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/