"I don't want to live. I want to love first, and live incidentally" - Zelda Fitzgerald

Last night I read The Violet Hour and instantly became of fan of Richard Greenberg. I relished in the language of the play. It is not often that I stumble onto a modern piece of theatre with such thoughtful, eloquent and sophisticated language. Surreal and magical in every way, The Violet Hour explodes off the page, manipulating time and toying with the concept of fate. When a strange machine arrives in John Seavering’s publishing office, spewing out premonitions, reality is questioned and John must choose between publishing the memoirs of his mistress, or his best friend’s book. Either choice may prove disastrous for the unpublished writer, but both will lead to Seavering’s ultimate success. I immediately connected with this piece, especially the characters of Denny and Rosamund – who seem to be portraits of the young Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. When I reached their final, intimate scene together, I began to read out loud; as such an emotional journey could not be left on the page. There is something very sincere and real about how the words are spaced on the page and how they sound when spoken aloud. From an actor’s perspective, there is a special emotional journey for each character clearly reflected in the dialog, which somehow manages to be heightened yet conversational at the same time. The Long Beach Playhouse has included The Violet Hour as part of their season this year, and I sincerely hope that the production will do justice to this wonderful play. I can't wait to see it on the stage!

Happy Birthday Uncle Eddie!

Today is Edward II 726th birthday! Happy birthday Sire! (Or as I tenderly like to refer to him - Happy birthday Uncle Eddie!) Since I am currently working on Marlowe's crowning achievement, his play The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward the Second, King of England, with the Tragical Fall of Proud Mortimer, I thought it appropriate to celebrate this important day in history. I will be returning to rehearsal on Monday, after a much needed rest, to revisit my role as Margaret (Edward's niece) and the Messenger. I am also excited to say that the Marlowe Society has taken notice of our production, and publicized it in their Theatre Events Blog. I spent some time researching Edward today and discovered a fun and informative blog dedicated to him: Edward II. Enjoy!

A+ to CSULB Theatrefest

The 10th Annual CSULB Theatrefest proved to be quite an experience. I listened to about 20 comedic monologues over the course of 3 hours. Thank goodness the students brought some energy and light into the dimly lit, dreary classroom setting. There were probably as many successes as there were failures yesterday. However, the valuable learning experience provided to these high school students is immeasurable. There is nothing more relevant to an actor then to see their peers perform, and to get feedback early on in their craft. My only experience of this type in high school was competing at the Chapman Shakespeare Festival, which inspired me to attend the university for my undergraduate work. My favorite performance of the day was a young man who performed Cyrano De Bergerac (and no I didn't favor him just because I love the play). It was amazing to me that he would take on such a challenging piece of theatre and hit the nail on the head, especially at the tender age of sixteen. Most importantly I admire the bravery of the students I saw this weekend. It is one thing to perform safely in your classroom, and another to perform in front of strangers in unfamiliar territory. I think there is great hope in the upcoming generation of actors.

Acting Out Against AIDS!

Hello friends and readers.... Here is another way you can help out with AIDS Walk Orange County!

Late Night Leftovers and Theatre Out presents "Acting Out Against AIDS" a cabaret benefitting the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk team.

Great Music! Great Food! Opportunity Drawings!

Featuring the talents of Danny Blaylock, Jasmine Curry, Jason Michael Hammond, Lindsay Henkeinus, Carie Millard and Frankie Marrone.

Hosted by Shaun Michael McNamara with a special guest appearance by everyone's favorite explorer in an all new sketch.


TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!!!

May 8th @ 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm

Buy Tickets!

100% of the proceeds benefit the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk Team as we walk to support those living with HIV and AIDS in Orange County.

Can't make the event? Donate to the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk Team online on their team page.

BENT: "I love you... What's wrong with that?"

April 16th, 2010 Performance: Theatre Out’s production of Martin Sherman's iconic play, Bent, is powerful, gripping and emotionally charged. Set in the 1930’s, Bent revolves around the persecution of gays in Nazi Germany. It tells of the horrific crimes to humanity and intolerance through the eyes of Max, a character struggling with love, self-discovery, and self-dignity. Describing the complex plot devices, themes of this play and importance of this piece of literature would take me hours (in fact I am still processing much of it), so if you have further interest I recommend The London Theatre Guide Review by Peter Brown, which actually provides quite a detailed history of the play (Wish I was there to see Alan Cumming! *sigh*). Let me just say that I try very hard to support Orange County small and community theatres, but on this particular occasion I do not need to defend this production against the typical faults associated with such theatres. Theatre Out has taken one of the most challenging pieces of theatre, both difficult to perform and difficult to watch, and bravely created a quality product. Now I realize that nothing is perfect, so let me also say that there were a couple believability issues in the first half of the performance. (Did I stress the difficulty of this piece?) However, in the second half the actors significantly picked up the stakes consistency of their performances. David Tran was endearing as Rudy and Greg Spradlin came in strong as Max. Yet, Ben Green was the true star of the night as Horst. In a tennis court seating arrangement, Ben Green commanded attention even with his back to the audience. His compelling performance quieted the anxiety ridden house, whose inner turmoil could be heard in the silence between the heartfelt revelations, self-discoveries, chaos and gunshots.


Performances April 9 - May 1, 2010 at The Empire Theatre 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana CA. Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm; select Thursdays @ 8:00 pm; select Sundays @ 2:00 pm. Tickets are $12.00 - $18.00. For more information call (714) 826-8700 or visit www.theatreout.com.

Theatre Out Joins AIDS Walk Orange County

The theatre company I am currently working with, has joined AIDS Walk Orange County! Theatre Out is gearing up for AIDS Walk Orange County 2010, which will take place on May 22nd at the OC Great Park. Last year Team Theatre Out raised over $10,000 and ranked in the TOP 5 walk teams. We are challenging everyone to double our efforts this year. The 2010 team goal is $20,000. Every 9 minutes someone in the US is infected with HIV / AIDS, a disease that has taken the lives of 580,000 people in the US since its outbreak in 1981. Please consider walking for this worthy cause, or sponsoring a Theatre Out walker. Donate now!

The Queen saw the beast in the ribs of the garden

I was listening to the following song in my car today, and I suddenly connected to it as it seemed to somehow personify what Margaret sees in Isabella in Edward II. If I were to create a soundtrack for Edward II, this would certainly be a part of it.

"Monarch"
Feist

The Queen has a feint had a fall
Don't give me ether or open my vein
I'm sane
I know I'm saneI don't give a care for the crown or the shield
I will not protect you or happily yield
To the one who makes me come undone

Who was born and in what way
All the fields and poppies ay
Who was born in what way
All the fields

The Queen is walking away with only her stockings on
Waving having forbidden pears and song
Valiant and the colours are too gold
Colours of the morning old

Who was born and in what way
All the fields and poppies ay
Who was born in what way
All the fields

Monarch now lay (your) jeweled head
Monarch now lay (your) jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head

Monarch now lay your jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head

The Queen saw the beast in the ribs of the garden
Husband dear you are nearer to the eye
You're thrown place you wouldn't hold a pardon strokes

By the hand of God
By the hand of God
Though you is so cruel

Who was born and in what way
Who was born and in what way

Edward II inspired collage

10th Annual CSULB Theatrefest

I have been asked to serve as a judge for my second consecutive year at 10th Annual CSULB Theatrefest, on April 16th and 17th. Last year I served on the judging panel for the classical scene semi-finalists. This year they have changed the program, so I will be involved in judging the comedic scenes semi-finals, which will include classical and contemporary selections. I am excited at the prospect to provide feedback to the young actors in attendance and perhaps even learn a few things from them as well.