A Family Reunion... of sorts

I'm not gonna lie... I was muy nervosa going in to this evening. First class studying with Wynn Handman. Can I tell you, I felt like I was at a family reunion (hence the title).

Arriving early-- clear sign of a newbie-- I made my way to a safe center seat on the center row, and observed the room. Within moments I was engaged in conversation with several folks around me and moments later I found myself being hugged. True, I had met the person whose arms were around my neck. I must explain the fun, roundabout way I know Dain...

Working as a barista in the fine neighborhood of TriBeCa, I came to know many of the locals. One being a fellow by the name of Paul. Now, Paul would begrudgingly admit that he is well-known around the neighborhood because of his dog Hubert. This animal is large enough to ride weighing in at 110 lbs. So anyway, I know Paul. We talk theatre, film, books and have become good friends. One of Paul's favorite topics is his daughter, Dain. As all fathers do, he raves about her and constantly gives me updates on her acting career-- by the way, I saw her work tonight, and she is truly talented. No nepotism there! So, I remember he'd mentioned she was studying with Wynn and so when I got accepted to study with him as well, he told her and thus I had a friend Day 1!

But back to the class, its just so wonderful to be in an environment that is insanely supportive, nerves are high because everyone wants to do good work, Wynn is like Papa Bear. I mean, I sneezed at one point and 8 people blessed me! I love actors. Its definitely going to be a good place to grow from! Absolutely worth the investment!

"Venus In Fur"

A new play by David Ives, who is now officially my favorite modern playwright. This play had a successful Off-Broadway run at Classic Stage Company and has now arrived on Broadway. And thanks to Manhattan Theatre Club's 30 Under 30 program, I am able to see this show for an affordable price!

Now, I have been anticipating this show for quite some time! Basically since it's run Off-Broadway, which I regrettably never made it out to! However, this play... I don't even know where to start.

First of all, Ives has such an incredible ability to write with a rhythm that makes his work flow so well. This play is a dance of power. Man! I wish I'd said that in the post-show interview I did! Ha! Yep, after the show tonight, there was a 30 Under 30 party in the lounge downstairs. I did absolutely no mingling, I just chatted with my friend wonderful friend Mel the entire time! Who is incredibly inspiring and was just as moved as I was about this crazy-good play! But we were then interviewed about the play. I was a bit of a bumbling mess and have, of course, come up with many clever and profound things since that I should have said, but whatever! AND I said my age on camera! Actresses are never supposed to do that! Ugh!

Anyway, this play is a woman auditioning for a part in a play. There are many funny theatre/audition references in the play, which makes it extra enjoyable! And Nina Arianda rushes onto the stage with such energy and force that you just let her lead the night. Its either that or get left in the dust! Hugh Dancy plays an excellent counterpart, as the director she's auditioning for, but the show is designed to star her! Its such an exceptional piece with such room to play, I imagine the rehearsal process was extremely inventive and exciting!

If you're in NY, coming to NY, or have ever thought about maybe taking a trip... see this show!!!

11-11-11

Initially this post was going to be regaling my adventure at the NYC Marathon this past Sunday, which was amazing, by the way. So much emotion, so much life, so many smelly bodies running by, as I desperately searched in vain, for my friend among the 47,000+ runners!

However, I cannot let this fun date pass by without some acknowledgement.

Nov. 11th, 2011- if only I'd written this at 11:11 this morning... drat!

As stated in previous posts, the beginning of this month brought about many new things, but since we're now at day 11 of this 11th month, things have settled down. The holidays are approaching and for the 11th Thanksgiving in a row, I will be absent from my family's table. Not to worry, I have multiple invites to orphan's Thanksgivings around the City AND all the holiday markets are going up all over Manhattan, which justifies the Christmas lights I've recently hung in my new apartment!

Glad to see no Y2K craze happened surrounding 11-11-11, but then again the imminent 2012 is nearly here so I guess the world will end then! Until that time... Happy 11 day!