Well, we're coming up on the closing week of EARNEST and overall, I'd have to say it's been a pleasure and a big sucess. I'm pretty sure we made our budget back already (ALWAYS nice...) and we are looking forward to three more well attended performances this weekend. I haven't been able to come watch as much as I'd like, but then again, I'm not a Director that believes you should "hang around" during the run. Let the show fly on it's own. My job is done. I'd like to give a special shout out here to Natalie C., my wonderful stage manager, and my good friend. As usual, Nat, I couldn't have done it without you!
So, if you get a chance, come give it a look. Really, it's not as awful as the paper (nor some of those within the ranks of Lex's "Theatre Elite") made it out to be! Quite honestly, we've had crowds that have fallen all over themselves laughing in this production, and after all...isn't that what a COMEDY is supposed to do??? Sorry...I'll stop before I start sounding pissy...
Anyhoo, in honor of my buddy Rick8, here's a THEATRE/SPORTS type question for you...You're the manager of a team for the new ALL PLAYWRIGHTS LEAGUE...you have the first three draft picks, and you can pick any playwright, man or woman, alive or dead...WITH THE EXCEPTION of Shakespeare...let's just say his Jersey is retired!
So , WHO ARE YOU'RE TOP THREE PICKS IN THE 06 PLAYWRIGHTS DRAFT???
Let me have it!
BTW- 15 points for the reference..one of my fave bands of the last decade.
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Tom Stoppard...the old canard about him being witty and clever, but unemotional is utter bullcrap. He is witty and clever and he dwells in those wonderful areas where if you think too much about them you go mad...but he is also highly emotional. I've seen the original London productions of The Real Thing and Arcadia and was moved and wept in both productions...Oh, I also go to the theatre to savour language and he's a master of it.
Peter Shaffer...another master of language and I'm drawn to his thematic material. I even find his failures like Yonadob fascinating. The Gift of the Gorgon may be the most riveting play I've read in the last dozen years. I want to play Pizarro in Royal Hunt of the Sun before I die.
John Webster...because I can't pick Shakespeare and I love the power of the Jacobean Theatre.
This was really hard just confining myself to three.
Just curious...who the Hell is Lex's "Theatre Elite"? Julieanne and I've been here four months now and we have tried to meet and mingle with as many different types in the theatre community as possible...at the university level, the amateur level, the professional level, the semi-pro level, the old guard and the new.
While were still learning the lay of the land, we've met a lot of different folk, but none who consider themselves the "theatre elite", nor any who have told us: "To be with the right crowd, you must work with these folk, but not these folk."
So far, while we have found some factionalism (some in places where we didn't expect to find it), for the most part, we really haven't found one particular group who thinks that the Lexington theatre scene belongs exclusively to them and that everyone else is an interloper (Yes, there are always the few assholes who do). Nor any who have announced to us that they are the arbiter of theatrical taste and set the standard by which everything else must be judged.
Nor have we found any one particular clique rooting for another clique to fail miserably. There are always those few bitter thwarted souls who do, of course, but I've found most hoping each production does well for the particular entity involved. The more successful each venue is, the more work for everyone.
I would hope people are allowed to express honest opinions and, more importantly, honest differences about the various productions in town. I have been at three (or is it four?)different performances of Earnest now (will probably be going to more this weekend), I have heard the gamut of opinions on the show...some I felt legitimate, some fatuous, some I agreed with, some I didn't, some I was utterly ambivalent about...but heard very few, if any, negative opinions expressed with any animosity, glee, or contempt.
Most opinions, good and bad, have just been expressed matter-of-factly: "I liked it or I didn't...and here's why."
As long as they offer me an earnest, thought-out "here's why"...I'm not one to begrudge them their opinion. One can tell the pissy, axe-to-grind opinions from the honest ones.
No one in particular...I meant that to be more tongue in cheek than anything. I do feel that there have been a few who have gone out of their way to avoid expressing a real opinion to myself or others involved (but I'm certainly not going to call anyone out, as I find such a thing to be in poor taste) regarding the show, but other than that, nothing really out of the ordinary. Perhaps sometimes my sense of humor gets lost in the translation...
If you seek their opinion and want to hear it, why not just ask them, "So tell me honestly, what did you think of the show?"
Okay, so before any of mine get picked in the first round:
-Tennessee Williams: Yeah, he wrote so really bizarre stuff (ever hear of "The Gnädiges Fraulein?") but in his heyday, I believe he was the greatest American playwright to date.
- August Wilson: Some might argue that his scope was a bit limited, but most of the plays he left with us are jewels...American classics that speak not only to the Arican American experience, but to the deeper struggles we all understand.
- Anton Chekhov: The "father of the modern play"- nuff said (Can't believe he's still on the board! Kinda like Dante Culpepper slipping into the late 1st round...)
Steve, people are not obligated to come and volunteer their opinions to anyone...much less to the theatre management or the director, especially if it's a show they didn't care for. It has long been a tradition in the theatre to adopt The Thumper's Mother's Rule..."If you can't say anything nice; say nothing at all" rather than needlessly and purposely hurt someone's feelings...or if they must go backstage, they go back and say something noncommital like "What can I say?" or "What a show!" or "Wish you the best with it. Hope you get big houses."
But people are perfectly allowed to discuss a show among friends and colleagues, if they so wish, without it being characterized as "backbiting".
The discussions I have had about the show with others...including many members of the cast, the audience, and AGL board members..., as I have mentioned, have been just that...pragmatic discussions free of animosity or axes to grind. Just theatre practitioners discussing the practice of theatre. Dissections of the show. It is in such dissections that the exchange of ideas between professionals flows and work improves.
I have been more than willing and perfectly happy to discuss my views on the show with anyone who has asked me. I've made no secret of them, but I haven't gone around volunteering it or imposing it on anyone who hasn't asked.
It's not a matter of anyone having "the balls" to go to anyone and proffer their opinion. Especially to theatre management. It is management's obligation to solicit the opinions of anyone whose opinion they want to hear or think might be of value. But if you want the opinion, then you must be the one to seeks it out. You just can't sit up on the dais, waiting for them to seek an audience with you.
As you well know or should well know by now, I'm perfectly happy to discuss anything at any length or depth with you or Rick...or Tim...at anytime. All you have to do is ask...
In the discussions I've had with others on Earnest, I have seen no hidden agendas. In fact, individuals or personalities are rarely mentioned. Concepts, choices, execution is what is generally discussed. Mostly just the work.
But no surly mobs gathering, honing blade edges out to get somebody, whispering behind the arras, "badmouthing" people. Sorry, but that's a scenario that's just a "little too high school" for me, not to say just a tad paranoic.
Yes, PLEASE...can we just focus on the topic? I certainly didn't mean to send us spiraling down this road. Chuck, your opinions on this, or any, show are your own and are not in question. If that's what you thought, it wasn't intended as such. You have, as you mentioned, seen the show multiple times. Whatever your opinion of it may be, I call that support, and I and all the company are grateful for it.
Euripides these trousers, you mendidies these trousers.
I'll take....
Edward Albee
Michael Frayn
and
Oscar Wilde.
No justification here. Except that I like their work.
Ever had that "no so fresh" feeling?
I'm going for an All-Absurd lineup of Pinter, Ionesco and Jarry (a nod to the old-old-school).
Ooooo....Bob I love it when teams take risks on draft day!
I figure I should stick with what I know...We may not win, but the after-game activities should be fun!
By the way, Tim, how IS Mrs. Potter these days?
Boo-yah! Two in a row, Bobby!!!
I'm gonna have to start working harder to stump you...
btw- That's MRS POTTERS LULLABY by the Counting Crows
Counting Crows?!
I was always counting the days until they broke up. They have, haven't they? If there is a God.........
Tim, I'm so disappointed. Next you are going to tell me you are a big Dave Matthews Band fan or something.
Oh, the humanity.
Nope...think Dave M is a wanker...but I love the Crows. One of the best live shows I've seen in awhile...
I'd like John Guare, please, just because of "House of Blue Leaves," one of the funniest modern plays ever. Plus, I like his hair so much.
And Steve Tesich, for "Nourish the Beast," which nobody else has heard of, but which I love. Great Nixon-era dysfunctional family comedy.
And Sam Shepherd, because he and Patti Smith wrote a play about a man in a lobster suit together. I may not have spelled Patti's name right.
Play ball!
missy j or anyone, I've heard mad rumours that Sam Shepherd has property in Midway and is an habitue of The Black Tulip. By the by, missy, Julieanne and I met some woman on the streets (or more correctly , the street) of Midway who caught The Bats at Tony Moreno's Thoroughbred Theatre and raved about their performance! (In fact, it was Tony who told me about Sam Shepherd).
Missy, I used to do a monologue from Nourish the Beast in Undergrad...I remember thinking it was a pretty cool play.
And if that's the DANCING BAREFOOL Patty Smith, you speeled it reight. If it's THE WARRIOR / Mrs. McEnroe chick (which I strongly doubt) it's Smythe...
Ooopss...BAREFOOT, not BAREFOOL...imagine ME giving spelling tips!
Definitely NOT Smythe, who sang "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" with Don Henley, right? I'm thinking of Smith the punk rock diva.
And yes, Sam does hang out in these parts occasionally. He used to show up for the odd beer at Lynaugh's, but I guess he's graduated to wine at Black Tulip.
Always nice to hear a compliment about The Bats. Thanks, pogue.
Tim, how funny that you know Nourish the Beast. I saw a TV production of it in 1974 that actually shows up on a Google search! Eileen Brennan was just amazing in that show. Were you the guy they chained to the radiator, by any chance?
I am going to stick with two classics and then go out on a limb..
Shakespeare...I mean, I really want to KNOW the answers to so many questions...who's the "dark lady?" Are u gay? Did you really write your own stuff and if you didn't, who did and please send me over to him or her...HELL, did you exist???I have taught Middle and High school for so long, I would love to stop saying "Scholars belive that Shakespeare was-is-wrote..." I would love to KNOW!!!
Tennessee...he just seems like a man I could have cocktails with and discuss the phases of the moon and whether zodiac signs really mean anything...
And now for my man/woman to invite to the game for a hell of a party...Charles Busch..
And I enjoy the hell out of some obscure Counting Crows stuff. Lyrically very brilliant in many ways...sorry JAL
By the way feel free to check out the reviews of the show I'm in here in podunk BFE Florida...(remember I admitted to reading them..) It was interesting to be reviewed by people who have never seen me in a show before..besides..I don't have any of you guys to come see me in it. Makes me a little sad really. It's been weird not having all sorts of folks u know in the audience...but the blue hairs and cotton tops seem to like me. Again..by the way, I will be in LEX VEGAS next weekend...once someone mentioned getting together..I'd like that.
www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060321/ENT19/603210328/1013/LIFESTYLES
www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/mar/22/review_new_faces_make_generations_enjoyable/
thanks Tim, for everything. You should be extremely proud of how things turned out with Earnest. A huge hit with the audiences. My dad is still talking about it. Thanks for the opportunity to work with you again. As always, it has been an honor. Or honour.
backatcha, bro!
By the way, all. I've started a blog myself. Diva Clones is still the king, but I'm giving it a try too. Mine is a little more personal, but everyone is certainly welcome! Come on over.
http://feelingluckey.blogspot.com/
pretty clever, huh?
Hey all!
I'd love to get together w. Laurie when she comes into town, but a night of drinking is a little tough for new dad!
Sooo...how bout we all go out to dinner at El Toro's one evening? (Good Mexican food, very kid friendly, etc...) L, if you read this, lemmee know a good night (preferable not a Tues or Wed, as I have night classes) and others let me know if you're in.
Tim and others....
Mike and I really enjoyed the show on Friday night. Great job to everyone, but I have to say that Adam and Shayne made me piss my pants. :) Hope to see everyone again soon!
Playwrights. hmmmmm. In no particular order...
T. Williams- The humidity and sweat just drips off the page
Eugene O'Neil- He makes neurosis so attractive.
Arthur Miller- A finger on the pulse of the universal and timeless issues of the American experience.
Dan Patfield...If you haven't seen his "HOT AND STEAMY LOVE AFFAIR", you don't know what you're missing.
Laurie, which weekend are you coming into Lex? April 7th, or April 14th? If it's the 14th, I'd love to. If it's the 7th, I will be in Indiana :(
As far as playwrights, gotta take the ones I think could hold up in a street fight: The All-Mickey Rourke Team-Bogosian (he's scrappy), Mamet (he's crafty), and my man O'neill (he's never happy). After the fight, my team could throw down some drinks with the best of 'em.
I will be in town this Fri night -Weds.
Fri night, Matt and I intend on setting up shop at a bar and saying "if you are available come on down!" Probably Buddy's...good central locale.
But Monday night would be good...for the El Toro!
What so you all think?
I know that Fri night there is a fundraiser thingy at AGL right?
I don't get in until 8ish
Maybe people could come see me after?
Adam...I am going to check your blog right now...oh so curious!!
Monday night at El Toro, yes, yes.
Uhh...whos the anonymous poster?
That will be the person nobody knows. Or the person who is very plain.
Monday night at El Toro sounds bueno...am I invited?
Hey, I'm looking for a paying gig on a Saturday afternoon in June for The DesChamps Band. Anybody got any ideas? They're playing at Natasha's on Fri. night (June 2) and a private party on Sat. night (June 3, but need something that'd pay a little something on Sat. afternoon as well.
Adam, will check out your blog. If it's not *too* personal, that is.
Tim, ditto what Adam said. Plus, I got to eat an apple a day AND get the doctor, if you know what I mean.
Oh, Tim. You know who I am...And yes, Adam, I am very plain. Besides you, Tim, and Laurie, I don't think anyone here does know me, hence anonymous.
Josh B
ah HA ! I THOUGHT as much!!!!!
Actualy, there are a number of anon posters...just wanted to see which one it was...
Josh, you couldn't be anonymous if you wanted to.
Plain? More like plain crazy.
Monday night?! I think the cast of Rounding Third is supposed to go to the Legend's game (where Rick gets to throw the opening pitch!) which starts at 7. Apparently AGL is the community ogranization of the day. So I may not be there for dinner. We'll have to see.
Drinks later, possibly?
Well poop!
Okay maybe we need to rethink.
Here's my schedule:
In on Fri night where I will prop myself on the bar of Buddy's, probably have some bourbon-diet-with a lime and hope that people will come visit us. I know we can put Marley to bed and head out...so it will be late...like 9:30 ish (is that late?)
Then- Sat is a Keeneland day...but that night has potential (again I could be enjoying the bourbon up to my eyeballs..so u could meet a mildly tipsy me)
Sun- I have to go to Disney on Ice...but again...dinner could have potential (Is there bourbon at Disney on Ice...hmmm)
Mon is a great night for dinner...but drinks later certainly has potential...I am a lush...you all know that.
Tue is my last night in town...so we haven't gotten that far in planning
We fly out Weds. whoo way too short a trip.
I JUST WANT TO SEE YOU GUYS AND OF COURSE EVERYBODY IS INVITED.
(Hi there Josh!!!!!)
May I get some more thoughts from you all??
Adam, Rick, Steve, X, Kim Chee, Josh, Missy, Bob, Charles (Although, I don't believe we have ever met...but I feel as if we know each other by indirect association), Tuttle, Erin, Shayne, Russell, Josh and I am sure I am leaving names out...Come on out...invite others that don't post here..I just need a dose of my peeps and would love to see/meet all of u.
I put my vote on Monday night El Toro at 6:30/7:00 ish
For those that can't meet there...where would u like to do drinks later?
Monday is realoly the only night I can do anything, so that get's my vote as well (night classes and a show opening next week preclude me from any other activities.) Seems we have a number of takers for El Toro, so how's about we set that in stone?
Maybe say, 6:30-ish? As I'll have the little one with me, the earlier the better. So chime in and let me know if you;re a go, so I can get a head count and call ahead. Looks like so far my familia, Laurie, Josh, Missy...who else?
Mike and I (and Addison) are up for Monday night at El Toro. Count us in!
I leave tonight for cincy, and then I'm in Indiana for the rest of the weekend, so Monday night is really my only opening. El Toro works awesome for me. Definitely, put that in stone, I'll be there at 6:30. Should someone make a reservation? If people want to have drinks later, I'm up for that as well, though I'm not much of a drinker these days.
JB
I'm a definite for dinner on Monday. See you at E.T. around 6:30. And Laurie, there's a cool thing happening this weekend at Natasha's. A blues guy from New Orleans is playing, and they're doing a special Cajun, white tablecloth meal. Details at the Natasha's website, I'm sure.
Kudos to Rick for the PR genius of tying the play into a Legends game like that. Very smart.
Adam, nice blog.
Hi Josh!
I have no idea what I'm doing, so I apologize in advance if I screw up, but...Laurie wanted me to post for her that she will be at El Toro at 6:30 Monday night for anyone who would like to see her. She will be wearing a red carnation on her lapel.
By the by, Missy's right on with my favorite college obsession, Sam Shepherd. The lobster man play in question, "Cowboy Mouth," includes one of the coolest lines ever written, "F*** you, you f***in F***. F***, F***, F***."
Thanks ALicia,
But for all who are planning to come, please confirm via the blog so we can get an accurate count for our table.
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