It’s Taking Off

We all feel it. Something magical has happened. The show is soaring. Really connecting with people on a deep level. I feel so proud to be a part of this. I don’t know if this will ever happen again in my professional life–being part of something that connects deeply with people like this play does. I now understand what my father experienced, what he loved so much about the theatre–this immediacy–immediate communication with a live audience.

Tonight-perhaps because last night was such a high–we were slightly off kilter-especially at the start, forgot lines, made mistakes, but because we now know our characters so well, we know how to recoup, ad lib, find our way back. I had such a good time on stage tonight. But, today, it was wierd. Colin, Samantha and I all commented on it tonight before the show– first day with no rehearsal– nothing structured before the night’s performance!! We all felt discombobulated. I slept till noon, floated around and then took a nap at 4pm–not knowing what else to do. I got to the theatre at 5pm–3 hours early–just because that’s where it felt safe. I know this will change and I will get used to the new free time, but it will take awhile. I just scheduled regular workouts at Pilates on Fifth, partly cause I need it, (haven’t worked out in 2 weeks!!!)but partly cause I need something regular to do 3-4 times a week.


Adrian Bailey from The Little Mermaid. Was at the show tonight. He’s a chorus member that was walking to his place for the top of the show back in early 2008. Around this time of year, he walked through a trap door from above the deck and fell quite a distance. He nows uses a cane to walk. He is much loved by Broadway folk.

See you next time.

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23 Comments

  1. I love reading your entries, Ms. Fonda. The theatre is such a magical place. Thank you for sharing, and enjoy the rest of your ride!

    Best,
    Gina

  2. Dear Ms. Fonda,

    We, the theater-going public, should be grateful to you for bringing your genious to Broadway. You are one of America’s treasures…one of our finest actresses. Thank you for continuing the great tradition of theater in your family!

  3. you are so right…..thursday night, the night we saw the play, was just one of the most magical nights in the theatre. i listened attentively to the comments people made at intermission and at the end of the perfomance…..and yes, yes indeed, the play and the cast connected very deeply with all of us. as i said in an earlier email we came to see a great actress and left seeing a great actress at work. but also a great actress who complimented and was extremely generous to her fellow actors.
    the stage is now yours miss fonda and we look forward to seeing you again and again in many new productions..

  4. March 7, 2009 at 10:17 am
    you are so right…..thursday night, the night we saw the play, was just one of the most magical nights in the theatre. i listened attentively to the comments people made at intermission and at the end of the perfomance…..and yes, yes indeed, the play and the cast connected very deeply with all of us. as i said in an earlier email we came to see a great actress and left seeing a great actress at work. but also a great actress who complimented and was extremely generous to her fellow actors.
    the stage is now yours miss fonda and we look forward to seeing you again and again in many new productions..

  5. Dear Jane Fonda!
    What a JOY to see that you are using the Internet, i am THE biggest fan from Copenhagen (capital of Denmark) and i WISH i could see the play that you are in, oh i wish. ( I am an actress myself)
    You are such a REAL person, full of life and spunk and what a thrill that you are back in films and theatre. I wish you love and happiness!
    Karma! 🙂

  6. Break a leg for Monday! I’ll be there championing you on as I’m a regular usher. It has been a pleasure to watch your performance deepen and grow over these preview weeks. For me, you become Dr. Grant and I forget ‘Jane Fonda’ the movie star, which is challenging when you’ve had a career as successful as yours. Because we have a union contract, we see the show every other performance, and I’ve loved watching the changes in everything from costumes, lines, and performances. Everyone is doing such great work! It is thoughtful of you to acknowledge the ushers as you do. They are a diverse group; a few ushering as a career for 30 years. They probably have met more stars than Entertainment Tonight. For some, your wave brightens their day. The ushering staff is proud of and vested in the show even if it seems like we get lost in our own noisy conversations out front…while you’re trying to rehearse 🙁
    I was intrigued by your mention of ‘ego’ in one of your blogs. I’m a Tolle fan (and David Hawkins) and I love the moments in the play that point to his teachings. Look forward to your blog and your nightly work.

  7. That sounds completely wonderful, I’m so glad things have come together in such an amazing way for yourself and the rest of the cast!

    And I remember hearing about Adrian (and also the guy who was in the pirate queen and had such an awful fall? Anyone know how he is doing?) Godspeed to them both.

  8. Jane,

    I definitely felt the magic on Wednesday night. I’ve never seen a play quite like this before, and although I’d love to go into detail about it, I’m sure it’s nothing you haven’t heard or experienced considering how many shows you’ve done thus far. But it’s fantastic to read that you are aware of the impact this play is having on people. Truly profound.

    Once the 33 Variations is out of previews will you possibly start to discuss the process you went through with your character, Katherine and how you prepared for her dealing with ALS? Because really, you do you have the mannerisms down quite well. And I imagine that the deterioration of Katherine over the course of the play is no easy feat, especially when you have several performances per week.

    I can tell how excited you are in this post, and I’m happy to read about your reaction. You’ve all worked very hard at putting together such a brilliant piece, and you deserve all the magic that comes with it!

    All my best,
    Amanda

  9. Jane, you’re an inspiration, still working out after all these years! (Random comment, I guess, but it’s true!)

  10. The show sounds wonderful. I wish I could make it to NY, but stuck in Kansas. I look forward to you making more movies in the future :-). All the best. Take care. Laura

  11. jane you so wonderful, i’m glad you are having a good time with the show.
    I wish i could go up to New York and watch it.
    take care, and continue the amazing job.

    <3

    much love
    from your fans all around the world.

  12. It is great that you are in a play. Wish I was able to go see you. After all these years I find out that you middle name is Seymour. Wow! HEY JANE-YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!

  13. Jane, I have been a fan and admirer of your work, both on and off-screen, and want to wish you the very best in this show. From what I read on the boards, it sounds like the show is going to do well, and I only wish I could witness your performance in person. Good luck!

  14. Dear Jane,

    I am so very happy for you and the cast. As a performer there is nothing like the feelings you experience from a live audience. Just being able to deeply touch lives is magical.
    Taking off, this is just the beginning ! I predict it’s echos will be heard around the world for some time to come, not to mention future nominations.
    By the way, you look amazing (always glowing) considering all the hours you put in.
    Enjoy the workouts, and whatever you do with your new found free time.

    Heart To Heart,

    Roseann

  15. Thank you Thank you THANK YOU for posting that beautiful picture of you and Adrian!!!!! Oh, did I mention…THANK YOU!!!!

  16. Ms. Fonda, you touched me deeply with you performance, and again with you kindness. You are truly one of the greats. As a talent, and as a caring human being.
    Like the slogan for coke said, “It’s (you’re) the real thing!”
    Sincerely,
    adrian

  17. Every time I read your blog I can only imagine how wonderful the play is. I want so badly to come out and see it. But, your blog helps those of us who can’t get there easily feel as though they are there!

  18. Hi Jane, I saw the show Feb 22, been following your blog and know about the changes and the positive vibes “33 Variations” is getting, just wishing you the best of luck opening night this Momday, I think you in this role & the show is something very special, thanks, Sam.

  19. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when you and Robert Redford see eachother again next Wednesday! I loved The Electric Horseman!!

  20. Jane –
    I saw your show last Thursday night, 3/05, and felt so connected to you and the role you played. It stopped being a “performance” after the first 15 minutes. I forgot I was watching “theater” and felt your pain and frustration. I lost a sister to cancer after a 4 year battle – it was her 17 year old daughter, now 25, that I spoke with first after the show. She embodies the spirit of her mother. Brave, always the consumate educator who truly did care, aware of the passing of precious time, I saw my own sister in you – a caring, passionate, indefatigable believer in the power of rights of the individual.
    Thank you for moving me enough to write these words tonight. When the important museums updown become too familiar to you, take a trip to the museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology to experience a history of clothing (27th Street and Seventh Avenue) … I would not doubt that some of your former costumes may be among the archives!
    Congratulations on continuing to make our world a better place through your courage and talents.
    Most sincerely,
    Esther

  21. I’m a 47 year old who has, at this late date, become the singer of an acoustic rock band. I have come to understand that immediacy…there is nothing more exciting! I have followed your career and admired your many movie performances. It makes me happy to know that you are so excited about this production. I’ve always admired your spirit…it’s good to know that it endures!
    Congratulations and all my best to you and your loved ones!

  22. Say Jane, your father was one of my favorite actors. Someone told me that you were “saved” into Christianity and know Jesus Christ as your Savior, is this true? If so then I will meet you in heaven even if I don’t get to meet you here. Keep on “keeping on” God Bless

  23. Welcome to the Internet and many congratulations on your return to Broadway. I was in NYC from the 6th to the 9th of March, for my brother’s 70th birthday, and I wish I had been able to stay longer to see your play. It sounds fascinating. I won’t be back in my home town until the fall, when I hope to see the show, but only if you’re still in it. Break a leg every night, and keep knockin’em dead.

    Leslie Jane Stein

    PS I have had a copy of your Yoga tape for YEARS and about three months ago I went back to using it on a daily basis. It makes me feel so much better.
    Thanks!

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