A KING AND AN ANGEL
Today they have Michael Jackson's will in hand and Farrah Fawcett will be laid to rest in Los Angeles. Wow. This all seems so surreal. Yes, I know people die every day, but to see two vibrant talents gone so soon is sad. Farrah fought the good fight. As one reporter in NYC said, she saved her best for last -- showing the world she was brave, courageous and no dumb blonde the way she acted on Letterman that night. She took on cancer and the sleazy National Enquirer. She won one of those battles. (The next time any of you think about paying a dime to read the National Enquirer think about what they did to Farrah (she said the publication got someone at the hospital to reveal her medical records while she battled for her life).
And Michael Jackson -- how I remember "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" in those very early MTV days and watched his videos over and over, not to mention "Thriller". I remember watching the Jackson 5 cartoons in the 70's! Michael was simply magical.
It's sad to see these bigger than life icons wither and pass away too soon. It makes our lives seem all that more vulnerable. Was Michael really 50 already? And Farrah 62?
We'll miss them both.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
MOVIE ACTRESSES
I'm so pleased to see that Sandra Bullock's new movie "The Proposal" is doing so well! The movie is a fun, light summer comedy. It's first act is much better than the rest of the movie, but still, it's good for laughs.
I'm also happy as a clam that this summer will bring us movies by Michelle Pfeiffer "Cheri" and Meryl Streep "Julie/Julia". There are not enough well-written movies for any actors, male or female, but at least great actresses like Meryl Streep get to keep working in a time of comic book movies, special effects over kill (Have you seen "The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3? It's dizzying.), and lame story lines.
Speaking of interesting movie roles for women, I rented "Frozen River" the other night and it was very well-written and acted. Melissa Leo was nominated for Best Actress for the Oscars. I believe the script was nominated too. It has some real, heart wrenching, dramatic characters and moments.
When I was growing up, I remember watching strong women actresses like Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Susan Hayworth, Barbra Streisand, Faye Dunaway, Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Goldie Hawn and others . They made wonderful movies about strong, defiant and remarkable women. Screenwriters wrote powerful roles for them. (Jane Fonda in "Julia", "Klute" and "Coming Home", Meryl Streep in "Silkwood", Sally Field in "Norma Rae", Goldie Hawn in "Private Benjamin". )Where are those type of writers today? Why are some of the most amazing actresses simply out of work or showing up in droves on cable cop shows?
Nia Vardolas of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame said a studio guy told her recently that women don't go to the movies so studios don't make women's movies. She claims this studio suit said the success of "Sex and the City" was a fluke.
Well, no, women do go to the movies, Mr. Studio Bone Head... when they're worth seeing. We may not go every single weekend, but we will pluck down our money for a movie with some intelligence, wit, and originality. "My Life in Ruins" wasn't one of those (Sorry, Nia), so don't go by the success of that movie alone, Mr. Studio Lug Head.
But I digress, I'm thrilled that Sandra Bullock's new movie "The Proposal" is her biggest opening weekend movie ever! Really? Hurrah for over-forty Sandra! All you writers out there -- keep writing your best scripts and keep all those actresses in mind when you do. They need your help! We the moviegoers need your talent! And that studio suit should be fired.
Until next time.
I'm so pleased to see that Sandra Bullock's new movie "The Proposal" is doing so well! The movie is a fun, light summer comedy. It's first act is much better than the rest of the movie, but still, it's good for laughs.
I'm also happy as a clam that this summer will bring us movies by Michelle Pfeiffer "Cheri" and Meryl Streep "Julie/Julia". There are not enough well-written movies for any actors, male or female, but at least great actresses like Meryl Streep get to keep working in a time of comic book movies, special effects over kill (Have you seen "The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3? It's dizzying.), and lame story lines.
Speaking of interesting movie roles for women, I rented "Frozen River" the other night and it was very well-written and acted. Melissa Leo was nominated for Best Actress for the Oscars. I believe the script was nominated too. It has some real, heart wrenching, dramatic characters and moments.
When I was growing up, I remember watching strong women actresses like Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Susan Hayworth, Barbra Streisand, Faye Dunaway, Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Goldie Hawn and others . They made wonderful movies about strong, defiant and remarkable women. Screenwriters wrote powerful roles for them. (Jane Fonda in "Julia", "Klute" and "Coming Home", Meryl Streep in "Silkwood", Sally Field in "Norma Rae", Goldie Hawn in "Private Benjamin". )Where are those type of writers today? Why are some of the most amazing actresses simply out of work or showing up in droves on cable cop shows?
Nia Vardolas of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame said a studio guy told her recently that women don't go to the movies so studios don't make women's movies. She claims this studio suit said the success of "Sex and the City" was a fluke.
Well, no, women do go to the movies, Mr. Studio Bone Head... when they're worth seeing. We may not go every single weekend, but we will pluck down our money for a movie with some intelligence, wit, and originality. "My Life in Ruins" wasn't one of those (Sorry, Nia), so don't go by the success of that movie alone, Mr. Studio Lug Head.
But I digress, I'm thrilled that Sandra Bullock's new movie "The Proposal" is her biggest opening weekend movie ever! Really? Hurrah for over-forty Sandra! All you writers out there -- keep writing your best scripts and keep all those actresses in mind when you do. They need your help! We the moviegoers need your talent! And that studio suit should be fired.
Until next time.
Friday, June 19, 2009
INTERNET OUT
So about a week ago a massive lightning storm hit NYC. I've never seen a storm so intense, especially since living in the city. It knocked out my Time Warner Internet service for going on the second week now and I feel like my right arm is missing... I'm writing this from a Starbucks. Does anyone actually write creatively in Starbucks? It's so damn noisy between the chairs sliding on the tiled floor... the blender mixing iced drinks... and the music blaring, but hey, it's got great coffee and WiFi service (that you have to pay for, bummer! ).
But, the good news is that I've been writing like a maniac on two projects because of NOT being connected online. I'm pretty good about a writing schedule, but when the Internet is right at my fingertips it is tempting to take a break and check my emails. I realize now how much time I spend online (some of it is useful research or communication). Imagine if the TV cable blew out? I'd be one prolific gal.
Do you spend a lot of time online when you should be writing your book or script? Try disconnecting your service (save money) or take a week's break and see what you accomplish. It's painful, I won't lie, but it's amazing how much more you'll accomplish when unplugged.
Gotta go... the guy next to me at Starbucks just slid his wood chair across the floor and it's giving me a headache.
Until next time.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Summer Reading
I'm reading a book called "TIME to Write" by Kelly L. Stone. I received it as a gift for my birthday (along with one of my favorite books "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott). Time to Write is an easy read about following your writing bliss. It's a gentle kick-in-the-pants book for writers on how to block out time to write (no matter your job or responsibilities). Prolific authors tell about their daily process, what gets them to the desk to write, and how to keep that mojo going.
I love reading about writing (whether screenwriting, playwriting or fiction writing). Writing is writing, no matter the platform you choose to do it in -- it's daunting, insane and wonderful to be a writer. This book basically says to keep a schedule (like you do with working out at the gym or at home). If you train your brain to write, every day, it will not be such a big deal to face another blank page the next day.
If you haven't read "Bird by Bird" pick yourself up a copy. It's not only funny, but heartwarming and inspiring. Anne Lamott tells how as a kid her brother had procrastinated on writing a book report about birds. It was due the next day and he was sweating bullets knowing how massive the report would be to tackle. Anne's father told him to just take it "bird by bird". I try to live by that philosophy in all areas of my life -- whenever I feel overwhelmed -- I think of Anne's book and advice to take it step by step, scene by scene, chapter by chapter, script by script... you can apply it to your own life too. It's amazing how much you can get done if you set small goals each and every day.
So stop reading this already and go do what you need to do for today -- bird by bird.
Until next time.
I'm reading a book called "TIME to Write" by Kelly L. Stone. I received it as a gift for my birthday (along with one of my favorite books "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott). Time to Write is an easy read about following your writing bliss. It's a gentle kick-in-the-pants book for writers on how to block out time to write (no matter your job or responsibilities). Prolific authors tell about their daily process, what gets them to the desk to write, and how to keep that mojo going.
I love reading about writing (whether screenwriting, playwriting or fiction writing). Writing is writing, no matter the platform you choose to do it in -- it's daunting, insane and wonderful to be a writer. This book basically says to keep a schedule (like you do with working out at the gym or at home). If you train your brain to write, every day, it will not be such a big deal to face another blank page the next day.
If you haven't read "Bird by Bird" pick yourself up a copy. It's not only funny, but heartwarming and inspiring. Anne Lamott tells how as a kid her brother had procrastinated on writing a book report about birds. It was due the next day and he was sweating bullets knowing how massive the report would be to tackle. Anne's father told him to just take it "bird by bird". I try to live by that philosophy in all areas of my life -- whenever I feel overwhelmed -- I think of Anne's book and advice to take it step by step, scene by scene, chapter by chapter, script by script... you can apply it to your own life too. It's amazing how much you can get done if you set small goals each and every day.
So stop reading this already and go do what you need to do for today -- bird by bird.
Until next time.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
FESTIVAL
David Wiener's clever play "Feeding Time in the Human House" won for the best play at the 15 Minute Play Festival. My play was on the same night as his in the semi-finals. I sent him an e-mail to congratulate him in winning the overall Best Play at the festival.
I'm outlining and working on a new play. It's in it's earliest stages and not rushing it.
It's late spring in New York City and a beautiful blue sky May day. Tomorrow I'm meeting an old friend to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge together. She loves literature and devours books so I always look forward to our chats about great books on the market. Her last recommendation was "In the Woods".
I have to read that this summer. Enjoy your day!
David Wiener's clever play "Feeding Time in the Human House" won for the best play at the 15 Minute Play Festival. My play was on the same night as his in the semi-finals. I sent him an e-mail to congratulate him in winning the overall Best Play at the festival.
I'm outlining and working on a new play. It's in it's earliest stages and not rushing it.
It's late spring in New York City and a beautiful blue sky May day. Tomorrow I'm meeting an old friend to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge together. She loves literature and devours books so I always look forward to our chats about great books on the market. Her last recommendation was "In the Woods".
I have to read that this summer. Enjoy your day!
Friday, May 08, 2009
GREAT JOURNEY
Wow. It's over. The play went up on May 6th for one night in the Festival. It was so much fun I cannot begin to tell you -- from the first rehearsal to seeing family and friends take their seats just before show time. The theatre is so exciting -- intimidate and immediate. I got the bug for sure.
My play didn't make it to the Finals. There was another play called "Feeding Time in the Human House" which won for the night (out of 5 plays). It was very clever about baboons in the zoo (mates) discussing human behavior while the male baboon threw poop at the audience. How could I compete with flying poop and the female monkey putting her butt up in the air?? lol. It was a great play and hats off to it.
The actors in my play 'NetFits" were Brian Hoffman and Liz Maurer. They worked so hard and were so well received by the audience. They gave it their all. The director Ken Kaissar was a pleasure to work with and so energetic and creative. I hope to work with this trio again.
Last night I saw HAIR on Broadway. My partner bought the tickets for my birthday celebration. The musical is wonderful! All those great songs like "Age of Aquarius" and "Let the Sunshine In". The ending of the play (WARNING -- SPOILER) is so moving with the dead soldier laying on the American flag with the snow falling from the rafters on him. Not a dry eye in the house!
The actors invite the audience on stage at the end to sing "Let the Sunshine In". We did and it was so cool to be center stage on Broadway singing to a New York audience from the top of our lungs. Amazing birthday moment. Amazing life moment. Amazing New York moment.
Go see more theatre if you can afford to... it's magical.
Wow. It's over. The play went up on May 6th for one night in the Festival. It was so much fun I cannot begin to tell you -- from the first rehearsal to seeing family and friends take their seats just before show time. The theatre is so exciting -- intimidate and immediate. I got the bug for sure.
My play didn't make it to the Finals. There was another play called "Feeding Time in the Human House" which won for the night (out of 5 plays). It was very clever about baboons in the zoo (mates) discussing human behavior while the male baboon threw poop at the audience. How could I compete with flying poop and the female monkey putting her butt up in the air?? lol. It was a great play and hats off to it.
The actors in my play 'NetFits" were Brian Hoffman and Liz Maurer. They worked so hard and were so well received by the audience. They gave it their all. The director Ken Kaissar was a pleasure to work with and so energetic and creative. I hope to work with this trio again.
Last night I saw HAIR on Broadway. My partner bought the tickets for my birthday celebration. The musical is wonderful! All those great songs like "Age of Aquarius" and "Let the Sunshine In". The ending of the play (WARNING -- SPOILER) is so moving with the dead soldier laying on the American flag with the snow falling from the rafters on him. Not a dry eye in the house!
The actors invite the audience on stage at the end to sing "Let the Sunshine In". We did and it was so cool to be center stage on Broadway singing to a New York audience from the top of our lungs. Amazing birthday moment. Amazing life moment. Amazing New York moment.
Go see more theatre if you can afford to... it's magical.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
TOMORROW'S THE DAY
One day from curtain up. Rehearsal with the new actress went terrific! She's got great energy and comic timing. The cast includes two talented New York actors: Liz Maurer and Brian Hoffman. They're Equity members. The show is directed by an amazing young director named Ken Kaissar. He's fun to watch as he works his magic with the actors to experiment and try new ways of performing the play.
We're still tinkering with the final few pages. To get it just right (the pacing) and to come in at under 15 minutes in tech rehearsal tomorow morning. They actually time the rehearsal to make sure we stay under 15 minutes.
Stage jitters. So much fun!
One day from curtain up. Rehearsal with the new actress went terrific! She's got great energy and comic timing. The cast includes two talented New York actors: Liz Maurer and Brian Hoffman. They're Equity members. The show is directed by an amazing young director named Ken Kaissar. He's fun to watch as he works his magic with the actors to experiment and try new ways of performing the play.
We're still tinkering with the final few pages. To get it just right (the pacing) and to come in at under 15 minutes in tech rehearsal tomorow morning. They actually time the rehearsal to make sure we stay under 15 minutes.
Stage jitters. So much fun!
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