From a "Sideways" Fan

Andrew Beall, musician and composer —

   I've gotten so much praise for a little novel I wrote that became a movie that so many people seem to love and admire and, to this day, still remember it as though it came out yesterday.  But this morning I woke to a lengthy E-mail from someone I don't even know.  He seems like a nice, very talented guy, so I thought I would publish his E-mail (I didn't bother to copy-edit) in toto because it epitomizes the kind of love I've gotten over the years for this book-cum-movie.  Thanks Andrew.  Much appreciated.

   Dear Rex, 

   As my rock quartet pulled into Elkins, WV, last night around 11pm, I was determined to find an open Wine/Liquor store so I could bookend my journey of Sideways just as I started it a two weeks ago … with a glass of red.  Not necessarily the Portuguese Serras I had enjoyed with Pg. 1, Oct. 20th, in my NYC apartment - but some form of grape, even if it was labeled "wine product", from a 711 (Lord, please no).  Without any luck, my fellow bandmate and I went searching for a local tavern, where I would ask to buy a bottle straight from the bar.  The local bar, "Journeyz" reeked of smoke, a smell I forgot existed in public establishments, and we went in for a quick scotch (the bartender just chuckled and shook her head when I asked about the wine) and then back to the hotel.  But I couldn't wait - I finished Sideways last night, sans red, con smile.  

   Thank you for writing such a delightful read.  As many, I was turned onto your novel from the movie.  The summer of 2005 I happened to be attending a musical festival in Santa Barbara, living in the mountains of Carpenteria all summer, and playing classical music.  One evening, my fiance (x) and I enjoyed the movie for a 2nd time after a 4-stop wine tasting.  30 samplings in, no spit, (had to get my $90 worth, being a starving artist and student) I got even more delight out of Sideways the 2nd time, which had already been elected my favorite comedy of all time.

   And Sideways continued its journey throughout the next 6 years with me.  I'd show it to every new friend, every new girlfriend, even ran into Paul Giamatti outside Lincoln Center before a concert, and confessed that I watch Sideways at least once a month.  

   I'm a percussionist and composer in NYC, and currently writing a Broadway musical, Song of Solomon.  My lyricist (a Stanford grad, now Philosophy professor at GA State) and I created a tradition when watching the movie - which we've now shared with our Solomon actor (an opera tenor who intoxicated me with his passions on the grape while selling me bottles at a famous wine seller in northern Manhattan) which involves 3 steps:  1)  Drink when they drink.  2) Say the lines when you know them.  3)  Dance when the music commences.  We now carry on that tradition with our 4th Sideways buddy, who is a violist/violinist, assistant conductor of Song of Solomon.  And sure, some evenings one could spot 4 grown straight men dancing about, clumsily clutching stems, trying not to spill on my rug, as we journey into the contagiously fun world you've created.

   So before our last NYC "reading" of SOS in September, I bought all 4 of us a gift, that we would start reading simultaneously after our showcase:  your novel.  I began the page-turner while preparing for my first Spiderman show (Oct 27) on B'way, and just now finished it, on tour with my rock quartet, Cordis.  When Song of Solomon becomes the mega-hit it will be, I will have the means to bring Sideways (the play) to Broadway - or musicalize it, who knows!  :)

   Thank you for never giving up on your writing (I've now learned reading your blogs and watching interviews) - it's a sincere inspiration for Neil and I, as we continue the mammoth journey of writing, rewriting, promoting, and finding investors and producers, for Solomon (which you will receive a front row invitation to its premiere).  One thing's for sure -  the beginning of all writing sessions - when Neil comes to visit for a joint writing marathon - is to let a bottle or two breath … and watch Sideways.  

Have a great weekend!

Andrew Beal

p.s.  Yup, I have already have 4 copies of Vertical for my 4 buddies, which I'll have to patiently wait to start with them, after they receive it as their Christmas present.