I’m in the Toronto airport, the flight is delayed (yikes) but my Blackberry has been ringing off the hook. We got 5 Tony nominations and I am so happy. The nominations are for the play (Moises Kaufman), me, Zach Grenier (Beethoven), the sets (Derek McLane and the lighting David Lander). Way back around January 9th on the first day of rehearsal, I put photos of the model of our set on my blog and said–at least I think I said–that it was magical. And now—oh how happy I am. The awards ceremony will be June 7th. I will ask Reem Acra to do me a dress. I got to know (and adore) her when she did my daughter-in-law’s wedding gown. In fact, I went by her showroom today on my way home and gave her a hug and chose a dress (haven’t decided if it will be black or white). While I was trying things on, I heard the sounds of little pattering feet and then little feet on the back of my legs. It was Tulea! Michael dropped her off. What a reunion! You’d think I’d been gone a month.
The show tonight will be sky high with excitement despite the fact that we all know that the final performance will be May 21st. Troy, Simone, my niece Bridget, her husband, Danny Elfman, are all coming to the last show.
Wow! I am thinking back to early January when I first started this blog and when we began rehearsals. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would get a Tony nomination. I feel like I am in a dream.
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So that was this morning. Now it’s 10 minutes to curtain time. I have been too excited to sleep either on the plane or when I got home or here in my dressing room so who knows how it will go tonight. We all had a little celebration with cake (so I have a sugar rush!!) On stage–the producers, PR folk, all of us in the cast. Tomorrow is a big press day so we will all see each other (all the nominees). Moises is flying in from LA. I don’t know what to wear. I didn’t bring that much press-event-type clothes here. I mean, who knew? I will be so tired cause have to start getting ready for it early. Ooooooh yeeesss. Here’s something very cool–Marcia Gay Hardin and Hope Davis sent me the most beautiful vase of flowers with a teriffic note. For those of you who don’t follow such things, both Hope and Marcia Gay have been nominated, as well. So this is a true gesture of generosity that brought tears to my eyes. Other nominees I have contacted and heard from–Jeff Daniels and Dolly Parton. It feels like we are all one big family.
I will blog again at intermission about how this all is affecting my performance. I’m a little concerned. Right now I will take my opera glasses and see who is out there. I know Dick and Mickey Flacks are here. We became friends when I married Tom in 1973. Dick was part of early SDS and then became a really popular professor of Political Sociology at University of California Santa Barbara and Mickey was a Molecular Biologist there. They both recently retired. They have been married for 50 years and have given a lot of thought to how and why their union has lasted. I will interview them for my book on ageing while I am in California in June/July. I’m gonna go find them.
With Mickey and Dick Flacks (photo: Micheal Rudd)############
So it’s intermission. I think it has been a good show so far and, of course, the 2nd act is always stronger. I even discovered a new way of playing a moment in scene one–actually doing less. All of us are feeling the barometric pressure today– wierd weather and allergy-type things going on…I perhaps less than some of the others, though.
I am including today photos of some of the women residents of the shelter–it isn’t really a shelter as it is a safe, therapeutic environment where women and their children who have experienced violence can live until they get their lives straightened out. It’s called Interim Place and the event where I spoke was a benefit for them. The women all live in Canada but some came originally from Africa, China, Mexico. I heard a little of their stories and I told them about the work of Eve Ensler’s global organization, Until The Violence Stops. Today I had my office send the documentary that follows her around the world, showing the healing power of performing the Vagina Monologues–breaking the wall of silence that keeps the women prisoners and vulnerable– and joining in a worldwide movement. All these women I talked to last night said how much better it was to not be alone but with other women who have experienced violence and are trying to heal themselves and their children.
Interim Place Benefit (photo: Amy Tjen)Interim Place Benefit (photo: Amy Tjen)
Interim Place Benefit (photo: Amy Tjen)
Interim Place Benefit (photo: Amy Tjen)############
Dell Williams is in her eighties. She is a feminist who, in the 1970s started the first women’s sex shop, Eve’s Garden, here in New york. She has become a minister and addresses the issue of faith and sexuality. I have already interviewed her for my book.
With Dell Williams (photo: Michael Rudd)See you next time
Chris Myers
Hi,
I posted a congratulatory notice on the “Ask Jane” portion of your site but was not sure if you would see it right away, so I’m also posting here.
I met you through Mary several years ago at the Lost Boys fund-raiser that was held at the Carter Center. I also spoke with you briefly at your book signings in Atlanta.
Anyway, I saw the segment on ET about your Tony nomination and the Vanity Fair photo shoot. I am so excited for you!
Please keep blogging—I find your entries to be insightful and entertaining. Again, congratulations. Break a leg!
Chris from Atlanta
P.S. Hoping your G-CAPP staffers forwarded the 70th birthday card I sent you via US Mail.
Matthew DeCoster
Congratulations on the nominations!
Hannah Castellaw
This blog just gets better and better.
pris
A Tony Nomination- how exciting for you and the play! Good luck, I will be watching and looking for the dress. You have many supporters out here who wish you well and will rock the house down when you win.
Cathy
Congratulations, Jane! I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts … always … and especially on this special day. It has to be such a rush for you and the rest of the cast and crew.
David Eng
Jane:
Just wanted to first say Congrats on your Tony nom. Was lucky enough (without planning it) to have bought tickets months ago for tonight so was very excited to be there tonight to experience it on the night of the Tony nominations. Congrats again and best of luck to you and the other nominees from the play. LOVED the play and thought it was truly amazing. Very moving and the final moment when your character and Beethoven walk into the light, so to speak, together is breathtaking.
Jamilka
Hello Ms Fonda!
First of all….CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Is am so happy that you and the rest of the cast got nominated, but then again you guys totally deserved it. Today has been a good happy day for friends (and even though I dont know you yes in a very weird platonic way I consider you a friend) this is the second good news that i’ve gotten tonight–a friend of mine passed her bar exam– anyway, i know you will totally win!
Second: I really admire that you are helping these women who have been abused. Is there any way we can help? I mean like volunteer or something here in New York?
and Third: I must ask you, how do you do your make up??? Im not very good with mine im like blush and mascara nd done but when I go out I like to do a little more any tips? bcoz in the pics you looked beautiful and you said you did your own make up so any tip will be greatly appreciated!
Lots of Love!
Jamilka
Bruce
Congratulations Jane and the rest of the play’s family on your nominations! I have really enjoyed reading the blog and the working of the play and such. I just wish that for those of us stuck across the country and unable to get there to see it in person there would be a DVD so we could experience it!!
Am really enjoying the blog, although my first time to leave a reply, and hope you do continue it after the play is over.
Theresa Murphy
Jane,
I know I am one of many, but…..
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!
Don’t stop.
And congratulations on the Tony.
You are a positive force.
Sincerely, Theresa Murphy
Amanda
Jane, CONGRATULATIONS on all the Tony nominations! That’s so phenomenal! You guys deserved it as the play is one of thee best I’ve ever seen. I cannot wait until the Tony’s air…I’ll be crossing my fingers for you all!
I’m super excited for the shows this weekend…I just hope the weather calms down. We’ve had enough rain, and I’d rather not be walking around my favorite city getting drenched.
Congratulations again! I’m so happy for you!
All my best,
Amanda
Philip Cairns
Jane, congratulations on your Tony nomination. It is very thrilling. I knew you would be nominated!! I really hope you win.
If you win, you will have won the triple crown of acting awards: Oscar, Emmy, Tony.
And congratulations, as well, to the rest of the cast and crew who were nominated.
Best wishes to you.
Jennifer
It sounds like you are getting some incredible people for your book! Those must be some fascinating and wonderful interviews.
I recently discovered your blog and I’m so happy I did. I’ve always been a big fan of your movies (I love love love some of the early ones like Sunday in New York and Cat Ballou – so funny! And of course dramas like Klute) and I truly admire you for your courage of conviction and for managing to come out stronger from everything that’s happened in your life. So thanks for all these really delightful blogs because they brighten my day!
Jennifer
Oh and PS: Congratulations on the nominations!!!!!!!!
michelehills
Dear Jane,
A few days ago, you talked about possibly giving up blogging and your reasons for thinking about it.
I understand but that would be a sad for a lot of us. I read your blog every day. Most of the time I do not know the people you talk about or the venues or events you go to but it does not matter. You write so well. And you dispense such a lot of positive energy.
Please think long and hard before quitting the blogging world.
Je vous écris de Bruxelles en Belgique. Le temps y est maussade mais ce n’est pas grave. Ma chienne et moi sortons par tous les temps.
Passez une bonne journée/Have a super day.
Michèle
Catherine
Hello Jane,
Well for starters – Congratulations on your Tony nomination! Nothing against the other nominees, but I think it is a given that you will win. I can already envision you strutting up there to receive it – which will be a very memorable moment. How touching to see yet-another Fonda receive a Tony award.
Also, I continue to thoroughly enjoy your blog. BTW I’m not sure if it was my comment you were referring to in giving the friendship advice – but thank you for taking the time to give such personal and heartfelt advice – but just to clarify, I was commenting on how many friends of QUALITY you have. Everyone you know seems to have made some tremendous accomplishment and contribution to society. THAT’s what’s so striking! Which, needless to say, speaks volumes about YOU!
Aside from being one of the truly GREAT actresses of our time, you really do seem to be a remarkable person who, while bearing much wisdom and sageness, is still very down-to-earth and genuinely interested in what others (us mere mortals) are thinking. The fact that you print out the comments to read and still approach people on line at the box office has me completely blown away. And not to mention that you actually walk your own dog!! In NYC to boot!!
One topic that I would love for you to address is how comfortably you seem to deal with the whole issue of fame and celebrity. While other stars seem to struggle with it – you have always seemed to wear it well to the point that it is not much of a problem for you. Perhaps growing up with it plays a role, as it has for Liza as well, who is also comfortable with her celebrity. Would love to hear your thoughts on this…
Hope this isn’t too long – but the very notion of having this chance to communicate with an icon has my thoughts swirling ~ ~
Congratulations again – – and much luck to you,
Catherine
P.S. I have GOT to get to see this show – and Soon!!!
Graham Atkinson
Congratulations; from reading the listings you are right up there with the heavy hitters! Have thoroughly enjoyed reading these blogs each evening and am glad they won’t fade away come the 24th. Being on the other side of the world means I can’t catch the show but your enthusiasm has meant we all can at least feel like we’re there.
Every best wish for June 7th.
Karen
Way to go Jane! Or as we say downunder, You bloody ripper! Congrats to you and your cast and crew for your nominations. Hear that our Geoffrey got nominated too for his play. Now you just have to get a grammy to equal Streisand, I think that she is the only woman to have ever won a Grammy, Emmy, Oscar and Tony. I may be wrong there, but I think that is right. Maybe you and Redford could record your singing from Electric Horseman! I know you haven’t won yet, but you will, I feel it!
Philip Cairns
Hi Karen,
Rita Moreno also has an Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy.
Melissa Hyatt
Hi Karen,
Actually, in addition to Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg and Rita Moreno have also won the Tony, Oscar, Grammy and Emmy.
jacquie
Hi Jane,
Congratulations on your Tony nom! I’m so happy for you! I flew from London in March to see you! Thank you so much for doing this!
God bless.
Love,
Jacquie
Karen
Just read on the Tonys’ website that your personal nomination is unprecedented, in the fact that it is 49 years between your last Tony nomination and your current one…..another first for Fonda!
christopher Jones
Well done! Check out this song Joni Mitchell wrote for Beethoven, ‘Moon and stars’, from ‘On the roses’, a beautiful ode.
Barbara
Hi Christopher,
I believe its “For the Roses”
Joni lover here.
Thats a great song and album.
frederique
jolies photos
Barbara Occhipinti
Congratulations on your Tony nomination…fingers crossed that you win, but either way, I know you will be gracious. I will really miss your daily blog if you quit…but totally understand how it takes a lot of your time. I have your book “My Life So Far”, and really enjoyed it. Would love to be interviewed for your book on ageing. My husband is 76 and I will be 75 in July and we just celebrated our 54th wedding anniversary in April. We could tell you a lot!!!
Sincerely, Barb O.
Brandon
You are soo destined to win a tony Jane Fonda! Clear room on your mantelpiece!
carolyn
Congratulations on the Tony nominiation. I thought that you and the show deserved it. I am just so glad I saw it. I don’t get to Broadway much. Glad I didn’t miss you.
Dina Shadwell
Yay, Jane!!! Congratulations on your nomination! That’s AWESOME!!!
Can’t wait for your next book….
Love, a fan/fellow Atlantan/former Velveteen Rabbit at the Center for Puppetry Arts~Dina Shadwell
Claudia Wittgens
I am so happy for you. Life just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?
Congrats and all the very best.
Claudia
Jesse R In CA
Jane, congratulations on your Tony nomination!!
Jennifer
I’m going to be in NYC for the Tony’s…well, not FOR the Tony’s but there when they take place. I shall be loitering around the front of Radio City Music Hall hoping to see you & if so, it will feel as though I’VE won a Tony.
xx
Barbara
Dear Wonder Woman,
FIVE NOMINATIONS!!!!! Zippidy Do Da girlfriend!
Lucky Canada getting to feel your good vibrations.
Hi Canada! Love You!
How awesome for all these women to come together
with you. What an empowering event. Interim Place
all the best to you for creating this safe place for our
beautiful women.
Micky and Dick Flacks your an inspiration. 50 years!!!
Couple a cuties you guys.
Dell Williams! What would we do without YOU?
Rock on Feminist Woman!
Can’t wait to see you in the Reem Acra dress……
Peace Baby,
Barbara
JD Barrale
I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your blog and have found alot of inspiration from it. Sounds like your weighing out to continue after the run of your play and I for one hope that you do.
It is great to here your voice of commitment and compassion for so many people and organizations that you bring attention to. You have touched the lives of so many and reading this blog has brought awarenesss to me of many worthwhile people and organizations…please keep up this work, in times like these…with so many challenges facing all of us, you inspire people to walk through their fear and do something good in their lives….Keep it Going!!!
Holly
Jane,
Congrats on your Nom…Knew it would happen when I was lucky enough to see 33 in previews… That’s not the point of the work though is it? Wear white, black or yellow or whatever you feel best in. The point is you are enough. Your humanity shines through and continues to astound.
: )
Holly
William Parker
Hi Jane,
Congratulations on your Tony nomination! This is Bill Parker – I wrote to you last week, old friend of Kim Stanley, Vivian Nathan, actor, director, photographer, now in the online news and info business in upstate NY and I’m coming to the show tomorrow night!! First time at the theatre in over a year and it used to be my life. I hope I get to say hi to you – I’ll be with my friend Ed and then we’re going to Joe Allen after the show.
Best – Bill
nancy
You Go Girl…….congrats
Linda Fleming
Congratulations on the nominations! But I’m not surprised at all- you rock, Jane!
Kelsey Ozga
WHOO-HOO!
I am SO excited right now! I can only imagine how you’re feeling. I wish I could say congratulations 8212837905 times, but that would be crazy and take up way too much time. So i’ll just say…CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! This is so exciting!
I also wanted to say thank you for being a voice for stopping violence towards women. You’re one of a kind.
Kelsey
steven
Congratulations! This must make it all even more worthwhile and meaningful.
XO