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.