Goodbye, Shea

Tonight a friend and I said goodbye to Shea Stadium (we'd visited Yankees Stadium earlier in the season) as the new Citi Stadium peered down on us. Boo.

Fall was definitely in the air as the Mets played the Cubs and although the game got off to a hopeful start - Delgado had a Grand Slam! Woot! - it ended in a heartbreaker (for Mets fans) in overtime. Mets lost 6-9. Admittedly we left around the 8th inning - the crowd was getting rowdy as a lot of Cubs fans were present and well, I'm still sick and the cooler air wasn't doing me any favors, either. Lame...I know!

You can check out these pics via Snapfish for more details on the evening....

@ the Premiere of Nights in Rodanthe

Thanks to Film Metro I got a voucher to exchange for a ticket to the premiere of Nights in Rodanthe. That's right, not a preview but a PREMIERE! Having never been a part of such an event I wasn't sure how crazy long the line would be so I sped over (on foot) to the Ziegfeld Theater after work and the line wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. After standing in line for less than 20 minutes I got my ticket and was in the theater by 6pm! (The movie was scheduled to start @ 7pm.)

Security directed ticket holders where to go - but oddly didn't search any bags. When we got to the screening floor, the lobby had tables full of bags of popcorn, ice bins full of bottled water and the counters were full of cups of soda. ALL FREE!!! :)

After grabbing my popcorn and bottled water (and some napkins - just in case...) I entered the theater. I'd never been inside the Ziegfeld before and what a grand theater it is! I soon discovered that my ticket actually had an assigned seat on it. I was on the aisle - 101, Row Y.

As I settled in, I started to notice a lot of people w/ their cameras out. Dang! I had left mine @ home because the voucher had said no recording devices and since my camera can record video segments I didn't want to risk confiscation. The lady behind me commented on other's w/ their cameras, too and said she left hers behind because when she went to another premiere (Journey to the Center of the Earth - she said that Brendan Fraser was there but they didn't actually show the movie, just clips!) security told her friend that they'd have to take the camera or the friend would have to go home. Stink. How are you supposed to know?!

Viola Davis, seemed to be the first cast member there and she entered and found a seat in the center. So is that where the others would sit, too?!

As it got closer to the start a quintet of middle-aged, bold and brassy ladies needed to scoot past me to sit and then 1 proceeded to spend the remaining minutes before the movie going in and out of the row - telling me not to hate her - as she got pics w/ whoever she saw. The lady behind me made a comment to her about the camera and the busybody said she ALWAYS brings her camera and said how she went to a premiere w/ Will Smith and got a pic taken w/ him after waiting and waiting but that he was very nice.

During all this we saw Richard Gere's wife, Carey Lowell, enter the aisle ahead of me and soon realized that Gere would be sitting in that aisle, too!

Ice-T settled in w/ his wife (?) 2 rows behind me. Christopher Meloni joked around w/ Ice-T but Meloni did not look thrilled when someone asked to take his pic. He ended up 3 rows behind me. Apparently some guy from a Bachelor show was sitting near us, too. Never did get my eyes on Diane Lane but right before the lights went down Richard Gere entered and the camera flashes nearly blinded me as they started to dim the lights. I can understand why the stars don't like the paparazzi flashing @ them while they are driving - @ night especially!

The movie started and as various credits showed, certain parts of the audience sent up cheers. And then the lone man w/ the quintet (and apparent hubby of busybody) began his 5-10 minute ritual of pulling out his blackberry to check it and annoy me w/ it's glow. Kept hoping one of the many ushers would catch him and say something...but no.

The movie was shorter than I expected and since I hadn't read the book I had no expectations but admittedly probably would not have spent money on seeing it. It wasn't bad but it wasn't spectacular either. It was okay - more due to the storyline than the acting tho. Not sure if it would be considered a date movie...maybe more of a chick flick I guess...?

Once the movie was over we were directed back out again and they were announcing that After Party Buses were on the left. Ummm....was that for anybody?! I didn't stop to investigate as my bladder was being strained and I needed to get home! (I had thought there'd be a spot to stop in the lobby but the way they moved us out I learned I should have found one on the same floor as the screening - doh!)

So, as I exited to the right, I saw cameras poised and ready to snap the celebs as they exited. Absolutely surreal to think that I can look at pics from this event and say that I was there!

Hopefully I can do this again - and find out about that bus! ;)

Doughnut Bribe

As I'm walking to work this morning, I saw a truck covered w/ pics/logos promoting "Worst Week" parked near the sidewalk close to "The CBS Early Show". Upon further inspection I see a guy is holding a donut in a napkin out the window and others are announcing free doughnuts.

For Real?!

I double back and see that not only are they free but they are also Krispy Kreme!

As I took the doughnut, the trio of promoters briefly bombarded me w/ reminders to watch "Worst Week" tonight.

Ummm...I didn't tell them I'd be doing laundry instead. But I did thank them for the doughnut! :)

What a great way to start a Monday!

AotA Opening Weekend

So by the time "Adam of the Apes" was ready to open I had managed to get sick (sinus/cough - general phlegmy loveliness) but preferred it be me than members of the cast (some had already been suffering w/ yucks during rehearsal). Still it totally left me wiped and on edge for the opening and there was still some tweaking to do as the actors got more comfy w/ their roles and running the show in its entirety. Sigh.

That all aside though this group of actors certainly work their tails off every night! Most of the characters are very physically demanding and keeping the energy and pacing up for 2hrs is no easy feat. I asked a lot of them but I wouldn't have if I didn't think they could do it - It's a talented group!

We were reviewed on Sunday and you can read it here.

2 more weeks to go! I'll only see it once next week but am excited to see how the cast continues to settle into their roles. And hopefully I will have shook this cold by then, too! ;)

Directing Chimps!

Here are details on the new full length comedy I'm directing. And here is a link to press photos.

Only 5 more rehearsals 'til preview night!!!!!

ADAM OF THE APES Genre: Comedy Written by Oliver Thrun. Directed by Nora Vetter The story of the Dawn of Man undergoes some comical revisions in "Adam of the Apes" when human twins are born into a community of chimpanzees. This farcical satire--which isn't for the kiddies--takes on topical debates such as Creationism, Evolution, and Women's Lib while the twins, Adam & Eve, grow up in a chimp society and actually introduce thinking into the previously "thought-less" rainforest. Originally written at The Crucible for American Theater Workshop and making its Off-Off-Broadway debut at The Theater for the New City, "Adam of the Apes" is sure to leave audiences laughing in spite of themselves, with much to discuss and debate after the show. Previews: 09/17/08 Open: 09/18/08 Close: 10/05/08 Schedule: Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm Theater: Theater For The New City Address: 155 First Avenue New York, NY 10009 Show Map Phone: 212-254-1109 Directions: Take the L train to 1st Avenue or the 6 train to Astor Place Cost:$10.00 Buy Tickets Online or Call: Ovat at Company: Theater For The New City Official Web Site: www.theaterforthenewcity.net Ashleigh Awusie Girl Chimp #1 Ashleigh Awusie found her way into performing arts at the age of four as a dancer, and soon there after an actress and singer. "My craft is my playground," Ashleigh says. Theater credits include the role of Mama in an Off- Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, Shakespeare in the Park with the Public Theater, and Jenny of the Morgue at NYU. Film credits include American Gangster and the independent film, Bad Men. Ashleigh recently finished a summer tour of It's the Economy Stupid with Theater for the New City. She is currently working as the Marketing Assistant at a theater and as a company dancer and instructor in the House of the Roses Volunteer Dance Company. Thanks family! Bill Bria Chimp #1 Bill Bria hails from Ann Arbor, MI, where he got his BA in the Visual and Performing Arts from Fairfield University in Connecticut. Bill also spent a semester studying in London at the British American Drama Academy. His most recent projects include Little Hibiscus' "Pizza Man" and "Fragments", Phare Play's sketch comedy "Mind Bleach", and the film "November 31st" from Winter Twilight Productions. He has directed and written a handful of plays in addition to acting, and would like to thank Mom, Dad, and James. Jonathan Craig Adam Jonathan Craig (Adam) is an actor and teacher from Connecticut who is thrilled to be collaborating with Oliver Thrun for a second time (they appeared together in "Happy Hour" at The Big Little Theater in July 2006). He was last seen as Theseus in Tuckaberry Productions' A Midsummer Night's Dream in Brooklyn. A graduate of Iona College's English and Theater Departments, Jonathan trained at the Actors Studio MFA Program at the New School, and studied Shakespeare with Louis Burke at the distinguished Stratford Festival Theater in CT. Some past credits include: Noises Off (as Tim, Playhouse on the Green, CT), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Demetrius, directed by Louis Burke), Twelfth Night (Sebastian and Malvolio), Visiting Mr. Green, An Inspector Calls, Charley's Aunt, and Year of the Hiker. Matt Gerathy Chimp #2 Since 2002, Matthew Gerathy has worked in Australia with Campbelltown Railway Street Theatre(2002), the Illegally Parked Vehicle Company (2002-2004), Theatre Nepean (2002-2005) and the Circle in the Square Company. He has also worked with the Australian Television Film and Radio School on several short film and feature film length productions. In 2004 he received his Bachelors of Acting in Sydney, Australia. This is Matt's first appearance in New York. Sana Haque Sana Haque is a very versatile actor who has been a part of the off off Broadway theater world. Sana received her theater training at City College of New York. She has recently completed a summer theater tour for "It's the Economy stupid or the Turning point", played the role of Marietta in "Tambourines to Glory", completed a full length indie film "Shadow if we have offended" and a commercial for Out and Back production "Need laser hair removal?". She has performed in numerous City College drama dept productions. Sana would like to thank Oliver Thrun for giving her a chance to show off her talent. She would like to thank all the 4 people for still standing behind her. Most of all, she would like to thank her cat Senn who brings her constant peace, happiness and pain. David (Zen) Mansley Elder David Mansley (Elder) has appeared in well over a hundred plays and has also carved out a niche as a voice over artist for cartoons. Favorite stage roles include: Claudius, King of Denmark in HAMLET, Preacher Haggler in DARK OF THE MOON, Maillard in THE SYSTEM OF Dr. TARR AND PROFESSOR FETHER, Ali Alligator in UNCLE WIGGLY and, most recently, "Hell Oil" in TNC's annual Street Theater. He has also played the role of Macbeth on both coasts. He is listed in Wikipedia for his voice work on the cartoon show TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and also plays multiple characters on the network series CHAOTIC and SPEED RACER - THE NEXT GENERATION. Feel free to "google" him if you want more information. Al Miro Chimp #3 Al Miro was recently seen on stage…or rather in a parking lot in Henry V, for Shakespeare in the Parkinglot. Other Credits include: Angelo in Measure for Measure, The Cherry Orchard, (Circle in the Square PW), Daddy Issues (Phare Play). Tony and Tina's Wedding (Hoarse Raven Theatre), Into the Woods, The Seagull, The Actor's Nightmare (Exit 22). TV: "Intelligence" (CBC), "Alice, I Think" (Comedy Network). Al is a graduate of the Circle in the Square Theater Conservatory, where he got plenty of opportunities to get in touch with his animal instincts! Dani Suder Girl Chimp #3 Dani Suder TNC credits: Lizzy Strata in Phallic Fables, Krystals in Collapsing Unvierse ( a musical), Buddie's Mother in The Further Adventures of Uncle Wiggily, Bloolips in A Month in the Cafe, as well as TNC's 2007 Street Theater production, Buckle My Shoe. Other theater credits: The Greedy Queen in Rumple Who at 13th Street Rep, Tansy in The Nerd, and St. Bernadette in The Saint Plays. Dani will appear in her film debut, Playing Doctor, (Jazzmyn Banks, 2009). She has recently been featured in several NYU and NYFA student film projects. Dani holds a BFA in Acting from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. My love and gratitude to husband Doug for his loving encouragement and support. Congrats to Oliver! Aimee Todoroff Girl Chimp #2/Snake Aimee Todoroff is an actress and director with her BA in Theatre Performance. She has performed professionally on stage, film and television. Most recently, Aimee played the lead, LouAnne Hightower, in the New York debut of "Messiah on the Frigidaire" by John Culbertson. Other roles of note include Maggie from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and Estrella in Jose Rivera's "Sueno." This production marks her debut with Theatre for the New City. Aimee would like to thank her friends and especially her family for their continued love, faith and support. Extra thanks go to Nora Vetter, a truly fearless leader. Oliver Thrun Oliver Thrun as a writer has had two of his short plays, “Daniel and Spencer: Friends Forever” and “Sisyphus Bound” performed at TNC’s Lower East Side Festival of the Arts. “Adam of the Apes” is his first full-length play. He is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America. Nora Vetter "Adam of the Apes" marks Nora's NYC directorial debut. Besides directing, she is also an actress who has recently been seen on stage for Phare Play Productions and The Summer Strawberry One-Act Festival (Top 4 Finalist!). She thanks the cast/crew for this chimp-erific experience and hopes you enjoy the experience of watching this talented cast bring Oliver's words to life. www.noravetter.com.

A European Approaches...

Since yesterday I have had a headache that won't go away. A vice grip to the head. I take medicine and it dulls but still lingers and then once the meds wear off it rears it's ugly head again!

I was standing in Barnes & Noble over my lunch, looking @ clearance books and rolled my neck in an effort to work out the kinks. I noticed a guy looking at me out of the corner of my eye when I did this. I turned to get a better look and saw he was a middle aged guy who wasn't looking over anymore. I dismissed the moment and continued browsing. A few minutes later that same guy headed my direction and I moved to let him thru the aisle except he kept walking at me. Umm....I guess he wants to talk to me...

As he began to speak his European accent weirdly put me somewhat at ease. He said that he saw me rolling my neck and that he knew some massages and stretches that would help eliminate any neck and shoulder pain I might have. He proceeded to show me one move (demonstrating on himself) and repeated certain steps which made me wonder if he didn't teach this sort of thing... Then he spoke of another stretch but he needed more room to show me. He asked me to follow him to a column near by and then used that to lean on and show me the stretch. He told me if I did these stretches a few times a day I will never have shoulder or neck pain again. I thanked him for his advice and demonstration and that was the end of the exchange.

By that time it was nearing the end of my lunch so I left B&N and as I journeyed back to work I heard, then saw one taxi rear end another! Just another one of those odd encounter days in NYC.

Not sure if the stretches did the trick or not but by day's end my headache had disappeared...