ook ack in nger

So, one of my goals - having returned to the city after a "stint" - is to see more theatre. There are so many reasons to do that. I'm an actress, and I need to see what's current. I need to see people work their craft - I need to stay inspired. Watching a movie doesn't cut it. Seeing how actors plan and execute the arc of their character on a stage before you. Seeing how they deal with the little mishaps that pop up along the way. Seeing the moments that lack believability or pace or -- and this is a biggie -- the threadline of the piece. Making notes to self on how not to do that.

Another reason to see theatre is because I live in New York City, dammit. I am not not taking advantage of that any longer. I've decided to quit my whining and gather my rosebuds while I'm young. And by rosebuds I mean fun and exciting, inspirational events that only happen in major metropolitan areas, rather than ladies' vaginas. And by that I mean the rosebuds are the events rather than vaginas, not that I'm looking for events in metropolitan areas instead of vaginas. Which you may have thought. From the wording.

So, I took myself out on a date tonight to see a Showcase. An Off-Off Broadway play. These are the theatres where yours truly can potentially work. I got in free via my equity card. Settled down into a creaky chair and kept my coat and hat on during the first act since it was a very drafty little theatre. This play had me excited all week (I've obscured the title somewhat to keep people googling it). Dream parts since I'd played a scene from it in college. Have never seen it produced.

There were some big problems with the first scene. Alison was too combative. She's supposed to be a little numb to the abuse at this point. She proved herself to be a very good actress, though - a little misdirection at the top. The lead actor, who is also the artistic director, was oddly quirky and goofy - I never once feared for Alison. Or felt uncomfortable being in the same room. I, instead, felt that Jimmy was a little "touched", off-beat - but not a monster. He definitely had chops. His moment-to-moment work was on-point. He was unique and natural. But the character's a beast. It seemed the actor had a completely opposite metabolism from that of Jimmy. It was an interesting take - one that resulted from who was playing the part more than how - but it just didn't fly. So, much of the play just didn't take off. I was determined to leave at intermission.

But then she came onstage. Helena. She had been a replacement for the original Helena, just before opening, and so she had to carry a book around with her. She never looked at it. From her first breath, I knew I loved her. She was perfect - did everything a great actor should do: She was believable, she had an inner life, she was able to bring it to the surface, she made interesting choices fully supported by the script, she was relaxed without being casual, she found reversals and surprising moments, she was vulnerable, and DIDN'T PUSH ONCE. She listened - passed the ball. Plus, her accent was flawless. And she SO looked the part. So, even after the 100-minute first act, I stayed on.

To see if she could keep it up...

And she did.

She successfully connected the dots, mapped out her Helena's journey from beginning-middle-to-end. She kept the thread alive. Funny, whenever she was in a scene with someone, the someone got loads of better, and there was some engaging theatre going on.

But, you want to know the crazy thing? Found out this gal does not even pursue acting. She is a poetess. Seriously has no theatrical credits to her name. And tonight was her last performance. They are bringing in an "official" replacement tomorrow night.

What a lucky gift to see her? What an inspiration.

I had to send her a note on Facebook, naturally.

God love Facebook.

And - find your inspirations! Stalk them. They're out there...where you least expect them ;).