DIVA NEWS!!!!

For all my USM bros and sisters, here's the DIVA MASTER'S latest and greatest! AND...while I GOT YOU HERE (heh heh) , how's about some comments on this topic? WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER??? (Lex folk and regular posters, feel free to chime in on this as well, and to greet any and all USM Divas new to the blog-o-sphere!)


The DIVA NEWSLETTER!!!
"Bakery-fresh. Thought-provoking. Sexy-hot."

Scott Stinson is now working for Trustmark National Bank's Training Department in Jackson, MS.

Check out Wendy O.'s Yoga website! www.divinesparkyoga.com

Bart Noggle is currently in a production at the Dallas Hub Theatre of "Top Gun, the Musical" playing the role of Iceman. After that closes he will be playing Oberon from Midsummer.

Check out Chris Walrath's myspace page! http://www.myspace.com/capatolaprods

Canady (Vance) Thomas gave birth to little girl Klein Addison Thomas just last week. Congrats!

FROM JOHNNY MOORE..............................

Hello Divas,My movie "Glorious Mail" that I co-wrote and directed will be screening this Sunday in Birmingham, AL at the BirminghamSHOUT! GAy + Lesbian Film Festival at the WorkPlay Soundstage at 5:00 P.M. Please let anyone you know in that area about the screening. It's a very funny movie and we won 2nd Best Feature last weekend at the 2007 Appalachian Film Festival in Huntington, WV and we hope to have a big turn out for our Gay festival premiere this weekend. Birmingham is billing it as a World Premiere, even though it is not, technically -- They don't know yet that we had sex with a straight festival last weekend... it's a long story and I will blog about it later. Also, check out the link below for my first interview about the movie with the local film critic in Huntingon. Hope y'all have a divalicious weekend and hope to see some of you at the screening!!http://www.huntingtonnews.net/local/070423-rutheford-box.html



FROM FREDDIE.............................

I am participating in a panel discussion on Sunday, April 29 at City Theatre of Pittsburgh. The panel is called "State of Play" and it is about the state of new play development in the American theatre. Other panelists include Diane Rodriguez (Mark Taper Forum), Tracy Brigden (A.D. of City Theatre), Seth Gordon (Cleveland Play House), Ted Pappas (A.D. of Pittsburgh Public Theatre), Howard Shalwitz (A.D. of Woolly Mammoth Theatre). I am also in rehearsals for Camelot at the Aurora Theatre, which will be the inaugural production in their new space and will direct a concert version of Oklahoma there this summer. In August, I break away from Golden Age musicals to direct Dark Play or Stories for Boys at Actor's Express.

The Fantasticks directed by Daryl W. Phillipy and Set Design by D. David Murphy opened on April 24 and closed April 26. This is Daryl’s last production at Southern Arkansas University. Daryl will be heading to New York City this June to participate in The Teachers Development Program at The Actor’s Center.
Daryl says,
" I will be studying with nationally and internationally known artists and teachers:
Christopher Bayes, Head of Physical Acting, Yale School of Drama
Slava Dolgachev, Artistic Director, New Theatre of Moscow
William Esper, Director of Actor Training, Rutgers University
J. Michael Miller, Founder, Tisch School of the Arts
Ron Van Lieu, Chair of the Acting Program, Yale School of Drama
This is a two week marathon-immersion acting class experience. I also recently completed a weekend intensive with Shakespeare & Company. I’m also looking forward to moving to Rock Hill, SC and buying a house. I start at Winthrop University in August."

FROM HEATHER ROEBUCK......................................

Here's an update on the film, Change 29, that I worked on.We've finished shooting the film and we are now in post. We shot about 600 hours in 5 days, with 3 cameras running almost all the time. We filmed mostly at the Gulfport Dragway on a very busy race weekend. It was totally crazy. I drove down the day before shooting the first weekend thinking I would be the production manager and running a camera when needed but ended up being the emergency assistant director due to the fact the original AD was stuck in Atlanta. Kinda funny when you think about it since I hadn't read the script and totally sucked at directing when I took George's class. In fact, I ended up working as the AD, a camera operator, the production manager, a grip, a boom operator, oh, and an actor. I had two whole lines! Can't wait to see how that turned out. Or if he keeps it in the film. I did a few other things but who knows if I will be billed for them. I don't care either way. We were under a lot of time restraints but we pulled it off. Shawn, the director is in the process of editing and looking for music for the soundtrack. Change 29 is slated to be released in November 2007, but may be later if we are accepted into Sundance. So cross your fingers for us. I created a small, quick video with some behind the scenes footage if anyone is interested in viewing it. And I'm also leaving a link for some pictures that was taken over the 5 days of shooting and the film's myspace page if you want to keep up with what is going on. I will give everyone a heads up on things as I get them. http://www2.blogger.com/http://www2.blogger.com/filmseyehttp://www.myspace.com/genofeveentertainment



In other news...somewhere, right now...Ben Craven is gettin' laid


AND YOU'RE NOT.

"Ain't it funky,now..."

Anthro-Fab and Tobacco Bar Theatre Company (NYC) present

By John Patrick Shanley Directed by Dana Panepinto
Sunday May 13, 8pm
Monday May 14, 8pm
Tuesday May 15, 8pmUnder St. Marks94 St Marks Place (1st and A)
Tix $10 advance/ $15 doorLog on to www.smarttix.com or call (212) 868-4444

A fresh take on Shanley's luminous script using moving bodies and sharp tongues. A riveting look at the "big funk" that is the modern condition. Can the power of compassion and faith triumph over it? Omar throws knives for a living and muses about the state of the world. His understanding wife, Fifi, suddenly pregnant with twins, acts as a rudder for him, and often for his friend, Austin, an out of work actor, who believes the world would be a better place if everyone would do something, even one small act of kindness. He follows his own advice when he comes upon Jill, a young woman sitting in a bar...covered with grease.

featuringColleen Britt Deanna McGovern Ellen Hauck Michael Schantz Toby Knops Jesse Soursourian

The Director of this piece (Dana Panepinto) is one of my fave gals from my Grad school days at USM. She's a tremendously talented, delicious DIVA and if any of you are in the NYC area, or know someone who is, tell 'em to check this out. Wish I could be there, Dana!

Sooo...based on the title of said Shanley piece, what exactly IS the "Big Funk" we're living in now, and what has contributed to it? Go nuts, people!

John Jor...uhh...I mean JANE MARTIN show premieres @ AGL!

(Pictured from Left- Former BOONIE Hayley Williams, and Lara "Sweet Brier" St. Peter in AGL's ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS)

HEY YA'LL! This week ANTON IS SHOW BUSINESS opens at AGL here in Lex-vegas. Do yourself a favor and go see it! Not ONLY is it directed by Cinncinatti Shakes' AD Brian Issac Phillips, and not ONLY does it have a stellar cast featuring some of the finest actresses here in the bluegrass, BUT it's a JANE MARTIN piece. Anyone who knows Tim X at all knows of my affinity for "Ms" Martin's works. One of my all time favorite shows, KEELY AND DU, was one of the most talked about shows of the 90's. It is also the first show I had the pleasure of directing my wife in (as Keely) and she was fan-damn-tastic! That was one of the most intimate, special pieces I've ever worked on, and it culminated with people litterally weeping in the audience...NOT crying, not sobbing but WEEPING! It was, as Mr Sartin in fond of saying, "Pure Magic!". I've also directed "Ms" Martin's VITAL SIGNS (not as good as his first all female monologue fest TALKING WITH, but pretty close) and the play I consider to be the funniest thing I've ever read MIDDLE AGED WHITE GUYS. I am desperate to direct this in Lexington when I get the chance and find the right venue...but it is, without a doubt, one of the wackiest, yet most touching pieces you'll ever see. I've been trying to get Rick to do it for years, but he won't bite. (Hell, dude, it takes place on a BASEBALL FIELD for God's sake! What more do you need????:) But I digress...

So get out and go see this wonderful ensemble piece with it's cutting edge humor, first rate production staff, and delightful cast...here's the details:

Presented by: Actors Guild of Lexington

When: Preview performances at 7:30 p.m. April 18 and 19. The show opens April 20 and runs through May 13. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Downtown Arts Center, 214 E. Main St.Tickets: Regular performances: $24 general admission; $18 ages 65 and older; $15 students. April 19 preview is $20 general admission; $14 ages 65 and older, $12 students. April 18 and 22 are pay-what-you-can performances.

Phone: (859) 225-0370. Online: www.actorsguildof lexington.com

Sooo...question for today is: What is the FUNNIEST play you've ever read/seen/been involved with?

"So move b*^*h, get out the way ho..."

Comments?

"This is my story..."

DATELINE LEXINGTON!
Join Bluegrass Community and Technical College
in partnership with Actor’s Guild of Lexington as it makes its
Theatrical début with the Kentucky premier of Laddy Sartin's BLESSED ASSURANCE.
April 4th and 5th at 8:00 PM in the Downtown Arts Center, Lexington.
Tickets: 859-225-0370
BCTC students, faculty, and staff- $4.00
General Public- $10.00
A reception for playwright Laddy Sartin will be held Thursday, April 5th at
7:00 PM in the reception area of the Downtown Arts Center.

It would mean a great deal to me if one and all could come this new endeavor. We have put a lot of work into getting this baby off the ground, and we really need support. The idea behind this Theatre program is to not only serve the BCTC student popualation, but to serve as another perfoming group for the Lexington community. We have big plans afoot, and are really looking forward to a great kickoff with this premiere production. A special thanks to the folks at AGL and Lexarts for all their help and support.
So please spread the word and come check out what we've got in store for you. We have a great cast and a dynamite production crew. I think you'll be glad you did!


...feel free to use up valuable bandwidth with well wishes and good karma!

...and 1,000 points for the obvious reference (unless you're a heathen!)

"Take me away...I don't mind..."

"SHERMAN...set the wayback machine for..."

Anybody remember these guys? LOVED these cartoons (and their related family- Bullwinkle, Fractured fairy tales, etc)

Lately, I been thinking about the past quite a bit. I tend to be a fellow who likes to reminisce on the "good old days". On reflection though, I usually realize that those days weren't so good, and that there is no better time to be me than right now. But nevertheless, I can't help but think back to "simpler times" in my life. One of the things that takes me back the quickest is the music. A song can slingshot me back to a particular time and place faster than Doc Brown's flux capacitor! (There's a lyric hint*) That's the nice thing about music, and Art in general I suppose, is it's power to not only transform us, but to transPORT us as well.

But enough rumination and pontificating! I'll leave that to ya'll...

What do you consider the greatest period, or "golden age" of :

A) Music

B) Theatre

C) Film

"Get on it, Sherman!"

"YES SIR, Mister Peabody!"

"Come on sister have yourself a ball"

FOR SPORTS GEEKS ONLY!!!!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR, folks! So lets just cut to the chase and get right to it!

Gimmie your :

a) Final 8

b) final 4

c) final game and ultimate winner

d) biggest upset!

e) odds that UK will have a new coach next year!

LET'S DANCE!!!! BTW- 64 points for the reference....

"But I got to missin' your Mama..."

Well, SETC is almost here and I can't friggin' wait! I'll be doing a workshop (Outdoor Drama Survival Skills) with DIVA Darren Van Halen and Rick8 of AGL fame, doing my thing with the auditions committee and the Leighton Belew scholarship, going to a shit-ton of meetings and workshops, and trying to save a few moments to see some of the people I get to see once a year. I also may have a drink...or 20!

These past two weeks have seen me reach heretofore unattained levels of stress and I truly need a bit of a break. But I'll do what I always do at SETC- I'll work- I'll network-I'll help out my students (or in this case any former students, as none of my current ones are going this year. New program, and all...) -I'll try to learn something I can take back to the classroom, and I'll fret and kvetch the whole way about money. And while being away from the office will definitely be good for my state of mind...being away from the wife and kid, that'll be good for about 8 hours, then I'll start missing them both something fierce, and call home 6 times a day to make sure he and the missus are both OK. Then I'll start stressing about work again...

That's just who I am, though, and I guess that's who I'll always be. I always seem to want "a break" till I get it...then I don't know what to do with myself. I've had to work so hard and for so long, that I just don't really remember how to decompress...I think I might need to work on that at some point. Until then, I guess I'll just hope for a good, productive trip...and a few close, well stocked, Atlanta bars.

BTW- the image is an SETC image from their site... the backside belongs to one Teza Garland, a great, talented gal, and a former BOONEie by association...

Enough of my griping. What I wanna know is this- tell me about the best time you ever had at a "Theatre conference" (be it SETC, ACTF, URTA, UPTA, USITT, TCG, or any other letters...or hell, even if it was a state HS festival from your youth. My big brothers can tell some WHOPPERS about those trips...) The definition of "best" is up to you.

LET 'ER RIP!!!

"All for one..."

This was, without a doubt, one of the best times I ever had onstage! Me, Eric Johnson and Tom Phillips playin' the HELL outta the THREE MUSKETEERS at LSF in the summer of 02. It was also one of the most challenging. My 36 year old, outta shape ass running , jumping and wielding a rapier and dagger for two non-stop hours- let's just say it kicked my ass like Bruce Lee!
But FUN??? HELL YEAH! The most fun moment? A 4 minute fight scene where the Musketeers take on the whole French army, and...GET KILLED! Then, Alexander Dumas (righteously played by Mike Friedman- who had some experience kicking my ass when I was a Boonie) comes out and says "Nope! That won't work...RUN IT BACK!" And we do the whole friggin thing in reverse! Standing ovation every night! But as tough as anything I've ever done onstage...
So, since I'm thinking alot about physical theatre (I teach a movement class next semester) what is your most physically demanding role and why? Sorry, gang, but I guess this one is for actoids only...

Groove me, babies!

"Well the night's begun and you want some fun..."

So this is what I would be doing right now if I had a spare..Oh, I dunno...ten grand? And a week off in February. I'd have my ass out in LA at the ROCK AND ROLL FANTASY CAMP, where me and all the other middle aged Rock Star wanna Bee's would be up onstage rocking out with PAUL STANLEY (among others!) The deal is, you pay a measly 10 G's , you get assigned to a Rock and Roll Camp counsel er (someone who is, in all honesty, a washed up rock star of yore) , you work up a set with said rock dude, followed by a chance to get onstage with a real heavyweight (last year Roger Daltry- this year Mr. Stanley) and live out all your rock star fantasies. Seriously, dudes...gimme a little more disposable income, some vacation time and I'm THERE!

I'm pretty lucky: When I was in college, I got to sort of live out my rock and roll yearnings by playing guitar and singing with a club band that, all though we weren't top tier, we did pretty well for ourselves. I got to get my jollies out onstage, sew some wild oats, and bide time till I went into my "stable" career choice...THEATRE! But honestly...that time I had with my band from 89-93? Wouldn't trade it for a million bucks...

So here's the question for today: what is something that you've ALWAYS wanted to do, but have never had the where-with-all, time ,money, ability,etc to do?

Rock my world, people!And remember, if it's too loud...

"I live my life like there's no tomorrow"

VAN F****N' HALEN!

No offense to Sammy Hagar (as I love me some Sam) but I've been waiting over 20 years to get to see these guys together again...and what do they do? Take away their original Bassist (Michael Anthony) and replace him with a TEENAGER!!!! (The kid on the far left is none other than Eddie Van Halen's son..WOLFGANG...I kid you not. That's the kids name! Good looking kid, though! Luckily he got his Mommy's DNA...) Makes me wanna puke...and yet, I'll probably lay down my hard earned jack to see them, should they play a shed near Lex-ville...You gotta admit, Diamond Dave looks fabulous! Tanned and rested and ready to rock! Eddie? Once again, he goes to a photo shoot looking like an aging, homeless skate punk...oh well- can't win 'em all!

But it's got me to thinking about nostalgia...is there an artist (musician/group, actor, whatever) from your youth that you'd like to come out of retirement (or the grave- the ULTIMATE retirement home) and perform again?

Do it.....DO it!!!!

"My make-up may be flaking, but my smile still stays on"

Howdy, ya'll. It's been a red letter couple of weeks for me, let me tell ya! I've had to shell out enormous amounts of cash on my car... bills keep piling up...I've been buried in work... It's cold as shit, so naturally my son has horrible cabin fever (as do I!) and NOW to boot, the poor little guy has a rotten cold (after just getting over the flu a few weeks ago!) Life, it seems, is a bit tedious of late. BUT, I know it will get better. Always does...It's times like these that I try to count blessings and be thankful for all the good things (and they ARE many)...but BOY HOWDY it gets tough to do that sometimes.

On the bright side, I have entered into a really positive rehearsal process with my cast at school, my classes are going well, and I actually feel re-energized as a teacher. My classes, for the most part, are large and attentive, with some very talented and interesting folks. The wife and I have discovered the joy that IS VERONICA MARS (do yourself a favor and rent or buy the DVDS) AND...ATLANTA HER I COME!!! I GET TO GO TO SETC IN TWO WEEKS!!!!! Much to the chagrin of my long suffering better half...but I'll make it up to her someway...

So, with all that in mind, how about a new querry? If you were running a Theatre, what would your DREAM SEASON of plays be? Lets say, hypothetically, you are allowed six shows to produce. Any genre, any era, anything you like. Com'on people...light a fire under me. I need it!

AND let me know if there is anything show or audition-wise you'd like me to add to the front page. Be glad to hook you up. Also give me a shout as to what you think of the new look to the Clones. I'm here to serve, people!

"Oh make me over..."

HEY GANG!
Thought it was time for a new look to this ole' thing...
In the future, I might even add a PICTURE of myself, or something...one never knows how fancy-smancy I'll get.
So, to celebrate this new look, here's a new discussion.
All the talk over poor Anna Nichole in the past few days has been a tad disturbing to me. The woman is dead, and yet that actually seems to be an afterthought compared to all the hoopla swirling around. It's enough to make one vomit, imho. The obsession with the private life of celebs has, to coin a well used phrase amongst geeks like myself, "jumped the shark".
SOooooooooo...
What do you consider the most disturbing trend in either;
a) Theatre
b) music
c) film / tv
d) all of the above

Take your pick, and whack a mole!

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

I ask you...is this NOT the funniest commercial ever????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em-b0wQzQ-0


AND - check out this alternate take....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_pnQ-zrzSQ&mode=related&search=

-So- since it's SUPER SUNDAY coming up, and we know what THAT means (COMMERCIALS FROM HELL!!!) What;'s your favorite commercial ever?
Ok- I know this is a fluffy one, but what the hell? I need something light and fun right about now....

-x

"I will begin again..."

So, a belated Happy New Year to all!!!! 2007 is here (can you believe it?) and we're already off to a flying start. There are some really cool things happening in the area:

Tonight (Thursday the 18th) at AGL- a conversation with Director Benny Sato Ambush, starting at 7pm at the Downtown Arts center. This is the first in AGL's AGL's "Conversations with..." series. Admission is free.

Also, opening tonight PRIVATE EYES at Studio Players, here in Lex Vegas. The show runs through Feb 4th, and features frequent CLONES poster Bob Singleton, Allie Darden-Tipton, the lovely Hayley Williams,Mike Van Zant and Marianne Matthews.

January 25th and 26th-Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s theater program will hold an open casting call for its first production of Laddy Sartin’s Blessed Assurance. Auditions will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2007 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Student Center on the Leestown Campus, 164 Opportunity Way, Lexington. A second audition will be held on Friday, January 26, 2007 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on the Cooper Campus, 470 Cooper Drive, Lexington. (in the auditorium in the OSWALD building)
For more information, contact me, Tim Davis, Theater & Film Program Coordinator at (859) 246-6672.

These auditions are open to the public, as well as any BCTC studnet or faculty member. So come one, come all!!! We are very excited to produce this Kentucky premiere of South Carolina based playwright Laddy Sartin's play AND- Opening night, Laddy himself will be in the audienceto partciipate in a talk back! Show dates aren't until the first week of April, so more later! (I know all youse former USM Divas are familiar with Mr Sartin's name and/or work. Golden Eagles rule!!!!!)

Sooo....the query today is a simple one: What, if any, New Year's resolutions have you mad, and what are the odds that you'll keep em? I would remind all of you, btw, that my wife and I went for an ENTIRE YEAR (2006) without eating ice cream of any kind, which if you know us you know how difficult that must have been!
So chime in, and good luck!!! 2007 points for the EASY reference...

"...but I'm free from the chain gang now..."

Seems like I'm posting too many obits lately, but unfortunatley, here's another:

Michael Thompson founded Moveable Feast in 1998. The organization provides hot meals for victims of HIV and AIDS. Thompson was alsoactive in area theater groups.Michael Thompson, a Lexington actor and longtime survivor of AIDS whohelped nourish thousands of Kentuckians with the same disease, diedMonday. He was 51 and had been suffering from cancer.Mr. Thompson founded Moveable Feast, which delivered hot meals topeople in Central Kentucky suffering from HIV and AIDS, in 1998. Hegot the idea after nursing a destitute artist with AIDS who starved todeath just a few blocks from Lexington's city hall, said fellowactivist and friend Robert Morgan.

I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with Michael here in Lexington. We worked together at the LSF back in 02 and 03. He was a kind, sweet man with a good soul. I will miss him, and the community will miss his talent and his great charity. Godspeed, Michael...

If you knew Michael and would like to post something, or you have a good story involving him, feel free to write away.

"Hallelujah, Noel...be it heaven or hell..."

Seasons Greetings, all. Hope everyone is getting stoked for a great Christmas season (or whatever pagan-type ritual you might choose to celebrate). We are headed off to sweet home Tennessee here in a few days, so this'll be my last post for a week or so. I'll try to get one in for the New Year if possible (and if Santa brings me a new computer!)
So, let's have our annual holiday wishes/ holiday shout outs to family, friends, strangers, government officials...whatever! Tell us what YOUR Xmas wish is this year...
If you have some seasonal tidings, post 'em! Don't be shy! And to any and all USM Divas lurking, speak up! I miss you guys...and...let me know what your up to, AND...what you'd think of the possibility of organizing a USM Theatre reunion in the next 12 months or so.
So let's hear from one and all on this holiday season... and a hearty 2000 points for the reference...which I also used last year!

God bless and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all...


...and ps...where the hell is Chuck Pogue lately?????

RIP Peter Boyle

File this one under "huge loss"...

Raymond' dad Peter Boyle dies in NYC
By DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press Writer 43 minutes ago
Peter Boyle, the actor who transformed from an angry workingman in "Joe" to a tap-dancing monster in "Young Frankenstein" and finally the comically grouchy father on "Everybody Loves Raymond," has died. He was 71.
Boyle died Tuesday evening at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He had been suffering from multiple myeloma and heart disease, said his publicist, Jennifer Plante.
"It's like losing a spouse," Doris Roberts, who played his wife on "Raymond," said in a statement. "I'm going to miss my dear friend, so unlike the character he played on television. He's a brilliant actor, a gentleman, incredibly intelligent, wonderfully well read and a loving friend."
A member of the Christian Brothers religious order who turned to acting, the tall, prematurely balding Boyle gained notice in the title role of the 1970 sleeper hit "Joe," playing an angry, murderous bigot at odds with the emerging hippie youth culture.
Briefly typecast in tough, irascible roles, Boyle began to escape the image as Robert Redford's campaign manager in "The Candidate" and left it behind entirely after "Young Frankenstein," Mel Brooks' 1974 send-up of horror films. The latter movie's defining moment came when Gene Wilder, as scientist Frederick Frankenstein, introduced his creation to an upscale audience. Boyle, decked out in tails, performed a song-and-dance routine to the Irving Berlin classic "Puttin' On the Ritz."
It showed another side of Boyle, one that would be best exploited in the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," in which he played curmudgeonly paterfamilias Frank Barone for 10 years.
"He's just obnoxious in a nice way, just for laughs," Boyle said of the character in a 2001 interview. "It's a very sweet experience having this (success) happen at a time when you basically go back over your life and see every mistake you ever made."
When Boyle tried out for the role opposite series star Ray Romano's Ray Barone, however, he was kept waiting for his audition — and he was not happy.
"He came in all hot and angry," recalled the show's creator, Phil Rosenthal, "and I hired him because I was afraid of him." But Rosenthal also noted: "I knew right away that he had a comic presence."
Patricia Heaton, who played Boyle's daughter-in-law on "Raymond," said in a statement, "Peter was an incredible man who made all of us who had the privilege of working with him aspire to be better actors. ... he was loved by everyone that knew him and loved by his many fans who cherished his talent."
Boyle had first come to the public's attention more than a quarter century before, in the critically acclaimed "Joe." He met his wife, Loraine Alterman, on the set of "Young Frankenstein" when she visited as a reporter for Rolling Stone magazine and Boyle, still in monster makeup, asked her for a date.
On television, he starred in "Joe Bash," an acclaimed but short-lived 1986 "dramedy" in which he played a lonely beat cop. He won an Emmy in 1996 for his guest-starring role in an episode of "The X Files," and he was nominated for "Everybody Loves Raymond" and for the 1977 TV film "Tail Gunner Joe," in which he played Sen. Joseph McCarthy.
In the 1976 film "Taxi Driver," he was the cabbie-philosopher Wizard, who counseled Robert DeNiro's violent Travis Bickle.
He did dozens of other films, including "T.R. Baskin," "F.I.S.T.," "Johnny Dangerously," "Conspiracy: Trial of the Chicago 8" (as activist David Dellinger), "The Dream Team," "Monster's Ball," "The Santa Clause," "The Santa Clause 2," "While You Were Sleeping" (in a charming turn as Sandra Bullock's future father-in-law) and "Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed."
The son of a local TV personality in Philadelphia, Boyle was educated in Roman Catholic schools and spent three years in a monastery before abandoning his religious studies. He later described the experience as similar to "living in the Middle Ages."
He explained his decision to leave in 1991: "I felt the call for awhile; then I felt the normal pull of the world and the flesh."
He traveled to New York to study with Uta Hagen, supporting himself for five years with various jobs, including postal worker, waiter, maitre d' and office temp. Finally, he was cast in a road company version of "The Odd Couple." When the play reached Chicago he quit to study with that city's famed improvisational troupe Second City.
Upon returning to New York, he began to land roles in TV commercials, off-Broadway plays and finally films.
Through his wife, a friend of Yoko Ono, the actor became close friends with John Lennon. "We were both seekers after a truth, looking for a quick way to enlightenment," Boyle once said of Lennon, who was best man at his wedding.
In 1990, Boyle had a stroke and couldn't talk for six months. In 1999, he had a heart attack on the "Raymond" set. He soon regained his health, however, and returned to the series.
Despite his work in "Everybody Loves Raymond" and other Hollywood productions, Boyle made New York City his home. He and his wife had two daughters, Lucy and Amy.


I had no idea he and John Lennon were pals! How cool is that?
Hit us with your favorite Boyle screen moment in memory of this wonderful talent that has left us all too soon.

___

All the trouble went away, and it wasn't just a dream"

So, tonight is our first preview performance of HOLIDAY MEMORIES at AGL. For a nice photo and a brief blurb, check out Lexington's own Rich Copley's site:
http://copiousnotes.typepad.com/

I'm as excited about this show as I have ever been about any piece I have worked on. It is technically beautiful and the acting is top notch. But don't take MY word for it...come check it out.
"Actors Guild of Lexington continues its 23rd season with Truman Capote’s heartfelt remembrance of youth, Holiday Memories, adapted by Russell Vandenbroucke. A sweet and wonderful look at the holiday season as only Truman Capote can provide. Holiday Memories takes two short memories of childhood by Capote, “The Thanksgiving Visitor” and “A Christmas Memory” and fashions a compelling tale of friendship, love, and fruitcake set in the southern Alabama of the early 1930s. Buddy (Shayne Brakefield) may be a lone child in a house of elderly adults, but having a child-like and loving aunt as his best friend opens him to holiday adventures and the simple lessons of the heart. Directed by AGL Associate Artist Tim X. Davis (Side Man, The Importance of Being Earnest), Holiday Memories also features Carmen Geraci as Truman, Lisa Osterman as Miss Sook, and Dave Dampier and Marcie Crim in a variety of roles. A holiday treat for the entire family, Holiday Memories celebrates love, family, and friendship and will have you calling your grandma to wish her a happy holiday season!

Previewing November 29-30, Holiday Memories opens December 1 and runs through December 23 at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E Main Street in Lexington."

In the spirit of all things Holiday... what's your top five favorite Christmas/Holiday songs? These can be standards, religious, show tunes, rockers, whatever...

Gimmie, gimmie... and btw...if you're involved in the show, no points awarded for the song lyric. Let's leave it to the civilians...

"If the sun refused to shine..."

So we cracked 100 posts! Not bad! Of course, I think we had about 4 people doing the most of the posting, but HEY, it's not how you get there but THAT you get there, right?
Anyhoo...since we've all been so danged fired up lately, lets take 'er down a notch, what do you say?
Since it's the kickoff of the holiday season, lets have our annual "what I'm thankful for" postings. Chime in and be counted. Don't be shy...when I did this last year we only had 17 posts. We can do better than that, people. Despite all the turmoil in today's world there is still a LOT to give thanks for. Feel free to be as mushy as you want! After our last few round of commetns, we could use a little positivity right about now, no?

AND- to get back to the points game...7,500 points for the (slightly obvious) reference...Fletch, if you get here fast enough, this one should be yours in a walk!

"The rest is slience...

"Whose wine, what wine, where the hell did I dine?"

GREETINGS all!
As promised, here is a link to my interview with Tee and John at the dumbshow:
http://dumbshow.mirroruptonature.com/

Despite a few hundred "uhms" and the fact that I was distracted by my son's antics throughout the entirity of the interview, it didn't come off half bad!

AND- if you listen to the interview, go ahead and listen through the rest of the podcast as I'm gonna base my question around their conversation on this topic:
Have Theatres lost touch with their audiences? OR have the audience lost touch with them?
What do you think? Even if you don't check out the podcast, give it a go...we want YOU!!!

"And when you smile for the camera..."

From my good buddy Jeff Day:
I have been working on creating a Film Acting Class in Lexington. So, I have developed a website which describes the process in detail.It's called.. THE FILM ACTORS LAB - Lexington, http://www.thefilmactorslab.com.It is an Intensive Film Acting Training with an Indie-Film Experience. The class format is a repeatable 4-week cycle offering the actor the full experience of taking a scene from rehearsal through shooting in the compressed time frame often encountered in film. During each 4-week cycle scenes will be read (Cold Reading Technique), blocked, shot and edited and reviewed. Each class memeber will recieve a DVD of their work in order to monitor thier process.If you are interested, check out my website. Contact me with any questions.

So if you Lex types are interested, check it out...

In other news:
-Just had my auditions for HOLIDAY MEMORIES at AGL. The show opens Nov. 29th and runs through December 24th. I'll post a cast list here in a few days, but I have a dandy group to work with and I'm way excited about this project. If you're in the area, come on and check it out!

- Looks like the Tonda Fields directed LONE STAR w/ Shayne Brakefield and Jack McIntyre that got so much great buzz will be playing at the KTA Community Theatre Festival, Saturday Nov. 11th (I believe it's in the 8am early morning slot- Shayne, if you read this, correct me if I'm wrong) For more info on the fest itself, go to www.theatreky.org

- Steve Martin's THE UNDERPANTS opens at AGL on October 19 and runs trough November 12th. Check it out, particularly to see the Lexington re-introduction of one CHarles E. Pogue, a frequent flyer here at the Clones. The show has a great cast, and also features Pete Sears, Haley Williams and the great Gene Arkle amongst others.

For today's question:

Who's your ideal presedential candidate in 2008, and why?

Feel free to take up valuable bandwidth discussing.....and, oh yeah, 79 points for the reference!

"I've seen the Mona Lisa, I've heard Shakespeare read real fine..."

And on THAT note...time for a new posting!
Happy Friday to all...a few things:

- Tonight at midnight, for all you Lex folk out there, there is a premiere of a locally made film called EDISON DEATH MACHINE at the Kentucky Theatre. One of my Theatre students here at BCTC is in the film, and if you get the chance, go see it!

- Tonight, at the DAME here in Lex, one of my all time faves (and former Mr Rosanne Cash) Rodney Crowell is playing a show at 9pm. If you wanna see some great rootsy, American music, check him out. I probably won't, as concerts and 2 year olds don't generally mix...AND GLACTICA season III premieres at 9pm!!!! Hot damn tamale!

- Next Monday and Tuesday, I'll be having auditions for HOLIDAY MEMORIES by Russell Vandenbroucke (Uof L's Theatre dept. chair). GREAT little script, based on two Truman Capote short stories. Just re-read it again this morning, and damned if I idn't get teary eyed! Anyhoo- here's the o-fficial audition announcement:
Actors Guild of Lexington will be holding auditions for Truman Capote'sHoliday Memories, adapted by Russell Vandenbroucke, on Monday October 9and Tuesday October 10 (7-10 PM both evenings). Director Tim X. Davis is seeking 3 men- varying in age from 20-50's, 1 woman- 40's-60's and1woman- 20's-40's. Auditionees will be asked to read from the script. Perusal scripts are available at the AGL offices or can be emailed toyou by emailing Rick St. Peter at rstpeter@actorsguildoflexington.org For more information, contact Rick St. Peter at 859-233-7330.

You can also holla at me if'n you want some info. All of youun's what are local come on out and audition fer me! The show opens November 29.

- Next week, I'll be doing an interview for the INEXPLICABLE DUMBSHOW podcast concerning the new Theatre program I'm coordinating here at Bluegrass Community and Tech. College. I'll provide the appropriate link when said interview comes out.

- Big shout out to Mississippi Diva John E. Moore for getting some great work lately, including a two episode arch of PRISON BREAK on FOX, and a role in the new Costner/Kutcher film THE GUARDIAN. GO, Johnny Go!

AND for the topic du'jour... with the Fall movie season (i.e. Awards contenders!) in full swing, what impending film are you really jazzed about seeing and why?

Enjoy!

"If I give my love to you, you'll surely give it back"

Well, it's been one helluva weekend!
Friday evening it started raining,and raining...and it KEPT on raining. Between one and 3 am it's estimated that about 8 ins. of rain fell in the Lexington area. And guess where most of it seemed to wind up? In the BASEMENT OF MY NEW HOUSE! And...since we've only been there for a few weeks, guess where most of our unpacked boxes with most of our stuff were? You guessed it!!! THE BASEMENT! Needless to say we lost alot of stuff. Some junk, some replaceable, some downright priceless...it's really a pisser to have to throw a good chunk of your life into garbage bags and hoist it out the back door like so much trash. I , unfortunately, had to do the same thing two years back when I moved my ailing mother out of her house and into a small apartment. Loads of my childhood memories went into the garbage dump cause I didn't have the time, space or energy to save it. Except for two very small, very carefully selected memory boxes which I kept and brought home to Kentucky...anyone wanna guess where those boxes were stored last friday at 3am?
Actually, alot of stuff did survive, and thank God we are all safe (as opposed to the poor 8 souls who lost their lives needlessly in this flooding.) But we do not yet know the extent of the damage to the drywall and structure of the home. And it looks like our insurance company (won't say the name) may not be giving us their "good hands" to help out with this mess. We are pursuing other options, though. The city, sewer and water, etc... and since this mess may be considered of the "disaster" variety (as an example, our entire street had pretty much the same damage we did) we may luck out on the insurance thing. But with all the chaos we've been going through with the move, new job and general disorder of raising an almost two year old, we just damn well didn't need this...

Anyhoo...pity party over and back to work. Hope you lex- folk are all unharmed from the storm, and that you're enjoying a few days of dry, beautiful, fall-like weather. A big storm like this really makes you appreciate such things. And it also makes me REALLY feel lucky that my wife and I left the Gulf Coast for Kentucky those 5 years back. If not, I'd probably be worried about a hell of alot more than a soggy basement. BTW- even if you ain't a Football fan (and why SHOULDN'T you be???) watch the Monday night game on ESPN tonight to see the Saints first home game in the Super Dome since the destruction of Katrina. I can't wait to see it. All the enery and life just pulsating through the stadium. The resilience of those folks is very inspiring to me. And yes, it's just a damn game, but it's more than that in this instance. It's a dying city standing up and saying that they will NOT go quietly...that even in the toughest of circumstances you can still celebrate life and the incredible spirit that still prevails in this country. Someone mentioned to me in conversation the other day how they should tear the dome down because of the images of Katrina and how people died there in that storm, but as Mike Greengerg said on ESPN," Think of how many people LIVED and survived because the dome was there." Makes one think...

And as I close, Eric Clapton's LET IT RAIN comes onto my radio station...oh Ironos, goddess of Irony...you STILL slay me with your wit!

Peace and Love,
X

"Who pays for paradise?"

YET ANOTHER cool podcast...

http://dumbshow.mirroruptonature.com/

Our own lovely and talented Rick St. Peter is the latest interviewee of the dumbshow podcast.
Check it out!

And , I'm going to steal an idea from our own Chuck Pogue who postedTHIS question on BO's yahoo site:

Actors, what five roles would you like to play?Explain why, if so moved. Only restriction: Try to keep desired roles roughly age appropriate...no 25 year old Lears; no fifty year old Juliets.So Directors/Designers can play along...which five plays would like to direct/design?Explain why, if so moved. Only restriction: no plays that you're about to do or that you've done in the past.If you do all of things things, answer all questions, if you like.

Thanks Chuck...the royalty check is in the mail...

Cool podcast!

Check this out:

http://dumbshow.mirroruptonature.com/

My buddies John Mauldin and Tee Quillenhave a nice Theatre themed podcast called the inexplicable dumb show! On episode IV, they have a nice interview with my big brother, and AD/founder of the Burning Coal Theatre COmpany. Any of you who want the lowdown of starting a small, professional theatre company should listen up. It's pretty cool!

"It's a sad man, my friend who's livin' in his own skin..."

So happy frakin' friday to you all! And for all you Battlestar Galactica Junkies, it is a happy friday indeed, as SCI Fi has this week released the first of ten "webisodes" that will connect seasons 2 and 3. If you wanna check em out, head over to scifi.com OR you can check 'em out on you tube.

For me, it's been a helluva week. Trying to get everything settled in the new casa, dealing with a baby who's a bit confused as to why we're not in our old apartment anymore, tons of work for the impending KTA festival in November, and being swamped by work at my new job. BUT- hell, I can't complain... I like it like this. Who was that poet who said something about burning your candle at both ends? Well, it IS a lovely light, my friends. Trust me on that...

So as I slowly dig myself out of a pile of beautiful disarray, here's your topic.
Tell us about the music you are listening to now (could be something new or something old you've recently discovered or RE-iscovered) Either choice will suffice... a nice lught, non-threatening topic for a beautiful late summer weekend!

127,000 points for the reference...for reasons only me and the wife know!

"Put me in, Coach!"

Greetings, all and a happy friday. Joy and I, along with my very cool in-laws, are moving into our new house! So, now I'm a home-owner...I had a really zen moment last night while moving some boxes in. I was standing in my backyard (which is really nice) and I said to myself, "This is MY backyard!" How bout that, huh? For those of you what are local, we'll probably have a house warming par-tay within the next few weeks. Stay tuned to this channel!
Anyhoo...gonna be a few days for all the stuff is in order, so I may be out of the loop for a bit. Thus, I'll leave you with this to ponder:

In honor of Andre Aggasi's awesome run at the US Open thus far...What's the GREATEST sports moment you've ever witnessed? Any sport you like (except soccer...not on MY blog, dammit!) whether you were actually there or saw it on the tube. Tell us about it...describe it...relive the moment!
No points for the reference...just too damned easy...

"Shut 'yo mouth!"

So here we are in the home stretch of the dreaded "house closing", and naturally, snags have arisen! And naturally, they are though no fault of ours, which makes it doubly irritating, but I'm sure they will all be worked out by week's end and we'll be luxuriating in our lovely new casa! (I hope!!!!)

Anyhoo...in the tradition of ESPN's MIKE AND MIKE in the morning, I would like to institute a new feature to the CLONES we like to call JUST SHUT UP!
Nominate whomever you want for the award, and tell us why you want them to JUST...SHUT ...UP!!!!!
BTW_ please don't make this someone we KNOW, but instead pick on someone in the public eye (i.e. celebrity, poitician, ball player, etc...). We like to keep the blows ABOVE the belt here at DIVA CLONES....

SO, my nominee? The Honorable RAY NAGGIN, who said to a New York reporter this week, and I loosely quote "You guys in New York can't get a hole in the ground fixed and it's five years later"...what a swell, sensitive guy!!!! Yeah, I ain't giving Washington any free passes when it comes to Katrina clean up, but come on Ray! Apples and oranges, man...

So who gets YOUR vote? Lemme hear from you!

"There's nothing better we could do, than live forever..."

Hey gang. Sorry bout the long time betwixt posts, but I've been slammed lately. Lots of new things: new job, new class I'm adjuncting at Asbury (directing) , new HOUSE, a 20 month old who's doing new things daily (and is quickly developing a vocabulary to exceed mine...) so LOTS of newness...but new is good. CHANGE is good. It's what keeps life fresh and interesting. But it can also be scary. Joy and I have been through lots of changes in our 13 years together, and we've rode them all out together and come out the other side better for it. "She's a great partner to go through life with...I tell you what!" (ala Hank Hill)
So, if I don't post as much in the next month or two, don't give up on us, baby...we'll be around...for now, riddle me this.
What cast experience was your greatest? What I mean is this: perhaps it wasn't the best show, or the most well received, but what cast did you have your greatest experience with. Were you particularly close? Did something happen to bring you together in a way that was atypical of other theatre experiences? Did you just PARTY a whole hell of alot? Sleep with four or five members of the ensemble? Whatever floats your boat...lemmee hear from you.
403 points for the reference. It ain't too tough if you're an 80's child...

RIP Bruno Kirby

This is sad...I had no idea he was even ill...
© AP
Bruno Kirby'City Slickers' Actor Bruno Kirby DiesAug 16, 6:39 AM EST
The Associated Press
Bruno Kirby, a veteran character actor known for playing the best friend in two of Billy Crystal 's biggest comedies, "When Harry Met Sally" and "City Slickers," has died. He was 57.
Kirby died Monday in Los Angeles from complications related to leukemia, his wife Lynn Sellers said in a statement Tuesday. He had been recently diagnosed with the disease.
"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from Bruno's fans and colleagues who have admired and respected his work over the past 30 years," his wife said. "Bruno's spirit will continue to live on not only in his rich body of film and television work but also through the lives of individuals he has touched throughout his life."
Born Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu in 1949 in New York City, he was the son of actor Bruce Kirby. His early work included the 1971 film "Young Graduates," as well as appearances on the television show "Room 222" and the made-for-TV movie "The Summer Without Boys."
In 1974, he scored a role in "The Godfather: Part II," which won several Academy Awards, including best picture. In the film, Kirby played young "Pete Clemenza," following Richard S. Castellano's role in the first installment.
Over the next few years, Kirby made various TV appearances, including "Fame" and "Hill Street Blues," before landing the role of "2nd Lt. Steven Hauk" in Robin Williams' "Good Morning, Vietnam."
That was followed two years later by the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally," in which Kirby played Crystal's best friend. In 1991, Kirby once again appeared as Crystal's cheery friend in "City Slickers," — along for a mid-life adventure driving cattle on a dude ranch.
He also appeared in 1997's "Donnie Brasco," and recently in an episode of the HBO hit series "Entourage."
Along with his wife and father, Kirby is survived by his stepmother Roz Kirby, brother John Kirby and stepbrother Brad Sullivan.
No information on funeral arrangements was immediately available.

Another passing of a wonderful character actor. RIP, Bruno...

"For that lean, mean, mean green"

So happy hump day all! Hope everyone's having a great week so far. I have now officially started my new job. I am the coordinator for the new Theatre and Film program at Bluegrass Community and Technical college here in Lex. I'll miss K-state, as I had some really good years there and I am damned proud of what we were able to accomplish there. Now I turn that program over to Jack Parrish, whom directed me in ART a few years back. He came highly recommended courtesy of Rick8, thus I have all the faith in the world that he'll take care of my baby...but I gotta tell you, it's REALLY nice not to have to make that commute every day to Frankfort! Hoozah! Maybe now I'll only have to spend ONE hundred dollars a week for gas! Won't that be a joy? And speaking of Joy, she, the little wolverine and I are MOVING! Yes, we finally done went and bouught us a house! We should have it all signed sealed and delivered by the end of the month! We are very excited, as we really HATE living in an apartment at this point in our lives! It's a very exciting time, and for those of you in Lex town, we'll be having a nice big open house party sometime in September. Stay tuned for more info...
..and SPEAKING of large outlays of cash...I need to pick the brains of those of you with any financial acumen. I am looking for funding sources for my new program. Any ideas? Any thoughts on how to raise/get some good working capital for this exciting new program? Gimmie your thoughts...(D$ and Darren, love to hear any ideas you may have used in the past as well! And most definitely if Steve K is lurking, shoot me some ideas...)
2 million points for the reference...I bet even CHuck knows this one!

"Hammer of Justice Crushes You... overpower"

Laura Salmon was my friend. Tonight she finally recieved some justice...

http://www.dnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/60804007

It's about fucking time! For any of you that know the PEANUT GALLERY script, a large portion of that is for her.

I've been drinking a little tonight, so I'll sign off before I say something stupid...like how much I love all of you and cherish your friendship.

22 points for the reference...that's how many years Laura's family had to wait for this day...

ONE FROM THE REQUEST LINES!!!!!!

From MISSY J.


"Hey Tim, it might be fun to see what other icky jobs people have had to endure under that "other duties as assigned" clause that's in so many theatre contracts."

We here at Diva Clones HEAR and OBEY!!!!

Go for it, gang...and all former BOONIES speak up loudly!!!!!

"WILL OUR STORY SHINE LIKE A LIGHT,OR END IN THE DARK"

"People in the entertainment community, whether Jew or Gentile, need to demonstrate that they understand how much is at stake in this by professionally shunning Mel Gibson and refusing to work with him, even if it means a sacrifice to their bottom line." So says one of the most high profile agents in Hollywood...."
.....ok...........let me see if I have this right: A man gets behind the wheel of a car with a .8 blood alcohol level, (what's the legal in CA...like a .01?) gets nabbed, makes some asinine racist remarks in a drunken haze...and THATS what we focus on? How bout the fact that he was DRIVING WAY OVER THE LEGAL ALCOHOL LIMIT AND ENDANGERING LIVES???? I personally could give a shit what Mel Gibson thinks of the Jewish community. He's a freakin actor...he's not a law maker, he doesn't make US policy, he holds no office- Hell, were it not for his lightning in a bottle Jesus film, the man wouldn't even be relevant to most of the younger generation at this point (and btw- they're the ones actually BUYING the movie tickets these days!) This, to me, is a prime example of how America just gets it wrong. The real issue, and the real danger, is what he was doing, not what he said in a drunken tirade, which by the way is hardly the same as espousing those views in a public forum. So he's a bigoted jackass- WOW- that really sets him apart from most of America, doesn't it? You wanna string the guy up for something? How about for the LAW HE WAS BREAKING???
Besides, don't people realize that by making the big show of this they are simply making the man a martyr for the millions of anti-semites in this country? Those folks must be turning cartwheels today over all the publicity this is getting. For every Hollywood mouthpiece that condemns this guy, hundreds of people will flock to his defense. Get a clue, folks! You're only propping the guy up further by going nuts over this.
So- what say YOU to all this? I've ranted enough....58 points for the oh-so-clever lyric.

"An' it breaks your heart cuz ya gave so much"

So okay...I'll vent a little here...
Last night Joy had made tnetative plans with a group of folks to come out to the park and see THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. She went out and bought a bunch of snacks and wine, made some yummy beer cheese, and spent a great deal of time getting herself and the wolverine (her nickname for our boy) together to go out (NOT the easiest of tasks) ...and what happened? Nobody friggin showed up. And worse???No one CALLED to say they weren't showing up. Listen folks, I know people have their lives and things to do, and people to see, etc. But guess what? There is such a thing as common courtesy, and part of that courtesy includes a phone call if you're bailing on a planned outing. It's not that we're that pissed, but even though she won't admit it, it did kinda hurt my wife's feelings a bit...Which I guess DOES piss me off, cause she's a sweet, generous woman who always goes the extra mile to do for others, and when folks take that for granted I get a little miffed! But in truth, I'm not sure why I'm even putting it up here, as most of those folks don't read this blog anyway, but dammit what's the good in having a nice little cyberspace forum if you can't vent every now and again?
People are a funny lot. Joy and I have moved around so much in our (almost) 13 years together (July 31st, for those keeping score) that we have friends spread out all over the country. Perhaps thats why we've always felt a bit like outsiders wherever we go. We both pretty much came to the realization long ago that there are two kinds of folks: Those that keep their friends together, and those that are "kept" together via someone else's efforts. So many people have come in and out of our lives over the years due to a sort of "out of sight/out of mind" way of looking at things. Fortunately, though, we do have a nice group of folks that seem invested enough in our friendship that they actually give a damn enough to write or call occasionally. However, in most cases, we seem to be the ones who always initiate said contact. I suppose that's just the way the world spins, but it can be damned annoying, sometimes. Overall, though, here in Lex, I have to say that I feel blessed to have made some of the friends that I have, particularly you folks who inhabit this blog with me. And even though I may not say it enough, your friendship does mean a great deal to me, as do your varied and intersting opinions and commentary.
I guess that's all I had to say about that. Vent over- short and sweet. We'll return to our regularly scheduled pontificating next week!
...that was a joke btw....

"When you don't know what it is, but you can't get enough of it"

Ok, so Adam has given me inspiration for a new post...Name your three FAVORITE comedians, and the three whom you think suck the worst!
So far, I'm bettin Judy Tenuta turns up on 75% of the sucky lists...
And, a word of congrats to the cast and crew of MUCH ADO...for puttin on an entertaining show and for keeping the rain Gods away! I wonder if that deal Mike Freidman made with Satan extends over to the arboretium as well? ( There's one for the Boonies on the board!)
If you get a chance, make sure and come check out THE LION,THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE next week for a really fun evening with some kick ass stage combat, courtesy of one Chris "Lito" Tamez, hisself a former Boonie! And look for my high powered cameo as FATHER X-mas!
898 points for the obscure reference...

"Don't worry bout Manana...just say como se nada"

So....today is my 40th birthday...normally, I don't try and shill my birthday, and I'm not now either. But, I just felt I needed to post to express my feelings on turning the big 4-0.
1st- Surprisingly, it's not really a big deal to me. I thought I'd get all bummed that my 30's are behind me, but it just doesn't phase me that way. I'm actually really anxious to see what this decade brings. The 30's brought major changes for me- physically, mentally, financially, artistically...and, to beat all, I became a father! So some pretty big changes. It really has me wondering what the next ten years will bring. I'm starting things out with a bang- an almost two year old son, a new job, and I get to go out and perform ON my birthday! Pretty exciting...btw- we've been getting great response for the show (MIDSUMMER). Kudos to all you guys in the area who have come out. To those who haven't yet...where the heck are ya? And do me, and the whole cast, a favor and stick around to say hey after the show. Meet and Greet is one of the cooler elements of the Fest. Always lots of fun...
You know, I guess more than anything I just feel really blessed today. I have a really great life! I married a great woman who has managed to stay with me for 13 years (as of the 31st of July, that is!) I have a beautiful son who continues to amaze and inspire me daily, I have some great friends (even though I don't see them as often as I'd like) and I get to do Theatre that I am proud of and passionate about. So I haven't made that 1st million yet...I truly can't complain about where I am. (even though, in typical me fashion, at some point, I will!)
I guess that's all I wanted to say- no real topic today, unless you want to tell me your most interesting BIRTHDAY story.
Hope to see you at the aboreitum! Peace out, ya'll!

"Now quickly Check the hands on the clock..."

Happy Friday all! Just returned (again) from Nashville, and boy are my arms tired! Or something to that effect...
Haven't posted in awhile and lots of things happening, so here's a round up:
-HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KIMMIE! You don't look a day over 21, darling...Hope it was a happy one indeed.
- Laurie! When do you get in?Post and let's talk about an El Toro run. I, and lots of others, would love to hook up with you guys again!
- As I mentioned, I went to Nashvegas last weekend to celebrate my upcoming 40th b-day (not here till the 8th, but since I'm onstage that night...) My wonderful wife set up an evening where a bunch of my old friends came out and met me in Nashville at the Sammy Hagar show (yeah, yeah, I know...I'm old...but Sammy ROCKED, dude! Check out my fan review of the show at Sam's official website www.redrocker.com) and we hung out a bit in downtown Nashville afterwards. A VERY good time was had by all. It was most excellent seeing Fletch, the Coach, Scottie, Matt, Billy, Don, Todd, Jeff and that strange dude you guys brought with you!
My wife kicks ass!
- Speaking of Scott Mc, congrats on the new job! He's heading down to South Georgia to teach at a really awesome sounding Secondary Theatre program. Not many high schools actually KNOWN for their Theatre department, but this one is! Way to go, Mac!
- At aforementioned show, on the second stage before the main concert got underway, I got to check out some old buds of mine in a band called Cold Truth - they are like a Murfreesboro super group. Some of the finest players my hometown ever produced- all over 40, all still kickin' it! Check out there site for some cool tunes at www.coldtruth.net. It really did my heart good to see these guys still rockin and rollin. What a pleasant added bonus to an already great weekend. (Did I mention that my wife kicks ass?)
- Congrats to Mike and Erin on their recent nuptuals...may fortune shine on you in the days to come! And sorry I probably won't be able to make it Saturday...but...
- The Lexington Shakes Fest opens this coming week, with MIDSUMMER up first. The show is shaping up nicely, and I'm really excited to get the chance to do some Shakespeare again, as it's been awhile for me. I have always loved the character of BOTTOM, and I think that the Mechanicals and I have mined some "comedy gold"- Come out and enjoy, starting on July 5th. General admission is 8 bucks and showtime is 8:45. Head to http://www.lexingtonshakespeare.org/season.asp for more details. And on your way out, hum that old Blind Melon tune just for good measure!

I'll try and post next week about actually turning 40 and what that means to me, but in the meantime, here's the latest topic of discussion: What's the most creative Shakespeare piece you've ever seen/been a part of? Lemmee hear it...
BTW- Only ONE point for the reference, and Tuttle, if you don't get it, I'm disowning you!

"Sitting with your friends cause y'all remincise..."

Ah, summertime and the livin is eeeeeassssyyyyy....
Hope everyone is having a good time with this great weather we're having (In Central KY , anyhoo) I do love the summertime. It takes me back to my youth, and for at least a brief time I can remember what it was like to be wide eyed and have the world laid out in front of me. Sure, life is much different now, with a job, family, responsibility, a HELLUVA lot more aches and pains, but there's still a little bit of that kid in me that just has to giggle every time the he sees the bright sun and the clear blue skies.
SOOO- describe to me what your summers were like when you were a kid. It can be from when you were a wee tot, a "tweener" or a full blown teenager, or a combo of all of the above. And, if something theatrical resonates with your summer memories (it sure does in mine!) lemmee specifically know about that.
ALSO- a little news for you: I have now officially changed jobs- I will be working in Lexington (NO MORE COMMUTING!) for the Bluegrass Technical and Community College coordinating their fine arts classses and building their new Theatre and Film degree, which should begin to go into effect in Spring 07. I have nothing but good to say about KSU, my former employers, as I spent five good years there and I am damned proud of the work we were able to accomplish in that time. Perhaps more on that in a later post- Just wanted my wonderful posters to be the first to know!
So knock me out- and 2800 pts for the reference, unless RICK8 gets it, and then only 28, as he probably knows the whole song by heart!

"Everything's gotten way out of hand - but your wish is our command"

So, here we go again! Happy Friday to all. And a special shout out to Mikey and Erin who are gettin hitched this weekend up in the Great Smokies! Have a blast, ya'll! We're all really happy for you...
And, an unfortunate bit of info from my wife's blog...
"My sister called to tell me a guy she graduated from high school with died this week. He was only 39, married, had two very young daughters. Devastating. At their 20th class reunion last year he was the life of the party. Sanjiv, peace and love."

I'm 39, folks. Fixin' to be the big 4-0 any day now, good lord willin...just goes to show you that you just never know when your number might get called. Life is fragile, and it's precious. We don't often treat it as if it's either, and that's a real shame. I didn't know Sanjiv, but heard Hope and Joy speak very fondly of him through the years. Hope had, in fact, just seen him recently at their 20th HS reunion, where he was , quote "The life of the Party"... His family will be in my prayers tonight.

In that vein...here's a topic for you. If there's someone who has passed on that was inspirational to your artisic life, celebrate that person in your next comments. Tell us how great those folks were.
And while you're at it, over the next few days....stop and smell the damned roses, will ya? You'll be better for it.

4000 points for the reference.

You could see me reaching,why couldn't you meet me halfway"

Good Friday to you all!
First off: Tonight at 5:30 we're making another EL TORO run. So if any of youse are interested, come on out. Bring the kiddies and your appetite for mucho Margaritas (TWO FOR ONE, BABY!!!). Let me know with a post if you plan on coming. Chuck, you and Julianne have never joined us...we're calling you out!

ALSO- From ACTOR'S GUILD
New Horizons ProjectThe Actors Guild of Lexington's New Horizons Project will continue onTuesday June 6 with a reading of Play Ball, a new play by Jeff Day,Director of Theatre and Cinema Performance at Asbury College. PlayBall is a three act, dramatic comedy that follows Danny and ChristinKennedy as they struggle to save what's left of their marriage bysorting through the poor decisions of the past, the intense conflicts of the present and the overwhelming obstacles of the future. The play surrounds them as they work their way through the frustrationand disappointment of infertility with the help of Danny's collegefriend Austin and his wife Jan. They will discover that if love isto survive, forgiveness is everything. The cast list for Play Ballincludes Tim X Davis, Kim Dixon, Ester Harvey and Mike Tuttle.Please come and stay for a post reading talkback with the playwrightand cast.

***All of our New Horizons Project performances are free and open tothe public, however we do accept donations. For the Play Ballreading, all donations received will be donated to the ScholarshipFund for Raigann Hufnagel, established by Chase Bank. Actors Guild recognizes we are part of a larger downtown community and our heartsgrieve for the recent tragedy involving Stephanie Hufnagel and herunborn child.***


...So say we all....

"The message came back from the great beyond..."

Greetings, fellow divas....Laurie's shout out to AMERICAN IDOL has got me to thinking- you can't swing a dead cat in TV land without hitting another "reality" TV show. Wasn't this movement supposed to have died about 5 years ago? Do we REALLY need to see REAL WORLD 27: Witchita Falls...or SKATING WITH CONVICTS or whoever the hell they;'re skating with now?
I''ll cop to getting sucked into a few of these (the new SUPER GROUP on VH1 has the metal God in me all aflutter...and it's actually kinda fun) but here's the question:
What's YOUR opinion of , so called REALITY TV? Love it? Hate it? Ever had a close up experience with it? (I auditioned locally for SURVIVOR last year...and think this one was supposed to take place on the Moon, or something- thankfully, I wasn't chosen) Do you have a particular reality show that tickles your fancy? Do you think it's destroying the TV landscape?
Lemmee know!
btw- 85 points for the reference (as -HINT- that's how high my cable goes)

I can always fall back on this.....

In a Past Life...

You Were: A Mute Assassin. Where You Lived: Korea. How You Died: Typhoid fever.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

"But honey I know, ain't nothing wrong with yo' ears"

OK, so here's a good one:
Tell me about you're biggest brush with fame! Was it meeting someone backstage after a broadway show? Running into Newman and Woodward at a performance? Working with someone on a show? Being a Motley Crue groupie? WHAT???
I'm betting Chuck and Rick both have some good stories to regale us with in this area...
Hit me with your best shot...
...and no, mine wasn't sleeping with Pat Benetar when I was a teenager...I wish!
290 points for the reference...it's pretty easy...

"Never sit on the sidelines of life...I'd dance every dance..."

For any and all interested parties:
Tomorrow night (Tuesday the 9th) AGL's New Horizons Play series will present a staged reading of DANCING WITH DANI, by Tim X. Davis
Show begins at 7:30 in the DAC. Admission is FREE!
Cast includes:
Shayne Brakefield
Chris Rose
Erin Leland
Mike Tuttle
Joy Davis
Joy Parks
Jeff Day


Come one / come all...ye faithful...

Also congrats to Jeff Day on the 2nd annual Highbridge Film Festival held at Asbury College this past weekend. It rocked! Some excellent work by some very talented filmmakers. If you missed it, do yourself a favor and mark your calendars for next year! And Kudos to Chuck Pogue for coming to speak at the festival to some of Jeff's students. I heard great things, Charles...perhaps next year I can convince you to come chat with some of my kids?

-x

El Toro Redux

Hey! if anyone would like to join us, Joy and Logan and I will be dining at El Toro this evening. I know it's late notice, but if you wanna come along, leave me a message. Otherwise, everyone have a good derby weekend!

"You're there on the dance floor makin me want you somehow..."

Ok, some good answers for the men. NOW to the good stuff...the ladies!
Name your five favorite actors of the female persuasion.
An 963 points for the reference!
HAve at it!

"I can put on any Face. You won't know me but, it's no disgrace"

SOOOO- first off- a little business: For all interested parties, the AGL New Horizons play series will kick off May 9th with a reading of my original play DANCING WITH DANI. Show time will be 7:30 at the DAC and , as always, admission is free. For more info, shoot me an email at woundedeagle8@yahoo.com- cast members lined up thus far include Chris Rose, Shayne Brakefield, Mike Tuttle and Erin Adams. Check it out!

Ok, so I promised Chuck a nice fun, non-confrontational topic for this entry! And I think we're about due one! SOOO....here goes:
Who are your FIVE FAVORITE ACTORS of all time? The key word here is FAVORITE! DOn't necessarily have to make a case that they're the best, just the ones you dig...and with all due respect to the ladies, we'll save them for the next post. Let's deal with the men-folk first.
So who's it gonna be ? Larry Olivier? Marlon Brando? Don Johnson? Jimmy "DY-NO-MITE" Walker?
You name it...
A cool 10,000 pts for the reference! You may have to bite your "tongues" when you find out who it is (HINT HINT!)

"I thought I heard the men below; You don't pay me and the ship don't go."

Ok...so it's all over the place at the other Lexington Theatre board, so let's jaw about it here for awhile...there was a piece in the Hearld Leader, that I'm sure all of you Lex types read, regarding certian area high school performances with 20,000 , 45,000 and even one south Indiana show with a whopping 200,000 DOLLAR BUDGET!
So what do ya think about all this? Too much? Reckless extravagence? None of our damned business? Chime in...and be candid...even if you've already posted an opinion on the other site, I'd love to see it here, so those from other areas can respond. BTW- Mr. Diva Master- LOVE to get your opinion, and any other H-town lurkers...
Here's the article link...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/entertainment/14348799.htm
Go nuts!
20,000 points for the song reference!

A Plea to all theatre brethren...and...sistren....

Hey ya'll...as many of you know I'm finishing up a run of COLORED MUSEUM at KSU this weekend. Our Thursday night house was really good and the show went well, but tonight's house was small and many of my kids were down (it being Easter weekend- unfortunately, as many of you in academia know, we have very little conrtrol over scheduling in these venues...)
Anyhoo...if any of you are interested in seeing a fun show tomorrow on me, come out and support us. I have 4 seniors in the cast and would hate for them to go out with a tiny crowd...and yes, I know the size of the crowd is not the important thing, but it would mean alot to my kids...
SO...if you're game, holler at me on this here blog. The show is on the kSU campus in Frankfort, and it starts at 8 pm tomorrow.
Thanks,
x

"Toro Toro, Taxi..."

So- in regards to tommorow night's festivities w/ Laurie at El Toro- We'll be there at 6pm. Laurie is supposed to come around 6:30, I believe. SOmeone had posted earlier inviting "anyone who wants to come"... while that's cool, I had asked for a specific head count, so we could have a number to give the good folks at El toro tomorrow so's we can all sit together and commune and such. So far, I have a go from Ryan and Natalie, Mike and Erin and the little guy, Josh B. and Missy (whom I am not sure if they are coming stag or w. a partner) and Joy, myself and baby makes three.
If anyone else is planning to come please confirm via the blog (or my personal email if you have it) so we can get an accurate count of folks...
Lookin' forward to it! Let's party!
(30 points for the reference this time out...)

"...there is always one last light to turn out and one last bell to ring..."

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.

"Trying to save the day for the old world man"

Ok, it's friday and I'm gonna VENT a little!
First off...if I see ONE MORE person with one of those ugly ass ear attachement cell phone things, I'm gonna smack them, rip that ugly ass thing out of their ear and crush it! It's annoying ENOUGH that we have to deal with people on their damn phones everywhere we go (even at the Theatre, right folks?) but NOW we have to deal with people seemingly talking to thin air! We can't even tell if they're on their phone or if they are in dire need of some serious drug therepy. And while I'm at it, OVER-technology, as I like to call it, is really starting to piss me off. This crap is supposed to make our lives EASIER? So yeah...I have to throw out all my cd's and start "file sharing", I have to buy a new TV in four years, cause mine isn't HIGH DEF, and my cell phone, which already has more functions than I'll ever use , is ALREADY woefully large and outdated? HOW IS THIS MAKING MY LIFE EASIER??? The answer IS.....IT AIN'T!!!! You wanna make my life easier? Use this wonderful technology to HELP people! Cure cancer (Hell, cure SOMETHING...as Chris Rock says "Dr's haven't cure SHIT in a LOOONNGGG time!") , find a way to give sight back to the blind, or a way to use this technology to get food and medicine to all the folks starving in the world. I could GIVE A SHIT if you make my cell phone small enough to fit in my nose! DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!


On a completely contardictory note....my new office computer IS pretty sweet!

There's my friday rant....I think I'll make this a weekly thing...it feels good!
ENJOY and please...take up valuable band width telling me what an old fogey I am! Or feel free to log in with your OWN friday rant!
In honor of the FINEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE NATION, a SWEET 16 points for the reference....

"Moving with a style and ease..."

OK- so I have to do it...for all you SPORTING geeks out there (and I know there are a few of you) ..
hit me with your final four predictions, final game, and big dance winner...
Here's my final four
BC
U Conn
Texas
UCLA
with a final game of BC and UCLA and
BC cuts down the nets!!!! (ps- almost got screwed here, as Pacific just took BC to double overtime, but WHAT A FINISH!!!! THis is , truly, what March Maddness is all about!!!
64 points for the lyric!

"This is no social crisis, This is you having fun"

Well, it's been a bitch of a couple of weeks, but it's coming to an end, and there is light at the end of the tunnel! EARNEST opens tonight, after a very encouraging couple of final dress/preview rehearsals. If you'd like to check out a cool slide show with pictures and audio commentary from yours truly and some of the cast, check out this link:
http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/multimedia/being/earnest.html

Directing is a funny thing: I've always remembered one of my college professors words, when she told me that "If a show is good the actors get the credit: if it's BAD, the director gets the blame"...truer words were never spoken. I've even been guilty of this myself: How many times have I come out of a show saying "How could that director let those actors get up onstage and suck so bad?" It's one of those parts of the theatre that ain't fair, but it comes with the territory. I also find that I get more emotionally involved with shows that I direct. I'm NEVER nervous before going on as an actor (perhaps a little anxious or excited, but never really nervous) BUT as a director, I'm a wreck right before the show opens. But, I have to say, I'm really pleased with this one. We've had some bumps and snags, but I think it's all gonna be good in the end. But MAN am I ready for some rest! Show opens and I have spring break next week. Alas, we will be staying in Lexville, but I'll get lots of good quality time with the family unit, whom i feel I've been a little neglectful of lately, due to work and shows and conferences, etc...so here's to me getting a little bit of well deserved rest! And then, onto the next three or four projects!
So here's a nice non-confrontational question for you all- since I plan on watching alot of TV next week (NCAA Tourney action and all...) What is the best show on TV right now and why????
29 points for the song reference. It's a little tough, but it indirectly relates to EARNEST (a hint for those of you involved with the show)

"They say there's a heaven for those who will wait..."

WOW! Talk about your famous people dying in 3's- it's been a lousy 24 hours for fans of cl;assic TV. Actors Don Knotts, Darren McGavin(X-mas Story/ The Night Stalker) and now Dennis Weaver (McLoud/ DEUL) have all passed.
I grew up on the work of these three men, and it's fair to say that part of the reason I'm in this business was the superb work they did in so many great shows and films of the 60's and 70's. No, it wasn't MASTERPIECE THEATRE , but dammit quality work is quality work! Has there BEEN a funnier sidekick than Barney Fife? Has there been a more humorus take on the "fish out of water" than Weaver's Mcloud? An has there EVER been a more bizarre, wonderfully funny perfomance than MacGavin gave in A CHRISTMAS STORY?
I think not...RIP all three of you guys...we'll not soon forget you.

5 pts for the easy reference- feel free to take up valuable bandwidth with your reactions/comments.

"I read the news today, oh boy..."

Hey everyone , it's my 50th post!!!!! How bout that? Who knew we would last so long???Thanks to all of you regulars who come to share thoughts and ideas daily...keep it up!

Anyhoo...my last comment actually got ME to thinking...perhaps I was too harsh, and spoke out of turn, so you tell me, theatre folk. DO you read your own reviews? Many folks say that don't- that's always struck me as the kind of thing we're SUPPOSED to say...but in my head, I just don't think most who say it are sincere. I'm not intimating that we all live and die by them. I certainly don't: A good review is nice, and it's also useful to me (we teachers need such things for our doissiers- they're very helpful for tenure and promotion purposes and for use in our CV's) and sure: I'll man up and say it...I LIKE gettiing good press! It ain't gonna kill me if I don't , but it's nice when I do...so you tell me. Yes or no, and why?

Points for the reference...BUT...not the original. Most will know this comes from A DAY IN THE LIFE by the Beatles, BUT...what British artist paraphrased this line in one of his own tunes in the mid-70's? SIXTY NINE points for the answer!!!!

"...pickin down in Jacksonville..."

So, I'm finally starting to recover from my ACTF trip , which saw me on the road 26 hours in a 72 hour period (and that's NOT counting all the damned driving around Jacksonville I had to do- for some odd reason our hotels we're all about 20 minutes away from each other). It was a splendid trip, though, and my students had a blast. At least one was so inspired by the festival that it helped her to decide that she did want to go to Grad school for theatre. I got to see a few former DIVAS (Darren M. and Dori G.) as well as getting to chat with all my "February friends" as Jim Wren of UNCG calls us...Our hotel was also very nice, as it was right on the beach. I actually got to catch a few minutes of zen outby the water one morning, so that, too, was pleasant. So for all the hoopla surrounding these festivals, and all the bitching and moaning that most of the "bigger" schools in our state do regarding the legitamacy of said events, I still love em! It does recharge my batteries as a Theatre instructor, and it's nice to see good work and catch up with everyone. That's ot even to BEGIN to mention all the opportunities for the students...
In that vein- if you ever went to an ACTF, SETC, URTA, UPTA, or even a high school Thespian tourney, tell me about your best experience doing so...spare no details...bide no denay...post no bills...whatever, I'm still tired!
10 points for the fine southern reference...and an EXTRA ten if you can tell me WHO was 'pickin down in J-ville"...

Oscar!!!!

Here's a list of this years Oscar nominees! Take up valuable bandwidth with discussion/predictions.
List of the 78th annual Oscar nominations announced Tuesday in Beverly Hills, Calif., by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
1. Best Picture: "Brokeback Mountain," "Capote," "Crash," "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Munich."
2. Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote"; Terrence Howard, "Hustle & Flow"; Heath Ledger, "Brokeback Mountain"; Joaquin Phoenix, "Walk the Line"; David Strathairn, "Good Night, and Good Luck."
3. Actress: Judi Dench, "Mrs. Henderson Presents"; Felicity Huffman, "Transamerica"; Keira Knightley, "Pride & Prejudice"; Charlize Theron, "North Country"; Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line."
4. Supporting Actor: George Clooney, "Syriana"; Matt Dillon, "Crash"; Paul Giamatti, "Cinderella Man"; Jake Gyllenhaal, "Brokeback Mountain"; William Hurt, "A History of Violence."
5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "Junebug"; Catherine Keener, "Capote"; Frances McDormand, "North Country"; Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener"; Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain."
6. Director: Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain"; Bennett Miller, "Capote"; Paul Haggis, "Crash"; George Clooney, "Good Night, and Good Luck"; Steven Spielberg, "Munich."
7. Foreign Film: "Don't Tell," Italy; "Joyeux Noel," France; "Paradise Now," Palestine; "Sophie Scholl — The Final Days," Germany; "Tsotsi," South Africa.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana, "Brokeback Mountain"; Dan Futterman, "Capote"; Jeffrey Caine, "The Constant Gardener"; Josh Olson, "A History of Violence"; Tony Kushner and Eric Roth, "Munich."
9. Original Screenplay: Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco, "Crash"; George Clooney & Grant Heslov, "Good Night, and Good Luck"; Woody Allen, "Match Point"; Noah Baumbach, "The Squid and the Whale"; Stephen Gaghan, "Syriana."
10. Animated Feature Film: "Howl's Moving Castle"; "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride"; "Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit."

"But the joke's on those who believe the system's fair..."

OK ! Befroe the posts digrees too much (well, probably too late for that) here's a new topic: This is one we put on Millsy's ill-fated blog the first time, but most all of you didn't chime in there. It's one that I, and obviously a few others, feel very strongly about:
Which is more important in the hiring of a Theatre professor in a University program: professional experience and union affiliation OR teaching / classroom experience and the ability to work well with students?

Go nuts...but be warned- it may get ugly! Allthough it CAN'T possibly get uglier than a naked Harvey Keitel!

15 points for the reference!

"Everyone can see we're together..."

Greetings, ya'll! Hope everyone's new year is off to a flying start. I just started back to work this week, and have auditions here in Lex-vegas for EARNEST this weekend. Advance word says it should be an awesome turn out...I can't wait!

It got me to thinking about the process of auditioniong and what a "pride swallowing siege" it can sometimes be. SO here's the question for this week: What was your best and/or WORST audition experience? This can be as an actor or from the director's perspective- or for you technical folks maybe an interview, or possibly an audition you sat in on? We are ALL INCLUSIVE here at the clone-spot...
And a big 'ole good luck to our good friend and fellow Boonie Jenny, who'll be giving birth any minute now! God bless you child- your world is about to get rocked...but in a really good way! (I'll withhold last names for privacy's sake, but many of you posters know of whom I speak! Drop her a line and wish her all the best...)

"Everyone can see we're together..."

"I will begin again..."

Happy New Year to all!!! Hope the holidays treated you all well ,and that , like me, you're all rip-roaring to go in 06! Lots to do- lots to see- lots to discover...I love a new year. It feels like a rebirth of sorts. Unfortunately, they have to come in January, the shittiest month of the year! But, nevertheless, I'm excited about all thats to come for me and mi faimilia in the coming months.
I thought today, what with award sesaon already getting into high gear, I'd poll the peanut gallery on this: Name the top three films you saw this year! (Gonna be hard for me, as I don't think I SAW three films from this year!) AND bonus points as always for the lyric. AND - COMING SOON- I'll announce the WINNER of the lyric contest! I know I promised it earlier, but hey- I lied! What can I say?
FYI - rick8- gimmie a buzz today on the cellphone re: Saturday night.
AND- For all you diehards, and those that are uninitiated, check out the season three premiere of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA on SCI FI tonight at 10 eastern. I, personally, think it's the best show on tv...don't let the "genre" thing get in your way. It has great acting, fantastic dialogue and wonderful story lines.

" Peace on Earth, Can it be?..."

Hiya all! To any regular posters and ALL MS Divas, post any holiday greetings here! Give a shout out, tell us what you want for Xmas, what you're doing for Christmas, WHO you're doi...oh hell, you get the point! And feel free to leave Happy birthday wishes to my son Logan, who turns the big ONE of Dec 28th! (Strangely, I have aged roughly 15 years in the past 12 months...hmmm...) Even if (hell, especially if...) you've only lurked and never posted before, Go for it! Tis the season!!!
Joy and I are celebrating the holidaze in TN as always, and hope you are all well, happy, warm and surrounded by loved ones. For any in South MS or NOLA who might see this and are still reeling from Katrina's effects, God bless, and know that tonight and all through the season you are in our hearts, our minds and our prayers...the people of the gulf south are strong, resiliant, salt of the earth people and they WILL rise up again!
ALSO if you want to hear some groovy new music from some cool unsigned bands, check out www.skypiecesradio.blogspot.com Frequent poster Mike T is the Daddy of this site, and it's a good one...and if you listen, you might hear my Hank Hill in one of the episodes!
PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TO ALL!

HOLIDAY DINNER

Hey Lex-town folk-
Joy and I would like to get a group of folks to go out for an early holiday dinner this Thursday at 6pm at EL TORO Mexican Resturant on Nicholasville Rd (Right next to Dennys)
If you think you can make it, let me know either by email (or phone if you happen to have my #) or leave a message here at the bolg by tomorrow evening.
Love to see you there!
...and keep those great holiday memories comin!

"So when spirits grow lighter,and hopes are shining brighter, then you know that Christmas time is here..."

A Merry Christmas season to all...hope everyone is having a grand old time buying presents without sending your family to the poorhouse, navigating the mall parking lots, desperately picking over a group of over-priced, crappy looking trees to find one that doesn't look like it'll catch fire in your living room...do I sound a little blue? Well, I am. I normally don't profess any emotional crap on this here blog, as that ain't it's purpose. But I gotta tell you, I'm feeling overworked, underappreciated and less than festive right now. I have more than my share of things to be thankful for, and I realize that, but sometimes the old workload just gets to be a bit much. But, no pity party here. I realize you all have your own workloads and burdens...I guess my reason for saying this is that I need a little Christmas, right this very minute! Sooo....hit me with your all time BEST yuletide season memory. It can be from when you were a kid, or from last year...
22 points for the reference (it';s one of my fav rock and roll x-mas songs- AND one loyal poster should recognize it from his childhood record collection!)

"The Christmas we get we deserve..."

Ho Ho Ho....it's that time of year again! My, how the time flies. This time last year my wife and I were anxiously awaiting Logan's arrival (Dec 28 was the day, FYI) and enjoying our last few weeks of "freedom" from parenthood. It's been a long, strange trip of a year, filled with the kinds of ups and downs only those who have experencied parenthood firsthand can relate to (sorry, Nephews, neices and cats are all wonderful, but the just don't count!If you think that's the same thing as parenting, you are delusional in the first degree!) but I gotta tell you: I wouldn't have it any other way. As crazed and tired as I've been over this year, that little guy has made me better in every respect. And I am SO looking forward to experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child again...I'm truly blessed to have that oportunity!
Anyhoo...in the spirit of the holiday...nay the CHRISTMAS season (sorry, but that's what we celebrate here at DIVA CLONES- normally, I revel in my card carrying liberal-ness, but doggoneit I like saying Merry Christmas! Apologies to any ACLU's, Muslems, or Quanza celebrators amonst you...) ...what do you consider the top five Christmas movies of all time? New, old, serious and dramatic, cheesy, funny, cartoon or live action....go nuts! But a warning....anyone who rags ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE or A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS on this blog will get a nice seasonal Ass whuppin from yours truly! HO HO HO!!!!!!
13 points for the seasonal reference! it's one of my favorites... and yes, I know CHARLIE BROWN is not a movie...still and all....