Gregory G. Allen's Blog, page 22

Betrayal and A Court Room Drama

I remember having to read Pinter in theater classes and if truth be told, not enjoying the read. However seeing the revival of Betrayal on Broadway gave me a different appreciation for his work. That's right: I'm not going to say the same things that every review has said. The financially successful production hasn't been as well-received from critics as it is from theater-goers willing to pay big bucks to see Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Rafe Spall. With Mike Nichols at the helm, this production handles the triangle relationship of a married couple and his best friend in a much different way - adding subtext not found in the play and basically changing the tone of what people believe to be Pinter. 

I've read that Pinter based this play on an affair he had, but that he was unaware the woman's husband knew of the affair. Told in a backwards tale, Betrayal starts in 1977 when Emma (Weisz) tells Jerry (Spall) she and her husband are divorcing and goes back to 1968 when the affair between the two first began. I found the chemistry between the two actors very believable. And I was taken in by the stuttering, disjointed performance of Spall and the sheer beauty of Weisz. Daniel Craig has the smallest of the roles, but his presence is very well felt as everything he does booms up to the mezzanine. The sets were beautiful to watch constantly change and the mood music was haunting. I can see where reviewers felt a letdown (if they have seen other productions of the show) because you never believed for a moment they were pulling a fast one in their deception. No one was truly betrayed because the actors wore it all on their faces - constantly. Plus there were moments where the audience laughed, making me feel as if I was watching a British comedy and I knew that wasn't what they were trying to convey on the stage at the Barrymore Theatre. 

It did spark conversations afterwards though with my fellow theater-goers about affairs, permission granted by spouses and why people would stay in a marriage for so long while continuing something on the outside - especially with someone so close to the couple. All questions that are best left for therapy and now I think I'll need to go back and watch the 1983 film adaptation of this play. 
Two nights later, I attended A Time to Kill - the adapted stage work by Rupert Holmes of the John Grisham novel. The day before I went, it was announced the show will close on November 17 and I must admit I am disappointed that is happening. I was thoroughly enthralled by the courtroom drama - even though I had already seen the 1996 movie based on the same novel. A moving set keeps locales changing and the use of projections are used to fill that 'dead air time' continuously keeping audiences engaged in the action. A story of a small southern town, reactions to a rape, a murder, and how racism plays so heavily in decisions people make are still ringing true in 2013 as much as they were when the novel was written in 1989. It was obvious the audience when I attended was deeply engrossed in the story, even speaking back to the stage at times.
We (the audience) were the jury - and so close to the great performances being displayed by TV favorites such as Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, and Ashley Williams along side some of Broadway's best with Sebastian Arcelus, Patrick Page, John Douglas Thompson, and Tonya Pinkins. All of the performances were wonderful, but it is Patrick Page that stood out mostly for me. Playing the prosecutor, Page creates an evil foe to Arcelus's young DA Jack Brigance without ever going overboard into stereotype. I was completely pulled in by his slimy ways complete with constant lint picking from his suit, fixing his pocket handkerchief and ability to get red-faced in an instant as well as that amazing bass voice. 
It is hard to condense this huge novel down and still keep characterization intact. When the play is concentrating on the trial, it is at it's best. I applaud director Ethan McSweeny and the creative team for taking a chance on an adaptation that would be so closely compared to the film. And for those that were able to catch the play in its short life on Broadway, we were offered a great night of drama.

Thoughts on Aging

When I was a kid, I remember my grandfather showing me a hand full of pills he would take each morning. Recently, I got into a talk with some friends and we were comparing blood pressure, cholesterol and various other medicines we take.

We were officially old.

When it comes to health and the body...aging simply sucks.

About 15 years ago, I lost a great amount of weight and did it in a short amount of time. Now, my body laughs at me for attempting to lose a pound a week.

I got up off the sofa a few night's ago and my other half asked if I farted. Nope. It was my knees cracking.

And then there is family history. My father had his first heart attack at 49 and died ten years later from heart disease. Two weeks ago I had two different friends only a few years older than me have heart attacks. I'm a neurotic mess about my heart because of it. Actually ending up in the ER occasionally thinking I was having one (and yes, that just occurred again recently). Each EKG, stress test, etc says my heart is fine.

And yet, my body knows when something is wrong. Doctors may say everything is okay (and I'm thrilled to know it's not my heart), but something is definitely going on. Turns out while I was busy blaming my dad for his genes, I think it may be my mother's side of the family playing a part. Several of them have found themselves in the hospital (thinking they were having a heart attack) and instead told they have inflammation of the chest. Not to self diagnose, but some online research brings up words like costochondritis and Tietze's Syndrome and I am happy to find others with that issue and not believe I must be crazy due to the elephant sitting on my chest when doctors say I am fine.

The lesson: aging may suck, but listen to your body. It's been with you a long time and can speak to your health often times better than those living outside of it attempting to place a label on it.

Missing My Dad At Big Fish

One of the wonderful things about theater is that it can touch different people in different ways. I notice that every time I read a review of a new show on Broadway. Sometimes I agree; sometimes not.

I was lucky enough to be able to see the musical Big Fish just a little over a week after it opened and I am glad I don't listen to reviews and snarky people on theater forums. Or better yet - I'm glad I'm able to make up my own mind about shows.

Based on the 2003 film (that was based on a novel), the musical stays very true to the film as it was penned by the same screenwriter John August. That film struck me hard. A story of a father and son was not the film for me to watch the year after my father had passed and I've stayed away from the film ever since. But the themes of that relationship, of true romantic love, and of good 'ol southern people - this former Texan knew I wanted to see what the creative team could do with it to bring it to Broadway. I followed it's journey from the road to Broadway...reading about changes being made, listening to songs, and trying to understand what people were not connecting with in the story.

A father tells tall tales. A son doesn't understand why and gets mad at his dad for always making everything about him. What better way to show those tales than on a Broadway stage? Visually, the show is exciting. From the ever changing sets to the clever projections - to the smart way director Susan Stroman paints those stories. I loved it all. (And one can tell a Stroman signature dance the moment it starts!)

Andrew Lippa has written a modern score that harkens to an old time musical at the same time. As a matter of fact, the entire creative team has created something that feels old and new simultaneously. It feels fresh, yet it is also comfortable. Perhaps that's why I was drawn to this more than other Broadway musicals I've seen recently. (This show and 
2003 Film 2013 Broadway
 Matilda both have huge elements of 'story-telling' as parts of the plot, yet this one pulled me right in.)

The entire cast works so beautifully together. I've never had the pleasure of seeing Kate Baldwin and BOY what I have been missing. A gorgeous voice, a solid performance, and half of a wonderful love story that really hit me. I've always loved Bobby Steggert and he did not disappoint in the role as the son. His is a tough role as the character can come across uncaring, but Steggert handles it so well - I never once found myself upset with him. And when he lets go with a song...I could listen to him sing all night long.

And now my love letter to Norbert Leo Butz. Is there anything this man can't do? I feel I've seen him in so many things since Wicked and no one performing on Broadway today can command a stage like this man can. (And yes, I even saw him in Dead Accounts where he carried the show.) What he does in this musical by playing younger Edward and older Edward...WOW! I am in awe of him. The man sings more than 1/2 of the score and can sell a song like no one else. He caresses words and makes you believe every single thing he says - because you know HE believes it. He brings such zest to the role that I found myself missing my dad all over again (and the man is only two years older than me). 

I would love to debate Ben Brantley on how memories can roll over us quickly. After all, Edward Bloom can't control how fast the stories he has shared over and over are coming out of his mind (and into the eyes of the audience). And if you've seen the film or once you've seen the show - this will make sense. I'd tell Elisabeth Vincentelli of the NY Post (who claims that Matilda's score outshines this one) that Lippa's score is full of varied tunes, beautiful melodies and words I could actually understand what the singers were saying.

But instead of fighting those I disagree with, I'll say thank you. Thank you, Mr. Butz for sharing your talent with audiences in this show. Thank you to the entire cast for feeling the incredible story you are sharing and paying no attention to the nay-sayers out there. Thank you to the creative team and producers that saw that this show deserves to be on stage. Yes, we all bring our own baggage to a show when we see it. But I can't imagine a father or son leaving this show and not feeling a sense of belonging to that fraternity. My father was a salesman like Edward Bloom. And while ten years have passed since I lost him, I sure did miss him tonight. 

Also, Mr. Lippa...I have not wanted to own an original cast album in a while, but man I want this one. 

And I can't wait to return to the Neil Simon Theatre and see it again.

The Art of Coming Out

It's National Coming Out Day. A day founded back in 1988 to celebrate those coming out of the closet and raise awareness of LGBT issues. October 11th was chosen as it was the anniversary of the National March on Washington For Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987.

As the community celebrates 25 years of this day, I can't help but think about how far we've come in those 25 years. Will we always need a day to recognize this or will it eventually no longer be a big deal? Do those that lived their private gay lives prior to 1988 sit and think of how difficult it was for them to live openly and honestly? 
Yet coming out never really seems to end. Even if you consider yourself out and proud. You meet a new colleague or acquaintance and they look at a ring on your finger and ask about your wife - you have to come out again. You get a new doctor and need to fill out paper work where it says single/married/civil union - you have to come out again. Sure, the fear and angst you once felt over saying the words isn't as strong, but in the back of your mind, you can't help but wonder how much you are being judged.
Ironically, I came out to my family in the summer of 1988...a few months before this day was first celebrated. I had already known for about seven years prior and had slowly told others, but was never official about it. A friend in a show that helped me to see I was not an awful person. A straight male friend in high school that cared enough for me that actually said he wished he was me so he could fight it for me. (I'll never forget those words as they were so powerful at the time.) My girlfriend - yes...told my girlfriend right before prom and she still went with me. These were all baby steps as I took off for New York and thought at first I'd simply stay in the closet my first year away at school. But those are the years when we come into our own. And being in New York definitely aided in allowing me to find the courage to begin to tell more people I was gay. But it was the summer of '88 when I went home for my grandmother's funeral (poor timing) that I ended up telling my family. Those that know my family think I have the coolest, most accepting bunch around. But trust me - that summer wasn't easy at all as they all dealt with it in their own ways. And then I did the hardest thing by leaving my parents to return to NYC, knowing they had so much pain and emotions to deal with. But time and knowledge helped and we became even closer than I ever thought we could. And a few years later, I was taking my mom to a gay pride parade.
To those that are still dealing with it, take your time. Don't allow anyone to push you. Even if times have changed, that doesn't alleviate the fear that I know you are going through. It's up to YOU to decide when you want others to know. Most importantly, you want to believe you have a support system in place: either you own family or those you have created around you.
So I do celebrate the LGBT community today. I hold my breath that New Jersey will eventually allow me to marry my partner of thirteen years. And I'm so very thankful for the family and friends that I have that have supported me the past 25 years that I have been out.

Broadway Revival Feels Fresh And New

I never realized how much I have been influenced by Tennessee Williams and his incredible play "The Glass Menagerie." I've known the play for 28 years when a certain director challenged a group of high schoolers by producing it and I got my first taste of Tom. The play also greatly influenced my characters of mom and sons in my book Well with my Soul . Sitting in the Booth Theatre, it hit me what an impact it has held on me as I witnessed an amazing production currently running on Broadway.
Everything about it is magical. And why not. Tom says "I have tricks in my pockets, I have things up my sleeves" and director John Tiffany has used many throughout these luscious performances. Any reviewer (I'm looking at you, Mark Kennedy) that gives away such tricks in their reviews should be banned from attending future theatrical performances. You don't tell what a magician does. You let an audience experience it. And we do in this production. Tom says the play is memory as he steps back into it and pulls his family out of the crevices of his dark mind...a mind illustrated by the blackness of the set. The floor of the apartment hovers over a black liquid abyss - making it completely isolated in time and space. Yet it also conveys a lonliness and a place that Tom desperately wants to escape. Kudos to Bob Crowley on this.
Yes - I will speak of Tom first as it feels as if Mr. Williams calls from the dead in this role and it is the role I am most close to having played him all those years ago. Well before I could understand the depth of his character. Zachary Quinto is mezmorizing in his Broadway debut. His Tom is energetic, aloof, a hot pot ready to boil - yet nurturing when it comes to his sister. That sister is played by the oh-so-talented Celia Kennan-Bolger. She is frail, soft spoken, magical, and her Laura is almost forgotten in this house that has such a dynamic and explosive family. Yet as much as the character may attempt to meld into the woodwork and not be noticed, the actress is still electric in her subtlety. Her scene with the gentleman caller, played by Brian J. Smith, has been used in many a scene study class for years. Yet I've never seen him played with such gusto and charm as Smith portrays him. The poor man that has no idea of the trap he walks into when invited for dinner goes with the flow of everything thrown his way and boosts confidence from his sheer presence. 
But it is Amanda Wingfield that people think of when speaking of this show. The matriarch that never quite got the life she wanted, lives for her children and through them, and speaks excessively to both enhance and mask what is happening underneath. Cherry Jones gives an Amanda unlike those I've witnessed. At first, I had a tough time getting used to her voice, but I finally let it go and was pulled in to her character. She doesn't overdo the humor that many previous Amanda's have done, but instead we sense the pain she is covering as she longs for a good life for her children. 
The 70 year old play has been extended and I highly recommend this production to anyone that has or hasn't ever seen this show. It really is a remarkable piece of theater.
And Mr. Quinto - I read that you said you'd love to continue to do more and more theater. I happen to think you'd make a fabulous Jacob in the stage version of Well With My Soul. Call me. Let's talk. I'd love to see you stay in New York and continue enthralling audiences with your nuanced performances.

The Next Journey

If life is a highway, I not only want to ride it all night long - but I want to experience as many adventures as possible! I  love trying new things...from my work on stage (directing, producing, acting) to my love of writing. I can often be found creating small trailers for plays I've worked on or books that I write. Film has always been something I could see myself working  towards; unsure what that exactly would entail - but eager to try.
I got that wish a few months ago. We never know how connections in any business are going to work, but suffice to say that six degrees of separation played itself out and I found myself adapting the novel MISSING by Drake Braxton for the screen. The filmmaker fell in love with the book, I'm friends with the publisher, I've always wanted to write a full length screenplay and well....the working draft is finally completed.
It has been an amazing ride working closely with the filmmaker - back and forth as we tore apart Braxton's novel to decide what parts will work best in a film. I used my background of writing for the stage to think visually, knowing there are parts of a book that must be left out when changing mediums and well aware that audiences often say "the book was better". But I've loved every minute of it! I felt as if I was doing it all secretly, but now that the director is taking my screenplay and will begin location scouting next month, I knew I could finally blog and share.
The story is right up my alley. One of love, suspense, mystery, personal growth, flawed characters - and did I mention it just happens to be a gay story? That's something else I love about it. This female filmmaker did not say "can you change the leads to a male and a female"? Instead, she is staying true to the author's original intent and I did my best to stay true to that as well. I think it is so important for LGBT films to be made, but the wonderful part is that this award-winning story (New England Book Festival Best Gay Fiction of 2012) can be appreciated by gay or straight. Anyone can relate to the simple question: what would you do if your spouse was gone? Simply went missing? 
First draft: Title has changedIf you haven't read the book - DO! It's gritty and raw and will keep a lump in your throat through a huge portion of the book. And then when the movie comes out in a few years, you'll be able to compare what I did to it! :-)
I can't wait to see where this journey leads. I have a strong feeling I will be involved in much more than just screenwriting and I can't wait to learn as much as possible from this wonderful filmmaker working on (dare I say) this great indie film. Who knows, I might actually be adapting one of my own down the road...I can really see COOL SIDE OF THE PILLOW as a film. 
Here we go!

Creativity Comes in Many Forms

Cast of [title of show] - Photo by Tom SchopperI feel as if I haven't blogged in forever. Instead of commenting on life, I've been very busy living it and juggling multiple projects. One of which was returning to theater as a director for the first time in three years with a very interesting show. A show I felt such a unique connection to as it's about two guys writing an original musical (something I've done once or twice in my past). Only these guys did something truly incredible as they saw their show go from festival to off-Broadway and eventually - Broadway. (If you ever get the chance to see a production of [title of show], allow yourself the pleasure!) Our production opens this Friday night!

Working on the show, I realize how much I love to be surrounded by other creative people - those doing what they enjoy...the creative process. Writing can feel like solitary confinement - but doing theater takes me back to those creative roots. It shows me my mind is in the right direction for things on the horizon. I see new things in store for me that I guess Oprah or the people behind THE SECRET would say putting that positive thinking out there helps one achieve it. Something inside of me believes that I will. (I just won't share what I think that will be...not just yet.)
Working in theater, we learn so much about ourselves. How we react to others. How we collaborate. Returning to that familiar territory causes me to use a different part of my brain - and obviously I was missing it.
The theme of this show is all about believing in a dream and going for it. This show actually came along at a perfect time in my life and for that, I'm truly grateful to 4th Wall Theatre.  

Observations on Back to School

The past two weeks have seen the start of school for so many students and teachers. I loved seeing all of the 'first day of school' photos that filled my Facebook feed. It got me thinking about school and learning and the lessons that I've learned or life observations. Thought I'd share a few in no particular order.
My parents would tell me about things that would happen to me when I grew up, but what kid wants to listen? Now as I'm older - I see them happening. (And no, I'm not talking about my face freezing that way.)I used to love spicy food. Mexican was my favorite. Now my body rejects it. Can we say Nexium?Speaking of food...when did raw tomatoes decide they were no longer a friend to my mouth and tongue?I don't believe I've ever used geometry or chemistry in my adult life. So glad I had to go through those classes in high school.Drink your milk! Enjoy it when your younger and your parents tell you to 'drink up'. Now in my 40s, I've switched to soy.Women can use 'the change' for hot flashes and sweating...what am I supposed to use when I'm the only one in the room dying from the heat?I was never a kid that wore glasses. Now I have to grab them to read anything small in front of my face. I can't even see a text message on my iPhone. My eyes are going and my spouse's hearing is fading. Guess I'll be his ears and he'll be my eyes in old age.I was always a skinny kid. Then once I hit adulthood - BOOM! I blew up like Violet in Willy Wonka. I know the diet, gym, etc to get it under control - but one thing I notice: it seems to be all my single friends on Facebook talking about going to the gym. Do I need to end my relationship to want to work out?Feel free to add to the list! Leave me your own observations in the comments below and happy - back to school!

How Many is Too Many?

Hello my name is Gregory and I'm a 'project-a-holic'.

I have neglected this blog because there are so many projects currently on my plate, I simply can't get around to everything. And yet...I THRIVE on staying busy and juggling so many. Sometimes, we simply have to stop and re-order our lives. Hit reboot. Prioritize and in doing so, accomplish more by seeing what rises to the top of the heap. That's what is going on with me. While I have several books I want to get around to writing, I just need more time to be able to address those.

The freelance writing has had to slow way down and in some respects, I've had to stop some of those gigs all together. Again - not enough hours in the day.

I've maintained my priority of 'paying-it-forward' which manifests itself via emails and discussions with new authors, people questioning what has worked (and hasn't) for me, assisting indie artist in marketing of their projects from crowd-sourcing films to new books. I really do love to help out others (when there is time).

I've been busy writing another children's book (and I can't wait to share the information on that).

I'm directing the musical [title of show] - back directing for the first time in three years! It is an amazing cast, an incredible show, and one that I feel a true fondness towards. (It opens one month from tonight!)

And there is another huge project on my list that I'm still entirely too nervous to discuss for fear of jinxing it, but as soon as I can...you can bet I'll be blogging about that!

So I'll sit back down at this meeting of 'project-a-holic anonymous' and get back to work.

Therapist Uses Cooking to Communicate with Children

I am so proud to be a part of the ASD Publishing family where such a diverse line-up of books are published.  This week, they have their latest book - therapist/author Allison Carver who has a unique approach to therapy and cooking. With her new book, she is looking to reinvent the 'family meal time' by bringing families back together - something I was used to growing up with in the 70s, but is very difficult for those raising children in 2013. 
In her debut book, "Cooking Therapy: The Recipe for ImprovingCommunications with Your Children through Cooking" (ISBN: 978-0-9853441-8-4, ASD Publishing), Carver gives practical advice for parents looking to involve their children in the kitchen while cooking.
Carver is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master's of Education and Educational Specialist Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Virginia. But it is the unique business, A Taste of Therapy, LLC, she owns and develops that I wanted to discuss with her: a one of a kind company that combines the power of therapy with the process of cooking. As a Culinary Therapist, she believes that through the process of cooking, one can relax, unwind and connect with others.
I asked her a few questions for my blog and in the middle of her busy launch; she was able to get back to me!
Gregory: Thanks for joining me, Allison! So, when did you start A Taste of Therapy?
Allison: Back in 2010.Gregory: What made you decide to launch your own company around cooking and food?Allison: I've always felt that cooking was relaxing and when working with clients in therapy I always wondered if it would help to relax them to. Also I found that in the therapy world there was very little use of creativity in actual therapy practice. I wanted to change that. When working with clients (especially kids and adolescents) I found they enjoyed doing something while talking. And I started thinking...hmm...what about cooking? I felt that keeping them busy helped them to engage in the therapy process more. I always felt that the process of cooking was relaxing and felt that if incorporated properly into the therapy process it would work for many different types of clients! And it did! Gregory: Where did the idea of mixing therapy and cooking originate?Allison: Honestly, It just came to me one day. I knew that I wanted to make therapy more approachable, creative, and engaging for people who may feel a little hesitant about therapy. I also wanted to provide folks with a tangible way to relax and deal with life's stressors in the comfort of their own home. Therapy can seem intimidating, and this allows for therapy to come into your home in a fun and calming way. Plus, you have to eat, so why not use that process as a way to help you relax! Gregory: What is your favorite kind of food to cook and/or eat?Allison: This is ALWAYS the hardest question for me! I love to cook and eat everything. I find all kinds of food exciting and fun to try. I know that doesn't help. But I do love to cook southern comfort classics, because it reminds me of my past and childhood. But my favorite kind of food to eat that I don't make for myself is Indian food.Gregory: Lastly, does your husband help out in the kitchen and if so...what's his favorite 'job' that you talk about in your book?Allison: Yes! He and I always cook together. He's a huge help and we switch up jobs in the kitchen and it actually works well. It's how we get caught up with each other from the day. He always says he's my sous chef and he enjoys that job.
Here is the info from the back cover: Many people hear the word therapy and run the opposite direction. Carver hopes it will have you running to your kitchen. With "Cooking Therapy," she has created a way for families to communicate, connect, and come together all in one location. Through recipes, anecdotes, and therapeutic tips, Carver has mapped out a way to reinvent the family mealtime by bringing everyone together before and during a meal. It is that time at the dinner table and the act of cooking together that Carver believes is the secret to improving communication in the family.

Follow Carver on her website, Facebook, or Twitter to learn more about this unique form of therapy.