Home

Home again.  A bit tired.  My brother's friends, Rich and Lawana picked me up at the airport.  Then they had me over for dinner.  I had a couple of glasses of beer with my meal and now I'm zonked.  I had a great time in AK.   Here is a picture of me with Lark (in Alaska):

It's Always Sunny In...

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA!!!

At least it has been since I arrived here on Friday.  And everything is still lush and green.  To top it off the moon has been full and bright until late in the evening. Kathleen and I went for a walk along the coastal trail yesterday, after stopping by to visit with her mother, who she sometimes affectionately refers to as K.B. or "The Mother Ship."  Today we are going for a drive and then over to her mom's house for a salmon dinner.  It sounds fantastic to me, but I've gathered that to Alaskans in late summer, fresh caught wild salmon is something like home-grown zucchini is to those of us in the lower 48.

Reading Material

For the flight to Anchorage (and to read there as well) I am taking along a book of Tennessee Williams' short stories, a printout of Equity guidelines, and a copy of No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre (adapted by Paul Bowles, who happened to be one of TW's best friends).

Brezhnev

In The Cuban Missile Tango I played a party guest playing the part of Leonid Brezhnev.  This is the photo that I based my costume on. Brezhnev is on the left, next to Castro.  Khrushchev is on the far right. I have no idea who the other guys are.  Yesterday, I met two women, one Russian and one Ukrainian, while shopping.  I told them about playing Brezhnev, and they exclaimed, "You look just like him!"

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Travels

I'm off to Anchorage, AK tomorrow on a free (almost) ticket.  I will see and stay with my dear friend, Kathleen Bielawski.  I'm looking forward to meeting her new kitten, "Lark."  Got some kitty treats to give him!

Cuban Missile Tango is Over

Last show was a Sunday matinee. To my surprise, the house was packed again, even though it was a nice sunny afternoon outside. I think my Breshnev getup worked, as my sister heard another audience member refer to me as the "guy with the big eyebrows." After the performance, we had a cast party at the director's house. He and his wife have a home at the foot of the West Hills. On the way there I was thinking that Imago should do a show called "West Hills Like White Elephants," which is fitting since Elephant's Deli is not far away. Next up at Imago is No Exit.  I am going to work as the assistant stage manager on this one, as I like the back stage stuff too.

Opening Night

Cuban Missile Tango opened at Imago Theater tonight.  Full house.  Fun.  Come and see it!

Quote

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Home Again

Both mother and father are out of the hospital and at home. Hopefully things will stay that way for a good long while.

The day my mother got out of the hospital, she walked out to the garden without her oxygen tube. Well, that might be good except she was still on antibiotics and steroids to treat her illness. I'm afraid I got mad at her and was a little mean. I told her that I should tie a rope around her waist to keep her from running off, just as she once did to me when I was a little boy. Then I said, "At least we know you still remember your way home." That's the part I feel bad about, because her short-term memory has been getting steadily worse since her illness in the Winter of 07-08. I must be more mindful about what I say.

Hotel Legacy

Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital is nice as far as hospitals go. It's new, it's spacious, its walls and rooms are decked out in attractive colors. It's also where my mother was on a ventilator a couple of Christmases ago. And now it's where I am--here with my mother. She has pneumonia again--not as severe as that Christmas, but bad enough to keep her overnight; hopefully that will be sufficient. They have built-in day beds here, large picture windows, TV with all the channels, and even wireless Internet. It's almost like a hotel. But it's not where I want to be staying, and it's certainly not where my mother wants to be right now. My step-father just got out of the hospital on Monday, his second stay in a month's time, and now my mother is in. It's kind of like a yo-yo, one out and one in. As my mother's doctor said the other day, their health has taken a real nose-dive in the last year. But we want to keep them with us and at home for as long as we can.

My Blog...

awaits me...I will return soon, soon, soon.

I toast Lisa Groening---she is a VERY GOOD PERSON!

I'm Up To...

Reading Blood Wedding. Exciting!

Working on articles for Japanese study books.

Rating TOEFL tests online -accidentally missed a shift yesterday!

Neglecting Blog...

Got cast in Imago play. "Cinder" has been dropped for now. Instead the piece will be "CUBAN MISSILE TANGO."

My Aunt Joyce died today at 3 pm after a long period of illness. My Aunt Patty said she looked peaceful.

Lorca

I was telling Margaret Lehman 0n the phone about my Lorca "experience." She started talking about a play by him called "Blood Wedding." She suggested that we read it aloud together. Soon after, I was at my friend Thea's house and she had a copy of the play, which she lent me. She also had a copy of an oldish movie titled "The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca." Andy Garcia plays Federico & it also features Edward James Olmos, one of my favorites. The film is based on a biography by Ian Gibson. I'm going to look for it--I had the feeling that the movie, like most biopics, suffered from Hollywoodization. I still enjoyed it. The film included a deeply moving poem by Lorca, "Lament for Igancio Sanchez Mejias."

Bad movie makes good.

I went to see "Little Ashes" yesterday, even though it's reviews have been almost unanimously bad. The criticisms have largely centered on the performance of Robert Pattinson. of Twilight fame, as Salvador Dali. It was in fact not possible to take him seriously in the role. But I don't think it was his fault. I blame it on the director and possibly the stylists for making him look ridiculous (even though Dali did too). The story itself is compelling, especially regarding the life of Federico Garcia Lorca. Javier Beltran was quite good in the role. And the weirdest thing happened to me. At one point Lorca was standing on a building thinking of jumping. And later, of course, he is killed. I only say "of course" now, because I knew almost nothing about him before seeing this film. But at both moments, and especially when he dies, I felt ripped apart. I was so upset that I thought I might have to leave the theater. Now, when I see his name, I have something of the same feeling. What is it? A strange resonance? Emotions from a previous life?

Spring Awakening

That's what I need, and I believe it is coming! For some reason, this was in my mind this morning. I thought "Spring Awakening" was the title of a Broadway show, so I looked it up. So it was:

Spring Awakening is a Tony Award-winning rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater. The musical is based on the controversial 1891 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. Set in late-nineteenth century Germany, it concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of sexuality. The original play was banned in Germany due to its portrayal of masturbation, abortion, rape and suicide. In the musical, alt-rock is employed as part of the folk-infused rock score.

Spring Awakening closed on Broadway on January 18, 2009, after 888 performances (859 on Broadway, 29 previews)

I watched a biography of T.W. called "Troubled Genious." It was good to see the clips of Tennessee. I also watched "Suddenly, last Summer," which comes across as overwrought but it vintage Tenn. Recently, I was told that I look like Tennessee. Even though I don't really that is good news for the show.
RLG

Postponement

A brief email from Jerry (Imago Theatre) arrived on Monday, explaining that he was extending the casting process for Cinder and wouldn't be making any decisions until the middle of June. This was not unexpected. I sent him part of a poem by Tennessee Williams that I had come across the day before. It is called "The Dangerous Painters." Tennessee's image of cinders made me take note as "Cinder" was on my mind. This is from the end of the poem:

Black bread of pity the old nurse gave as supper.
She passed it among the quiet and stupefied people,
as evening fell with cinders drifting, drifting,
everywhere cinders drifting.

The spent and purified people crouched on the pavements,
hunched along broken walls and were grateful for stillness,
grateful for effortless breathing now that the wind
had begun to freshen the city.

The city slept.

Onward

Still nothing from Imago. The director said we should hear something within a week, that is if we are going be cast. Otherwise, we will hear nothing. As he said, "That's the way it works in theater." Not always. I appreciate a note even if it is negative. Reading TW's notebooks, I observe how many times his work was rejected. And then his first play to be commercially produced was a major flop. And after he was successful he was a failure for a while. Yet, he went on. En Avant!

Last Night's Callback

Last night, I had a callback at Imago for a production called "Cinder."
It went OK. It was pretty different this go around compared to last time. The director told us last night that he was probably going to schedule another audition in the near future to try to bring in more people to the production. He said that if he can't find the right 12 actors he will put off doing the show or abandon it. Last night, he sort of started choreographing the show. Each of us had to try out all of the parts. I sometimes felt like quite a klutz! However, I'm glad he knows me, so he is familiar with what I can and can't do. Another consideration is the dates as I have friends coming from the UK in late July early August. I'm supposed to drive them down to San Francisco, which means I'll need at least four days. I did the I-Ching about this show and it was very positive--the hexagram was "Possession in great measure" with all positive things in the changing lines. The Changing hexagram was "Youthful Folly" which basically was saying, "Now, don't ask me again!" So, I will just wait and see what happens.

Then and Now

Jerzy Grotowski (August 1933 - 14 January 1999)

Jacques Lecoq (December 15, 1921 – January 19, 1999)

I learned recently that these two iconoclasts of the modern theater died within five days of one another.

I began my serious pursuit of theater in the realm of Grotowski.

The artistic directors of Imago Theatre studied with Lecoq.

In January of 1999, I felt an overwhelming compulsion to take up acting again.

In my first play with Imago, I was holding a mask, not dissimilar to the one Lecoq is holding.

What's Wrong with Being Naked?

That's what Japanese pop-star Tsuyoshi Kusanagi screamed at police when they arrested him for public indecency in a Tokyo park, wildly drunk. When I read that he was holding back tears during a public apology, tears came to my eyes. That is the nature of my weird sensitivity. It happens to me at certain moments--yesterday when I was talking about a person from my childhood who was severly injured in a car accident. Always, when I remember my Uncle Donny who was killed in Viet Nam, or my dog, Lady, who died of distemper. As an actor, I used to think it was an achievment to be able to cry on stage. Now, I think it is an achievment not to cry. By the way, a lot of people were sympathetic to Mr. Kusanagi, who has been a star for 20 some years. Japanese people are fairly forgiving when an apology is well done.

Continuing to read TW's notebooks, a little Gumbo Ya Ya.

Audition tomorrow eve!

Feeling Better

I am feeling better. I thought I was fine yesterday, but in the evening had a raspy cough. I don't think this was the swine flu, but I almost wish it was, because it was relatively mild as far as these kinds of viruses go. Now they are saying that the new flu might mutate and come back in a deadlier form. More fear and trembling!

Sick Day

Scratchy throat today. I actually woke up in the middle of the night with my throat bothering me. I got up and took some "Wellness Formula" pills that usually keep me from getting a cold if I take them soon enough. I feel a bit feverish as well, but not to much. One doesn't like to be sick during this season of the swine flu. Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow. If I feel any worse, I'll go to a doctor for sure--now that I have health insurance that gives me 6 deductible exempt office visits per year. I stayed home today and slept a lot. I was supposed to go out to my parents' today, but didn't want to risk giving whatever I've got to them.

Many Happy Returns

Last Saturday (April 25th) we celebrated my mother's 70th birthday. We had a party at the Fargher Lake Grange, located about a mile from where my parents live. The party was in two parts--a potluck followed by an open house. I had done a write-up for the local paper, The Reflector, inviting friends and family. Mom also wanted me to invite any of the kids who used to ride her bus when she drove for Battle Ground schools. Turnout for the party was great. I think we had between 125-150 people altogether. There was plenty of food and cake. My mom has a friend who is a clown (literally), who presented her with the red nose she's wearing in the picture. Beside her is one of her former bus riders, one Lucas Witt. Lucas is the son of a former schoolmate of mine, Vivian Witt. Without taking away from affection that Mom had for all of the kids, I will say that Lucas was one of her favorites.

This Week Blues

This has been a most unproductive week! I'm supposed to have been working on a new study book but have been fiercely procrastinating. My night owlish ways have returned and I've found myself staying up and sleeping in a little later each day. I think this is related to the fact that I'm not in a play any more or yet, and the trip to New Orleans is passed. Some days I've heard an internal voice whispering to me "I'm depressed," or "I'm a little depressed." Occasionally, I answer back, "Who's depressed?" or "Who's saying that?" I heard someone say that that is one step in conquering such self-defeating messages. This week I did manage to call several friends that I've neglected lately. I also sent a proposal to the directors of a theater about possibly conducting some workshops there--their response was encouraging. So things are looking up a little, though I'll have to work extra hard on the book stuff next week.

Mystic Beach

I've mentioned Marie, the Venice Beach Psychic on this blog before. And God knows I've talked about her numerous times with my friends. I was just remembering something that happened the last (and second) time I saw her. Just before I left, she asked me to give her my telephone number. She said that she didn't have a phone herself at the time but she might get a cell phone in the future and she might give me a call. I found it a bit odd and even a little disconcerting. I wasn't sure if I wanted to give my number to Marie, the somewhat rough-around-the-edges psychic who works on the boardwalk of Venice Beach, CA. She knew that I was moving to Portland, OR, more than a thousand miles away, so I somewhat suspiciously wondered what she had in mind. I cynically thought she most likely wanted to do long-distance consultations and would expect me to mail her checks for payment. But, I thought, I could always decline if she actually did call me, so I gave her my number. Then I left, joining my friend Carolyne, who had been waiting for me on the grass that separates the boardwalk from the beach. We had to walk some distance to the car, nearly a mile, since we had parked on the street instead of in one of the pay lots. As we approached the car, my cell phone began ringing. I didn't recognize the number that showed up on the display. I answered and a woman's voice said that she was a friend of Marie the Psychic at Venice Beach. "Hmmm..." I thought,"Yes?" She said, "I'm calling because you left your jacket at her stand, and she doesn't have a phone, so she couldn't call you herself." "Oh!" I said. "Thank-you. I'll come back now and get it. Thank-you."
Thus, I was able to retrieve my jeans jacket, which I wear more than any I own. If Marie, the Venice Beach Boardwalk Psychic, had not "thought" to ask for my telephone number, my poor jacket might have been forever lost to me. And I might not have been a little more convinced that Marie truly has something going for her. Marie has not called me since that day but if she ever does get a cell phone, I hope she'll give me a ring.

Au Revoir Vieux Carre

This is the last day in New Orleans. It's raining again here, sometimes heavily, with thunder predicted. It's very warm but not uncomfortable. Yesterday, I was shown the Faulkner House Book Shop, which is located off Jackson Square in Pirates Alley. They had some photos and letters of Tennessee posted on the walls. One was typewritten with a handwritten post script requesting the recipients to bring along some seconals when they game to see him. I bought a copy of Gumbo Ya Ya, which is a collection of Louisiana stories and folk tales. They also had a number of first editions by Tennessee. A copy of collected stories entitled "Hard Candy" could be got for $275, less than I might have expected. I was taken to the store by Dr. Charles, a friend of my traveling companion Steve. He came down from Hattiesberg, MS to spend the evening with us. Dr. Charles very generously treated us to a fantastic dinner at Muriels, a restored opulent former residence that is said to be haunted by various spirits.

Talking Tennessee

I finally saw the show I had been waitng for. It was A Lonely Man's Habit, starring Jeremey Lawrence as Tennessee Williams. He has been portraying Tennessee for some time in shows such as Talking Tennessee, Five by Tenn, and Everyone Expects Me to Write Another Streetcar. As the reviews state, watching Lawrence is like spending a private evening with Tennessee himself. The day before this show, I met Mr. Lawrence, who was attending another actors' portrayal of Mr. Williams entitled "Bent to the Flame," which focused on Tennessee's affinity for the poet Hart Crane. While interesting, it did not capture the principal subject nearly as well as Mr. Lawrence does. I introduced myself to him as an actor who also wants to do Tennessee. He told me to contact him through his Web site, which I am eager to do. I feel both inspired and challenged.

Wet Cat

It POURED down rain last night in New Orleans with massive thunder and lightning accompanying. We waded across the street to the bar opposite our hotel, which wasn't very wise as the water continued to rise while we were in the bar. At one point it was up to the bumpers on the cars along the street. I'm afraid the cat on a hot tin roof got drenched!

New Orleans

From the Vieux Carre: Huge thunderstorm last night, with hours of raucous thunder and zinging bolts of lightning. Black coffee with French Doughnuts smothered in powdered sugar took the edge off. Tomorrow night I'm seeing my first Williams play, The Kingdom of Earth or The Seven Descents of Myrtle. Can't wait!

Apis Post Bellum

It was a truly satisfying experience to be a part of the cast of Apis. From the first audition onward I got a sense of the director's unique vision and mode of operation. For me, the chance to go in a different direction and grow as an actor was extremely rewarding and I thank him for providing the opportunity. It was also a pleasure to work with and learn from each and every one of the other cast members. I can only express my appreciation to our director, Jerry Mouawad, for the creative sensibility and drive that made this show happen.

The End

Tonight is the final show for Apis. A short but brave run!

King Lear Redux

The callback for King Lear turned out to be something of a tragedy. To begin with, Jeremy, the director was considerably late, so there was a back log of auditioners when I arrived. To be fair, Jeremy was delayed because he had to rush his daughter to the hospital, so I by no means fault him for being late. However, he had asked me specifically to read for the part of Gloucester, and had sent me scenes for that, but then somehow failed to have me actually read for Gloucester during the audition. Instead, I read for the Fool (even though he said he'd already decided to double the part with Cordeilia), Oswald, Cornwall, and Kent. He had mentioned Kent previously as well as Oswald, so I was prepared for that too. However, while waiting in the lobby I heard an actor tell another actor that he had been informed that it was "90 per cent certain that he would be playing Kent." He then talked about how he was renting a bus to drive everyone to the coast for a performance there, and would also be renting lodging that could accommodate 5 additional actors. Later, I read with him and he was appallingly bad, but I guess you have to cast the guy who is providing the bus. I gathered from other conversations in the hall that there are several "regulars" who always participate in the productions, as well as 10 members of the board of directors who are given preference when it comes to casting. Cronyism rears it's ugly head! I don't know if I read well or badly, but I gave it my best, and went away hoping that I wouldn't get another call. So far I haven't...

Apis Review

Click HERE to read a review of Apis in the Oregonian.

CALL BACK

Last week I auditioned for this summer's season of "Shakespeare in the Park." They are doing King Lear, followed by Henry IV parts 1 and 2. I only auditioned for Lear, presenting two contrasting monologues. One was a speech by the Fool, whom I played in a production in Los Angeles. I also did Parolles' speech on virginity from All's Well That Ends Well. I prepared it specifically for the audition. Both went well, though I felt more at home with the Fool naturally. The director called me the next day and invited me to return and read for the part of Gloucester. This surprised me as I picture Gloucester as an older man, perhaps as old as Lear. In the L.A. production, Gloucester was played by Chris Pennick, an accomplished stage, film, and television actor. The director also mentioned that he saw me as a "natural" Kent, which I can attribute to the swagger I tried to give Parolles in the audition. At any rate, I would love to be in the production, performing in the Portland parks this summer. In addition, they are performing one show at the Maryill Stonehenge replica in Washington State. It's not England, but it sounds pretty cool.

Opening Night

Full house last night--about 230 people. The show went well. I am exhausted today, which I find amazing, since the show only runs for an hour. My mother went into the hospital emergency yesterday afternooon, feeling weak and short of breath. They are keeping her a couple of days for observation. I'm concerned.

Bathos

My word for the day is "Bathos." Here is the definition:

Description of bathos - American Heritage® Dictionary

NOUN: 1a. An abrupt, unintended transition in style from the exalted to the commonplace, producing a ludicrous effect. b. An anticlimax.

This is how the play, Apis, ends. If you see it, you will understand. However, in the case of the play, the transition is intended.

Tech Week is OVER

Tech week is now over. And it wasn't so bad, which is an inexplicable rarity. Maybe it's because the cast isn't allowed to talk when we're on stage...We are off tomorrow night, but from Saturday on we will be rehearsing every night until we open on FRIDAY MARCH 13!!! The cast is bonding, the cast is made up of nice and talented people. And three weeks from now we will disperse--like bees moving on to start a new hive.

Meeting a Friend

This morning I met an old friend at Powell's Books, the greatest bookstore in Portland and the greatest bookstore I know. The friend was Margaret Lehman, and I hadn't seen her for probably 7 years, and then probably 20 years before that. She was a friend of mine during my last year of college and after. I was in my early 20's and she was around 40. Now I'm 53 and she's 70. We met in the coffee shop of Powell's. Her hair was white, but I still recognized her right away. Powell's was a bit hectic, so we went to another coffee place. She told me about her life, I told her about mine. There was a good deal of warmth between us. Margaret is one of a kind. As we were leaving the shop, she pointed out her car to me--a bright yellow Porsche. Good for you, Margaret, in more ways than I can say here.

APIS--Papering the House

Papering the house means giving away lots of tickets for free. Apis will play only four nights--March 13 & 14 and March 20 & 21st. Each of the cast members has a night when he or she can offer complimentary tickets to as many guests as he or she wishes. My night is Friday, March 20th. Here is information about the show:


APIS, or The Taste of Honey
Opera Beyond Words
March 13 - March 21
All Seats $10, Fri/Sat 8PM
Click here for tickets

Artistic Co-Director Jerry Mouawad stages play without words that fuses a military prison with the world of the honey bee. Rated ‘R’ for mature audiences.

Work

I worked online yesterday for eight hours rating TOEFL essays. Prior to that I had only done four hour shifts, which I learned are far more suitable for that kind of work. At 6 pm I closed my folder and logged off, after which I realized I was supposed to work until 6:30. So I logged back in and completed the final half hour. The online work is convenient but can be tortuous!

The Wrestler

Steve and I went to see The Wrestler tonight. We saw it at Cinema 21, a great old Portland theater. I am a fan of the director, Darren Aronofsky, who also did Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain. Each of his films are very different from the others, but he does have some trademark characteristics. As Sasha Krane would say, his films end with question marks rather than exclamation points. The Wrestler is no exception. I thought Mickey Rourke did an excellent job as did Marisa Tomei. I liked both of them more than ever. There is a scene with Mickey Rourke and his daughter in which he cries. Later she takes hold of his arm to show him that she will give him another chance. For me the latter moment was more moving somehow.

Bees

The director of Apis told us that the title means "bee" in Latin, and that the behavior and life cycle of bees are the foundation of the play. It all makes sense: A group of men, who inhabit a cell overseen by a single woman, escape each day and return at night with hordes of money. That's how the play was described in the audition notices. Change "men" to "drones," "single woman" to "queen bee," and "money" to"honey" and you have it. Since I'm playing a prison warden, I guess that makes me a sort of chief beekeeper. Will knowledge of this underlying schema make the play more comprehensible to audiences? I hope not!

A Quote

"It's never too late to be who you might have been." --George Eliot

I came across this quote yesterday on the desktop of Thea's computer. It's my new life philosophy!

Sunday and Monday

I had a very full Sunday yesterday. To begin with, I worked out for about an hour at the gym. Then I met Jon for coffee at Trew Brew. I secretly invited our mutual friend Rob J, who showed up as a suprise guest. Next, I went to Thea's house and did something for her on her computer while she was at her Estonian choir rehearsal. When she got home, we and her mother went to dinner at the Bombay Cricket Club over on Hawthorne St. It is a very good restaurant. I'd been craving Indian food ever since seeing Slumdog Millionaire. I suspect that Indian restauranteurs are grateful for that movie. After dinner, I headed out to my parents' house to spend the night and help them with some things this morning. My mom forgot to tell me that they both had doctors appointments today, so I am here alone at the moment. Rehearsal tonight will be four hours. I'm going to stop by Goodwill on my way home to look for intersting suits that I might wear in the show.

One Week Down

One week of rehearsals is already finished and I'm still in--looks like it's a go. Next week we will rehearse 4 hours every evening. I haven't kept a regular schedule like this for some time--It's definitely an adjustment. But one I make very willingly. Can't wait to see what's in store next week.

Trial Week Countdown

Apis Rehearsal #4 today. Trial week is nearly over. It still seems to be going well, but I'm at a point where I want to feel it more. But it will come. After rehearsal, met Steve at the Doug Fir for a little birthday commemoration. The bartender forgot to turn in my order for Spinach and Artichoke dip, so she comped it. The Doug Fir is a cool place. It is part of the Jupiter Motel, which used to be a really sleazy east Burnside motel by some other name.

For Lisa

It's 12:20 a.m. & the early hours of February 5th. I'm writing this for my sister Lisa because she wrote me that she gets mad if I don't write something every day! We've had 3 rehearsals for Apis, and I think they are going pretty well. I like the energy of the group a lot, and am happy to be participating. It's definitely a different process than I'm used--very choreographic--but I'm enjoying it. By the way, it's my birthday now, since it's after midnight. Thanks Becky for the Birthday wishes on Facebook.

Rehearsals

Tonight was the second rehearsal for Apis. So far, it has been considerably less strenuous than I anticipated--at least for me. I am playing a kind of head prison guard or warden, and my fellow guard and I have far less gymnastic roles than the group of souls who inhabit our prison. It is all very interesting, very choreographed, and I am enjoying the experience.

Trial Week

Rehearsals for APIS begin next Monday. We will be rehearsing 3 hours a day, from 6-9 pm. I should mention that the first week is considered a trial week, during which actors may choose to drop out of the production with impunity, if they feel they are unable or unwilling to continue. The director also reserves the right to remove someone from the cast if he feels the person is "not right for the show due to certain conflicts." Yikes!

Big Easy

I booked my tickets last night for a trip to New Orleans. I'm going there the last week of March in order to attend the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival. This will be my first visit to the Big Easy. My friend Steve, who has been there once before, will be accompanying me. The timing is perfect. It will be just after Apis closes at Imago, and I'm sure I will be primed for a cool mint julep. By the way, our round trip tickets were only $162.00 each, so I decided to save my frequent flier miles for a more costly journey.

Movies and More

Today, I went with my brother David and his daughters to an event at their pre-school called "Doughnuts and Dudes." I was filling-in as a dude, since my brother couldn't be in two rooms at the same time. I thought perhaps the event should have been called, "Letting Children See Their Fathers Behave Awkwardly," as the other dudes looked somewhat uncomfortable, and none of them (us) interacted with one another. The kids were excited though.

Over the weekend, I saw two films: Revolutionary Road, and Slumdog Millionaire. I'm sorry to say that I didn't like Revolutionary Road at all, although I tend to like both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett. The period stuff all looked realistic enough, but I just didn't belive much else about this film, including the characters, the relationships, and the motivations. On the other hand, I loved Slumdog Millionaire, even though it's a most implausible story. Partly I think it was the movie's freshness, including fresh faces, that appealed to me.

Friends for Breakfast

I met my friends Jon and Jill for breakfast this morning at the Bijou Cafe in Portland. Both Jon and Jill used to work together there. Jill and I used to work together at the Virginia Cafe. Jon and I have been steady friends since we met more than 25 years ago. For Jill and me, there was a gap of several years where we weren't in touch. When I moved back to the U.S. I got in touch with her. She was living in Berkeley, CA & I was moving to L.A. In certain senses, it was as if the gap in time never existed and we picked up where we left off. It was great to see both Jon and Jill. Jill was in Portland to commemorate her 50th birthday. I gave her 2 Sandman pillowcases as a present.

Sandman

Getting ready to leave Astoria. I had an excellent fish and chips dinner last night at the Silver Salmon Grill over on Commercial St. Then I headed up to the Fort George Brewery to catch the Sandman show. The brewery is nice, hip, and has great beer. It was great to see Sandman's live act too. As I once wrote, his is a unique artistry. He is also an accomplished entertainer. I remember reading something about him where the writer was comparing him to Woody Guthrie. I got that same feeling seeing him in person. Got me 5 Sandman pillowcases--2 are for me and 3 are for gifts. I also enjoyed the 1st act, Woke up Wrong. Their first few songs reminded me of Greg Sage and the Wipers. They seemed pleased when I told them this, as they were familiar with the Wipers' music.

Astoria

At the Rivershore Motel in Astoria. It's a fine place! Goin' to see Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy tonight at the Fort George Brewery.

Notification

This email came from Imago tonight:

Congratulations!
You have been cast in Imago Theatre's original production APIS
Please respond to this email whether or not you are accepting the role.
You have been offered the role of: Ensemble Member (everyone is an ensemble member until roles are defined)

Yay!

2nd Callback

Got a phone call while working today. It was Jerry, the director of the piece I auditioned for at Imago. I must say, I was surprised to hear from him. He asked me to come to another callback tonight at 6:45. Another callback...

After the Callback

Tonight's callback at Imago consisted entirely of movement sequences. I was without a doubt the oldest person to be called back and I had not felt that agile during the 1st audition. After about an hour the director said we would have a 5-minute break and anyone who wanted to leave should. Of course I stayed--I wouldn't give up that easily. It was tough though, and I feel like I got my exercise in. We'll see what happens.

Odds and Ends

Thea and I went swimming today at Willamette View. It was crowded, so Thea got out and sat in the jacuzzi for a long time before coming back into the water. I was sharing a lane with a couple of people, so I alternated doing the crawl with breast strokes. I was feeling a bit peaked, and it was nice to slow down for a change. I did 40 laps--a mile in their pool is 48. Afterwards, Thea and I stopped by Fred Meyer's as I wanted to look for a T-shirt to wear to my callback tomorrow. She found a white T-shirt with a large bar code design on the front and the words "Generic Costume" printed underneath. We both thought that was funny. But now I'm not sure I'm going to wear it. Thea had previously given me a large black T-shirt that has a small abstract drawing and Estonian text on the front. I may wear that instead. Light or dark, yin or yang?

I have to work tomorrow from 10-2 rating writing tests online. Every time I do this work, I have to be tested myself to be sure I am rating appropriately. The last two times I worked, I failed the initial test and had to take a second, which I managed to pass both times.

Battlestar

Yesterday was the 1st episode of the final season of Battlestar Galactica. My sister, Penny had a get together at her home in N. Bonneville to watch it. I am a big fan of the show. Edward James Olmos is great as the captain, now admiral, and all of the acting is quite good as is the writing. I used to think I was losing it because I would tear up during some of the episodes. Then I heard, Eddie Olmos say that he frequently cried while reading the scripts. I once met 3 of the actors by chance at Fisherman's wharf in San Francisco. They were doing a photo signing promotion at a memorabilia shop there. I walked up to Tamoh Pennikett, shook his hand and said, "Best acting on TV." He jumped up in excitement, and thanked me profusely for saying that. Then, in his excitment he yelled to the other actors, who play Chief and Anders on the show, "Guys, guys, you gotta hear this--Best acting on TV, best acting on TV!" You would have thought I was Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese. I thought his reaction was quite sweet.

Callback

I was happy today to get via email a callback notice from Imago. To my surprise, it was for one of the non-verbal pieces they will be doing. During some of the movement stuff last night, I felt a bit like Lucy Ricardo trying to pass as a dancer in Ricky's nightclub act. I was certain that I would be called for a scripted piece, if called at all. I guess nothing is certain!

Audition

I auditioned tonight at Imago Theater in Portland for upcoming shows in their 2009 season. They do a lot of nonverbal movement work, but also scripted pieces, which is what I auditioned for. We were supposed to prepare a 1-minute monologue or nonverbal audition. First, one of the directors had us doing a lot of movement stuff, while imagining alternatively that we were earth, air, water, or fire. That was OK--kind of fun. Then we had to do our monologues or other 1 by 1. We were forewarned that he would only let us go for 15 seconds or so, and indeed, no one finished his or her entire piece. We had to walk forward and say our name as well as the title of our piece. I called mine "Combing my hair with a monologue from Zoo Story." It went pretty well, and I got close to the end of it. I was wearing tan slacks with cuffs, a bright yellow shirt, and a necktie with frogs and rhinestones on it. And my shiny black wingtip shoes as well. We are supposed to hear by next week if we are called back. I think I will be if they have a part for me.

Eye Openers

I am up late because I have been taking what are called "Implicit Association" tests on the Project Implicit Website. These tests are designed to reveal our unconscious prejudices and/or ideas about race, gender, sexuality, and other social classifications. I won't share the specifics of my own results. I'll say only that I was proud of myself in some areas, not surprised in others, and dismayed by a couple of the tests. I recommend these tests to everyone, especially if you think you are not prejudiced. Click HERE to go the their Web site.

Goodwill

I went shopping at Goodwill today to look for some items to use in my audition next week. I bought a pair of shiny black wingtip shoes and a brown houndstooth jacket. The shoes may be a half size larger than I'm used to, but they have smooth leather soles and feel good on my feet. The jacket is a little snug, but looks nice if I leave it unbuttoned! I saw some shirts there also, but didn't buy any--might go back tomorrow.

I slept late today, and had a hard time getting myself motivated to do much of anything. I enjoyed the shopping, but felt rather down afterward. I'll go to the gym again tomorrow.

Auditions

Last night I auditioned for the part of George in Christopher Durang's one act, The Actor's Nightmare. I am a Durang fan, and have worked on a monologue from the play. The audition was in Milwaukie, Oregon, near where my friend Thea lives. I only found out about it late the night before, and I didn't really have any time to prepare. I decided to go to the audition anyway, if nothing else than to get back into the swing of things. It was a cold reading for me, and I felt pretty cold indeed, at least in the beginning. I warmed up a bit towards the middle. I was the only one who showed up to audition last night, but I'm told they had a crowd the night before. At the conclusion of the audition, I got the vibe that the director already had in mind who she wanted to cast--someone from the better attended previous night.

I have another audtion next week, but I'm not going to write anything about it yet. I have in mind how I want to prepare for it and what I want to do. More on that later.

I have been to the gym once this week and swam once. My goal is to double that by the end of the week.

Tomorrow I will go shopping at goodwill for some additons to my outfit/costume for next week's audition.