some friends in downtown LA, and someone from NYC approached us and struck up a conversation. Turns out he works in the industry, in marketing. He then asked me what I did for a living stating, “you have a great look, are very commercial, and should be the face of Neutrogena or something.”

The reason I decided to bring up his thoughts in this week’s blog is because during the course of our brief conversation, after he discovered I was an actor and had expressed the above opinion, he touched on something that struck me. He asked me what I wanted in reference to the entertainment industry. I expressed that I would love to have a successful career as an actor, where I can make a living doing what I enjoy and ultimately pick projects, preferably films, I am passionate about and that challenge me. I told him how much fulfillment I get from Independent film projects and having the ability to play characters that require true acting, not just my playing what I am most often type-cast as or what comes easy for me: the girl next door, football players girlfriend, cheerleader, etc. I explained that those involved in smaller, Independent projects are often more willing to take a chance and think outside the box.

However, it was not his question, but his reaction to my answer that caused me to think. He looked at me with a bit of a perplexed look, paused, and then said with a rather baffled tone, “So you mean you don’t want to be famous?” It was at this moment that I was caught a bit off guard, because I did not get into this industry “to be famous.”

Yes, we all want to be successful, and others knowing who I am, on some level, in the industry is welcome. Yet, success is valuable to me more so that I can get work, be able to pick projects that interest me, and ultimately have a solid platform to start my children’s charity foundation to be able to begin giving back, all while hopefully being a positive role model. It’s not to be famous.

Therefore, my answer, without hesitation, was, and still is, “No.”

Still a bit stunned by my response he seemed unsure of what to say next, almost as though there was no real point in my being an actor if I didn’t want “fame and fortune.” That said, and even though I am not in this for reasons he thought, he remarked that my getting just one starring role in a great independent film with a good director, that goes to some of the big film festivals, would be all I would need, and I would “take off.” He suggested I follow the path of Evan Rachel Wood, or someone like her, since I am “her type.”

He then quickly and somewhat dismissively said, “well good luck with that!” Although appreciative of his time and insight, I’ll admit I was left a bit unsure after our conversation and started thinking about whether people associate being an actor with solely wanting “fame and fortune.”

For me, I became an actor for the creative freedom I get while developing other characters and personally getting to take on qualities, which I myself do not possess. In a round about way, being an actor welcomes the shy qualities I hold at the core, and allows an inner confidence to emerge, which I find to be a unique fortune, in an of itself. Thus, I suppose I crave the spotlight shown on an actor, but simply for different reasons.

“To a lot of actors the more attention they can command the better. Their egos can become out of control, and they crave adoration and demand attention. Fortunately, I am amongst the small minority who enter the business with our main priority being getting involved because we love telling stories in whatever way we can, and we love the creative industry…I am actually shy, believe it or not.” – Virginia Hey

SIDE NOTE: The biopic style documentary “Kreating Karloff” I starred in, playing Zita Johann as Helen Grosvenor alongside actor Conor Timmis, was just reviewed in the March/April Issue (#87) of Rue Morgue Magazine and is available now on new stands and at your local Borders and Barnes and Noble, if you are interested!

OSCAR GOLD AND GLAMOUR

Another Wednesday has rolled around, and each week I wonder how it has caught up to me, yet again, making it feel as though time is simply flying by! Although I don’t really have much to report on the acting front this week, I am keeping super busy and really trying to make the most of each day! All this while I am looking forward to a few things, about which the outcome is unsure, something an actor is quite familiar with, as well.

Despite the acting front being rather uneventful for me, as of now, Hollywood is revving up for its big night of gold, The 81st Annual Academy Awards! This Sunday evening, A-list actors will gather inside the Kodak Theatre to acknowledge the excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers. Those winning in each category will get to take Oscar, the industry’s highest honor, home with them as a memento of their work, after the ceremony and celebrations have ended.

I have watched the Academy Awards every year since I was a little girl, and my extraordinary parents always make it a special night by putting together some fun appetizers and Mexican layered dip to go along with champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for those underage. To this day, whenever I am back east, I still watch with them in that same style, but when I don’t have the pleasure of being in their company, I still watch, while thinking of them, and the great time we always have on that night when we are together.

This year, since I am in LA, I will be watching without them, but am lucky enough to get to watch with a wonderful group of people. I am attending a fun and fabulous Oscar party hosted by a good friend of mine, which is sure to be a gathering nothing short of classy, since he tends to think of every last elegant detail to make it simply perfect! In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he rolls out a radiant red carpet!

The Oscars are a fancy night. Therefore, I plan to dress up, something I tend to do on a daily basis. Plus any excuse to add a little sparkle is good enough for me and is something I jump at the chance to do! I am looking forward to being among some great friends and even meeting some new ones while we enjoy the festivities in between plenty of entertainment and lots of good laughs, I am sure!

I hope that wherever you find yourself, be it at home or from inside the Kodak Theatre, each of you will have fun watching, and that some, if not all, of your choices win! I am willing to bet there will be a few surprises too! Regardless, it is sure to be an evening of Oscar gold and glamour!

“There are a lot of great movies that have won the Academy Award, and a lot of great movies that haven’t. You just do the best you can.” – Clint Eastwood

‘ROCK OF AGES’…AND THE USUAL

I have been keeping quite busy doing a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Along with lots of good auditions and callbacks, meetings of producers, voice-overs, editing, and work with the talented team from ROCK OF AGES. It is currently off-Broadway, but set to “Rock Broadway” this March in New York City.

Despite the somewhat shaky ground on which the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is currently standing and the slower than usual acting front for this time of year known as pilot season, when actors are ordinarily out there auditioning the most for all the new show as well as the shows lucky enough to come back for another season, I have been busier then usual. However, when the industry is slower or not at its peak, so to speak, I tend to go out more, which is something I have never understood. This trend continues for me and is fully welcomed.

I have talked in past blogs about my work with Telsey Casting of NYC, whenever they are out in LA. No matter what show I am working on with them, be it DIRTY DANCING, WICKED, IN THE HEIGHTS, or the most recent, ROCK OF AGES, I always have such a fun time and enjoy getting the opportunity to recharge my creative battery by being among so many talented and artistic people at one time. I always get to interact with imaginative minds and meet other actors doing what I do, simply putting themselves out there, taking the opportunity presented in the form of an audition, and doing the best they can before moving onto the next.

ROCK OF AGES takes you on “a musical trip with a story set to blazing hits from such iconic rockers as REO Speedwagon, STYX, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Quarterflash, Poison, Asia, Damn Yankees and more!” The show gave me the chance to meet and work with known actors in the industry, a few familiar faces, and even some teen idols and rock stars from the 70’s and 80’s who had hit songs on major record labels. I love talking to them, hearing about all they have done, and simply being in the presence of those who have been at this, truly pounding the pavement, for decades!

Ultimately, if entertaining is what you love to do, you have no choice but to stick with it, while keeping yourself grounded to the pavement you are pounding, because you will have your highs, as far as success goes, and, although they often level out, just as anything does, you can always reach them again at a later time. This business is completely unpredictable, and you never know when that one role, or show, that was meant for you, is going to surface and allow you to shine, be it for the first time, or the hundredth time!

Overall, things have been going well, and even though I am not booking at the end of my auditions and callbacks, I am finding myself being the only blonde in the small groups called back, which have consisted of a brunette, red head, and black haired actor. It often comes down to a “look.” That is what so much of this industry is often, but not always, about.

I, for whatever reason, have a somewhat strong sense that this is going to be a good year, in some form, and am looking forward to all that is ahead, while maintaining a positive attitude. I am planning to keep living the daily life of an actor through all the ups and downs of the roller coaster that it is. Basically, for the past couple weeks, that has consisted of ROCK OF AGES…and the usual.

“Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck — but, most of all, endurance.” – James Arthur Baldwin

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)

« Previous Page — Next Page »