Feb ?? What day is it? They are all starting to bleed into each other. Work till midnight, fall into bed. Pray for sleep (those good old ear plugs!!). Actually, this morning I did Pilates with Kimberly. It felt great after too many slothful days. Well, not slothful, actually, but with no physical challenge.
We got to the second act today. It’s a complicated show technically so it’s slow going but when I’m not needed I go out into the audience to watch. I’m blown away by the set and the lighting. During earlier rehearsals, the ‘old-timers’ who’ve done it before told me I would feel cocooned in light and they were right.
Erik Steele, as Anton Schindler, Beethoven’s secretary is amazing. As I said in an earlier blog, he’s Cirque de Soleil by way of Dickens.
We should be ready to have a rough tech run through on Friday and then on Saturday we’re hoping to have a very small group of invited guests to watch the final run through before public previews begin on Monday. Moises assures me that people who come to previews know we are still working out the kinks and that they’ll be forgiving. I hope he’s right.
I was thinking today on my way to the theater how grateful I am just to be working, never mind doing something really exciting. So many aren’t. I ache when I read about the layoffs. I’ve lost a lot but it’s nothing compared to friends of mine who have lost everything they had because every penny they saved over their entire lifetimes was invested in one of Maddoff’s schemes. I read a few days ago that Maddoff was complaining that he felt like a prisoner in his own penthouse! I want to shake him till his teeth fall out. No matter what happens once this play opens, I won’t be complaining. I feel blessed.
I also feel tired. Enough.
See you next time.
Ralph Taylor
Thank you.
JL
I’m nearly finished reading Nixonland, by Rick Perlstein. You figured in his narrative towards the end of the book. Have you read it? If so, what did you think?
Just an aside: My 87 year old mother still has a big screen crush on your father. In fact, when I told her of his role in Once Upon The Time In The West, she didn’t want to believe it (What was his line?: “Well, now that you called me Frank”. Bang bang… so long, kid). He was always the good guy in the movies she saw as a kid, and that’s how she’ll always remember him.
Abel
The nerve of that Maddoff. Not that I’m rich or anything, but I just opened a pension plan and I freak out everytime I hear about that guy in the news.
max fedyk
Hello Jane
Just wanted to say how excited I am to be seeing 33 variations in April, I’m a huge fan and am coming over from the UK to see it. Good luck with the run, I’m sure its going to be fantastic!
Best Wishes
Max
max fedyk
Hi Jane
Just messaging to say how excited I am about the new play, looking forward to seeing it. I’m coming over from the UK in April. It looks like its going to be fantastic, good luck with the run. Any chance you will be making any appearances in the UK any time thereafter?
Best Wishes
Max
Lilly
Another avid international reader of your blog entries here. Previous comments made by people in their twenties encouraged me to write. I live near Bonn, Deutschland and would like to know more about the play and why Beethoven. Have any of the people involved ever been here? Also, is David Binder related to producer Steve Binder?
Nina
Dear Jane,
Joyful! That’s how I feel upon learning that you’ve gone live! I won’t take up your time with triviality. Just suffice to say, I’ll be lurking and maybe you will visit me sometime and leave me a note. May I say (being my bold self, but you know about that) that I feel a kindred spirit with you in your passion for life, doing everything to the extreme, and knowing that you will not go to your grave wondering “what if”.
All my best,
Nina
Helena, Alabama
a/k/a frustrated writer and wanna-be actor
Leslie
Just wanted to drop by and say what a wonderful idea this blog was. I’ve loved admired your work since I was a child, and as a theatre student, I truly appreciate you sharing your insights and journey! Your attitude toward life makes me want to get mine together! Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Rocky
Even though I don’t agree with a lot of your views I must admit that you are very talented and I respect your courage to stand up for what you believe in. I know you took the road less traveled more times than not. Good luck with your show and I hope to be able to catch it.
Irene
Ms. Fonda, I love your blog. You’ve really got a knack for it. Your posts are personal and interesting. I’m not an actor but I work with a theater group sometimes and I love the backstage, insider, behind-the-scenes stuff.
Also, your notes on fitness are encouraging. I’ve waited until my mid-30s to finally take charge of my health and my body, and while I wish I’d started sooner, I’m glad I’m doing it now. Thank you.
Theresa
Hi Jane ,Yet another international fan here (from Ireland). Found your blog yesterday and have enjoyed your posts. I really admire your work both your acting work and your activism. I can’t tell you how much your book influenced me and like someone else mentioned I had thought of writing a letter to let you know but I was afraid I would come across as a blubbering idiot! As soon as I heard you were doing 33 variations I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see you so I’m going to NYC in 2 weeks to celebrate my 20th birthday and seeing you on stage will be something I will treasure forever. Counting down the days and break a leg Monday night!
Ashleigh
Hi Jane,
Just wanted to check out your blog. Looks great.
JRH
Ms. Fonda, as a long time fan I too am glad you are working, and as a peer (more or less in age)I lived through all those crazy days in Ca, although I am one of THOSE servicemen who regarded you very poorly. I served in the USMC and particularly in Los Angeles in the mid-sixties, and then later lived in Sacramento until 1990 through all the Jerry Brown era.
That said, you are one of few politically outspoken actors that I can separate your acting from your public persona. I have seen every movie, enjoyed your performances and probably had a young man’s crush on you in the 1960’s. I just don’t take my political advice from you, but I will defend to the death, even today, your right to express your views. It is, after all, still America and we are a nation of free individuals.
Katherine
Hello Jane,
Thanks for commenting on the Madoff mess because we are one of many who have been hit the hardest as jobless rates climb. My husband being a custom home builder has literally watched his business come to a screeching halt. It is through my business that we are keeping our heads above water and he currently helps me and it keeps him busy. And we too are fortunate for what we do have and are not complaining as we watch others in our industry lose everything. It truly is a sad time and we pray things will recover soon. Enjoy your time on Broadway!
Take Care
Katherine
Dino
Jane, I greatly admire you for courageously involving yourself in the accident that was the Vietnam War. I consider myself a big fan of your work though I, come to think of it, have only seen three of your films: Cat Ballou (one of my all time favorites), They Shoot Horses, Don’t They, and Klute (my favorite performance of yours and one of the best ever put onto film). I look forward to seeing more of your work including the FTA documentary which looks endlessly fascinating. I wish I could see you in “33 Variations” but living and working in California disables me from doing so. Keep up the great work!
Peter
Dear Jane,
At 11 years old I watched “The Dollmaker” and I can honestly say it is the one performance of yours that has touched me the most and changed me at such a young age. I have never forgotten it and never will. I taped it then (I still have that original video!) and watched it over and over and it haunts me to this very day. The notion that I will get to see you in a theater leaves me speechless and I was filled with absolute joy the day I read the announcement of the play. I wish you great peace and blessings in this production and know that loyal fans whose lives you have changed for the better will be there to cheer your welcome return!
Best thoughts to you!
Peter
Gatlin Massey
Blog looks great! I really enjoy it.
misdk
I’m so sorry for your friends 🙁 Every day as I drive to work I listen to NPR and hear about the layoffs. I feel so so blessed, so so grateful.