w/ Ludacris at 1st yr Anniv. of Straits (photo: Donna Permell/PrimePhocus)
With GCAPP President Michele Ozumba and my Digital guy James Andrews (Everywhere) Photo Credit: Donna Permell
With Imara Canady, Chaka Zulu (Ludacris Manager), Valerie Jackson, wife of the late, great Mayor Maynard Jackson
At Straits 1yr Anniversary. Photo (Donna Permell)
Tulea at Ludacris 1st Year Anniversary (photo: Donna Permell)
Being honored by Ludacris Foundation
Leaving New York City this morning I felt a combination of relief and melancholy. I’ve been here for 5 months during which time my life has changed: I discovered I was more than comfortable on the stage; I found a new group of friends-my cast members; I discovered the pleasure of having the time to dig deeper and deeper into a play, probe its mysteries, mine the complexities of my character, find new moments in which to reveal her more subtle self; I heard my own voice coming from me and filling the theater, a deep, rich, resonate voice, so different than my voice of 46 and 50 years ago when I was last on the Broadway stage; I realized I have finally found my voice; I began to feel a part of the Broadway community-a community of breathtaking talent and generosity. I left that world this morning but I think I will return to it at some point along the way. I hope so.
But there is relief too-the relief of not having to get just the right amount of sleep; of not being continually worried about getting sick, getting hurt; the pressure of making it fresh and true every night. Without these things that I have grown used to over 5 months I feel positively footloose and fancy free.
I barely had time to catch my breath and do a little unpacking when I had to go to an event at my friend, hip hop artist and actor Ludacris’ Atlanta restaurant, Straits. Ludacris and I both have foundations that help young people. We became friends a year ago. This event hosted by his foundation, has been planned a long time ago. I was honored at the dinner as was Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Ambassador Andy and Caroline Young were there and Valerie Jackson, the widow of the former mayor, Maynard Jackson. It was a swell way to reenter Atlanta life-surrounded by fun, smart, interesting people. And the food was superb!
I am all packed to leave for the Galapagos tomorrow. It was challenging because we are restricted to 40 pounds including snorkeling gear and flippers, mask, etc. I’m excited, even though I’ll be going through the airports in a wheelchair. It will be 10 days with friends, children and grandchildren and about as far from Broadway as one can get. (Right now, it’s ten minutes to 11pm. We’d have finished 25 minutes ago. See, I’m still thinking within a theatre reference…not so easy to put aside).
See you next time
Yvonne Bursch
Hello Jane Fonda,
Have a FANTASTIC trip and loved reading your blog…glad you will be continuing it. Wishing you a speedy recovery with your knee too.
All my best,Yvonne
Rachael
The really stand out moments for me in the play were the monolgues, particularly when you spoke about how Beethoven worked on the minutae of the variations. The tenor of your voice was very different than I had expected – it was rich and nuanced, full of experience and it added something extra to that particular monologue. Everyone was tansfixed and held by what you were saying, it was a special moment.
Enjoy the rest – sans pigs knuckles..
Rachael
Kelsey
Galapagos tomorrow? Oh wow Jane! I watched you on David Letterman the other night and remember you saying that but I totally missed the fact that you’re going too soon! You don’t stop do you? Well hey – have you ever? NO! I hope you have a GREAT time! Don’t stress that knee out too, too much.
Kelsey
Melinda
This has been a wonderfull experience not only for you but for the many people who have been reading you everyday.
God bless you and your family and I know you will all have a great time on your trip.
It has been a pleasure to learn more about the matters that are important to you . I have admired your talent for years and by reading your blog I am so happy to know that you are so compassionate and have a great attitude about life. Jane, you are a hoot; please continue your blog when you have time. You have a great gift in making a dull day exciting.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Melinda from Northwest Georgia
Tim C
Sounds to me like that post-production syndrome is setting in. Don’t forget my advice to you, Miss Fonda!Also, I would like to congratulate you for another successful return! Does it feel like you’ve never left, as it did when you did Monster-In-Law a couple of years ago? I never got a chance to see your show. But if you tour, and stop by Cleveland, Ohio I would love to meet you and see your show. You are one of my all time favorite actors and one of my role models for the profession I am trying to pursue.
Don Amendolia
Be safe!
x0x0
D
Daniel Garrett
Jane – I don’t know how you do it…you just go go go go! I love it. Have a safe trip to the Galapagos today and REST – you deserve it….sleep lots.
Fondly, Dan Garrett
Lee
Good to talk to your briefly backstage two days ago. P.S.–Pat got your beautiful mug shot bag, and I’m wondering where those can be bought. Think she gave to Wendy. Looking forward to speaking with you more. P.S.–Michael Rudd is such a doll. Keep him around.
xo, Lee
terry
One adventure finished and another about to start. What a life you lead, the opportunities there for the taking. Wow I cant imagine it. Youre packing for the Galapagos and my next adventure is at the nail salon at noon today. Aw well. Bon Voyage!
Hannah Castellaw
If you return to Broadway, I will come see you. I described the play to my Buddhist therapist and it made me cry all over again. The singing, the minuet, the way the stage was lit…it is difficult for me to verbalize things sometimes, but she really got it. There is such heart-breaking beauty in death.
Amanda
Jane, you’ve really had quite a memorable journey on Broadway, and I do hope that you return as well. You have quite a presence on stage, gripping, powerful. But I can imagine that the routine is rather rigorous. Even I would look at the clock and I could tell where about you were in the play–getting ready to go on, at intermission, just ending–and I’m not even part of the show!
I hope you have a relaxing trip to the Galapagos with your friends and family, and I can’t wait to read about all your exciting adventures!
All my best,
Amanda
Timothy Dougherty
I checked up on the live feed of you at Atlanta restaurant, shaky but interesting. Nice to hear that your at a point of expected change of routines. Now you will be 10 day’s of encounters with loving friend and family,good for you. A best of rest and fun for you , enjoy.
Jane
Thanks, Tim. I think this will be just what I need (Galapagos) to not go into mourning after leaving the play. Onward! Jane
Sarah
You are a wonder woman! A force of nature. I am so inspired by you. I can not wait to read the next book !!!
I am so glad you started this blog and are planning to continue it. It’s such fun and goodness.
Have a wondrous time with your friends and family on your trip to the Galapagos.
I send you good luck wishes for the Tony!!!
Judy Traugott
Good Luck Jane with your surgery.Have fun on the trip. Take care and stay well. Hugs to Tulea.
Marilyn
LOVE that last photo of you. Safe travels. Looking forward to your Galapagos posts and tweets.
Malika James
Jane,
I truly enjoyed your conversation last night over dinner. You have so much to knowledge to give to my generation. Myself, Chris and James learned allot about love and children. THANK YOU!! and your award last night was very well deserved
Patty
Galapagos tomorrow? WOW!! You sure are a busy lady! Have fun with your family and friends on the trip! Good luck with your knee surgery. The photo of Tulea is very beautiful. Hugs!!
Karen
Enjoy your trip. Be careful with that knee.
Cheers
Chrissy Chambers
It was lovely to see you at Straits on Friday Jane; I had my first movie premier that night up in north Georgia but opted to help out with the man, Vicente Castillo, who interviewed you instead so that I could sit in and listen to you and Shirley Franklin’s interviews. I was in awe at both of you. You have so much to give and share and it was a joy to listen. I really loved your comments on the importance of humility and using your title or fame to help others. Wonderful seeing you again, enjoy the Galapagos!
PS. Tulea was lovely as well, Coton de Tulears are wonderful pets.
Laura
Jane, I saw you perform your last Saturday matinee of 33 Variations, and boy, I wish I would’ve seen the show sooner to sing your praises to my friends. I am an actress as well and belong to a small community of Off-Off Broadway actors and writers who are often in the mode of struggling to see work and have our own work seen. 33 Variations was incredibly inspiring, and I greatly enjoyed the entire production.
Thank you for your amazing work, not only as an actress, but as a humanitarian. I am so thrilled to have found your blog and look forward to reading of your future adventures.
Best wishes to you always,
Laura