Waaaaay back, a lifetime ago, back in January when I started rehearsals, I titled a blog entry “Discombobulated.” I was in that strange state an actor experiences when they haven’t yet clarified who their character is and who they are. I feel like I’ve come full circle back to that place only I’m morphing in the opposite direction. Tomorrow’s it’s over. Today the packing is done (with major help from Carole and Rachel). All the books and files (that I never used) are gone, the clothes, too. All packed. I woke up at 6:30am, my “normal,” pre-play time. Couldn’t go back to sleep. I’m sitting in my apartment looking out the big windows down Manhattan at the Statue of Liberty, remembering the first time I took in this view. I think I took a photo for the blog, in fact.
The intensity of yesterday is still with me–The Letterman Show, the play which felt like swimming under water–for all of us–the friends who honored me with their backstage presence. Wow! An abundance of riches. Barry Hirsch has represented me (as a lawyer) in the movie business for over thirty years. He used to come with me and Tom to Vero Beach, Florida to the Dodgers Dream Camp. They were both baseball fanatics and liked to practice with the players. When Ted and I got married Barry, Carole, Paula Weinstein and her late husband, Mark Rosenberg, threw a big Hollywood party for us. We share some good history.
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It is now a day later and there’s much to say so I will close this chapter of the blog and start a new one.
See you then.
tombrown
thanks for the journey jane
pris
Fabulous blogs I have enjoyed tremendously. This must be a bittersweet day- ending one beloved chapter and opening a new one.
Godspeed The Plows!
Cher47
Wonderful pics and fond memories! Onward!!!!!!!!
Joe Meyers
Following you through your return to Broadway experience has been wonderful. Please come back soon!
Amanda
It’s entirely too hard to believe that tonight’s performance is the last. I’ve been thinking about you and the other actors all day.
I wish you all the best for your final performance, Jane! 33 Variations has been incredibly amazing and it was a real honour to see you on stage.
Love,
Amanda
Amanda
P.S.: I sent you a little gift (addressed to you by way of the theatre) and it should have either arrived yesterday or (hopefully) by today. I’m praying it gets to you before you leave.
Break a leg tonight, Jane!
All my best,
Amanda
janefanforever
it’s like running a marathon. you can’t peak too soon. you’re not there until you take the last step across the finish line. in your head, it may feel like it’s pretty much over, but until you get to the last line delivery and take your final curtain call(s) – YOU’RE ON! what a gift this blog and photo gallery has been! thank you, jane.
Penny
I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed your blogging during your 33 Variations run. But also want you to know that I am looking forward to seeing where and what is next for you. Your life seems to be full and as sad as you must feel to have the play end, you must also feel such pride in yourself for all you have given and for how it was enjoyed by so many. Its obvious by all your supporters that is is another successful adventure that you undertook and mastered. Thanks so much for so eloquently sharing your time! It is always a pleasure to visit your blog. Jane Fonda you rock!
Pete Mannion
Sorry to see you go! I’m proud to say I saw your show twice when people tell me they missed it. I always say, “It’s been running for a while…why’d you wait…just pick a day and go what’s so difficult about that?”
It was great to read about what you were experiencing every day.
The comment you made about playing the part of roles originated by theater actors on film struck me because I said that when I met Elizabeth Ashley last year when Dividing the Estate was playing. I thought, “You know, Elizabeth Ashley played in Barefoot In The Park on B’way and Agnes of God and Jane Fonda did the movies…hummm.” Just an observation.
PLEASE COME BACK TO B’WAY AGAIN SOON AND THANKS FOR LETTING US GET TO KNOW YOU!
Take care and God Bless!
Peter Mannion
Rosemary Gibbons
Jane, I just realized that as you are going through withdrawal from the play every night, those of us who are blogging or reading the blog every night will also experience withdrawal from our nightly ritual. Here in Malawi, so far away from everything that is familiar to me, especially the theater which I love very much, I look forward to reading about your experiences and visits from friends. It is a special connection with my “other world” and has given me a sense of excitement and anticipation that I now realize I will no longer have. Thanks for the memories and how you have inspired us to realize that we can continue to do what we are created to do. Enjoy your holiday and PLEASE keep us informed about what is happening next in your life. Love and blessings to you and your family.
heather satterlee
you are soooooooooooo awesome jane, am looking forward to more blogs or whatever you are doing. Heather
Matthew
Coming for the final performance tonight.
I am honoring my history and following my bliss
coming to see a woman I’ve adimred for my entire
life. I am 43 and the child of movie buffs. I saw
the China Syndrome at the Avco in Westwood when I was a kid all alone. You also made an impression when
I saw you speak at the Rose Bowl for Peace Sunday and then at Dominican University last year. I am so pleased I get to see your talent live tonight. Break a leg! I’ll be in R 101.
And a nice picture of you and James.
Tim C
My high school theatre teacher told us something I have kept in mind since he taught me this phrase: post-production syndrome. It’s where actors after a production ends have a desire to go back into the theatre of their last show as if the show did not end. It takes a while to transition out of it, unless they move on quickly to the next project. I don’t know if your father or Lee Strasberg or any actor you’ve worked with gave you post-play advice, but knowing how you are back in the saddle, I would think with your charity work and your demand in Hollywood skyrocketing, you always have something to do.
So, remember, you always have something to do!
Karen
That word sounds like something out of Mary Poppins, but I get what you mean. I often feel that way myself. You are a legend, Jane. We have all appreciated your time in such a whirling dervish that you live in, and your wealth of information on the process and a day in the life of Jane Fonda! Thank you, and we will look forward to your future blogs. It is okay to be sad. It would not be human if you weren’t. But as I said in another blog, as one door closes another one opens! Take care.
John B
Dick C. looks a little surprised at the flash there . . . god, I’m making Facebook type comments now . . . let’s see, 5 Our Fathers and 10 Hail Marys should cover that . . . 😀
Timothy Dougherty
Interesting photos of people who have a lifetime of change ,both behind and ahead of them. I was just reading this Quotation from Lynn Hall:”We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves.” That seems to be the case ,evidence is that we continue to challenge ourselves and each other to advance our skills, to keep learning better and better how better to do what we love in what we find within ourself.
Ingrid
Today was the last day of 33 and I’m sure by now you are all celebrating. Through your website, your blogs and watching you on Letterman, I saw that you are not only a true celebrity and star, but a true people-person – genuine. It’s been such an eye-opener learning about you and how sincere and gifted you are. Have a terrific trip to Galapagos and a speedy recovery from knee-replacement so that you can hike the Himalayas! Age certainly does not slow you down – a real testament to a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for being such a real you! Looking forward to future blogs of your adventures.
Patty
Hi Jane!
I’ve been thinking about you all day today since it’s the last day of your show. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck.
All the photos you posted here are very awesome!! Thank you for sharing with me. 🙂
Patty
Kelsey Ozga
Its been a wonderful blog, a wonderful play, and a wonderful journey. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of it.
Jeanne
Dear Jane,
Thanks for sharing this incredible adventure. Wish I could have seen the show because it sounds wonderful.