Okay, I get the award for Least Blog Entries in 2008

Sorry I've not made it happen in the last few months but I've been otherwise detained in various exciting projects.

But, in that time I've been inspired by things I'd either never heard of, never thought I'd experience or never even WANTED to experience (i.e. a dinosaur puppet show????). And yet, that's the funny thing. Inspiration can be found everywhere. You just have to look.

So where have I been? Everywhere EXCEPT New York City.

I've been in Washington DC, Sacramento, CA and Los Angeles, CA...no I'm not on the campaign trail though we are certainly in desperate need of some inspiration on that front ; O

But in my travels, I've been quite inspired by people, places and experiences

TOP PICKS OF INSPIRATION

Okay, so even though I said I haven't really been in NYC, somehow in the few days I've been home, I've found a couple of wonderfully inspiring things.

I SCREAM, WE SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR THE BEST ICE CREAM!!!

No you won't find it in a store. You won't even find it in its own store front. Instead, the best ice creams comes in a truck...a lemony yellow truck with Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream painted on the side, perhaps parked in your neighborhood. And inside the truck, Pete Van Leeuwan (one of the two brothers who started the company) serving up scrumptious flavors of handmade ice cream including the best vanilla I've had ANYWHERE, a mouthwatering Hazelnut that was to die for and the succulent Currants and Cream. Artistry? Absolutely. And Pete ain't bad on the eyes either. All their flavors are made with cream from cows who are antibiotic free, pure cane sugar and farm fresh eggs...thus the great flavor. But here's the catch. They've only got two trucks at this point (the company is 1 month old) so you've gotta look for them. One is on Broadway at about 75th Street (open until 10:30 pm.) and the other in Soho. So make a run for this glorious ice cream and tell the world about it so they can have more trucks, more flavors and more fun. I'll scream for this cream anytime!

I SCREAM! WE SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM WHEN WE SEE DINOSAURS!

Not little tiny model dinosaurs. But big, full-sized, so life-like you're certain they are real. (Well except for the puppeteers legs you see running underneath the giants, but that was part of the magic too). I've been invited to some odd things in my day, but this excursion, offered up as a "dinosaur puppet show" was not ANYTHING that I expected! Let me explain. These are full sized "puppets" run by both humans and animatronics. Just the sheer engineering that went into creating these extremely life-like creatures is to be applauded. They move around, fight each other, eat the trees and defend their young. I was so in awe of the genius that went into this. And, BTW, it was at Madison Square Garden...so not a small venture. It's playing throughout the country in arena. So to think that someone created this, THEN got someone to produced it in HUGE places like MSG...truly inspiring. It says to me that art is everywhere. Google Search "Walking With Dinosaurs" and you'll see when it's coming to you. If there are puppetry awards...this should win hands down...it's even better than Puppetry of the Penis (remember that one?)

I SCREAM! WE SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR VICKI LEWIS

Okay, I was exited enough to get cast as Tessie Tura in Gypsy at Sacramento Music Circus. But then when I heard that I was going to work with Vicki Lewis (someone I've admired from afar for a long time), I was ecstatic!! Let me just say, Vicki Lewis is hands down the best Mama Rose I've seen. She should be playing it right now on Broadway, then SHE would have won the Tony. There, I said it. This woman blew me away! Not only that, she was a great a human being than you could ever ask for to head up the incredible cast of the show. In fact, they all inspired me! Right down to the kids who gave some moving portrayals of young June and Louise. I want to see Vicki Lewis back on Broadway!! Whether it's in GYPSY in years to come or something else, the woman is a bowl full of talent with cherries on top!

And while we're on the subject of Sacramento Music Circus. Three cheers to Scott Eckern and the entire staff for running one of the most well-oiled machines around in summer theatre today. The coordination of sometimes three shows happening at the same time was amazing. And what they are able to do in a round space where audience is all around them is outstanding. And the beautiful new air-conditioned music circus tent is spectacular! If you've never worked there, I hope you get the chance to at least see something. It really is a unique and wonderful experience!



I SCREAM! WE SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR THE TROOPS!

Okay, I was in DC. No matter what you're feelings are about the war, my feelings about the troops remains the same...sheer unadulterated respect, inspiration and appreciation. Being in DC and seeing Arlington Cemetary, Iwo Jima (above), Korean War Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier makes everything clear to me. The men and women who fight for our country are the bravest people I know. I'd tell them each that if I could. But for today, I'm simply saying it here. Thank you to them for all they do for us. If you haven't been to DC, take a trip there even if for a weekend. It is riveting.

What's inspiring me today?

My mom, my adorable dog Zoey, Van Leeuwan Ice Cream, my friend Stacey, my computer, rollerblading along the Hudson (how lucky I am), how committing to something and sticking to it really does work, curiosity, love (NOT internet dating, but Love), free dancing on Pier 54 on Sunday nights, and much, much more!

Until next time....be inspired.

Leslie

A Daily Dose of Inspiration

Since writing this InspiredINK blog, I've stumbled upon so many things that inspire me simply because I'm focusing on it. Inspiration is everywhere in the world. There are people who inspire us, beauty that inspires us and sometimes we can even inspire ourselves by accomplishing something we never thought possible. These last few weeks have been one of the most inspiring times of my life. Each day, I rise to spend the day the cast and creative team of The Visit, and to spend the day with the piece called The Visit. It is a PIECE. It is its own being almost..like no other project I've been a part of. Every single day it grows as we grow and now that we have audiences, it grows because the audience is a part of the experience. It is moving, riveting and profound to participate in the creation of live art every single day.

But I've also been moved by other things in the last few weeks to share with you.

Young at Heart, the movie.
If you haven't seen it yet, you must. It will make you laugh, cry, and be truly inspired by folks who CHOOSE each day to not let their age get in the way of living. I have vowed to never say "I feel old" again simply by seeing this movie. You must rush out to see it. It will leave you thinking about it for days and days, as I'm doing right now.




Eric Schaffer, artistic director of The Signature Theatre.
Here is a man who 19 years ago had a vision for a theatre company. He didn't just think about it. He went out and built the highly respected Signature Theatre simply out of his love for musical theatre. With a degree in Advertising, it's easy to see why the theatre is successful. It takes creativity AND business to keep a theater afloat. Not only are they floating...they are in a spectacular new theater in downtown Shirlington, VA (reminiscent of Pleasantville) that features two theaters, both running simultaneously! I was lucky enough to attend the Kander and Ebb Celebration Gala and it was truly one of, if not THE classiest event I've ever been to. Whether you're an actor, an audience member or a patron of the arts, you must get to know this theatre and this man. He is a gem and a gift to the world of theatre.

ZipCar
Finally after years of hearing about ZipCar, I am now officially a member of ZipCar. Not only does the concept of "wheels when you want them" blow me away, but the actual service itself is unbelievable. If you haven't heard of ZipCar, the basic concept is this: Instead of renting a car for a whole day when you have some errands to run, you simply rent one for a few hours at prices as low at $7 per hour in some cities. This not only includes the rental, but also includes the insurance and gas. All you do is reserve your car online in the location you want to pick it up. You walk directly to the car (no paperwork, no sales rep), touch you member card to the window and voila! the car door unlocks, and you get in and drive away. It is one of the most brilliant concepts I've ever heard of! If you haven't used one, get your membership today. And if you're an AEA member you can get a huge discount (through the AEA site) or visit www.zipcar.com

Things and Places Not To Be Missed

Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC.
Too late to catch the bloom this year. But put it on the calendar for 2009. If you haven't seen them before, this fairytale time in DC will take your breath away. For a short period of time in the spring (the blossoms only last for a few days) you can catch them. Bring your camera and even some kleenex if you're the weepy type (or have allergies). Washington. DC

The Grand Canyon
Whether you're hiking it or simply staring into it from the rim, it is truly one of the most stunning beautiful places in the world. No matter how many times I see it, when I walk up to the edge and look at this stunning piece of nature, it takes my breath away. And recently, it literally took my breath away as I hiked to the bottom and back up...a lifetime dream that was finally achieved. I highly recommend it! Flagstaff, AZ

Columbia Valley Gorge
On the outskirts of Portland, Oregon lies the Columbia Valley Gorge...one of the waterfall meccas of the world. Over the course of a 26 mile or so area, you'll see more than 13 waterfalls...not just trinkles of water, but giant several hundred foot waterfalls cascading over rocks and ferns. You'll think for a moment that you're in Hawaii or other tropical land. These waterfalls will change your life. Oregon

Until next time...be inspired!

Leslie

An Inspired Month

Well, I started this blog, published 2 issues then became so busy (and filled with inspiration) that I haven't had time to write it all down. So my lack of correspondence has been for OVER INSPIRED not underinspired!

This month has been spent in rehearsals for Kander and Ebb's THE VISIT starring Chita Rivera and George Hearn. Just those names alone create inspiration, but actually working next to them every single day is beyond anything I've ever experienced. I'm thrilled to be working AGAIN with Chita (as I did on NINE) and to meet the charms of George Hearn is sheer glory. To watch them work together is breathtaking. Both of them are truly ageless and extraordinary performers and actors. If you get a chance, come visit us in THE VISIT at the Signature Theatre in DC. You won't be disappointed.

Much of my inspiration for this month is indeed related to THE VISIT, but there's a few other gems here too!

A G-STRING OF INSPIRATION
All I can say is WOW! I know Patti LaPone, Boyd Gaines and Laura Benanti are getting all the accolades for the new Broadway GYPSY (as they should) but talk about inspiration...let's hear it for Alison Fraser, Lenora Nemetz and Marilyn Caskey for some of the most inspired performances of Tessie Tura, Mazeppa and Elecktra (respectively) I've ever seen. And what a joy to see Lenora Nemetz back on Broadway. I got to see her as Mrs. Meers in a regional production of Millie and thought, "now why isn't this woman on Broadway," and low and behold, SHE IS!!!! Three cheers for these delightful original ladies!



THE DREAM TEAM
To be inspired by your creative team is a must in any production. But to be bowled over every single moment by the sheer guinesses at work is entirely another. The be a part of watching and experiencing the thought process and collaborative "ebb" and flow of Frank Gilati, Ann Reinking, David Loud, John Kander et all is beyond words. HOw fun it would be to be a fly on the wall inside their brains for a day. I guess being apart of THE VISIT is as close as anyone could get.




USEFUL WITH A PAINT CAN
These paint can artists are incredible. From a blank white page, in less than two minutes they create masterpieces of shiny spray paint celestial pictures using tools made of ordinary objects you might find in a junk yard. But instead of braising the walls of New York with their art, they're selling them here on 42nd Street and getting them hung on millions of walls INDOORS in posh NYC apartments. The sheer creativity of it inspires me.




ITALIAN INSPIRATION
I had the pleasure of venturing OFF the island last week for dinner at a delightful little family Italian restaurant called GP's
just over river in West New York off of Boulevard East. Now owned by the second generation of the Politis family, George (or "G") Politis knows how to make you feel at home in the "homelike" setting of GP's, serving up some of the best Italian food I've had in NYC. And the meatballs!!!! Go for the meatballs, dinner salad and the HUGE cannollis that will make you realize you have NEVER had a cannolli before this one. An easy drive in the car from the city, or catch one of those white weehawken buses to 69th street (up Blvd East) http://www.gpsrestaurant.com/

THINGS NOT TO BE MISSED
THE VISIT! You simply must see this show. It is stirring and strange and fabulous all at once. Running at The Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA May 13-June 23 (with possible extension through June 24) http://www.sig-online.org/

When Ordinary is Extraordinary

It's kind of amazing when you decide to write a blog about things that inspire you. Not only do you start to see inspirations EVERYWHERE, but you also begin to draw it to you. You become a beacon that attracts inspiring things! It's fascinating really. So now I carry my camera (well...my iPhone) with me everywhere so I can capture inspiring things AS THEY OCCUR. Also, even after just one issue, many of my friends have written me and said, "I want to do something inspiring so I can get in your blog!" LOL But let's face it. The reason I created this blog is to honor YOU. I'm inspired everyday by the amazing friends I have around me. Why just last night a group of friends gathered at my house for a friendly game of Texas Hold 'em, a hobby that I took up on the road with Wicked. The cool thing about last night was, it was almost like a Wicked reunion. Even 2 extra Wicked-ers showed up who didn't play and suddenly my house was filled with love, laughter and pizza! Gotta love Big Nick's pizza...now that's inspiring! But truly, choosing to BE INSPIRED means that sometimes even the things you take for granted are suddenly inspiring to you. I mean I'm always inspired by talent, music, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. But what about ordinary people doing ordinary things. Inspiration can be found everywhere. You just have to look for it!


TODAY'S INSPIRATIONS


The Ordinary Subway Artist. This dixieland jazz duo had be be-boppin' in the subway to the point where everyone was looking at me funny because I happened to be smiling and tapping my foot. How can you not tap your foot to a dixieland version of "Oh when the saint's go marchin' in." And let's face it, how many of we "serious actors" would do our "serious acting bits" on the subway platform??? These guys have guts and get little or no glory. They do it cuz they love it and they do it for the few bits of change that people throw them. It's phenomenal really. And the audience in HUGE. Now let's think about this for a minute. Millions of people ride the NY subway every day...let's say 2 million. The average Subway Artist performs about a two-hour set. That's an exposure of about 83,000 people an hour!!! Way better numbers than performing 8 shows a week on Broadway. Hats off to these musicians who fill our subways with something other than bitter faces and rats.

The Ordinary Ice Cream Store: Well, I guess it's tough to call Cold Stone Creamery 'ordinary' but the basics of ice cream haven't changed over the decades. Its always good. It always makes you smile and those extra pounds it adds to your waist are in the end very worth it. But here at Cold Stone Creamery they've got a clan of high energy, pearly white-smiled teenagers who make the whole ice cream experience even more fun. My concoction of mint ice cream with brownies and almonds was sheer perfection.



The Ordinary Playwright: Let's face it, everyone has a play inside of them. We've all got stories we want to tell. But the majority of us don't actually do it. Or we might actually write it down, but we never show it to anyone. Or, we might show it to someone, but nobody actually thinks its any good. And the chances of the very first play you write having any success whatsoever is really kind of well...unheard of, unless of course, you're Paul Slade Smith. Now this inspires me! An actor, loves to do farces, realizes there's a need for good contemporary farces, writes one, gets it produced and is now featured in Dramatists top 50 upcoming playwrights to look out for. An Unnecessary Farce is hilarious by the way (and I've only read it on paper). Clearly it reads AND plays well because it's booked in theatres across the country and booking more everyday. Inspiring beyond belief and clearly there is nothing ordinary about Paul Slade Smith.



PLACES AND THINGS NOT TO BE MISSED

A ride on the Staten Island ferry at sunset. Just take the trip this summer and see the beauty of Manhattan at sunset one direction, and evening in the other. Just to look at the fabulous NYC skyline when you're at the front of the ferry is magical. Truly magical. NY, NY

The Oklahoma National Memorial. Lives changed forever on that fateful day when a 26-year old bombed a Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City killing 168 people. But I've never seen a finer, more "human" and profound memorial featuring "the field of chairs" for each of the souls who lost their lives all resting amidst the most serene expanse of water I've ever seen. The designer of the memorial must have been an extraordinary human being to have conceived this incredible tribute to the victims. Oklahoma City, OK

Facebook. Okay, yes. I've become a Facebook whore. Truly, I have. But let's face it, it's kind of brilliant! In fact a friend of mine who is a computer programmer is even blown away by the intricacies of the program. If you're not on Facebook, who are you??? Visit and get hooked. Global, Everywhere.

Until next time, be inspired!

Leslie
www.LeslieBecker.com
www.InspiredINK.blogspot.com
www.OrganizedActor.com
www.SendOutCards.com/lesliebecker

Why Blog?

Why do we blog? Is it our inane thought that others are even remotely interested in what we have to say? Or is it a journal, in a way, for ourselves (we blog writers) to look back on our lives someday and say, "Wow! I was funny!" Or "Wow! What crazy person wrote that?" Or, if we're lucky, "Wow. I was more prolific than I thought." Well, I don't know why the other 7 trillion, six-hundred thousand, fifty two bloggers blog. I can only speak for me. So here's why I'm blogging.

1) Because I have SO MUCH to say and my dog gets tired of listening to me talk.

2) Because I have NOTHING to say of any significance, but if I write it down maybe someone will discover it when I die and call me the new Jane Austin,

3) Because I can.

But the REAL reason I blog...or write this particular blog anyway...is to honor the brilliant work (at least the work I think is brilliant) of artists who inspire me. From a city street artist to a concert violinist to a Broadway performance. You see, to me...art is an extension of the human being. And there's nothing more inspiring to me than someone who has found a way to extend their being to something creative and magical. Whether they've created a child, a garden, a piece of art or a performance, THEY HAVE CREATED SOMETHING GREATER THAN THEMSELVES. And the glory of that is that NO ONE, truly NO ONE can make that same creation the same way. It is uniquely theirs. And THAT is inspiring.


BECKER'S BRAVOS! BrAvOs! bRAvos!



COMEDY BRAVO to Tim Minchin (at New World Stage through April) who has found a way to take his rather eclectic background and interests and create an evening filled with some of the smartest, strangest,and delightfully delicious creativity I've seen. From his clever lyrics to his funny facial expressions to his beyond unbelievable piano playing, his show is a winner. P.S. If you can't take crass language, I'd go somewhere else. But even he makes them funny.

BRILLIANT BRAVO to Sam Buntrock's Sunday in the Park with George. I cried at the first brush stroke (literally) And if you go, you'll see what I mean. Not only has Sam assembled a truly flawless ensemble cast (they are all standouts!), he's also been able to splendidly merge the colder tones of the show with warmth and wit. The second act gets a complete overhaul with animation that oozes with imagination. There is little better on Broadway right now. Go see it.

COMMITTED BRAVO to F. Murray Abraham for a hilarious interpretation of the Mad God in Almost an Evening. Written by Ethan Cohen who brought us Fargo and others, it's an evening of assorted one-acts that magically DO give us "almost an evening" or even a matinee, as I attended. It boasts a huge line up of theatre names and just delights. Go.








WARM FUZZY BRAVO to Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Okay, so my tastes might seem widespread and sometimes sappy but, good god this movie made MY DAY! Amy Adams, who I must admit didn't send me to the moon in Enchanted, is truly delightful in this and Frances McDormand is well..Frances McDormand...always something special. This movie gives you the warm fuzzies and makes you feel like you are back in the 30s and 40s when going to the movies was really special. So I'm a sap! I'll also be shocked if someone doesn't scoop it up and make it a Broadway musical.

VERSATILE BRAVO to Stephanie Bast for inspiring me as an artist in all areas of her life. As an actress, singer, artist and human being, she is a masterpiece. She's not for sale, but her artwork is! Buy some now before you can't afford her.


YOUR BASIC GODLIKE BRAVO to Patrick Garrigan for just being all around Godlike. He's funny! He's witty! He's got some guns! And, he likes to pretend he owns my dog! But by golly, Patrick Garrigan IS ART! Check out his blog for laughs and shock value.

3 EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS

Bob and Timmys Pizza in Providence, RI. Hands down the best pizza on the planet. Now that's art!

Cara Mia on 9th Ave/46th in New York City. Incredible Italian food

See the Venus de Milo
and the Mona Lisa live and in person. I just did! Paris, France
Until next time....be inspired.

Leslie Becker