All of us (at least all the cast I got to discuss this with) feel relaxed and relieved. Now that we are officially open, the show is ours, we feel relaxed and really having fun. I am doing a survey for this blog of the cast and crew about what they think is the root of the expression “Break a leg.” How did it come about as a way to wish someone good luck on opening night? Why not just say “Good Luck?” It will be a video survey so stay tuned.
I must say the comments I receive are so beautiful, supportive and interesting. I am not able to answer every one but I read every one and answer when I can and when I have something specific to say.
Here’s photos of me, Redford and Hanks. I, of course, dreamed about Bob again last night. Must have been all the hugging. Yum.
Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
I’m taking Eve Ensler to dinner tonight before she leaves for Paris to do more writing. She had really good news on the film we’re going to do together later in the year. I am so excited. I am never with Eve when I don’t learn something new, feel stronger about something important involving women and inspired to live deeper. She is so amazing.
Here is a link to video from Opening Night
Now I’m off to do my first workout in almost three weeks. Oooooh I’ll be sore tomorrow.
I arrived at the theatre to see these incredible quotes hanging from the marquee, Since I haven’t read any reviews, these surprised and delighted me.
See you next time
Amanda
Jane,
Well it seems that a few people beat me to the punch with the origin info for “break a leg” so I won’t bother repeating it. Although, I do wonder why I’ve never heard another phrase said besides “break a leg” or “good luck.” I feel like something new needs to be invented for theatre performances. But, I gather that superstition plays a huge part in whatever it is people say to performers before a show. I tend to say, “knock ’em dead,” although I can’t remember where I initially heard that from either.
I’m interested in reading what the cast and crew will say about it. I really enjoy the video blogs. You should totally make more of them. Like, every week have a new one that includes the cast and crew…if you have the time.
It must warm your heart to see those sensational remarks hanging outside the theatre. They are all so very true–you are the awesomesauce, Jane!
And it warms my heart to know that you take the time to read all the comments made. I look forward to your blog and Twitter posts every day, and it’s exciting to know that you take the time to read what we say, too.
So, are you allowed to reveal any info this film project that you and Eve are working on? I’m all kinds of curious about it now:)
Anyway, I can’t wait to see the show again!
All my best,
Amanda
Joanna
Ms. Fonda, I truly enjoyed 33 Variations. I saw it on Thursday night (Mar. 12). It was involving, fascinating, and deeply moving. Your performance was riveting and believable in every way. I was completely engaged with the story from beginning to end.
One old theater superstition says that ghosts of actors past haunt the hall, and are intent on producing the opposite effects of whatever comments or requests they hear from the living actors. I think these were the ghosts of actors who got bad reviews.
So..in order to thwart the malevolent spirits, the cast and crew of current shows will say something like -“Break a leg”-so that the spirits will provide the OPPOSITE and you’ll really have Good Luck! Of course, “mazel tov” is not included unless you are in a Yiddish theater.
Of course you know not to whistle in the theater and about the Ghost Light, right?
On another note..it would be great if cast/crew members could be at the doors with donation buckets(at the conclusion of the show) for ALS research as has been done with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Since ALS is at the core of this play, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to do this. If you or the producers haven’t discussed this, maybe???? If this has already gone around the table and discarded, then that’s the way it is. I watched a friend die from this nightmare when she was 45. It was, I’ll admit, more than a bit difficult to watch you onstage, (that “Kyrie” from the Missa Solemnis caught me by surprise and brought instant tears to my eyes) but your performance was far from a “downer”. You are a terrific ensemble actor, as was everyone else on that stage.
I love a play that stays with you for a long time after you’ve seen it, one that tickles the brain, so to speak. That is what you and the cast did for me on Thursday night, and I thank you.
Baylan
Wow! I thought it came from the vaudeville days when there were a lot of dancers (“hoofers”) performing on-stage. To deflect the jitters just before going onstage (and because superstition meant that you didn’t wish someone “good luck”, which would ensure bad luck), you were told to “break a leg”. Having already gotten past the thought of the worst thing that could happen to a dancer, you could then go onstage and perform well…from the comments above, it has a MUCH older history!
Wonderful to hear about your play — hope I can see it when in town next month!
Marcia Erickson
Hi Jane,
Welcome to the Internet…you go!
I have followed you for years and love having this opportunity to say thank you for all the inspiration you have given me over the years. You’re a strong and courageous woman!
Don’t break a leg…take a bow! 😉
marcia erickson
doug cantlon
I’ve never understood nor agreed with the many Viet Vets and others who still like to use you as some convenient punching bag in order to advance their right wing agenda…I served in Viet Nam in 1969 with the 9th Infantry Division and just wanted to let you know that not all Vets regard you in an unflattering light…I not only admire your great acting accomplishments over the years, but your willingness to stick to your ideals and principles…
I wish you continued good luck and good health…
Doug Cantlon
Tampa, FL
Evelyn McCormack
Jane: I was thrilled to read all the reviews of 33 Variations and it’s on my short list of shows to see. I’ve seen four in the past month or so, and I’m on a roll! It’s so great for me to see a woman of my generation blogging and twittering. I also have a blog about Web 2.0 and speak about social media like Twitter, FaceBook, etc. I’m proud of you — and me! You are a fierce, strong woman and I admire all you’ve accomplished. Here’s to sisterhood.
Susan Drummond
Jane, you and Redford both look outstanding! So wonderful that your play is getting off to a great start! I’m sure the producers are as thrilled as you and your castmates are.
maureen0154
The quotes are well-deserved. Saw the play in previews and it was wonderful. You were brilliant! I am hoping for a movie version with you and the rest of the cast.
Penelope Douglas
Jane,
4 items for you:
1) Really enjoy your blog. I will have to admit, I did not go searching the Internet for Jane Fonda’s blog — no offense, but there’s just so much Out There and so little time, and I’m not an Internet expert or a real proficient net “surfer.” Found your blog by accident, while scanning NY Times headlines. And I find that I LIKE your blog, and type in & pull it up almost every day at work.
2) I LOVE the photographs you posted of the quotes from your play’s reviews: I printed out a copy of those pictures, cut them out, & put them up in front of the desk in my studio where I write. I love New York and Broadway and the whole Thing — your photos seemed to capture what I like about NYC.
3) The photographs you posted of you & Robert Redford, then you and Tom Hanks inspired me to mention — two of my favorite movies which I’ve been playing relatively often lately are “All The President’s Men” and “Charlie Wilson’s War” — so Mr.’s Redford and Hanks have been on TV at my house on a pretty regular basis — just an interesting and enjoyable coincidence to see these two guys hanging out with you!
4) This is a random bit of information which I found interesting and pass along to you because of your interests / activism, etc. — after learning that radio commentator Paul Harvey had passed, I was looking up extra info about him: he is so popular here in the midwest, & in the 80s I worked as a disc jockey on a local country radio station where I sat with reel-to-reel tape of Paul Harvey’s show, playing on-air, & I’d have to be listening intently to catch the commercial-break places & quickly stop the tape & play the ads! –(seems “pre-historic,” technologically, now…!)
With all that precise listening, I got to be a fan of his genius as a communicator — some of his conservative stands I agreed with, some I didn’t — now, Come to find out — the bio’s of him on the Internet tell us that he initially supported Vietnam War but CHANGED HIS STAND in 1970 when Pres. Nixon expanded the war– both accounts I read today stated that Paul Harvey changed his stand & said it in his radio show — “Mr. President, I love you but you’re wrong.”
This netted him a bunch of aggravated letters from his more conservative listeners who expected him to keep his opinion the same, + a letter from the White House…! (I was in 5th grade in 1970, so was unaware of this.) Found it interesting.
Keep up the excellent blog. My indoor cats, Chess and Genie, say “Hello” to Tulea.
Angela Easterling
I love that quote that says “Jane Fonda is elegant, heartbreaking and FIERCE” Yes, Ms. Fonda, you are the definition of fierce!! Keep on breaking a leg and know all of us out here in cyberspace-land are rooting for you. I’m coming to NYC to see the play next week, can’t wait!
Best, Angela
Maxine Levy
Jane,
You are truly an inspiration to me. Your body of work in films has always been wonderful and of course my family’s favorite “ON GOLDEN POND’, is truly a treasure.
I wish that you could bring the show to Chicago.
I happened to be at a fund raiser Sunday March 15th for the Museum of Broadcast Communications and they honored Betty White. The reason I am bringing this up is that someone had asked her who would she love to meet and her answer was Robert Redford.
Thank you for all that you do.
Fr John B. Giuliani
Thanks, Jane , for your generosity in welcoming the 8 (!) of us back stage to say hello. Great delight in seeing you again (We met at the MS benfit with the showing of “Agnes of God”moons ago.)You look terrific and bring a rich presence to the play which I intend to see again. Be well, take your naps and bask in New York’s love for you’
tracy
Barefoot in the Park is my favorite movie so, seeing that photo of you and Mr. Redford made me SMILE! Do you think the Bratter’s are still together?
Thanks!
Karen
I regularly dream about Mr Redford too. He is usually rescuing me from some fate worse than death or listening to me like a therapist doing that great jaw movement that he is almost famous for! I think that most women with a pulse over 40 do, and even some of them under 40! You two are so great together in movies, you really have to make another one!