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/