Personal Favorites: My Ten "Desert Island" Films (The Second Five)

6.   The Perks of Being A Wallflower:  This is my newest favorite, and wonderful on so many levels.  I loved the book and had high hopes for the film, which it ultimately exceeded.  The film can't beat the book's intimate nature, but perfectly brings to life every image and emotion the book evokes.  Plus, the actors are the perfect embodiments of the characters, even better than what I had imagined.  Ezra Miller is a multi-layered delight, the kid I wish I'd had the courage to be, and Logan Lehrman grabs is the kid I felt I was (but without his "baby deer in the headlights" beauty).  It really gets that feeling of powerlessness that so overwhelms us as teenagers and continues to plague us as adults.  It definitely has it's cheesey moments, but those moments (like the Rocky Horror sequence) are also the sequences that make me the most nostalgic. 

7.  Snow White and the Seven Dwarves:  The first, and to my mind the greatest of all the Disney animated features.  Artful, ornate, and timeless.  And I love Snow White for all her squeaky voiced naivete, because even though she may not hoist on armor and lead a battle, her strengths are kindness and optimism and a love of animals.  These are traits far more valuable to me than anything Kristen Stewart's sulky ass could manage, so suck it haters. .

8.  Splash:  I've always been fascinated by mermaids, used to sink down to the bottom of the neighbor's pool and look up at the surface, imagining the world above to be some strange and otherworldly place.  Splash looks at all the things that can hold love back and at loves power to overcome those obstacles

9.  The Wizard of Oz:  America's myth.  The greatest quest tale, and one that greatly influenced one of my other favorites, The Muppet Movie.  Pretty much a perfect film.  Iconic performances, iconic music, an aesthetic that has affected the way we see the world in ways we might never completely comprehend.  It's the story and film I hold closest to my heart, partially because it illustrates so perfectly the film's true message (no, not that "there's no place like home" b.s.) that whatever it is you long for, desire and wish to be is already inside you, and accessing it is easier than you ever imagined.    Bonus:  The back story of how everything came together to make this perfect film that almost wasn't is fascinating.  Additional bonus:  While the film owes a lot to the original source material, it doesn't simply regurgitate in unimaginative fashion what was in the book (like the first couple of Harry Potter films) but adds a modern, largely vaudevillian sensibility that makes it its own creature.   

10.  9 to 5:  Strong women kicking ass and taking names, getting what they deserve and doing it with flair.  Three perfect characters who buoy each other up rather than tear each other apart.  Plus those fantasy sequences are completely awesome on their own and I love how they're fueled by realities that foreshadowed their arrival.  I loved the film even more once I was old enough to get over being scandalized by the fact that my heroines smoked pot.  This film was also where I first learned the term "S & M" so it was educational on many levels.

So that's it, my favorite films, my "desert island" movies.  I'd love to hear about yours if you are so inclined to share...

One Last "Zeus in Therapy" Review

Zeus in Therapy closed last Sunday, but one final review appeared a few days ago from Austin Lifestyle Magazine, and I've linked to it for your reading pleasure.  I'm really glad it was so well received and really grateful to have been a part of it.

Personal Favorites: My "Ten "Desert Island" Films (The First Five)

Not only is it fun to compile a list of favorites, but it can also be really enlightening, as the artworks you love tend to say a lot about who you are and what you value in life.  It's interesting to look at what your these pieces share in common, where they overlap, and what that says about you.  On this particular post I'm focusing in on movies, as film is the medium I consume the most of and as far as crossover appeal and what they share? 

Most of my favorite films have elements of fantasy, largely because of the escapist appeal, but also because it helps to use larger than life characters, creatures, natures and possibilities to point up and speak on more complex issues.  All of the films in my list are hopeful.  Even if darkness wins at the end of the movie, the victory will not be lasting.  This is something I both believe, and ocassionally doubt, so these movies have provided a lot of solace in times of uncertainty.  Another thing that most of these films feature is the prominence of strong, risk taking women, and they often feature underdogs, or characters that face a world that underestimates their possibilities. 

These are the films I can watch again and again, so while I may love "Brokeback Mountain" it's not on this list as 've only seen it once and would have to be in a really secure place in my life to want to watch it again.  All that said, here is my current list of favorite films (in no particular order).  Yes, three of them feature Judy Garland, but while her presence helps to really highlight the reasons I love the film and may contribute greatly to why I love the film, it is hardly the sole reason. 

10.  Rear Window:  Pure candy.  The movie which looks into why we love to "watch", gives it's audience so many things to look at and puzzle over (the dog loving couple who sleeps out on their balcony due to the oppressive heat, Miss Lonely Heart and her constant search for love, Miss Torso and the swarm of men surrounding her) the least of which is that man in the apartment across the way.  Toss in the no nonsense, blunt brilliance of Thelma Ritter, the beauty of Grace Kelly lounging about in Edith Head creations, and the frustrating nonchalance in Jimmy Stewart's ability to take her for granted and you have a sumptuous and thrilling movie.

9.  The Clock:  It's such a simple heartfelt story of love about a soldier on leave and the office girl who shows him around New York.  It pays tribute to the ordinary people all around us, and to love in the midst of chaos.  It doesn't hurt that Garland (in her only non-singing role at MGM)is absolutely stunning as the romantic lead.  Bonuses:  It's interesting to note that Richard Linklater made this film required viewing for Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke when they were making Before Sunset, and that Stephen Sondheim loved it so much that he attempted a musical adaptation of it early in his career.

8. The Muppet Movie:  I love quest films and this is one of the best.  It's so ingeniously crafted, heartfelt and bizarre; a lifeline to anyone who has ever felt like a misfit.  I wore out the movie soundtrack as a kid, and had the poster hanging on my wall.

7.  Defending Your Life:  Like a lot of the movies on this list, it not only has a beautiful message and a concise story, but has so many nuggets to enjoy like a great cameo by Shirley Maclaine, a charming performance by Meryl Streep, and a fascinating limbo world called Judgement City where you wait out your fate and in the meantime can bowl, review your past lives and eat as much as you want without getting full or fat.  At the heart of this film for me though, is Albert Brooks and his intense relatability. 

6.  A Star is Born (1954):  So mythic.  It's the ultimate Hollywood tragedy, and it's beautifully shot by George Cukor, written by Moss Hart, with a performance by Garland in which she both sings and acts her overflowing heart out.  If you are my friend, and you are at all willing, we've probably watched this together, or it's on our list of things to do.  It's my personal favorite. 

Come and Sit While Grandma Tells You About Her Corns

It turns out, the thing that I was calling a bone spur, blah-blah-blah, etc. was just a...corn.  Gross.  Having one makes me feel about ninety, in spite of the fact that anyone can get one, and it's pretty easy to get taken care of.  Any way, the reason I mentioned it is because yesterday I was back to running for the first time in months.  True, it wasn't an amazing time (2 miles in 23 minutes) but it was a good start and I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove.  I in no way pretend to be one of those runner types, but I have kind of missed it, and it does make me feel like I'm moving physically in the world.

Last night my friend Mark and I saw 2001: Space Odyssey at the Paramount.  Because Zeus in Therapy has taken up most of my time and energy the past couple of months I hadn't had time to check out the Summer Classic Movie Fest, so in the last gasp I am trying to see as many of them as I can.  As far as 2001?  I really enjoyed the first half (although there were some moments of mind numbing slowness) and it certainly moved a lot faster in the second half, but then it took a turn into crazy town and got confusing as all get out.  What was with that broken lava lamp scene?  And the surreal moments in the lit floor hotel room? 

Mark mentioned that the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and Rock Hudson, upon seeing it, headed up the aisle asking "Will someone tell me what the hell this is about?" There are questions as to whether he stayed for the full film or not, but if he made it to the second half, I concur, completely.  Luckily Mark, font of knowledge that he is, explained some of the theories as to what the film meant, and once that was explained...well I get it.  But shouldn't a film be comprehensible on its own merit and not through a middle man? 

My callback for Ordinary Days has come and gone and I would say it went all right.  Not perfect by any means, and all the usual suspects were there, so who knows what's going to happen.  It's strange how you can cram that music into your head and think you are ready for an audition and then when nerves take over all the tempos and entrances go out the proverbial window.  I can be happy and proud of myself for overcoming nerves to go out for it, and trust that if the part is for me, it will be.  In the meantime, someone else who saw the show has asked me to audition for their upcoming musical, so there's definitely a sense of possibility in the air. 

In truth, possibility is all around.  I've been submitting my writing for possible production and for competitions, sending out my work resume, auditioning, writing, and getting back to being social now that the show is over and I can focus on being with people who are not part of the cast and crew...it's all positive movement creating momentum.

As far as any romantic prospects?  I feel good about them.  It's been a bit of a stagnant pond lately, as I haven't really dated any one since April and I'm beginning to feel like I've seen all that I'm interested in seeing, but who knows what surprises await? 

I Understand the Importance of Frequent Posting...

but what if I feel I have nothing of extreme import to say, except for the usual complaints and praisings...and stop.  Right there.  Negativity out.  I'm expelling you.  Instead, here comes a list of things I'm grateful for in my life, for your reading pleasure (And in no particular order)

I Am Grateful For...

1. Oprah Winfrey, and Lee Daniel's The Butler-  Yes, Lee Daniel's The Butler was manipulative and cliché at times, and the parade of celebrities playing political figures was a little ridick (that's not referencing THE CHRONICLES OF, but being an abbreviation of ridiculous) butit was many times extremely moving, and I was in tears through much of it, especially when it covers the strengths and travails of the Freedom Riders.  It's spiked my interest in learning more about this part of history, that for me is mostly comprised of a Quantum Leap episode and what I've heard on NPR.  Plus, Oprah was amazing. What she can do with one tiny narrowing of her eye.  I want to hug her, whether or not she would hug me back.

2. Discovering a friend of mine is friends with Charles Busch.  That man is a genius.  And so prolific.  He carved a niche in theatre and puts out things that are uniquely his own, that he is passionate about, and that makes people feel good.  The added treat that she said I had his same spirit was more than just icing.  It was cake filled icing.

3.  The reviewer saying I had "untouched good looks".  It doesn't happen all that often but when it does "I'm gonna ride that chocolate pony all the way to the bank", as my friend Kate says.

4.  My roommate.  He's a delight.  A kind, intelligent, soulful delight.

5.  My mother.  It's easy to take some things for granted, but I am constantly being reminded of how lovely she is.

6.  ZEUS IN THERAPY.  This has been such a challenging experience.  Lots of hours, lots of feeling like a novice at something I'm supposed to be pretty good at (if my above mentioned mother is any barometer) and a little wondering, after five and a half weeks of work with just the ten of us actors jiggling around and speaking poetry, "is this going to work?"  Well, the cast and crew have been so lovely, the audience and critics seem to really enjoy it, I really enjoy doing it, The Long Center is a dream, and I get to croon a sweet song written by Court Hoang.  Who could ask for anything more?  I'm also grateful to everyone who has come and supported me in this show.  It's meant a lot.

7.  My callback.  I got one.

8.  The book "The Secret Historian".  It's my current reading, and a window into a soul who thinks and does things very differently from me. 

9.  My friends, one of which came through and made a possibly stressful video audition into a smooth and easy peasy-macaroni and cheesy experience.  Yahoo.

So here's to all those blessings, those I haven't mentioned, and those that even now are heading my way.

Another Review

Our latest, and most likely our last official review, has come out, and it's the one I was sweating a bit.  But there was no need to worry.  It's from Elizabeth Cobbe of The Austin Chronicle. 

In other news, as much as I was looking forward to a break for a bit, I was synchronicitously made aware of a show coming up, and invited to submit for it.  I heard the score and instantly fell in love,  not just with the music, but with a particular character that I feel completely in synch with.  So, as much as video auditions freak my shit out, I learned a song from the score, taped it with a pianist and submitted it.  Here's hoping, and yet, staying unattached to the results

Michael Meigs, and Jeff Davis, you charmers you.

A couple of reviews came in and they are both glowing, which allows me to breathe a sigh of relief.  The first is from Michael Meigs at Austin Live Theatre, and is an unqualified rave. 

The second is a lovely review from Jeff Davis at  Broadway World. 

We have another one coming from The Austin Chronicle, and whatever news it holds, I'll link to it here.  You've got my word on it. 

Adolescent Obsession: Julie Brown

I was browsing around on the computer today and am not sure how, but I started thinking about one of my favorite childhood films...oh yeah.  I was looking on Spotify for more music by my current love Zooey Deschanel, and that made me think that maybe New Girl had a soundtrack, which made me think about Brand New Girl, the Julie Brown track from my childhood fave  Earth Girls Are Easy, which led me to a pretty rare and kind of  bizarre reading of a proposed musical version from 2002 with no less a monumental talent than Kristin Chenoweth (I'll link to it later, but the video quality is low, and I want to start with a bang).

For those of you who don't know her, she was this outrageous red haired eighties comedienne who had a couple of hits (for example I Like Them Big and Stupid, and The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun) and for a time she hosted an MTV comedy/video show that  I adored and recorded and watched over and over, mostly with my best friend Wes. 

For awhile she was pretty  well known.  Tiny Toons named a character after her, she was largely responsible for getting Earth Girls Are Easy made, she appeared in Clueless as the gym teacher...
she put out an album, Trapped In the Body of A White Girl, that quickly went away, but when I got a little older I sought it out and when I located it, transferred it to tape so I could listen to on bus rides, in the car, and sing along loud and proud and wish she was my friend.

As a sample of her delights, I put up for your amusement...Girl Fight Tonight.  Here's to you Julie Brown, you zany, sexy lady you.  You helped make me what I am today!

 

And for those of you wanting more, here's that clip I promised you earlier...

 

 





                          

Aquaman Has Had It

I have always loved Aquaman, and have admittedly never understood why he's gotten such a bad reputation.  Either the character fascinates you, or he doesn't.  It didn't matter to me that he didn't get a lot of attention from a 70's TV cartoon because his powers were not completely compatible with land walkers like Superman and Batman.  So, when I was made aware of this monologue "Aquaman, King of the Seven Seas has F***ing Had It With You, Man", written a few years ago by Glen Weldon, and recently brought to life by actor Scott Wichmann, I was pretty excited.  It's hilarious as hell, and makes a solid point.  See if you don't agree.

                                                                        

Zeus is here! And so is all the info you might need...

ZEUS IN THERAPY opened on Friday.  I'm really grateful that the old superstition rang true, because a slightly off-kilter dress rehearsal/preview made for a really solid opening night.  In the meantime, we have one show tonight at 8, and another weekend of shows (beginning Wednesday), and a ton of publicity has come out to tout our arrival.  Here is most of it, compiled for your convenience.

• The Statesman made us the #1 thing to do in Austin this weekend.

• The Austin Chronicle featured the late great classics professor who authored the poems that make up the text of ZEUS IN THERAPY.  (Incidentally, the cast got to meet his family last night and they could not have been kinder or more welcoming.  It meant a lot to  hear their thoughts on the piece and how Prof. Parker would have loved it)

• L Style G Style featured us in their latest issue.  You can pick up free copies all around town, or view the content here.

• For those of you that would like an audio experience, we are also currently being featured in "Arts Eclectic"  on KUT. 

• The Westlake Picayune recently featured ZEUS, and the artists contributing to ZEUS who are representin'.

Finally, we do have a show tonight at 8PM and 10% of our ticket sales will benefit TEAM JAY, in a joint effort with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.  So, if you want to come see the show and fight cancer, tonight is the night.

You too can make that stack of books on your bedside table even larger!

I, like a lot of people, have too many things I'm desperate to read and not enough time to read them.  Unfortunately the list of books I'm wanting to read keeps growing and growing.  And with this list from Flavorwire, it grew by six. It's a collection of 50 lesser known, but worthy books by authors you already know and love.  I was particularly intrigued by Adverbs by Daniel Handler (AKA Lemony Snickett), Just Above My Head by James Baldwin, and A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott. 

Tuff Enough? Hell no.

Fair warning: this is going to be one of those hodge-podgey, poorly thought out, poorly constructed posts in which I basically rant until my fingers get tired.  Please forgive.  And enjoy. 

We started Tech Week last night, and I would like to say for the record, how much I love working in The Long Center.  Is it expensive to rent?  I imagine so.  Are the dressing rooms, monitors, etc. a delight to my mind and soul?  Yes.  Does the bone chilling cold back there thrill my little heart, and do I not give a shit when I hear my friends and fellow actors bitching and moaning about how cold it is?  Yes.  Yes it thrills, and no, I do not give a shit.  Toughen up, you little titty-babies. 

One thing I am not loving, are the mirrors.  The dressing rooms are LOADED UP with mirrors.  Huge mirrors on both sides, a mirror over the dressing room sink... there's no escaping yourself, or pretending you haven't gained 12 pounds in the past year.  There's just taking your own effing advice and sucking it up and swearing to eat better from that moment on.

Weight has been a struggle lately.  Admittedly, it's been a struggle a long time.  It's probably the thing I'm most sensitive about and something I have been dealing with since I was twelve.  Around 30 I started to win the battle and dropped a hundred pounds, but it's something I think about every day of my life.  Sometimes I walk past a mirror and see "Pretty damned cute", even if it is me saying so, and other times I see a bulbous monster that there's no escape from.  Usually I run the treadmill to manage it, but lately a bone spur has kept me from doing that... I finally scheduled a doctor's appointment to handle it, and as soon as the show is over, I will get it taken care of and be back to running and walking a week or two later.  Halleluja.    In the mean time I'll look at that Melissa McCarthy quote in which she talks about accepting yourself for who you are and realizing that you may never be what you consider "thin enough", but that what you are is beautiful.  That may pacify me for about 30 seconds.

Random Advice:  If you ever appear in videos on youtube...do NOT look at the comments.  I made a few videos a couple years ago with "Project Rant" and made the mistake yesterday of checking out a couple of the comments.  If you are an absolutely perfect specimen of male or female and fit perfectly within societies confines and made a youtube video, well then look away because you will find your sweetest thoughts reaffirmed...however, if you are me you might discover that you are even gayer than you knew yourself to be.  You are "shitting unicorns and cumming rainbows" gay, and this is by and large not considered to be a good thing.  And PS: you are too old to be wearing a t-shirt with a cupcake on it.  Touche, youtube commenters.  Touche.

Now, this titty-baby is going to go work out with really big and heavy weights.  Afterwards I will wash up with "Lava" soap, and sit down to a lunch of Sandpaper salad.  Tough enough?  Mayhaps.

Zeus is Coming!

 

My next show, "Zeus in Therapy" opens on August 16th at 8PM and runs for two weekends at The Long Center.  I play one of the eight facets of Zeus portrayed in a pretty daring and original new show which dramatizes a group of thirty six poems by Douglas Stott Parker that look at the persona of Zeus, and all his travails, in a modern context.  The piece also utilizes the elements of  music, dance, animation, and some pretty beautiful artwork.  It will doubtless be a unique theatre experience for the audience and I'm proud of all the work and energy that everyone's put into bringing this piece to fruition.  For ticket info and performance time, please check out the Long Center website, and if all that doesn't make you want to come, then how about this photo by Daniel Brock, of me in my Zeusly form?

 

When you come, I cannot promise I will look this intense or that my eyes will be quite this blue, but it should be a good time for all.  We have sold quite a few tickets already, so I would recommend being proactive and getting your reservations now. 

ALSO-  check out Tutto Theatre on Facebook to see all the other character portraits taken.