NEIL SIMON, TIM ROBBINS, ANNA DEAVERE SMITH

Nothing like a little pressure!!! These people are all here tonight. And, I stayed out too late after last night’s show–a kind of goodbye party before the real goodbye party–Susan Kellerman, Don Amendolia, Diane Walsh, James Gandolfini, Sandy Duncan—what a good time. Not enough sleep though and today I taped the Letterman Show. At least I didn’t cry on the show when I talked about the play closing Thursday. I said, “usually you do these shows to promote a play at the beginning, not 2 days before it closes. But we hired the Republican National Committee to do our PR, so what can you expect.”

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James Gandolfini (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Andrea Martin, Me and Debra Monk (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Sandy Duncan (photo: Michael Rudd)

So here I am, in my dressing room waiting for the audience to come in so I can use my opera glasses to try and see who’s sitting where.

Neil Simon. OMG. You must know this, but just in case-he’s the great playwright who wrote “Barefoot in the Park” and “California Suite” both of which I was in. I am a huge fan of Tim Robbins and Anna Deavere Smith.

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Neil Simon (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Tim Robbins (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Anna Deavere Smith (photo: Michael Rudd)

I got a beautiful vase of flowers tonight from Patti LuPone. Wow!! I don’t even know her personally. She is a power of a talent and I feel very honored by this generous gesture.

Carole Mitchell is here too. Carole and her husband, Tommy, help look after my place in atlanta and my office and my daughter’s house and on and on. We’ve been together almost 10 years.

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Carole Mitchell (photo: Michael Rudd)

Time to go. I’ll write more at intermission to say how it’s going.

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None of us feel the show is going well and we can’t quite say why. At least I haven’t forgotten any lines–yet–there are five scenes to go. I have to go.

No partying tonight. Tomorrow is a two-show day. Our last two-show days. After tomorrow we do our final show.

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Sam Waterston (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Bernadette Peters (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Barry and Carole Hirsch (photo: Michael Rudd)

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Marisa Berenson (photo: Michael Rudd)

See you next time.

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36 Comments
  1. wow , Sandy Duncan she reminds me that I have been blind in one eye for the last 2years. People do overcome things, hard for a visual artist in many levels. I went to art school with a person who had been a film editor, was in a car accident , which make him a quadriplegic . He wanted to paint and had the mussels from his foot put in his hand so he could hold a brush and control his wheelchair .
    He did graduate from art school a little later . I remember him well and met him a few times around town, he comment what a good artist I am, it reminds me where I am.

  2. Dear JANE: Enjoyed your show on SUN MAY 3rd & was very impressed by your stage savy after all these years!
    Have also enjoyed following your daily blog- possibly a BWAY first? -do hope you get it published, even if just in paperback so as to curtail the cost of publishing! By the way I saw IN THE COOL OF THE DAY from MGM on TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES in the last six months which in addition to you, PETER FINCH, ANGELA LANSBURY & ARTHUR HILL featured some great scenery(GREECE)-ok
    it wasn’t an OSCAR-worthy film, but not a bad soap! BJ

  3. Jane, has it ever occurred to you how many times you’ve had to say goodbye to cast/crew members that you’ve become close to throughout your career? Is it getting more difficult? I think that most of us search for a safe, stabile work environment, while you’ve chosen a journeyman’s life! I admire you for chosing a project that, at 71, put you back on your metal — and admire you more for having the guts to say goodbye to both it and the cast and crew members that became your extended family.

  4. I can feel the tension in the last blog. Hang in there. It’s going to be alright.
    Celebrate these last few performances.
    It has been fantastic!!

  5. Barefoot in the Park is my FAVORITE movie of yours – just figured i’d share that. I can only imagine how you and the rest of the cast feel about the show ending. It will be strange not hearing about whose backstage, how the show went, if Tulea ran on stage again, on your blog here. I didn’t see the play, but I want to express how incredible I hear it is. I hope you know that it’s a success and really just something wonderful.

    So you’re all a little off huh? Well – thats okay. Just remember (and i’m sure you’re hearing this from everybody) remember that whether you like it or not, you only have a few shows left. On Friday you don’t want to look back and say “Wow, these last 2 days felt like I didn’t really have it together” You wouldn’t want to end your incredible play on that note. Everyday you write with so much excitement about the show. We can all tell how much your heart is in it. Don’t let the ending of it bring you down.

    All good things come to an end. You can’t dwell on that final moment arriving because you’re going to miss whats in between! Hopefully tomorrows show will feel better to you than todays. And know that although its almost over, think about all the success it has brought! Congratulations on AMAZING piece.

    Kelsey

    PS: Can’t wait to see Letterman. I’ve already set it to tape on my dvr. haha.

  6. That’s so incredible that all those artists showed up last night. Another room filled with talent. Amazing!

    My friend saw the show tonight and she was quite impressed, so even if you and the other actors felt it wasn’t going well, I think the audience still very much enjoyed it.

    Three more shows to go. My stomach is in knots and I’m not even in the play. I wish you well for the rest of your performances!

    Knock ’em dead, Jane!!!!

    All my best,
    Amanda

  7. Interesting how looking at photos of people, we think we understand their personalities, as if the face does absolutely express personality. Plus: Don’t party during the work week! Set a good example for me! — you know I don’t party at all though —– Can’t wait to see the blog go to the Galapagos! I loved reading about those islands since a child, about how the species became so oddly specialized being cut off from the continent.

  8. SUCH a great appearance on “The Late Show”! Very enjoyable. You’re funny and inspiring!

  9. Thanks so much for your generosity and kindness, Jane.

    http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/5286/thanksi.jpg

    Sending love, hugs and positive energy your way for the final shows…

    Richard Antoine, Québec

  10. You were great on Letterman tonight. I have never seen anyone with such a busy schedule!! You are definitely booked up for a while. Hope the last shows go good. I would have loved to have seen it again. Hopefully you will do it again sometime 🙂

  11. Jane,

    Great job on Letterman. Your so witty, and engaging.
    I am sure your show turned out to be just wonderful, as everyone in the cast are so outstanding.
    Rest up for tomorrows shows,and enjoy.
    I am so disappointed that I was unable to travel to see the play, but will forever treasure this blog, and the signed playbill. Your heart is overflowing with so much love for family, friends,and humanity. Thank you for such an inspiring four months. Awakening so many to their limitless potential.
    Well Done Good and Faithful One.

  12. Three things:

    1. EWS ’55: My last lucid conversation with my sister who died recently (who was in your EW class of ’55) was about your performance in 33 Variations. I flew to her bedside the morning after and handed her the Playbill. I have submitted a brief description of the power of your performance for the upcoming ’55 EWS class notes if you have a minute to look. It also includes how you nailed the nuances of ALS even early on in your run. I know that, since my father-in-law died of ALS.

    2. Galapagos: One of my claims to fame was being bitten by a blue-footed booby on a wonderful mother/son trip to the Galapagos. Enjoy! (Clearly I watched Letterman tonight.)

    3. Third Chapter: You MUST read Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot’s “The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk and Adventure in the 25 Years after 50.” Sara is a renowned Harvard sociologist and a MacArthur Fellowship awardee. More important, she is a superb and gracious and warm human being. You must meet her, if you haven’t already.

    I hope you feel better about Wednesday night’s performance, since I will be in the audience again. Thank you for this adventure and this blog.

  13. Jane, you were wonderful on Letterman tonight. Seemed like you were so comfortable, ready with a quip and having fun. But is your right eye okay? looked like quite an “ow-ee”; hope it heals quickly.

    You are quite an inspiration to people of any age, but particularly those of us aging faster than we can believe (for me, how did 61 happen so fast?!)…you are hard to keep up with but provide great motivation to keep trying! Thank you for sharing your life and insights. And don’t stay away from New Mexico too long; the zen fish are waiting. Go get ’em !

    Respect, admiration & pride for you, plus best wishes from Ann in Colorado.

  14. Great people Jane. I haven’t seen anything of Sandy for years, what is she up to? Have a good last few days, and go out guns blazing.

  15. loved your appearance on letterman
    you seemed very relaxed letting the interview go wherever dave was taking it and you had fun with it
    congrats on your run of the broadway show(saw it and commented on it here) glad you found a project that made you want to do broadway again and best of luck on all future endeavors.
    see you at the movies.

  16. Can’t wait to see you on Thursday night…..all the way from Toronto. I feel soo lucky that all the plans worked out before heading off to Europe for the “West Side Story” tour.
    Enjoy the last few shows…..you ROCK….can’t wait…
    Stuart Dowling

  17. I wanted to thank you for signing my program. You are living in the building where I live and I always try to say ‘hi’ to you as you’ve walked thru the lobby with Ms Tulea! Good Luck to you in your travels and thank you for all the pleasure in seeing you! xoxoLinda

    ps you were great on Letterman!! so funny and always gorgeous!

  18. Jane Fonda, I am reading about your childhod and early adult years in your autobiography and I just read several blogs: I am grateful that you are here to share your life and insights with us. You learned what I wish every single woman on earth would learn. Men too! And I wish the men would learn from women !! I wish the men would learn what it is to be a woman and what it is to really be a man. you ain’t aman if you think women are here to compress their souls for men!
    thank you!

  19. Love the pic of you and Sandy!

  20. Hello Jane,

    What fun reading your blog has been during the run. I sense I will suffer from withdrawl. Seems now the entry about reading or not reading the reviews seem so irrelevant. What a fantastic time you seem to have had!

    I came in from Montreal to see the show the week before the opening and thought it was great then. Reading your daily writing was like getting a peek into your private yet public diary. Got a kick out of you with opera glasses to screen the audience, your Tulea anecdotes, and so much else. Sometimes even felt like you were adopting a daughter, Samantha. Not only do you have a splendid gift for acting, but writing as well. Kudos to the great pics credited to Michael Rudd. Best of luck in your future projects, of which I hope there will be another return to Broadway. Would like to know if you had any apprehensions when you chose to play Katherine in “33 Variations”. Regardless, when you bring the tissue to your eyes, please remember the joy you brought to all who came and saw you and the tears now you share with us. Thank you.

    With much affection, Susan.

  21. I’m sad that this play is ending (wish I could have seen it) but can’t imagin how you and your fellow actors in the play feel. But since you are continuing your blog off and on, I’m looking forward to see what goes on when you are doing a picture. Thank you so very much for sharing your exciting experiences while doing this play. It was great for a non actor to see what the actors in a play do and see and how the whole play evolves. Also, thanks for the wonderful pictures of the famous people you know (some of whom I have enjoyed watching act too). You’re great!

    Love and Luck now and future Helen Eve

  22. Loved you on Letterman too!..and the way you explained ‘needing parts’; am concerned about your right eye looking so red; in spite of the ‘ills’ you keep right on going!…what an inspiration! I thank Letterman for giving you so much time on the show too!
    Hope that someday your play (with you) is in SF.

  23. Jane
    Great photos! Must be lots of fun seeing your peers watch your performance. Loved photo of Tim Robbins!!! I think he’s very good looking and tall!! He’s someone I’d get tongue- tied meting. Do you still get nervous meeting famous people?
    Thanks for the blog
    Jen

  24. Ms. Fonda,
    I am writing again…about the 7th time……to tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog. I am happy that you plan to continue.
    I have loved all the pictures, the comments, and your insights….especially in the the workings of the theater.
    I have learned so much more about you, your contributions to society….that most people don’t know. That’s a shame that people don’t know how much you have contributed.
    Please remember my thoughts about that movie I suggested for you….the remake of the 1981 film…The Fan…..following your run in the play….I just think it could be amazing. I even have ideas about the casting!! LOL Pretty arrogant of me!!!! LOL
    As always, a huge fan.
    Thank you for allowing all of us to have a glimspe into your life.
    Enjoy your trip.
    James Adams, Georgia

  25. What a crowd! That’s terrific.

    Jane, I’ve been meaning to ask if the play had been recorded for the library at Lincoln Center. I believe I read once that they kept recordings of plays that had been done. I also believe I read that they are not available for viewing by the average Joe. I wish they were.

    Thanks for a great night in the theatre.
    B

  26. I can’t believe you didn’t think it was going well… I was deeply moved by your performance last night.

    I stopped backstage to see Diane (those stairs were a killer) and disappointed not to run into you to say how much I loved your work.

    Michelle xxx

  27. Jane,

    Saw the show on Monday as we briefly discussed at the Drama League awards. A wonderful performance by you and the rest of the cast. Thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the friend who accompanied me. Hope you’ll be back onstage soon so that we can see you again at the awards. Also, thanks so much for blogging the show. This has been a wonderful way to participate in the experience beyond the 2+ hours in the theatre with you.

  28. OMG!!!! My Husband surprised me and we’re flying in tonight from CA to see the final show.

    How lucky can a girl get? Geeze how lucky!

    Jane!!!!! You ROCK!!!!!

    Just have to add that “Fun with Dick and Jane” remains an all time fave. I remember seeing it on HBO when I was 10. Hbo was the first cable & only cable channel available back in 87.

    : )

    Thanks for your humanity. It is appreciated among many.
    Especially from my generation as we try to raise our Children these days.

  29. Saw the play on May 16th – my birthday. Travelled to get there and it was a real joy to see it – reading the blog gave me some insight into the process and the closeness that you all have – made it more personal, meaningful.

    Letting go and moving on is tough. Hope your pilates helps to relieve the tension – and you enjoy the last few performances and moments with your castmates.

    It was a really special birthday treat to see that play – I booked before Hogmanay in Scotland knowing i would be in New York for my birthday. A long wait, but worth it!

    Enjoy. Rachael

  30. I was in the front row on Tuesday eve 5/19. I thought you were superb. I could feel your concentration as you became more deteriorated. I have always respected your ability to inhabit your characters. This is one of your best performances. All of the cast members seemed to listen and react believably. Plus the play is incredible. A challenge on all levels. Beethoven triumphs. You have always been an inspiration. Sue Epler

  31. Jane,

    I have one question. You have written about crying and emotions in your blog. In your opinion, is it easier to cry and express your feelings when you grow older? Of course children express their feelings without doubt, but as an adult many people don’t show their feelings at all. Many of my friends would like to express their real emotions but they’re afraid of something. What do you think? What is that anxiety? Are we afraid that someone could see us as a weak person? Or is it our memories, are they so strong that we’re afraid of losing control? How could we learn to be more real earlier in our lives?

    Ooh, many questions. But I’m very interested in this subject.

    Take care! 🙂

  32. I hope you break every conceivable llimb on this your closing night. I wonder if there will be a movie so that your many fans can see what you’ve been talking about. I love the poster as I love seeing you in movies. Guess it’s love. Seems that the cast has worked hard and had a successful run. On to the Tony awards!

  33. Thank you for Taking us all though this journey. I hope you do another project and take us all along with you.
    Glad I got a chance to see you and the play.
    I hope it was everything you wanted it to be.

  34. You have alot of great photos on your blog. If you ever start a restaurant and want something for the walls, well, you have the start of quite the collection.

  35. Thank you for having so many wonderful photos for us to see!! There are so many people who appreciate your work and YOU!!! What a great experience this play has been for you!!

  36. i had the great good fortune to have mr. simon as my pen pal while i was the company manager/properties designer for the neil simon festival, which is dedicated to his works.

    he was droll, kind (wrote me to see how i’d recovered after a knee operation), and chatty.

    we seldom discussed work, usually going on in the way one does with a friend. a few times, we chatted on the phone for good long stretches of time.

    i admire him as a creative force in theater and film, and as a friend.

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