Top Ten Divas, # 9

9.  Gracie Allen

Her comedic timing is impeccable, her delivery is understated and sincere, and her innocence is bewitching.  The legend is that when she and George Burns joined forces in the 20's she was the "straight man" until he realized her set-ups were getting more laughs than his punch lines.  She was the Queen of the publicity stunt long before Lady Gaga, and ran for President representing the "Surprise Party", showing up unannounced on radio programs looking for her supposedly missing brother, and performing the "Concerto for Index Finger" at Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl, as well as in the film "Two Girls and A Sailor" (seen above).  She also co-starred with George in a television sitcom in the fifties, which is how I was first introduced to her.  I would watch it late at night in re-runs, soothed by the thought that the world that was sometimes so mixed up and confused could make someone like her. Later I collected episodes of the radio show from which the sitcom originated and I would listen to them as I fell asleep at night, comforted by here presence, her humor, and her skill.

My Top Ten Divas, #10

When I was a kid growing up, looking for heroes, I didn't find them where people expected me to.  Or, I should say, the heroes I found were not the ones most adults hoped I would find.  When I was five I loved watching Batman re-runs on t.v, but not because of Batman, or even Robin.  I loved them because of Catwoman.  She was wicked, she was in control (though it was the kind of control I didn't understand yet) and she was incredibly graceful.  I wanted to be her.  But I knew there was something dishonorable about it.  I knew I shouldn't tell people that.  So when I was running around the playground at pre-school and I threw open the chain link gate and it flew back in my face and busted my lip, I told the teacher that I was pretending to be Batman and not Julie Newmar.

As I got older I continued to love and admire women more than the men.  And as I got older I became less and less apologetic about it.  I was thirteen when I started admitting I cared more about Judy Garland than I did "The Dead Kennedy's", and it was pretty freeing.   And so now, I unapologetically, and loudly proclaim my top-ten divas.  The ones I love most, who may not always fit the term in the expected sense of the word (they're not all singers, not all particularly well-known anymore, nor are they all even human) but they are iconic representations of the many sides of what it means to be fierce, emotional, open, honest, and talented.  If you have thoughts, comments, or disagree, please post them, because I'd love to hear what you have to say...

                                  10.  Wonder Woman

Specifically, Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman.  When I was a kid I would watch her on television in awe.  And every time it was time for Diana Prince to become Wonder Woman I would spin around with her, living vicariously through her.  I never doubted that she would do the right thing, never questioned whether or not she would succeed.  I had an unwavering faith in her, and simply watched the show to see how stylishly she would achieve her goal.  It never seemed odd to me that she was always the one rescuing Steve Trevor, rather than the other way around.  Too often in movies and television today, if the protagonist is a woman, she will need rescuing in one way or another, from a man.  But not Wonder Woman.  And I think, because she embodied so many characteristics we think of as mannish and masculine, people accepted it.  She had all the assertiveness, strength and determination that were considered steretyplically male, but with the nurturing and intuitive, balanced heart we think of as feminine.  And that juxtaposition of the masculine and the feminine, plus her untouchable goodness, that oddly robotic demeanor touched with maternal warmth and her overstated curves packed into that proudly patriotic costume make her my number ten. 

The Gentleman Caller (Part Two)

My gentleman caller contacted me Saturday to let me know he was coming to the show that night and bringing a friend with him.   Fortunately, it was our biggest house so far, the energy in the cast was at a peak.  Everyone waiting in the lobby seemed to really enjoy the show and a lot of the theatre community had showed up, so it was great to have so many friends to hug and receive kudos from before I greeted the guy who could conceivably have been completely turned off by having just seen me in that outfit, doing my thing. 

When I finally was able to get to him, he didn't seem bothered by it at all.  He was his usual, quiet self, but he said he liked the show and was a little overwhelmed as he always is when he sees good theatre.  Not wanting the evening to end so quickly with him I mentioned that I needed to get to a friend's birthday party later,  but we could grab a drink if they were up for it.  We hung out at Vivo's for awhile and eventually my GC said- "Well, I really want you to make it to your friend's party tonight, so why don't we all head over to my place and take it from there."  His logic was VERY questionable , of course, but I wanted to be alone with him for a little bit, so I said yes and we drove down.  Upon arrival at the house, his friend made a quick exit, and then we were alone.

And then, as we were settling down on the couch and nestling into each other, he threw a wrench into my fun.  Something about getting out of a long term relationship very recently and not wanting me to be a rebound, so I should keep my emotions in check.  Now I ask you, why do men do this?  Over think a situation, start to worry about where things might go, and try to alleviate themselves of any guilt they might feel if they turn out not to want much more than a night or two of this?  Not only did it suck a lot of the fun out of the situation, but it put me on edge and I quickly erected the great wall of China around my heart (which, once it's up is incredibly hard to break down). 

The rest of the evening was fine, but I will say there's something slightly intimidating about making out with someone as fit and muscular as he was.  There's no place to find a soft spot at all, and I'm kind of fond of those fleshy parts which make us all feel human.  Plus, his physical near perfection made me more conscious of my own imperfections.

He called the next day and it was just a touch awkward because of a certain conversational interaction I won't share here that caused me to realize our senses of humor might not be a match.  That might sound like a small thing, but sense of humor, the ability to laugh at the same things is crucial to me in any relationship.  Plus, that seed of doubt got planted is disconcerting...but we'll see.  It's too early too worry about it now, so I'm just going to enjoy the attention.

The Gentleman Caller (Part one)

We had our best show so far on Friday and I largely credit the email we received from our director which said amongst many kudos and thanks for our performances, to keep playing and not to be attached to old bits or ways we've performed certain lines in the past.  It made a lot of sense to me, and I think it's one of the reasons Saturday and Sundays shows felt kind of shitty.  I was relying on the past and giving a good presentational performance, but the life and vibrance...I'll admit I hadn't really been in it those two shows.  And one of the reasons I think I was holding back is because I have a fear of and a tendency to overplay things and I worry about overwhelming the audience (not in a good way). 

Aside from the performance, there were other nice surprises last night...

I'd been at a mixer downtown on Thursday and met a very sweet, soft spoken guy.  He was a little shorter than me, but at 6 foot 3, who isn't shorter than me.  He was slender, an easy smiler, and cute as a button.  When I saw my friend Tyler chatting with him in a circle of people I took the chance to slip in.  We chatted for awhile and I learned a few things.  He's spiritual, comfortable in his sexuality, opinionated, but kind, earnest, and he felt...safe.  I couldn't tell if he was into me or not, as he didn't exactly follow me around the room.  But when my friends were heading across the street I mentioned to him that we'd be at "Rain" and he could join if he wanted to later. 

He showed up about fifteen minutes later.  And while he didn't stay long, we exchanged numbers, and texted that night.  I'll freely admit I was the one who texted him.  I took the fact that he'd followed us to Rain and asked for my number as a good sign, and I didn't want to let a possible connection fizzle out.

He called twice the next day, and when I called him back and mentioned that I was on my way to a performance, he seemed a little more interested in it than I'd planned.  "Where is it" he asked.  "At the Vortex".  He knew the theatre and lives not too far from it.  "Do they serve alcohol at the theatre?" he asked.  "Yes," I said, trying to hide the anxiety from my tone.  "I could maybe use a drink.  I think I'll come."  Good God, I thought.  Not yet.  Let me have a little time to give you a real impression of me before you see me in chicken drag.

Let's clarify some things.  I'm not a drag queen.  I don't play out, do shows, parades, lipsynch, etc.  but I have played a handful of females and get a real kick out of it.  It allows me to live for awhile in the souls of the movie heroines I've adored since childhood.  It's something I do well, and it let's me be free and let loose.  I don't have to worry about being too feminine for the role, because that IS the role.  And these women are SUPPOSED to be larger than life so my tendency to overplay doesn't usually pose a problem.  That said, I hope that I make them more than just camp figures, because I try to really get inside them and express their full range of emotions.  They're not just clowns, but also vessels for the audiences sorrow.   Because when these women are sorrowful they are REALLY sorrowful. 

I explained to him the part I was playing, a chicken complete with glitter and big fake eyelashes and a headdress.  I might have downplayed the bustle, and the skirt and the heels...and he said he wasn't at all bothered by it as long as I wouldn't be uncomfortable.  With that said, I admitted that "no".  It wouldn't make me uncomfortable.  I guess I figured that if he wasn't going to accept me for this, then it was good to know it now, when I have very little investment in his acceptance.  It was a relief actually, because the issue was going to be addressed without my really having to do it.  He had a business meeting at 7, but hoped to make it by 8.  He wanted to make his business meeting short, so it shouldn't be a problem...

He showed up at 8:35, knocking on the box office door.  My friend Amelia came back and told me he was out there.  Now, our show is only and hour and fifteen minutes at most, and I didn't want him to get such a small piece of the show so Amelia went and told him not to worry about it, but he felt bad for being late, and needed to get something to eat, so he waited at the restaurant across the street until the show was over and I texted him that we could still get a drink after the show, so I texted him when we got out and we went to get pizza.  To his credit, he had no problems coming out with the cast later, and theatre people can be a bit overwhelming to someone who isn't one of them.  But he did great and was very sweet.  He made me a little nervous, but in the way I'm used to.  All men I find attractive make me a little nervous and unfortunately I've never been very good at hiding that fact.

Later at his car, we held each other, kissed a little, and it was nice.  There's something about a man's stubble against my cheek that never fails to thrill.  It's funny though, because even at night, when there's no one around, I'm always on guard a little bit-worried that someone might see us kissing and "take issue" with it.  But no one did, of course, and I ended the night driving home in a happy haze.

The reviews keep coming...

"Milkmilklemonade" is in it's second weekend and it's been a really rewarding process so far.  I feel like I'm still growing in the role and having a blast doing it.  The reviews have been really flattering, and here are a few more. 

The first two are from the local papers and the third is a link to reviews by members of the Greater Austin Creative Alliance.   And one of the reviews calls me sexy, so you KNOW it must be true...

http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/seeingthings/entries/2010/09/15/review_milkmilklemonade.html?cxntfid=blogs_austin_arts_seeing_things

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/review?oid=oid%3A1083947

http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/event/detail/440859531/MilkMilk_Lemonade

Request to the Universe

I've heard it said that to get what you want, you have to ask for it.  And in that spirit, I'm placing an order with the universe.  Something I've never really done before.  I mean, I'm looking for Mr. Right, so it's time to really put the request out there.  To give it out to the world and let it go, trusting that the order is already "being filled", as it were.  I mean if you don't ask, you can't get, right?
Dear God/Universe:

       The following is my request, made with an open and seeking heart, trusting that you hear me and that you who blesses me every day in so many ways, expected and unexpected, seen and unseen, have already sent the answer my way.  Please send me a mate who...

1.  When he walks into a room he brings joy in with him.

2.  He is positive, upbeat and caring.

3.  He loves children and animals and wants both.

4.  He appreciates the arts and admires those that create.

5.  He still looks at the world with wonder and sees the possibility.

6.  He has a car.

7.  He is outgoing and socially active.

8.  He reads.  A lot. 

9.  He has a pure heart.

10.  He believes in God and his faith is important to him.

11.  He is not a republican.

12.  He is out of the closet.

13.  He accepts my love of showtunes, Judy Garland, and mid-century pop music, and appreciates this music, too.

14.  He has a gentle manner.

15.  He smells wonderful.

16.  He is expressive of his emotions.

17.  He is unguarded and unjaded by the world with a sense of innocence about him.

18.  He loves roadtrips and unexpected adventures.

19.  He likes to get out and do things, not just movies, but street festivals, museums, antique stores, candle factories.

20.  He has soft lips.

21.  We light up when we see each other.

22.  He can tolerate cold weather.

23.  He loves people.

24.  He is creative.

25.  He is balanced in his feminine and masculine sides.

26.  He's politically active.

27.  He believes that everyone has a right to participate in the world and for their voice to be heard.

28.  He sometimes cries at movies.

29.  He has a good sense of direction.

30.  He's good with technology.

31.  He fights for what is right.

32.  He's loyal. 

33.  He's not ashamed to be naked.

34.  He's goal oriented.

35.  He gets along with my parents, but understands if I don't always.

36.  He's passionate.

37.  He's full of zeal.

38.  He loves and appreciates me just as I am, fluctuating weight and neuroses about it, and all.

39.  He supports all my artistic endeavors.

40.  He has a social life that does not need to include me.

41.  He's not allergic to, and loves my cat.

42.  He's good at sharing.

43.  He's relatively fit.

44.  He loves to travel.

45.  He's great at talking me down when I start to imagine the worst.

46.  He's honest.

47.  He laughs at my jokes.

48.  He holds my hand in public.

49.  He's a seeker.

50.  He has beautiful eyes.

51.  He's good with money.

52.  He's a great cook.

53.  He loves to do little thoughtful things for me, and loves it when I reciprocate.

54.  He's full of light, and hope.

55.  He's socially adept.

56.  He's perceptive.

57.  He appreciates the beauty of nature.

58.  He loves to go camping and hiking.

59.  He's a non-smoker.

60.  He has a strong sense of whimsy and doesn't care what people say about him.

61.  He loves Disneyland.

62.  He has a strong spiritual side.

63.  He is open.

64.  He is completely and undeniably, physically and emotionally attracted to me and unafraid to communicate that.

65.  He will sit with me and watch old movies or repeats of "I Love Lucy".

66.  He is monogamous.

Most of those physical preferences that change with the wind, I leave them up to you.    I will try to be patient.  I trust that this prayer is already answered.  And I will work hard for this relationship as I know that every successful relationship takes trust and open, honest communication, and work.

Another Date Completed

Another on-line date completed.  And it's funny, because when I was about to meet him, as I was cleaning up my place just in case things went extremely well, the fears and worries running through my head were "what if he doesn't want me", or "what if he's out of my league".  It never truly occurred to me that he might not be what I was looking for.  And yet that's what's happened the last four of these kinds of dates I've been on.  And it's rarely about looks.  I can find myself physically attracted to many different types.  It's emotional.  Are they positive?  Are they seekers?  Do they still think of the world as a place of possibilities?  Are they interested in art and culture?  And by this I do not mean John Grisham novels or books about the girl who disturbed hornets.  Do they ask me questions?  Draw me in? 

He was sweet, and good looking, intellectual.  And a couple of times I looked at his lips as he was talking, and yes I could imagine myself kissing them.  But there was an air of negativity about him.  He's travelled so much in the world and the things we talked about were not positive.  I thought he would talk about the mountain vistas in Santa Fe, or the amazing shows in Vegas or his exciting experiences in Thailand.  Not so much.  And as I listened to him talk I could picture how our relationship would be.  I would be the optimist to his pessimist.  We would go on a trip, wander the beautiful beaches of Hawaii and he would bitch about the heat, or the other tourists.  And I just couldn't do it. 

So, yes we talked for a couple of hours, and yes it was pleasant.  But no.  There was no "spark of recognition".  We shook hands at the end of it and he said we should do it again, that he would call me.  Which could be fun.  It would be nice to hang out again, but only as friends.    Am I expecting too much from a first date?  Perhaps.  I guess I'm looking for magic.  And I'm willing to wait until I find it.

The First Couple of Reviews Are In...

Here they are... The first is a mixed review, focusing mostly on perceived flaws in the script (which I happen to disagree with as I love this playwright and it was the script that drew me to the project in the first place) and the second is a flat out rave.  Enjoy!

http://austinist.com/2010/09/13/review_milk_milk_lemonade_at_the_vo.php


http://www.austinonstage.com/milkmilklemonadereview

Scattered Thoughts

So the guy that I'd been writing to, the one that I'd set a date with and then not heard from, wrote back today and apologized.  I don't completely buy his excuses, but am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and meet him for coffee tomorrow.  I'll update you later.

In other on-line dating news, I got a note from a very cute (far too young for me) guy right after I finished the last post.  He seems sweet and has no problems admitting his love of showtunes and Kristin Chenoweth in his profile, which was endearing, so we'll see.

The show tonight...second shitty show in a row.  I've just felt a little off and am not sure how to get back on track.  Maybe the rest will help me.

After the show I went to a birthday party at The Highball tonight where they had a Karaoke room.  I arrived way late and everyone else was drunk, singing badly and having a blast.  I tried to jump in and sang "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with the birthday girl, and when I finished the drunken guy who'd been monopolizing the mike screamed "Let's hear it for Meatloaf!"  While I can convince myself that I was growling in the style of Meatloaf and in the key of Meatloaf, I'm forever going to think he was calling me fat and I could have kicked him in the ballsack.  Twice.

Am really missing cable right about now and am wishing my roommate would return the broken cable box already.  She's the only one who can do it since the accounts in her name and I've now missed three weeks of "Mad Men" and the season finale of "True Blood".  Hell.

Stalled

I'm shoulder deep in Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love".  Nearing the end and engrossed in the journey because she has a way of sitting you right next to her.  As she lies on the bathroom floor in New York calling out to God, you sit next to her silently commiserating.  When she sits across from a studious and attentive young Italian man and fantasizes about him kissing her, you are sitting with her fantasizing that as he kisses her, his lips will brush on over to yours.  And while she sits in the dimness of the Indian Ashram letting the waves of blue light rock through her, you sit there, too, feeling the glow, but with none of the aches and pains of having held that position for hours upon hours.  And when she lies on the beach in Bali, with an older man brushing the sand off her nose and casually pushing a hair out of her face, you are there too, watching it happen.  But when they go into the bedroom together...

Maybe this is me.  Maybe I'm just in a mildly frustrated place where love is concerned.  Because part of me is saying "Go Liz!  You get that shit!  Make it happen, let loose and be free!"  And the other part of me is frankly pissed.  And it is all to do with me, and nothing to do with her.  Lately I've not had much luck in love.  Well, say for the past few years, love has been eluding me.  And single is fine, single is nice.  Single helps you to become strong, independent, to grow spiritually, to learn how to be by yourself.  But couple hood...that's nice, too.  And if I found the right person I would dive back in.  And there's the rub.

It's said so many times by so many people that I cringe as I type it, but "how does one meet that right person?  And recognize him when he strolls in the door of your life?"  I've tried clubs, I've had the occasional backstage romance (which has dangers akin to "shitting where you eat") and tried on-line dating.  All have worked to a degree.  But the ratio of failure to success is daunting and even the successes have not lasted more than a month or two. 

On-line dating is feeling particularly frustrating of late.  I met someone who seemed sweet, thoughtful, intelligent, spiritual, had an open faced smile...we wrote each other and he was very articulate, smart, a good debater, flirty...we made a date for coffee and then, nothing.  This is the third time something similar to this has happened to me and it leaves me wondering why.  What did I do wrong, or what about me was unacceptable enough for them to reconsider?  It also makes me question the thought of ever getting my hopes up again because the comedown is so...unpleasant.

And then there's grindr.  If you're unfamiliar with it, this is an Iphone app that shows pictures of gay men in your area.  It let's you know exactly how close they are and allows you to text them for hook-ups or chatting.  Mostly hook-ups.  And not only am I one of those who does not do random hook-ups, but it's awfully hard to get interested enough in a picture to make the effort to say "hi".  Or to keep up a conversation with someone once it's been initiated with me.  Plus, after about five minutes on the site I feel like I need to take a metaphysical shower. 

What I want is to meet someone as friends.  To hang out with them, laugh with them, have casual lunches, movies, mini-golf, and then when I'm comfortable, if it's right, make that transition with someone that I have a bond with, someone who makes me feel safe and that makes me want to wrap them in my arms.  But that kind of connection takes time and an unexpectant heart.  It can happen, so I'm keeping the faith, and practicing the cultivation of happiness.  But in the meantime, at this moment, I am sitting in the living room of Felipe the Brazilian, nervously looking for a magazine as my good friend Liz closes the bedroom door and lies down with Felipe, getting tangled in all that mosquito net.  Get it Liz.

Austin Chronicle Interview for "MilkMilkLemonade"

Was in on an interview a week ago about "MilkMilkLemonade" and what it was like putting the show together.  Also in the interview are the producer Shannon Grounds, the director Jason Hays, and Xaq Webb who plays Emory.  Check it out here...

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A1079738

It's the day of the show, y'all!

Well it's here.  Opening night.  And as always seems to happen, everything has come together in the last few days, and I declare with zeal, "I'm Ready!".  It's definitely been a lot to get used to what with the addition of the set, final props being added, the full costume (which has evolved quite a bit from the jerry rigged costume in earlier photos posted) which is very lovely and completes the picture of Linda as the glammed out chicken/best friend of Emory's dreams.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/creative13/sets/72157624917078732/

Let's take a moment to discuss.  I've done drag a few times before, and this is probably the most complex of the costumes I've worn.  First I put on the tights and fishnets, then take off my shirt and put on the feather covered corset.  Next  comes a pair of yellow harem pants.  Next I step into the yards of tulle that makeup the train/bustle.  Over that goes a marabou trimmed skirt.  Add gold gloves trimmed in yellow feathers, heels and headdress.  Finally I sit down and the amazing Amelia works on me for about an hour, painting feathers on my face and neck, adding the lashes and dusting my chest, arms and back with gold glitter.  It's a real fun look, but there is a lot of it, which leaves me feeling a bit like a float in the gay pride parade.  And navigating the stairs, ladder, climbing on "hay bales"...it takes some getting used to.

But last night's performance just felt wonderful.  Were there a couple technical glitches, yes, but I felt connected to the other actors, to the character, confident in my blocking and scenic bits, good with the choreography, and was able to take my time, make some new choices and add the layers which will help Big Ole Linda breathe.

We haven't had any previews, so this is one of the first shows I've done in a while where the first night with an audience actually happens on Opening night, and I have to say I am very excited!

Opening Night in One Week

I found my blog on google search today which felt a bit like a minor miracle.  We are now finable on the internet.  Hallelujah.  Those people who write about blogs say if you want to be successful you have to be both prolific and patient.  This I will work on.  In the meantime, Yay for one step closer to success!

Rehearsal again tonight for "MilkMilkLemonade" by Joshua Conkel.  Pretty much every night now until we open on the 9th.  Equal parts worry and excitement here, which is the norm for me around this time.  This last seven days will be about adjusting to the set, the new make-up and costume pieces (which can really help in finding the character) and cementing some bits and intentions.  If I can be ready in a week, have the show in my muscle memory so much so that it's second nature, then I'll be free enough to do some good work.  Unfortunately, no matter how hard you work to get ready, there's nothing like a few nights of the pressures and adrenaline that an audience brings to get the show lodged in there.  That's why the actors always encourage people to wait until the second weekend for it to solidify.  Because it really does matter. 

We're supposed to have a feature piece in the Austin Chronicle next week and I did a grief interview for it, so hopefully they'll use a quote or two of mine.  I tried to be honest and give it a little import, but not sound too pretensious and take myself too seriously.  I mean, I'm playing a talking chicken who aspires to being a stand-up comedian, but first has to avoid the chicken processing machine.  It's outrageous, and wholly absurd.  But it does cover some important topics, like the struggle to remain true to yourself, the tension between bullies and those they oppress, gender non-conformity.  It's all done in a campy, brutal, honest and thoughtful tone.

When I read the script I just fell in love with its uniqueness and the fact that it was getting this voice out there.  Sure there are plenty of shows with gay themes out there, but so many of them seem to take themselves so seriously when they deal with "issues", and this one doesn't.  Much.  At the time I read it I wasn't too familiar with The Shrewds work (that's the company producing the show) but I knew I wanted to be a part of it.  I didn't know what part I had a shot at either, but there were a couple I related to, and I knew that the playwright encouraged gender "flexibility" when it came to casting, so I thought I might have a shot. 

When I got there the first night they did not read me for Linda.  No, they read me for the cancerous grandmother.  I think I read her well, but it just wasn't a fit.  I was either too sweet and loving or too "fabulous" and intense, like a Mommie Dearest.  Nana is a Home Depot shopping, rough talking woman and I just couldn't get my head around her.  No problem, though, as at the callback they gave me a shot at Linda the Chicken which is essentially the part of a woman in peril, and that's something I can get my teeth into.  That I can do.  After my reading the director told me he liked what I was doing and while he hadn't thought of casting Linda as a man, he thought it worked. 

photo by Kimberley Mead http://www.flickr.com/photos/creative13

Since getting cast I've been working on getting the moves down, making the part the perfect combo of real chicken and children's theatre type presentation that the show calls for.  I think I've almost got it, but it ain't always easy to know.  At first I thought I should be a lot more literal with her.  Make her as much like a chicken as possible, but at some point I made the conscious choice not worry so much about reality as much.  To trust myself and my instincts.  As a result the part is a little more like Betty White in the episode of "The Golden Girls" in which they perform Henney Penny for the grade schoolers than it is like a flesh and blood chicken,  but I think it works.  Time will tell.