BLITHE IN SPIRIT

Another week in the Big City. Construction and Cranes, Tourists and Trains.
We took a trip on the Staten Island Ferry to meet up with a fellow i bought a monitor from on Craig's list. It was like a scene out of a Hitchcock film. All that was missing was the Bernard Hermann score.
That was a while ago and I haven't left the city except for a trip to Costco in LIC this morning with my good friend Alan Rosenberg who has a car.
Costco is losing its charm for me but there are certain things I like there. The array of meats and fish are always priced well I think.
My favorite thing is the large jar of Artichoke hearts. However trying to open that mother would give Schwarzenneger in his pumped prime a run for his money!
Lord..But once it is opened ..Great tasting stuff!
I sang and read for CAMELOT this week and also for a role on ALL MY CHILDREN.
SO at least my audition skills are being honed.
I always have a good time and am always complimented BUT don't always get hired!
GRRRrrrr!!
We saw the first preview of BLITHE SPIRIT at the Shubert Theatre on 44th St. this Thursday.
It was a rough performance as this was their first audience. Lines were fumbled and mumbled and timing was jerky now and again. But it will be a terrific entertainment once things smooth out!
Noel Coward needs that ease of playing and the wonderful lines have to just fall out of the mouth sometimes as an afterthought.
Rupert Everett was on his game and he and Jayne Atkinson were the engine of the play. Once Gorgeous Christine Ebersole came on it was hard to take your eyes from her. She is a wonderful performer and a better actress than we realize because she makes it all interesting and easy. Angela Lansbury was the nutsy Mde Arcati and she was full of her quirky, mesmerizing and dare i say,hauntingly fascinating comic bits.
She got a hand every time she exited the stage.
There was added flavor between scenes. There were projections like title cards form Silent Films telling you : ACT TWO Scene Two / The English Drawing Room Late Afternoon etcc.
But pumped into the theatre was the beautiful sound of Christine Ebersole singing ala Gertrude Lawrence ina 1930's style many of Noel Coward's famous songs.
I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY I'LL FIND YOU (which I believe is from PRIVATE LIVES) and about 4 or 5 others.
A lovely touch and appropriate for the 1930's period of the play.
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It is now 9:20 PM and we are awaiting the onslaught of a snow storm predicted yesterday on the weather channel.
New Yorkers are always on Alert..and the snowfall that sticks is never enough to really halt much progress. It either melts on the sidewalks immediately or turns to slush by the morning if it falls at night.
It is ultimately a bother with Lakes forming at corners but certainly not the Monster they always predict. On Long Island it is usually worse and I recall it being a wonderland of fun when I was a kid in Hicksville.
I know it is not a popular thing but I love the snow. Here's the Catch 22 .I hate the cold.
SO if it would snow and be about 70 degrees I would be very pleased.
Nonetheless we are awaiting the outcome.
Have been trying to catch up on the Movies I didn't see Pre-Oscars.
I have yet to see SLUMDOG...GRAND TORINO...REVOLUTIONARY ROAD , FROST/NXON..DEFIANCE and some others. I rented the DVD of MILK and was blown away by the Heart in that film and the force and total commitment of Sean Penn and all those involved in the acting company. I also felt I was reliving the period as I had Just gotten my first Broadway show ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY in 1978. And Harvey Milk took his Oath of Office on my 33rd Birthday that year! WOW TIME MARCHES ON huh?
Loved the film and wonder where the SPIRIT of OUTRAGE and DEFIANCE to the ABUSIVE elements in are society has gone?
Just the other day a hate crime was reported and the perpetrators were eventually apprehended :
Two young men killed because they were thought to be Gay but weren't. This is what we are breeding in this country. A Franchise to murder those we THINK are different?
JESUS!!
I marched in protest parades, lent my voice, money and energies to what I could in the cause of Civil Rights and Liberties when I felt I had to do something.
I did what I could in a life that leave me little time for more than a pursuit of the next job in hope that when I look back on it all I can say.."Hey I actually had a creative Career in there."
But even inside the realm and sanctuary of the theatre there is prejudice and manipulation and abuse of powers on all levels. Ego's reign and money is sometimes more important than even the better actor being hired or fired.
I am glad to say I learned a great deal in that realm and am still absorbing.
The MILK movie brought a lot of that personal struggle and outrage home. I wept after it was over. Almost more for the loss of that Outrage and SPIRIT that was so abundantly alive.
Our people's Spirit need to be more than a BLITHE one.
Somehow we must find the embers that are still alive and get them enlightened once more.
Obama is being stressed and tested more than anyone I have ever seen in that high office. He seems to be bending to the will of the Corporate arm of the Democrats and I fear he won't be able to do the main things that need to be done. Like a National Healthcare and actually securing the rights and finances of the less fortunate along with revamping our public education and creating good paying and necessary jobs and get back industry.
Bush has left the turd in the toilet and now that Obama has to flush it out the GOP Criticizes How that is being done.
In essence they are doing their same/game plan : MAKE A VICTIM then BLAME THE VICTIM!
But this time, even with the ultra support of the obviously Right Wing Media, the Public is not as easily fooled.
It is disgusting to watch TV and see and hear, 95% of the time, ALL REPUBLICANS. Criticizing and Scoffing and Whining about Obama and the Stimulus. But do we really hear anything that is gonna help WE THE PEOPLE..Nope..Only that the TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH have to stay!
OH COME ON!
I am so repulsed by the Obvious and thinly disguised attempts to discredit and to stonewall the CHANGE we Voted for.
I say to OBAMA go for it. Be a bit of a Bitch Dictator as W was..only this time make it work for the Correct reasons. UNDO the policies of that toxic worm and his slithering ninnies of Yes Men and the evil Women who bolstered their rotten ways.
Don't let the Corporate block of the Party tilt the scales and make you Bush Light.
You gave the bipartisan bit the ole College try ..Now go for a single minded touchdown.
WE are behind you and will stand with you.
You said ...........; "YES WE CAN!"
I say..or rather, WE say ; "YES YOU CAN!"

Ok I ranted Forgive me..
Went to Target, Daffy's, Marshall's, and Burlington Coat Factory in Brooklyn on Atlantic Ave today..NO REAL BARGAINS and Prices seem to be high and steady for the most part.
HEY there is a major Recession and we need BARGAINS..real ones.
AND WOULD SOMEONE TELL ME WHY DETERGENT IS NOW MORE EXPENSIVE THAN VINTAGE WINES!?
What is that about!
$20 for a plastic bottle of TIDE at Target! huh?
When the Gas Prices went through the roof Prices of goods went up in tandem.
The Price of Gas has gone DOWN and Prices of goods have stayed UP!WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE..
Where is our
SPIRIT!!
Gotta go watch a DISNEY cartoon and get some Reality back!

Stay Warm
XXX
Keybored

SOME OLDER FACES

ITHACA COLLEGE ACTOR:
A SHOT IN THE DARK with MARIA CELLARIO
SCAMPERS with LIZ VAN PATTEN
DORM ROOM HAMLET with SKULL
THE BOY FRIEND
and
A WIG shot from the late 1990's by Dave Cross

MEMORY LANE

Mix N Match..
CHARLEY'S AUNT
THE VISIT
THE LARK
KISS ME KATE
BOYS FROM SYRACUSE

IC VIEW MAGAZINE

OOPS PS:

I am Obviously not paying attention to my own KEYBOARD.
Wanted to add that my college ITHACA COLLEGE did a wonderful magazine issue.
It is an issue about Ithaca graduates in theatre and on Broadway.
They were nice enough to include ME in the article along with recent graduates that have made some inroads on the Big Street.
Matt Cavanaugh, who is now playing TONY in WEST SIDE STORY and has been in GREY GARDENS and URBAN COWBOY along with soap operas, is featured as is the lovely and very talented Kelly Butler who starred as Kira in XANADU at the Helen Hayes theatre.
I guess I represented the OLDER group? =0-)
Each of us mention how invaluable our Ithaca training was and how it is a pillar of our stability and focus as working artists.
Bravo Ithaca..Continue to hold the standards high.
I hope someday I can be a part of your continuing creative spark, perhaps even get up there and do some master classes. I would love that.
It is still set in one of the most attractive places in New York State. Cayuga Lake is something to experience in ALL SEASONS.
I send a shout out to all Alumni and soon to be graduates in the creative Arts: Hope you have as much enjoyment as I have had in the Arts and know that in my experience Ithaca's training is a great tool for artistic longevity!
See you onstage, on TV and on screen.

XXX
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PS:

RESCUE ME

I had the new experience of shooting a scene on RESCUE ME on Monday.
I was up at 5:30AM and walked from my apartment to 13th and Broadway for a 7AM van pickup. The sun was rising on a very beautiful bright day. It was a New York morning like you read about in novels.
As I was heading East on 14th Street the sun began to blast it's way onto the hustling street.
I me the van and there were 3 other actors on board. We got to Long Island City in a very short trip. Went to a Studio that I never had seen and was pleasantly incorporated into the system by very cordial and friendly people.
I brought my own suit and shoes so the fitting was a snap. Make-up was a little pat on my nose. I ate some breakfast from the craft services, read and rested in my dressing room until called to set.
On a permanent BAR set I was introduced to a bevy of very fun and frenetic comic types.
Denis Leary not only stars in the series, but is also a producer. He was nice enough and that was fine with me. The director kept tripping on my name. He kept calling me by the Jewish conception configuration as I guess I LOOK Jewish nowadays. And after doing a rebellious 1960's activist from NY in CAROLINE OR CHANGE I must exude some Latke Likenesses.
Anyway..it was a long scene where, as a Justice of the Peace,I married Lou & Candy.
We did many takes and I had to keep on my toes as I was in the background and had to grab cues from Leary who was at the bar in intimate repartee with another actor.
The whole set was permeated by outspoken regulars who are obviously franchised to run with their improvisation. That was really interesting as the script was never adhered to. Well that isn't true it was somewhat adhered to. But the most disconcerting thing for me, a Day Player, is that I wasn't used to it.
Leary changed not only lines but CUES! Once I got it I was fine and I think I managed to not get too much in the way! =0-)
Ironically the looseness of the atmosphere was both enjoyable and a stumbling block.
In the end however I think the timing and result will be fine and funny.
The regulars have a comic standup background and when Leary went into that mode they easily followed in comic turn.
It is like a long running play that I happened to step into one afternoon.
Ironically Malina Govich who plays Candy was in CABARET with me. A beautiful girl with a great personality. And to add to that surprise, she and her husband live two blocks away from me. Small World!
I was home by 4:30 and in reflection was pleased with the experience. Many of the regulars were kind enough to thank me and say goodbye. I was surprised that the director, on wrap up, didn't.
My education on TV shoots is very different indeed.
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We saw the ENCORES MUSIC IN THE AIR on Sunday evening.
It is not a good theatre piece. Kristin Chenowith and Doug Sills managed to dig into their vast talents and pulled some enjoyable moments and some wonderful singing. But the show itself is not stage worthy to my taste. Tom Alan Robbins was very good as were most of the character people. Tom and I were in SUNSET BLVD together and he is a reliable and sturdy performer. BRAVO Tom!
Dick Latessa's talents were employed as an adjunct to Marnie Nixon as her partner.
It was sweet to see her in the flesh but vocally she had no real shot at giving us her gusto vocally. She had a dull song that allowed a few money notes to pop. It was what the audience was waiting for and reacted appreciatively indeed!
That is about it for my foray into theatre and TV so far.
I sent for Tickets for BLITHE SPIRIT which I can't wait to see.
Angela Lansbury and Christine Ebersole are old pals and I am very anxious to enjoy them both in the same piece. A play which I never saw onstage but loved as a movie with Rex Harrison. I never saw HIGH SPIRITS the musical version with Tammy Grimes and the madcap Bea Lillie. Musically I thought the piece compromised but enjoyable.
Now that is a show ENCORES should include.
I am pleased the weather has shifted into the 50 degree range and allowed the windows to be open and refresh the rooms of my abode.
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We are awaiting the results of all this buzz around the stimulus package. I think that the Bipartisanship has been overplayed. And I think that that if the package is continually compromised we won't see real progress.
We need the infrastructure and more green jobs.. and that Bailout for banks is a real sore spot.
Don't you love that Obama called on the Huffington Post which showed his awareness of the fact that the internet is a part of the News world!
That alone gave me more hope.
Ultimately I am optimistic that things are moving progressively forward but as long as the Republicans play the Stonewalling game we won't. So who is causing things to stagnate?

Am looking out on a sunny day and enjoying a slight cool breeze through my window. AAAaahhh.
I bought WHEN THE LION ROARS yesterday and am halfway through it.
It is a bit stilted and creaky as a documentary but the matter of fact views form those who worked there , stars and creative artists, is very enlightening and entertaining.
MGM..which had it all in spades and disintegrated trying simultaneously to stay as they were and yet morph into the new post WWII world.
In some ways there is a parallel with this time and administration and MGM isn't there?
Many things are cemented in past ways and yet we have inevitable change to deal with.
The only Constant in life is CHANGE.
I think the people are aware, more aware than before. I also think and believe that the political ground has shifted and is slowly changing. And when the media is so in the corporate pockets and conservative talking heads get most of the air time, we get a collective psyche thinking they are the ONLY voice. But they aren't are they.
The majority of Americans can't survive without help and without jobs, So all the malignancy of the Republican stagnancy and stonewalling is not gonna change the people's problem.
Eventually the progress has to prevail.
I am rambling and getting heated up about the Politics again.

Hope we all have a good day and listen to more Progressive radio on and off the Internet.
Ed Shultz on 1600 AM and Randi Rhodes 3-6Pm on NOVA stream online I Highly Recommend!

Enjoy the day..
Ciao

XXX
Keybored

FIRE ESCAPE CHAT

I had been thinking about politics and Obama and how he was being compared to FDR in that Depression, War and Economic Crisis years ago.
How the "FIRESIDE CHAT" gave the nation a balm in the sore throes of such irritating times.
Since I am not FDR or OBAMA..with no Fireside-all I have beyond my computer screen is a Fire Escape..so I thought I'd Chat while remebering the times I spent on fire escapes across the city dreaming into the ether.

Seems fitting that the view I have is through safety gate bars. Perhaps a metaphor depicting the cage we have been in for so many Bush/Cheney years.
However,
I am VERY diaappointed with OBAMA's path thus far. It has not followed the mandate people voted for.
He has been folded into the Republican/Corporate Democrats way of thinking and doing business! It is safe and secure for the monied and leaves the people to wonder why he is behaving this way?
His bipartisan attempts turned to ash almost immediately with the 0% vote from the calcified Republicans in the House on the stimulus bill.
Giving Republicans THEIR way and more Tax cuts is NOT the path WE THE PEOPLE voted for only a few weeks ago.
The media has given the Republicans a LOUD PULPIT for their characterization of the bill as something full of Pork and waste. So the "bipartisan" compromise is to do what the Republicans want. How does that help WE THE PEOPLE Mr. Obama?
I SAY; VETO IT! and start again!
OBAMA has the Mandate of the People and although he seems to be TRYING to conduct a Change in ways of DC Business, it is not working. TIME TO STAND UP AND TELL THESE MEAN SPIRITED NON-PROGRESSIVE Republicans that THEY LOST!!
And I think he should RID himself of any Republicans in his Cabinet and get some Progressives on the Bridge of this ship of state--which is almost a SHIP TO NOWHERE.
People are ready to roll up their sleeves and go to some sort of work that will HELP this country get it's infrastructure and backbone back.
The Republicans and some of those Moderate Democrats have opened a hole in the Ship's bulkhead and I think WE THE PEOPLE need to seal it up and push back this tide of adversity toward the middle class and working Americans.
That is my own opion of course.
I hope that Obama takes the LEAP OF FAITH he should KNOW is supported by so many that VOTED HIM IN for C H A N G E !
If he doesn't I think that populace will rebel and we will have chaos and confusion and worse.
WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF BEING PUSHED OUT OF OUR JOBS AND OUR ABILITY TO PRODUCE PRODUCTS ON OUR OWN HOMELAND TURF! And being unable to afford many necessities of today's life!
SO this Stimulus package bill passes the Senate with some of the HELP for the people TAKEN OUT. And the Tax Cuts left in for the RICH!
We have had decades of that Not working. SO what is going on..CHANGE? I think NOT!
That is it from me today. FRUSTRATION is bubbling and people are not happy.
Being the first Black President is wonderful IF YOU CAN FIGHT THE FIGHT.
But it makes NO DIFFFRENCE if Obama winds up as a tool for the last Administrations's and the fumes of the Republican Neo-cons way of doing things.
No matter how cute his girls are or how smart his amazing wife is. HE has to STOP THE BULL ...and SOON!
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On the brighter side..It is almost 60 Degrees here in New York.
A BEAUTIFUL day..windows open...clean air wafting through and the sun shining!
We saw the Academy Award Nominated Animated Shorts last night at the IFC theatre on 6th Avenue..The old Waverly Theatre where (pre-renovation) once we saw Divine in the flesh..at the Premiere of John Water's POLYESTHER. I encourage all to see these wonderful films...from 2 to about 15 minutes each.
My favorites: PRESTO / OCTAPODI and THIS WAY UP...LAVATORY was also fun..and LA MAISON de PETITE CUBES was provacative.
Hard category this year for sure.
We walked home through Greenwich Village..Taking West 4th to 7th Ave. It was depressing..On W 4th there are at least 5, 6 or more SEX shops along with some long time eateries.. And some old eateries like O'Henry's is now a BANK branch. Have we noticed how many Soveriegn Banks, Bank of America and Chase "stations" are now ubiquitous along with Rite Aids, CVS and Duane Reades-- as well as an astounding plethora of NAIL salons? Add the huge amounts of empty or closed down restaurants and businesses and well..
It is weird and has changed the face and texture of New York for the worst as far as I am concerned.
The OSCAR WILDE Bookstore was o W 4th and is closed and that was the last bastion of Gay establishments to get the heave-ho due to rent no doubt. Unlike the "Bookstores' all around NY that are really cosmetic porno places, that was one of the few real bookstores where you could get literature and thought provocking publications.
When I came to New York in the late 60's the "VILLAGE" was a wonderland of Art and Artists of all ilks and strains. The amazing sidewalk Art shows and the stimulating conversations and odd and interesting people and places were abundant and fascinating.
As a young man I was inspired by the energy and unblocked horizons these mind opening and vision clearing esperiences brought. In truth anything was possible if you tenaciously went at it. Others who had that engine inside didn't hinder your enthuisiasm or progress. Now it seems like one has to come Pre-fabricated and has to struggle harder for what seems less.
I guess if generations now used to iPods and Computers, with less actual instead of virtual involvement in life's experiences, are inhabiting the streets where the likes of Ginsbergs and Lenny Bruce's and a Barbra Streisand along with so many amazing forces once tread...then the changes in venues along those streets is a given.
If they don't know those times or places were ..for want of a better word, BETTER..then this is OK for them.
Hell I remember when Unemployment and Social Security weren't taxed. When Healthcare was inexpensive and actually INSURED you!
When an Orchestra seat at the WIntergarden for the amazing FOLLIES was $13.00 and standing room even less!
I mourn the loss of what once was and hope for the stimulations that this city used to vibrate 24 hours a day. It was accessible to many more than just the richer of those among us.
It was once FUN CITY...A SUMMER FESTIVAL..THE CITY THAT DOESN'T SLEEP>>THE BIG APPLE...Let's hope the seed of that core is Gestating and will soon sprout again!
Hope that you all have a great Valentine's Day and if we need to push the new administration and Obama to the places we KNOW are better...I say:
YES WE CAN..

XXX
Keybored