What's in a play?

I am finally among the privileged few honored with the care of reading the unpublished new play Transfigured Night by Todd Rew. I have been advocating for Transfigured Night ever since its existence became known to me. Considering it is atypical of me to become so involved with a blind project, it is a relief to finally have a script in my hands.

Before turning the first page I had a premonition that this script may be a piece of greatness. This revelation surprised me. After all, in a world filled with half-fledged ideas, the phrase “original play” often produces sighs and shudders. In the theatrical world there exists a plethora of poorly written one-acts and feeble attempts of ingenuity. Yet, somewhere in my gut, I have known for months that this play would be different.

First, Todd has magically written a full length play (and an epic one I might add) about composer Anton Webern – If that isn’t an inspired idea I don’t know what is! “Who is Anton Webern?” Well, since you asked let me tell you the very little (practically miniscule) amount of information I know about this Austrian composer:

Webern, with Alban Berg, was a pupil of Arnold Schoenberg in Vienna, moving in style to atonalism (music without tonality or key centre) and then 12-note music or surrealism (music based on a series of the 12 semitones or half-steps of the modern scale). He wrote music of brief concision and often of extreme delicacy. His influence on later composers has been considerable.

Confused? Don’t worry, so am I – but at the core, the idea to write a play investigating the family, music and tragic death of Anton Webern is genius. Not only has it not been done before, but it is a subject matter that I think people will generally connect with and care about. Maybe Todd will make Webern a household name – Okay, I may be getting ahead of myself, but I cannot retain my composure.

After reading the script I found myself experiencing a myriad of emotions. I knew Todd to be a true and honest artist, but little did I know what an impact this play would have on me. Not only am I fascinated by the historical context, but I am intrigued by the deep routed characters. I feel very emotionally connected to Anton and his wife Minna. I think this is only the beginning of the greatness to come.

Let's Get It Produced!

Ever since my beloved friend, Todd Rew, told me about his ambitions to write a play about Anton Webern I have been filled with excitement. I must confess that I have never heard of Anton Webern or his music, but just the passion Todd expressed for his ambitions to write about him made me believe in his ability to write the next great work of art.

The play, Transfigured Night, has been finished for a while now and Todd has been actively submitting it to theatres in Southern California. Every time I see an advertisement for new plays I rush to relay the message to Todd. I am not sure if I am annoying him yet or not, but I have great confidence in Todd’s talent and want him to succeed. I also believe that he has a very original idea and I am a sucker for historical fiction.

I am praying for good things to happen for him. If you have any suggestions of theatres off the beaten path (because really I believe he has submitted just about everywhere) please post them below.

Chili Con Carnage Casting!

I am pleased to announce that I have been cast in a short play called Chili Con Carnage by Ann Gibbs at Write Act Repertory. I am reuniting with director Michael Eiden after being selected as 1 or 4 actors playing 19 love-struck characters in his WCT production of Almost, Maine last year.

In Chili Con Carnage, I will be playing RickiJean, a young woman who lives in a run down cabin west of Big Cabin, Oklahoma, who supports herself by selling questionably made chili to the local Black Cat Tavern. I just finished my first read of the script and I am truly excited to dive into this project head first!

So, keep your eyes and ears open! More information about this project is COMING SOON!

The Art of Racing in the Rain

I turned the last page of The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. When my work club chose this novel for the month of March I kicked and screamed the whole way. I couldn’t imagine an entire novel from a dog’s point of view being anything but a major drag. But after the first few chapters I changed my tune.

I read this book in 4 hours! I have laughed, cried and been dragged through a complete emotional journey. I would recommend The Art of Racing in the Rain to anyone and everyone! Pick it up and you will not be able to put it down.

Publisher Comments:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

Women of Will

TINA PACKER. TINA PACKER. TINA PACKER. I can’t stop talking about Tina Packer. What can I say about Tina Packer? Well, truly everything I can say will fall short of expressing the extraordinary woman, artist, scholar and teacher she proves to be. As the founder of Shakespeare & Company, a group that I hold in high esteem, Ms. Packer is an advocate for exposing the truth in Shakespeare’s language. She believes that the words tell the story, a concept that is often overlooked by contempory theatre artists interested in embodying a character.

Women of Will, directed by my favorite theatre artists, Eric Tucker, investigates Shakespeare’s text through the eyes of his female characters. At the Kirk Douglas last tonight, audiences only saw an overview of Ms. Packer’s 5 part series, but our short time together proved inspirational. With years of experience, Tina Packer is like a fine wine, she only gets better with age. Ms. Packer posses the ability to transform herself into any age, accurately depicting the love struck Juliet as easily as the words can be produced from her lips. Assisted by Nigel Gore, Ms. Packard explores such characters as Kate (Taming of the Shrew), Joan of Arc (Henry VI, part i), and Desdemona (Othello), among others.

Though Ms. Packer has been shaping and expanding Women of Will since the mid-1990s, it still feels like a work in progress. Watching the production unfold is somewhat like watching a workshop or rehearsal. However, watching Ms. Packer work is probably the most fantastic vision I have ever seen in my life. Directly addressing the audience in between segments, Ms. Packer gives audiences an insight into her very important approach to Shakespeare. Eric Tuckers direction creates imaginary space on a bare set and perfect transitions from one dialog to another.

I wish I could explain in words Ms. Packer’s use of breath, body and voice in a way that could accurately relate her visceral impact on my body when she performs. Her energy and voice are felt in my soul. Yet such a feeling can only be experienced in person. Therefore I urge you to look for Women of Will as it tours across the county. Chances are you will see Shakespeare like you have never seen or understood it before.

Women of Will will be performed Saturday March 5th at 8pm, and Sunday, March 6th at 7pm. The show runs 2.5 hrs including intermission. Tickets are $35 General Admission, $20 Students and Seniors. The Kirk Douglas Theater is located at 9820 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232.