Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
You'll Feel Stupid If You Miss This. Seriously.
People all over town are talking about this show. And for good reason. Don't be left out of the conversation. Get your tix NOW before it closes...
Extended through March 28!
THAT PRETTY PRETTY; OR, THE RAPE PLAY
a world premiere by SHEILA CALLAGHAN
directed by KIP FAGAN
"A raunchy, savvy . . . black comedy. The twisted, caffeinated world of the show imagines the collective unconscious of a culture where girls never stop going wild."
—Jason Zinoman, The New York Times
"Manic, angry, deftly constructed. . . . whipsaws between laughs and squirms."
—David Cote, Time Out New York (Critics' Pick)
"Funny, scary, messy, and forthrightly feminist."
—Alexis Soloski, The Village Voice
"A submersion in the anarchy of ambivalence: variously a rant, a riff, a rumble—about our notions of naturalism, objectification, perversity, and beauty. . . . There's sass and sarcasm in Callaghan's high-energy punk writing."
—John Lahr, The New Yorker
Performances Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Special added performance Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m.
* No performance Thursday, March 19
Save 50% ($20 tickets) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays with code EXT20
Save 40% ($25 tickets) on all other dates with code EXT25
(Full Price Tickets $40)
Click here to purchase your tickets to That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play
Or call SmartTix at 212-868-4444
A pair of radical feminist ex-strippers scour the country on a murderous rampage against right-wing pro-lifers, blogging about their exploits in gruesome detail. Meanwhile, a scruffy screenwriter named Owen tries to bang out his magnum opus in a hotel room as his best friend Rodney ("The Rod") holds forth on rape and other manly enterprises. When Owen decides to incorporate the strippers into his screenplay, the boundaries of reality begin to blur, and only a visit from Jane Fonda can help keep worlds from blowing apart. Sheila Callaghan's That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play, directed by Kip Fagan, is a violently funny and disturbing excavation of the dirty corners of our imaginations.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
224 Waverly Place
(1/2/3/A/C/E/F/V to 14th St)
Extended through March 28!
THAT PRETTY PRETTY; OR, THE RAPE PLAY
a world premiere by SHEILA CALLAGHAN
directed by KIP FAGAN
"A raunchy, savvy . . . black comedy. The twisted, caffeinated world of the show imagines the collective unconscious of a culture where girls never stop going wild."
—Jason Zinoman, The New York Times
"Manic, angry, deftly constructed. . . . whipsaws between laughs and squirms."
—David Cote, Time Out New York (Critics' Pick)
"Funny, scary, messy, and forthrightly feminist."
—Alexis Soloski, The Village Voice
"A submersion in the anarchy of ambivalence: variously a rant, a riff, a rumble—about our notions of naturalism, objectification, perversity, and beauty. . . . There's sass and sarcasm in Callaghan's high-energy punk writing."
—John Lahr, The New Yorker
Performances Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Special added performance Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m.
* No performance Thursday, March 19
Save 50% ($20 tickets) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays with code EXT20
Save 40% ($25 tickets) on all other dates with code EXT25
(Full Price Tickets $40)
Click here to purchase your tickets to That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play
Or call SmartTix at 212-868-4444
A pair of radical feminist ex-strippers scour the country on a murderous rampage against right-wing pro-lifers, blogging about their exploits in gruesome detail. Meanwhile, a scruffy screenwriter named Owen tries to bang out his magnum opus in a hotel room as his best friend Rodney ("The Rod") holds forth on rape and other manly enterprises. When Owen decides to incorporate the strippers into his screenplay, the boundaries of reality begin to blur, and only a visit from Jane Fonda can help keep worlds from blowing apart. Sheila Callaghan's That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play, directed by Kip Fagan, is a violently funny and disturbing excavation of the dirty corners of our imaginations.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
224 Waverly Place
(1/2/3/A/C/E/F/V to 14th St)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
FINAL L.A. Dispatch - 3/20
Ending the trip on a fairly mellow note. Spent the morning repacking, organizing and sending follow-up note to CD Rick Pagano. Headed up to Griffith Observatory with Laura. Amazing view. Would have been ten times better without smog. Followed the observatory with cappucinos and pastries on Sunset.
Later, headed out solo for my date with the infamous In'n'Out burger. Did the Double Double animal style. It more than lived up to the hype. Have now landed on a stool at an anonymous rock'n'roll bar on Hollywood Blvd, trying to digest both the burger and the last 9 days.
Still haven't gleaned what the primary takeaway from this trip will be, though I think it will ultimately have to do with reconnecting to my own work and making Los Angeles a real place in my mind, as opposed to a grotesque abstraction.
Have spent the day wondering if I shot myself in the foot during the interviews by only half-lying and saying that I was officially moving to L.A. on May 1st, as opposed to simply saying "I'm here." History has taught me that the fully-committed balls-out lie is always the best way to go.
I'm sure next week once I'm 3000 miles away, I'll get a call.
My thoughts and feelings about this place and what it has to offer are a jumble. I've been pleasantly surprised in a number of ways. And I've also witnessed many of the cliches that have always made this place dismissable for me for so many years.
It's been a fantastic trip. I'll take a lot of amazing memories with me.And I know I'll be back. How soon or for how long remains to be seen. But I do know that the person that leaves Los Angeles at 9:55am tomorrow morning is not the same person that arrived 9 days ago.
...And that's a very good thing.
Later, headed out solo for my date with the infamous In'n'Out burger. Did the Double Double animal style. It more than lived up to the hype. Have now landed on a stool at an anonymous rock'n'roll bar on Hollywood Blvd, trying to digest both the burger and the last 9 days.
Still haven't gleaned what the primary takeaway from this trip will be, though I think it will ultimately have to do with reconnecting to my own work and making Los Angeles a real place in my mind, as opposed to a grotesque abstraction.
Have spent the day wondering if I shot myself in the foot during the interviews by only half-lying and saying that I was officially moving to L.A. on May 1st, as opposed to simply saying "I'm here." History has taught me that the fully-committed balls-out lie is always the best way to go.
I'm sure next week once I'm 3000 miles away, I'll get a call.
My thoughts and feelings about this place and what it has to offer are a jumble. I've been pleasantly surprised in a number of ways. And I've also witnessed many of the cliches that have always made this place dismissable for me for so many years.
It's been a fantastic trip. I'll take a lot of amazing memories with me.And I know I'll be back. How soon or for how long remains to be seen. But I do know that the person that leaves Los Angeles at 9:55am tomorrow morning is not the same person that arrived 9 days ago.
...And that's a very good thing.
Friday, March 20, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/19
Nice day. Leisurely morning featuring another lovingly prepared and delicious working class breakfast by Willis. Stopped by Farmer's Market to pick up house key from Laura who's been gracious enough to host me for the next two nights. Then over to Culver City to catch up with Dup, Hil and little D.
Davey might possibly be the cutest male child in human existence. He likes to say "Hi.". And his elephant impersonation is pretty spot-on. Have a chance to grill Dup about NY>L.A. moving logistics. Just trying to flesh out the picture the best I can from all sides.
End the evening with drinks at the Cat & Fiddle with Laura, M.J. and a couple people from my One on One group.
Beginning to feel a melange of emotions as the final day of the trip looms. .
Davey might possibly be the cutest male child in human existence. He likes to say "Hi.". And his elephant impersonation is pretty spot-on. Have a chance to grill Dup about NY>L.A. moving logistics. Just trying to flesh out the picture the best I can from all sides.
End the evening with drinks at the Cat & Fiddle with Laura, M.J. and a couple people from my One on One group.
Beginning to feel a melange of emotions as the final day of the trip looms. .
Thursday, March 19, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/18
From time to time in life, a person experiences what they could classify as a perfect day. I'm going to add today to the list.
Lazy morning starts with homemade breakfast by Willis. A Depression-era skillet dish involving potatoes, onions, polish sausage and spaghetti sauce. Sounds suspect, tastes delish.
After, headed west for my long-awaited PCH drive. Santa Monica to just north of Malibu. The weather was perfect, the mix I'd made for the occasion was perfect, the traffic was perfect, it was just... the whole damn thing was perfect. Spent a little time on the beach in Malibu then headed down to Venice. Amazing people-watching. Enjoyed sauv blanc and jalapeno poppers and watched the sun set. Finished the day by sneaking into the Roosevelt Hotel's pool bar with Willis. Not overly posh, but VERY L.A. Basically a silicone convention. Terribly worried I'm going to end up getting knocked unconscious by some stumble-y drunk strumpet's Frankenrack.
This place pulled out all the stops today. Have to remind myself that on this portion of the trip, I'm essentially on vacation. Of COURSE it's going to be charming when you're on vacation. LIVING is another matter. Though, I'm feeling less and less sure about most of the assertions I've made over the years.
Trying to remain open and refrain from evaluating until I let the place steep some more.
Lazy morning starts with homemade breakfast by Willis. A Depression-era skillet dish involving potatoes, onions, polish sausage and spaghetti sauce. Sounds suspect, tastes delish.
After, headed west for my long-awaited PCH drive. Santa Monica to just north of Malibu. The weather was perfect, the mix I'd made for the occasion was perfect, the traffic was perfect, it was just... the whole damn thing was perfect. Spent a little time on the beach in Malibu then headed down to Venice. Amazing people-watching. Enjoyed sauv blanc and jalapeno poppers and watched the sun set. Finished the day by sneaking into the Roosevelt Hotel's pool bar with Willis. Not overly posh, but VERY L.A. Basically a silicone convention. Terribly worried I'm going to end up getting knocked unconscious by some stumble-y drunk strumpet's Frankenrack.
This place pulled out all the stops today. Have to remind myself that on this portion of the trip, I'm essentially on vacation. Of COURSE it's going to be charming when you're on vacation. LIVING is another matter. Though, I'm feeling less and less sure about most of the assertions I've made over the years.
Trying to remain open and refrain from evaluating until I let the place steep some more.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/17
Leisurely morning spent nailing down itinerary for rest of the week.
Went to pick up Raf for lunch. Raf staying at Eion's house in the Hollywood hills. Was hoping to catch up on this trip,but Eion in Rhode Island shooting "House Rules" pilot. (Would have dropped the name Thursday night if I'd known. "House Rules" is Rick Pagano project. Several sides from the pilot were used in our session.).
Navigating the hills is a skill in and of itself. Treacherous and clusterfucky. Finally found the house after some fairly gulp-worthy U-turns. Knew Eion was doing well for himself, but had NO idea HOW WELL until today. Well played, sir. Well played.
Lunch with Raf provides much-needed perspective on the NY/L.A. Conundrum and further affirms ideas I am beginning to have about the inevitability of this place.
Staying with Willis and Lia for next two days. They're subletting a majorly cute little place at the foot of the hills. Walking distance to Hwood Blvd, etc. Join them for Mexican, followed by Alissa's show, then off to the Frolic Room for drinks. One of the last true dives in L.A. And apparently Bukowski's favorite watering hole.
PCH to Malibu tomorrow after some email follow-up with CD's.
Not sure what L.A. wants from me. Not sure what I'm willing to give her. But serious flirting has definitely begun.
Went to pick up Raf for lunch. Raf staying at Eion's house in the Hollywood hills. Was hoping to catch up on this trip,but Eion in Rhode Island shooting "House Rules" pilot. (Would have dropped the name Thursday night if I'd known. "House Rules" is Rick Pagano project. Several sides from the pilot were used in our session.).
Navigating the hills is a skill in and of itself. Treacherous and clusterfucky. Finally found the house after some fairly gulp-worthy U-turns. Knew Eion was doing well for himself, but had NO idea HOW WELL until today. Well played, sir. Well played.
Lunch with Raf provides much-needed perspective on the NY/L.A. Conundrum and further affirms ideas I am beginning to have about the inevitability of this place.
Staying with Willis and Lia for next two days. They're subletting a majorly cute little place at the foot of the hills. Walking distance to Hwood Blvd, etc. Join them for Mexican, followed by Alissa's show, then off to the Frolic Room for drinks. One of the last true dives in L.A. And apparently Bukowski's favorite watering hole.
PCH to Malibu tomorrow after some email follow-up with CD's.
Not sure what L.A. wants from me. Not sure what I'm willing to give her. But serious flirting has definitely begun.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/16
Sunday, 3/15 recap:
Final session. Tannis Vellaly from Debra Zane Casting. Really solid work and great feedback. Showed for 2 mgrs and 1 commercial agent. Reception followed.Then a group caravan to fellow sessionmate's apt.for beers and much-needed steam-blowing. Alison is a videogame enthusiast and host of "Attack of the Show" on G4. She insisted on busting my Guitar Hero cherry. Okay, youth of America. I get what all the fuss is about.
Spent today with M.J. and Tera. Had a chance to tackle my one L.A. must-do, AMOEBA RECORDS. Was able to make it out of there only $35 lighter. Dinner in Culver City. M.J. had an amazing butternut squash gnocchi which I much preferred to my well-intentioned but slightly dry tomato chutney pork chops. And my glass of Albarino was a total snooze.
Had some time this morning to try and digest the weekend and see where I was at with everything internally. Still more questions than answers, but feel closer to something now than I have in a long time. If nothing else, I had a BLAST working on the scenes. Which is an important achievement for someone who hasn't had fun doing this in a long time.
Am putting what-ifs aside and handing the whole matter over to God.
Lunch with Raf tomorrow afternoon, followed by Alissa's show in the evening. Looking forward to both.
Final session. Tannis Vellaly from Debra Zane Casting. Really solid work and great feedback. Showed for 2 mgrs and 1 commercial agent. Reception followed.Then a group caravan to fellow sessionmate's apt.for beers and much-needed steam-blowing. Alison is a videogame enthusiast and host of "Attack of the Show" on G4. She insisted on busting my Guitar Hero cherry. Okay, youth of America. I get what all the fuss is about.
Spent today with M.J. and Tera. Had a chance to tackle my one L.A. must-do, AMOEBA RECORDS. Was able to make it out of there only $35 lighter. Dinner in Culver City. M.J. had an amazing butternut squash gnocchi which I much preferred to my well-intentioned but slightly dry tomato chutney pork chops. And my glass of Albarino was a total snooze.
Had some time this morning to try and digest the weekend and see where I was at with everything internally. Still more questions than answers, but feel closer to something now than I have in a long time. If nothing else, I had a BLAST working on the scenes. Which is an important achievement for someone who hasn't had fun doing this in a long time.
Am putting what-ifs aside and handing the whole matter over to God.
Lunch with Raf tomorrow afternoon, followed by Alissa's show in the evening. Looking forward to both.
Monday, March 16, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/15
3:35 am PST. Turning in.
End of the sessions today and much blowing off of steam after.
Will give full update tomorrow.
End of the sessions today and much blowing off of steam after.
Will give full update tomorrow.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/14
Back to back sessions today. Great work with the casting directors, Elizabeth Barnes (CBS) and Matt Kane (Scrubs, various films).Great info and feedback from each. All worries about being rusty officially erased today. Reminded myself that I've been doing this for almost 25 years. The instincts are always there if you're willing to listen to them
Showed for 7 agents. Each of whom appeared to have recently lost a loved one. Tough room for both showings. Fucking funereal. Must be part of the Talent Agent Code of Conduct. Have learned not to read too much into it.
Response from the group has been overwhelming. Really over the top. Lotta love. Praise from peers always means the most. Big ups to Lia for keeping me socially loose. Without her in the group, my tendency to clam would have surely thwarted my ability to connect.
Not as ready for tomorrow as I'd like to be, but will have time to cram in the morning.
Showed for 7 agents. Each of whom appeared to have recently lost a loved one. Tough room for both showings. Fucking funereal. Must be part of the Talent Agent Code of Conduct. Have learned not to read too much into it.
Response from the group has been overwhelming. Really over the top. Lotta love. Praise from peers always means the most. Big ups to Lia for keeping me socially loose. Without her in the group, my tendency to clam would have surely thwarted my ability to connect.
Not as ready for tomorrow as I'd like to be, but will have time to cram in the morning.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/13
Today was a win.
Phase 2 of the L.A. Charm Offensive dealt a serious blow to casting director Scott David. Nailed my scene. Didn't even give me adjustments. Called the work "superb" and said he would have cast me if that was the audition,
Showed for 3 agents. Great feedback across the board, easy rapport. Will be surprised if I don't get a call from Adam Lazarus at Bauman, Redanty & Shaul.Seemed particularly receptive. BR&S is bi-coastal, so that would be a double-boon.
Haven't felt this empowered in a long time. Loose. Crisp. Unapologetic. Unequivocal. Desperately needed to be reminded why I got into this business in the first place and what I have to offer.
Still keeping what-ifs at bay. Can't explore positive OR negative outcomes until the work is over. Will definitely hound me next week.
Up early tomorrow. Back to back sessions starting at 10:30. No rest for the superb.
Have to give big ups to The Missus for her unwavering encouragement. I've never felt luckier to have her.
Phase 2 of the L.A. Charm Offensive dealt a serious blow to casting director Scott David. Nailed my scene. Didn't even give me adjustments. Called the work "superb" and said he would have cast me if that was the audition,
Showed for 3 agents. Great feedback across the board, easy rapport. Will be surprised if I don't get a call from Adam Lazarus at Bauman, Redanty & Shaul.Seemed particularly receptive. BR&S is bi-coastal, so that would be a double-boon.
Haven't felt this empowered in a long time. Loose. Crisp. Unapologetic. Unequivocal. Desperately needed to be reminded why I got into this business in the first place and what I have to offer.
Still keeping what-ifs at bay. Can't explore positive OR negative outcomes until the work is over. Will definitely hound me next week.
Up early tomorrow. Back to back sessions starting at 10:30. No rest for the superb.
Have to give big ups to The Missus for her unwavering encouragement. I've never felt luckier to have her.
Friday, March 13, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/12
Didn't sleep well last night. Woke up 6am, still lagged.
Breakfast with M.J. at IHOP on Wilshire followed by a stroll to the tar pits. Took advantage of the chance to have REAL hash browns for a change.
Checked in to hotel at 1pm to get showered, settled, work sides, etc. Picked up organic Sauv Blanc, goat cheese and baguette from Whole Foods.
Class with CD Rick Pagano tonight. Fantastic teacher. Currently casting new Alec Baldwin movie and 2 pilots. Turns out my sides were from a project that has yet to be cast. Liked the work, gave thoughtful, concrete adjustments.
Showcased and interviewed with one agent and one mgr.Mgr is NY transplant and noted my work with The Flea. Agent particularly liked my ethnically ambiguous look. Said TV specifically is getting more and more diverse and it's nothing but a boon. We'll see if that parlays into an official meeting.
Beautiful day. Sunny, clear, low 70's, light breeze. Something in the air. An actual aroma. Pleasant.Sweetish.Subtle. And they have this thing out here called "customer service". Totally bizarre. Waitresses, cashiers, even the guy working Jack In The Box drive-thru, all smiles and howyadointodays.
I don't know that I could LIVE under those kinds of conditions. But it's a nice change of pace for sure.
The nag in my belly about what happens if things go WELL out here grew more acute after tonight's Q&A. Have to shelve it for now.
Have tomorrow free until 6. May find time to play a bit, but will have to hold off on kissing Joni's sunset pig until after Sunday.
Breakfast with M.J. at IHOP on Wilshire followed by a stroll to the tar pits. Took advantage of the chance to have REAL hash browns for a change.
Checked in to hotel at 1pm to get showered, settled, work sides, etc. Picked up organic Sauv Blanc, goat cheese and baguette from Whole Foods.
Class with CD Rick Pagano tonight. Fantastic teacher. Currently casting new Alec Baldwin movie and 2 pilots. Turns out my sides were from a project that has yet to be cast. Liked the work, gave thoughtful, concrete adjustments.
Showcased and interviewed with one agent and one mgr.Mgr is NY transplant and noted my work with The Flea. Agent particularly liked my ethnically ambiguous look. Said TV specifically is getting more and more diverse and it's nothing but a boon. We'll see if that parlays into an official meeting.
Beautiful day. Sunny, clear, low 70's, light breeze. Something in the air. An actual aroma. Pleasant.Sweetish.Subtle. And they have this thing out here called "customer service". Totally bizarre. Waitresses, cashiers, even the guy working Jack In The Box drive-thru, all smiles and howyadointodays.
I don't know that I could LIVE under those kinds of conditions. But it's a nice change of pace for sure.
The nag in my belly about what happens if things go WELL out here grew more acute after tonight's Q&A. Have to shelve it for now.
Have tomorrow free until 6. May find time to play a bit, but will have to hold off on kissing Joni's sunset pig until after Sunday.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/11
Easy flight. Virgin is a happy way to fly. Quick continuation of a convo with K via text re: brand identity and how we'd totally buy stock in Virgin if we were people who bought stock in things.
Picked up car without hassle. 2009 Corolla. Ink on the seat, but still smells new.
Staying with M.J. tonight. Been seven years. Didn't miss a beat. Looks fantastic. Beard grayer than mine. Both wearing a version of the same outfit. Two old metrosexual peas in a pod.
Dinner outside at The Grove. Carpaccio and caprese. Dry Riesling for me, mineral water for him. Had a pastry for breakfast and nothing after, so the bread was gone before the drinks came.
Some trepidation about tomorrow. First session with Rick Pagano, CD for Leverage, Criminal Minds. Then showing for 3 agents. Trying not to get ahead of myself. Jet lag helping with that effort. Up since 6am. Now 2:30am EST.
Lights out.
-IMBA
Picked up car without hassle. 2009 Corolla. Ink on the seat, but still smells new.
Staying with M.J. tonight. Been seven years. Didn't miss a beat. Looks fantastic. Beard grayer than mine. Both wearing a version of the same outfit. Two old metrosexual peas in a pod.
Dinner outside at The Grove. Carpaccio and caprese. Dry Riesling for me, mineral water for him. Had a pastry for breakfast and nothing after, so the bread was gone before the drinks came.
Some trepidation about tomorrow. First session with Rick Pagano, CD for Leverage, Criminal Minds. Then showing for 3 agents. Trying not to get ahead of myself. Jet lag helping with that effort. Up since 6am. Now 2:30am EST.
Lights out.
-IMBA
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Update
Okay, so I'll start by addressing what I am sure is on all of your minds... Where is IMBA's review of the new U2 record?
The short answer is, it's coming. I was hoping to have that in the bag before I left, but I'm giving it a bit more time to settle in. I want to be fair and I want to be thorough, so you can look for it in a couple weeks. It is revealing itself more and more with each listen and I think it will continue to do so after giving it a spin on the PCH.
Now on to that. I'm currently in an LAX shuttle en route to pick up my rental.
I will be posting daily to keep you abreast of my antics out here. And I'll be doing so from my Blackberry, so don't expect any graphic bells and whistles or videos. Just sun-dappled tidbits in short lo-fi mini-posts.
Stay tuned...
-IMBA
The short answer is, it's coming. I was hoping to have that in the bag before I left, but I'm giving it a bit more time to settle in. I want to be fair and I want to be thorough, so you can look for it in a couple weeks. It is revealing itself more and more with each listen and I think it will continue to do so after giving it a spin on the PCH.
Now on to that. I'm currently in an LAX shuttle en route to pick up my rental.
I will be posting daily to keep you abreast of my antics out here. And I'll be doing so from my Blackberry, so don't expect any graphic bells and whistles or videos. Just sun-dappled tidbits in short lo-fi mini-posts.
Stay tuned...
-IMBA
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
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