Ann + some random stuff

We went to see the not-quite-solo-show Ann the other night at Lincoln Center (first time at the Beaumont, beautiful space). It is about Ann Richards and was written by and stars Holland Taylor. Bette and I were both interested in seeing this what with all the solo pieces we've been working on in the last few years. I have to agree with both of the Times critics that it could stand some trimming. I suppose they want a full two hour evening, but it did tend to ramble a bit in the second act. It seemed to me like they didn't quite know how to end it . . . at any rate, other than the script issues I'd say it's worth seeing. Holland Taylor was Ann Richards. I don't know her work that well but she really knocked this one out of the park. It was much more than I expected it to be. Very funny and powerful. The reason I called it a not-quite-solo piece is that she did use a voice on an intercom to interact with some . . . so that was kind of cheating, but it worked. The voice on the phone was Julie White who killed in The Little Dog Laughed a few years ago.

The sad thing was that on a Saturday night the place was only about two thirds full. A person I know who invests some in shows, said solo pieces are a tough sell . . . I guess this is a prime example. Charlie Rose was there Sat night, maybe he'll talk it up!

As to my own stuff . . . I've been working on my newest piece in advance of a reading in May. Going through the first draft line by line and deciding what stays and what goes and trying to make something of it. It's a challenge because it's the piece I wrote about a guy posing for a portrait . . . so a lot of internalized stuff . . . kind of stream of conscious . . . but it has to build to something . . . so we'll see what happens . . . speaking of which . . . I have to get at it!

One more thing . . . I got my rejection letter from New Dramatists, but waiting to hear from the NYC Fringe and All For One Festival, also in the city . . . the Fringe announces in late April and AFO in June.

Letter at OMT

I can't believe I got through all the work on learning the piece and rehearsing it without one post! At any rate, the rehearsal period was great. We worked hard on it for a couple of weeks and the work certainly paid off . . . I thought the performance went very well, nice crowd, and receptive . . . the comments were favorable and people identified with the character and his plight. It was an exceptional way to get it out there, but then, One Man Talking usually is. They make it so easy. They ask nothing other than that you come in and do the piece ... no cost no expectation other than that you get to do your thing.

Next year I'm going for five in a row!

It is wonderful to work with Bette. Last year we got act together in Wallace's piece up in Woodstock but for the last three years she has directed my solo pieces for OMT ... she is demanding in all the right ways, the only expectation is that I live up to the promise of the piece . . . we should be excellent or else why bother? It's a high standard to be held to but I have always expected nothing less of myself . . . we make an exceptional team.

Next up? A day or two to reflect and then I'll look at my newer pieces with fresh eyes, finishing Damage Control at the workshop next week and in a few weeks we'll hear about the NY Fringe Festival . . . fingers crossed for that.

For now though basking in the glow of Letter of Resignation.