ATAC Globes vs SA Current vs the Fabulous Actors Guild and Supporters (aka the FAGS)

Please take my humor in stride and disregard anything that might seem offensive. I promise the title will be my only attempt at contempt. ;-)

Finding motivation to write has always been a bit of struggle for me, particularly when it comes to this blog. If you peruse my past entries, you'll find major gaps in time between posts. This has less to do with laziness than with motivation.

After not visiting New York for more than a year, I found my entries to be devoid of any actual content that I thought wasn't already being said out in the blogosphere by more adept bloggers. So then I started posting more entries about the local theater scene here in South-Central Texas. When worked kicked in, it single-handedly affected not only my participation in productions, but my attendance as an audience member for dozens of shows. As a result, my blogging took a side step to work and sleep.

But nothing like an awards show and a newspaper article to bring blogging blood back into the gestating veins of an anxious theater queen...

My first exposure to the Alamo Theatre Arts Council's Globe Awards was in the Fall of 2007. Urinetown the Musical was the first show I was cast in in San Antonio (is that proper grammar?). The production was in May/June of 2007 at the bar-excellence Sheldon Vexler Theater directed by the phenomenal Ken Frazier (I'll see you at his and Tammy's Halloween party!). Globe award 'nominations' <---*note the air quotes* were announced in the Summer and Urinetown was among the honorees. I was ecstatic! Up to this point in my acting 'career,' (note the air quotes again) Urinetown was the best production I had ever had the privilege to be a part of (I still feel this way today) and for it to be recognized by the elusive Globe Awards was reason enough for me to go batty with glee. We were then asked to perform at the ceremony and my elation went through the roof! The Globe Awards must know what they're talking about - Urinetown was a kick ass show. Of course I was a bit biased, but clearly if it was nominated by the ATAC Globe Awards, I wasn't the only person who thought so. Right?

The competitive spirit within me ignited. "So, we were nominated for Best Musical? How about acting noms? I'm sure Ken got a nom for directing, right?" My questions were met with uneasy complacency. To my perplexed revelation, our show wasn't nominated for anything. As a matter of fact, no shows were nominated per se for any awards. The Globes had a different way of recognizing excellence in the local theater scene. Awards are based off of a point system that ATAC judges use to rate different categories for each production. An average score of 8 (out of 10) constitutes a Globe honor. There are no limits on the number of possible honorees. And the shows I thought to be nominated were in fact shows that are already winners. For what categories? Category winners are announced at the ceremony.

"Huh?"

An usual setup to say the least. But it's a system. The Obies do it. So be it.

And then the problems start. If you've ever been involved in the San Antonio theater community, you've heard the complaints. You've seen the snubbed shows. You're aware of the flaws. It doesn't take a Pulitzer-winning journalist to discover the cloud of animosity and irreverence that such large numbers in the community adhere to the aura of the Globes.

Thomas Jenkins of the San Antonio Current recently brought up those boiling issues in an article dated this past Wednesday, October 14. Jenkins' writing is pulsating with a tone of passion; he is clearly a lover of theater and of the city of San Antonio. He writes with confidence and backs his opinions on shows with well thought out and intelligent reviews. Whether or not you agree with his taste is irrelevant (as is the case with any good critic). His article, titled "Another gold star! How to make the Globes more like the Tonys, less like school attendance awards" is a piece that is getting all sorts of theater queens (this is a term of endearment) hot. Just read the comments section.

Among the comments you'll find personal attacks, a call to arms, demands for reform, supporters of change, defenders of the process, and satirists/wannabe-comedians supplying ongoing commentary... it's like the 2008 Presidential debate on health care and their associated political campaigns filtered through an episode of Fox's Glee, or at least through the hearts of a bunch of Sondheim-ites. I have to admit the humor I find in it, but I can't deny the overwhelming response it is receiving from the community. Every comment seems to be coming from a place of passion (no matter how ill-advised some of them are), which is more than can be said for any actual Globe award ceremony in the past decade.

What's my opinion? It's less a matter of opinion and more one of taste. I prefer award shows that offer a single winner among a small group of nominees that were voted on by peers or critics or press or fans or those few bloggers out there. The ATAC Globes are what they are and have been for years. Their website clearly states their guidelines, rules, eligibility requirements... heck, it even gives the names of the ever changing roster of judges who vote. I don't know when it was decided that the Globes were gonna be San Antonio's answer to Austin's B. Iden Payne awards or New York's Tonys, but who ever said that this was the case in the first place? We have to realize that it's the community itself that put the awards in such high regard in the first place. Now that a significant portion of the community feels disenchanted with the Globes, it's a matter of focusing energies on a second awards show that meets the demands of those detractors (if a 'better' awards show is indeed what the community wants).

Is a second awards show the answer to the Globes? Maybe. Maybe not. But I do love what Stephanie Elbel (multiple ATAC Globe winner and B. Iden Payne award recipient and friend) has to say in the comments about perhaps focusing on other issues that affect the San Antonio theater community (getting people to actually attend live theatre, making San Antonio an equity theatre community, paying [contributing] artists [...] more than a mere stipend...).

Now that's not an answer to the issue of the Globes as a barometer of excellence for San Antonio theater, but I don't think that's an issue that's on the forefront of Stephanie's mind.

Is it on yours? And if so, what do you think?

Sarah Palin Photo Caption Contest!!

First an excercise in critical interpretation:

Let's get the brain warmed up this morning with a little bit of creative analysis. Given Palin's political views, ethical and moral standing, and her employment history (Matthew Freeman over at On Theatre and Politics posted her resignation speech and this unfortunate quote on quitting her job -

"A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket... and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I'm doing that - keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities - smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it's time to pass the ball - for victory."

Reminds me of when I posted the Katie Couric interviews during the election and the subsequent SNL sketch with Tina Fey.)... taking all that into account, I offer up this pic above (click to enlarge) taken by Brian Adams from a spread in Runner's World magazine. Take a gander. Ponder on it. It represents an awesome splash of patriotic and political symbolism ripe for parody. What are your views.

And since theatre people are my favorite people, I ask for your own creative caption to underscore the potential laughs. And therein lies my motivation behind this post. Yes, it may be selfish, but I really want some entertainment.

My favorite caption will win something of non-monetary value (something akin to blogger love). And if you can tie it in to something theatre related, extra bonus kudos. So write friends! Together we can make for a better country.

I've also included these next to pics which I find hilariously self-deprecating.


They too remind me of her election campaign, specifically her use of props (of the main 3 in the campaign [ugly baby, boobs, and gun] only her gun isn't represented here).


This second pic is my new favorite of my life. Thanks to Jim Emerson.

If you have more thoughts and funny captions, please leave in the comments section. Let the games begin! Off to the races! (Rupert Holmes shoutout).

Persepolis film review

Affirmation of Eastern Civilization

If you, like me, are one of the many who were intrigued by the Iranian protests that started in June, than you will find the film Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical film based on her graphic novels about growing up during the Iranian protests of the 1970s, to be a formidable piece of world education and an enthralling dramatic entertainment.

The format of the film is a bit unusual for such heavy-handed material: the most unusual characteristic is not that the film is in black and white, nor the fact that it's based on a French graphic novel – but that the film is animated. The liberty animation provides for film is well suited for this story and its directors' vision.

When Marjane's parents (voiced by Catherine Deneuve and Simon Abkarian) tell her of the history of the shah, the Vaudevillian presentation allows for an accurate, if somewhat simplistic, retelling of the past. Even the silhouetted bodies of protesters and soldiers provides an eerie aura about the proceedings. The simple facial expressions of Marjane's world offer clear and concise embodiments. Further evidence of the strength of animation in this film is made when Satrapi and her co-director Vincent Paronnaud travel into the realms of surrealism: the cascading jasmine falling from Marjane's grandmother's bosom is wonderfully beautiful and young Marjane's conversations with God have an emotional impact.

This is a smart film about an intelligent girl growing up under dire circumstances. Marjane is infinitely more interesting than most Western girls growing up in films. Marjane idolizes her mesmerizing Uncle Anouche (François Jerosme), who has been in prison and hiding, but offers up a greater vision of the world; she listens to Iron Maiden as a form of rebellion to the government; she moves to Europe where she discovers all the landmarks of adolescence and adulthood (education, artistry, puberty, love, sex, drugs, and yes – even more rock and roll). Marjane travels back home only to find a country that is as foreign to her as anything in Europe. Her journey to find her place in the world is an engaging one and is marked by more violence and tragedy.

And once again, animation is key. The scenes of torture and depression are not bogged down by melodramatic touches that would have been inescapable in a live-action film. And the whole film benefits from a touch of humor and surrealism that gives a bit of a lightness to the complex and dramatic material at hand which elevates the film.

The middle section of the film, while still highly effective, is a bit of a drag compared to the bookending Iranian segments of the film. Marjane's adventures in Vienna are familiar territory in anyone's growing adulthood. However, Satrapi and Paronnaud illustrate it with wit and energy, still finding value and purpose for Marjane's journey.

The story is a large one and at a slim 98 minutes, the film accomplishes to bring it to a decipherable level. It's powerful, smart, and tender. The film has immense heart and is very entertaining. Enjoy.

***1/2 (out of ****)

Note: make sure and watch the original French version with English subtitles. The voice casting in uniformly great. The English dubbed version is not a bad second choice though, with featured voices by Sean Penn and Gena Rowlands.

Go Green, Support a Revolution

So I was supposed to give you a Chess in Concert review and a [title of show] review, but I've been mesmerized lately with all the Iran protests. As a result, first review up by tomorrow morning will be of the film Persepolis.

With all the crazy-ass stuff going on in Iran, now would be a good time to re-watch Perseoplis, Marjane Satrapi's animated memories of growing up under the Shah and the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Or if you have yet to see this excellent movie, do yourself a favor and get a hold of a copy. Or the graphic novel on which it is based. Satrapi has reportedly denounced the election results as a fraud.







And since you can't stand side by side with the protesters, get yourself a green Twitter avatar to show your support here.

Roger Ebert's Thoughts On the Election, or: and yet another reason to love the movie answer man (and America)

If ever there is a great modern media writer, that man is Roger Ebert. He understands technology and knows how to use it to for purposeful enlightenment. He is perhaps the greatest blog writer today. He knows his audience. He knows his nation. He knows himself.

Last night was historical. And Roger Ebert once again is able to so eloquently put in words what so many of us feel.

Read his latest blog post.

More Pics of Election Day in New Braunfels, TX, or: how I spent my lunch hour

Election Day in New Braunfels, TX, or: enthusiastic supporters for change

Don't Vote!, or: Avenue Q's Bad Idea Bears on the Election

Audra McDonald on Playbill.com, or: thank God I have two...

As you may or may not know, I'm a huge Audra McDonald fan. I would give my left testicle to see her in anything she does. Yeah, I said it.

Here's a brief interview from Playbill.com about her upcoming concert benefit Broadway Voices for Change for America Votes at the Al Hirshfeld Theatre.

I knew I loved her for good reason.

Voter Registration, or: Rod, the next Elle Woods

For those of you who didn't register to vote by yesterday's date, shame on you. The 6th of October was the voter registration cut-off date. Early voting begins later this month. Just do it.

On a side note, the touring production of Avenue Q is making its way to San Antonio this week in the gorgeous Majestic Theatre. I have my tickets for Saturday night. Yay for puppet porn!

Tina Fey as Palin again, or: why SNL is only funny when Feylin is involved.

I can't get enough of Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, or Feylin as some have coined her performance. I love when she uses the word 'maverick,' and I adore the way she winks and waves at the audience.

One of the subjects nailed by the sketch was the confusion over gay marriage from both candidates. Watch. Listen. Love.

Vice-Presidential Debate as Theatre, or: reason number 5,983,746,510 why I love the movie answer man

I love Roger Ebert for many reasons. His most recent blog entry is one of them. He talks of the vice-presidential debate last night and analyzes it based as theater and not as a political event.

He opens with this:

I have some observations about what we observed Thursday night. They are not political. They involve such matters as body language, facial expression and vocal tone. These are legitimate subjects for a film critic. As Patrick Goldstein wrote recently in the Los Angeles Times: "In some ways film critics are probably better equipped to assess the political theater of today's presidential campaigns, since our campaigns are -- as has surely been obvious for some time -- far more about theater and image creation than politics." I would like to discuss the vice presidential debate as theater.

He goes on to mention how Palin was, based on a theatrical point of view again, "understandably nervous," citing her rapid rate of speech and quite eloquently stating,

Listening to her voice, you could also sense when she felt she'd survived the deep waters of improvisation and was climbing onto the shore of talking points. When she was on familiar ground, she perked up, winked at the audience two of three times, and settled with relief into the folksiness that reminds me strangely of the characters in Fargo.

Palin is best in that persona. You want to smile with her and wink back[...]Palin was persuasive. But I felt a brightness that was not always convincing.

Ebert claims that "she wins high marks for emerging from the debate still standing and still smiling."

He continues with observations on unanticipated moments and improvisation:

One thing a critic of a live performance is sensitive to is any unanticipated moment. There was a famous moment at the National Theater in London when an actor pulled out an automatic pencil to make some notes. It contained no lead. He should have pretended it did. Instead, he said, "There is no lead in my pencil." Then, fatally, he paused to listen to what he had said, and the audience roared with laughter when they were certainly not intended to.

A very different sort of unanticipated moment took place during the debate. Biden said, "I know what it's like to be a single parent raising two children." He did not know if his sons would survive the auto accident that took his wife and daughter. For a moment, he lost his composure. Looking at the moment again I believe, as I did at the time, that it was genuine emotion, and not stagecraft.

Watch the clip and decide for yourself:



Ebert mentions:

It could not have been anticipated by Palin. The next camera angle was above and behind her. She paused. The silence seemed to anticipate words of sympathy and identification from her. But Biden had ended in a sentence using the word "change," and her response, reflecting no emotion at all, cued off that word and became a talking point about McCain. This felt to me, at worst, insensitive and callous. At best, that she had not fully heard Biden. In either event, her response troubled me. If a man had responded in that way to such a statement from a women, he would be called a heartless brute.

Interesting observations. And, like always, very eloquent in his writing. Read his whole post here.

Sketch Comedy Masters, or: the lost comedy stylings of Palin & McCain

Over at the Chicago Sun-Times scanners blog, Jim Emerson illustrates just how easy Palin makes it for Tina Fey to show her genius. Palin and McCain are indeed masters of comedy in their own right. They were making comedy gold way before SNL, MadTV, and Fox News. Thanks Jim.



Mr. Sondheim,

Can you please make this into a musical? Thank you.

Things I've Learned to Love About Obama

"Despite the emergence of the Brown-Lippa-LaChiusa triptych and younger, DIY voices like Lopez/Marx and Joe Iconis and in the post-Larson era, no one writing today even approaches the emotional depth, harmonic complexity and the spiritual clarity evident in the work of the still-living legend Stephen Sondheim. Maybe Adam Guettel, but he supports drilling."

Barack Obama on the late-period musical theatre.

Thanks to Alicia for this tidbit.