JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE

This is the play the Obamas saw when they came to NY on a recent date. The first act was somewhat opaque but I got swept away by the 2nd. Sobbing, less from sorrow, more from revelation. I must read the script. There were passages of such inspiration and I want to quote them in my new book about aging..

Getting excited about the Tonys. Just got an invitation to a pre-Tony cocktail party on Saturday and want to go. Emailed my new friend, fellow nominee Janet McTeer to ask if she was going and she reminded me it’s a 2-show day so I doubt many actors will show….Geoffrey Rush probably will. He’s clearly a party guy.

See you next time.

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16 Comments
  1. Joe Turner has received rave reviews- go to the cocktail party and live it up. How many Tony nominations do you get in a life time?;-)

  2. Hi Jane: Over the holidays I went to see Gypsie – loved the show…Are you planning any new shows? And no on the black hoody – why would you want to look like a ganster? If you’re going to hood it – do white seqins and glam it up. A few people thought my Samuel Tilden book would make a great off-broadway show —I disagreed – story has too many set changes. When I go to Broadway – I like to see upbeat musicals and comedy…There’s enough sorrow in the world and daily news – I don’t want to pay to see it…Suspense thrillers and mysteries are fun too…I will defer to your show suggestions for my next show pick.

  3. I know Kevin Spacey is coming over from London to be a Presenter.. Geez.. a 2 day event and we just get to see a little on Sunday night ;-((( My mom spent 10 years on the stage and supported my family before I was born.
    Please have a Great time and blog about it for us, OK?

  4. Looking forward to the Tony Awards. My very favorite awards show. I want to wish you best of luck.

    Maxine Levy

  5. Hi Jane – Can’t figure out that Twitter thing (too old I guess), but I would definitely buy and wear a black hoodie with your mug shot! Can’t wait. Would love a T-Shirt as well.

    Keep the spirit!

    Claudia (in Hamilton, ON)

  6. Is it strange being back in NYC and not having to show up at the O’Neill Theatre for a performance of 33 Variations? This time around you actually get to plan your trip and meander off to where you want. Is that a nice change of pace for you?

    Can’t wait for the Tony’s!!!

    Best,
    Amanda

  7. Sounds like such a great time there. The two shows I saw when I was in NYC was yours and Joe Turner…..both so great, weeping tears of joy, loss and revelation. Oh how I wish I could see the Tony’s……no telecast on our one tv station here in Malawi. Wishing you a fabulous time….you are already a true WINNER! love……

  8. We don’t get the Tonys on free to air tv here, but I will be checking cyberspace to see how you and Geoffrey are going. Hope you achieve the last of the trifecta…..Oscar, Emmy, Tony. Of course Rushy is a party boy, he’s an Aussie!

    You go girl!

  9. Just started to follow you on twitter, Jane. I want to state how much I have always admired your intelligence, honesty and dedication regarding every cause that you have been involved in. You have always been larger than life, to me, and your ability to reach such a large part of our population with your well versed opinions is remarkable. In interviews, the audience is drawn to you, most likely knowing that what they are going to hear will be well articulated and inspiring. During your profound career, you have raised the standards of the acting profession; bringing a unique brand of talent to all of your performances. No matter what endeavor that you partake in, I am certain that I am going to be enlightened, entertained and educated. Never stop being the amazing woman that you are today. You have made a difference in our society and for that, you will never be forgotten. God bless you.
    RichBassett
    Twitter

    • Well said! I oh so second that!

  10. It’s weird reading on your blog about NYC and not mentioning 33 Variations. I’m so excited for the Tony’s!!! I can’t wait.

  11. Good luck! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you! What network will the Tony’s be on?

  12. I love Geoffrey Roush’s acting and I tell you what, I wouldn’t mind being at a party with him! mmmmm…..

  13. I think the black hoody is a great idea i know loads of people my age who would where it and its not exactly gangster thats just stereotyping! Well i would deffo buy one anyway.

  14. I agree on Joe Turner – I found the first act a bit disengaging, but the second act was thrilling. Roger Robinson exuded such magic, I was glad to see him win his Tony.

    (I saw 33 Variations in previews – the day the marquee sign dropped because of the wind and we had to go through the back -as well as Mary Stuart, God of Carnage – you are very humble! I loved Janet and Harriet but I found your performance so moving!)

  15. I believe that it was in the late 80’s that ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’ was at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. This was during Kenny Leon’s tenure….it, too, was a wonderful production. Then during the Olympics I believe Phylicia Rashad did one of August Wilson’s plays there. Wonderful!

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