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.