Archive for December, 2009
I spent most days in the bathtub (sans water), fully clothed (in shorts and tee shirts) , reading plays that summer.
It was the summer of my high school sophomore year. I remember it was unbearably hot. The cool pink porcelain against my skin and the pages of a good play were a welcomed respite.
My Junior year of college, during my semester in London, instead of pissing my money away on liquor, I saved it for the theatre — seeing shows at least twice, if not three or four times a week.
I realized today that it’s been a while since I’ve been in school, so I ordered plays written by a contemporary playwright, with whom I wish I could have studied… and I can’t wait to dive in.
Sometimes, it’s nice to know you can go back to school.
–Sue
December 15th, 2009
The Simpsons has been around for decades at this point, and you’d think they’d have written it all. (My husband has an uncanny talent of quoting lines (dialogue or storylines) that correspond to a situation we’re experiencing.
Recently, I saw an episode that helped me understand something I’ve known consciously my whole life, but understood emotionally for the first time.
In a moment, it was true, funny, and sad… Deceptively simple, and so tender. I had to sit back in my chair and take it in. More than anything, I was amazed.
–Sue
December 14th, 2009
Though it’s cold in our neck of the woods, it’s only a matter of time until it gets much colder. Yesterday, I took the opportunity to walk outside while I still can.
There’s something about walking…the motion helps build momentum…so ideas actually move.
As I approached a local park, inspiration struck. In the open space, I’d found a refuge to relax and play.
I tapped the keys on my phone as I kept walking, following the winding path and writing new lyrics for the finale. (I had never been happy with the message of the finale as we have it now, never satisfied that these were the last words I wanted the audience to hear.)
These new lyrics are much closer to my intention, and have more of an impact.
It’s amazing what happens when you put one foot in front of the other.
–Sue
December 10th, 2009
- Kyra Ynez Siegel Photo by: Sue Seubert for The New York Times
As the readers who have seen “Disillusioned” know, I’m avid about telling the stories of people that might normally be overlooked or go unheard. In “Disillusioned,” Jane (the protagonist) loses her vision and has to find a way to not only function, but move forward.
I’d heard recently about “The Miracle Worker” (a book I read in grade school) revival on Broadway, which peeked my interest.
In an effort to address the concerns of advocacy groups for inclusion in the arts of persons with disabilities, the producers of the upcoming revival cast a visually impaired girl to understudy the role of Helen Keller.
The Times article today not only underscored the understanding on the part of the producers, but also their savvy.
They realized that people who might not normally go to the theatre might want to see/hear this show… and so in addition to the casting choice, they are offering audio and caption devices, to aid patrons enjoy the show.
Talk about amazing PR! (And I should know a thing or two about PR, being married to a PR exec!)
Well done! Well done, indeed!
–Sue
December 9th, 2009
When I first told my parents I wanted to be a playwright full time, my dad said, “Take three months, see what happens.”
Well, it’s been a touch longer than that… and I realize that though my determination, ambition, drive are all important and will help, and has helped to this point — the thing that has helped my career and the realization of my life’s work is one simple thing: time.
It not only takes time to see a work through all its stages, it also takes time to cultivate relationships with the people who make theatre possible.
I’m willing to see this through, no matter how long it takes… and though at times I wish things would happen faster, I’m trying to be as patient as possible, and not watching the clock.
–Sue
December 8th, 2009
I love December… not only do I celebrate the birthdays of lots of family and friends this month, I also LOVE celebrating the holidays.
The food is great, but even sweeter than any piece of chocolate or fruitcake is that fact that you get to reconnect with people… people you may have been out of touch with for months (or even years).
It’s also a time for reflection (though I usually don’t wait for 12/31)… making it a great time to reconnect with oneself.
Helping us connect to each other and ourselves is what theatre does on a regular basis, but there’s something special about the holidays…
–Sue
December 7th, 2009
We saw “Every Little Step” tonight, the film about the making of the revival of “A Chorus Line.”
I also got an email from one of my actors recently quoting Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy during a recent 30 Rock episode:
Jack:
I’ve never been to an audition before. It was upsetting. A grotesque carnival of human misery.
Having done auditions, and especially after having seen the movie tonight, I’ll agree, it is a carnival (or can be)… all different shapes, sizes, egos on display. But sometimes, it’s more upsetting being on the other side of the table, because you naturally want someone to succeed… and when they crash and burn, you just want to cover your eyes or reach out and hug them.
For me, what I always look for is that moment of surprise… hearing something in a line that I hadn’t hear when I’d written it. To witness an actor bringing a part of her/himself to the part, that’s when I know I’m seeing and hearing something special.
I’m getting chills down my spine thinking of all the times I’ve been given that special gift… It helps make taking every little step a little easier.
–Sue
December 4th, 2009
We saw A Steady Rain tonight. And after a rousing performance (I actually heard a fellow audience member say “wow” at the end of the show), was an even better performance.
Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig were auctioning off items to raise money for Broadway Cares, like signed posters and programs. But, they went above and beyond by auctioning the actual shirts off their backs. Their shirts, along with their pants went for 10,000 (yes, ten thousand) a piece, for a total of 40,000 dollars.
It started out as one bidder getting to the ten thousand mark, with a theatre usher greasing the wheels by yelling at the eight thousand mark, “It’s Wolverene and James Bond, c’mon!” As Jackman played auctioneer with much aplomb, he realized that he could get multiple bids, instead of just one. He said humbly to the crowd, “I’ll give you my pants, sign it and everything to raise money.”
And so, four lucky bidders got an article of clothing, signed by the stars, along with photos and time with them backstage… Jackman used his and Craig’s celebrity with the best results tonight, harnessing their star power for the benefit of those who need it most.
And it was a win win for us all… as we got to see a show after the show.
–Sue
PS — Continuing to harness their star power to care those who need it most, the final performance will benefit the New Yorkers for Children and NYC PBA Widows and Children’s Fund. Seats are still available.
December 3rd, 2009
While some shows did really well during the first big holiday weekend, some announced they will be closing in the near future.
If you’re in this business, it’s for love.
–Sue
December 2nd, 2009
Folks, I’m not a gummy fan. As a vegetarian, I can’t do the gelatin, and as someone who likes certain textures, that gummy chewiness doesn’t do it for me.
In time for the holidays, you can now purchase the world’s largest gummy bear (for about 30 dollars and coming in at a whopping 12,600 calories).
NY Mag put in this week’s approval matrix under “lowbrow and brilliant”. And some of you may agree…
He does prove a point, that bear does… In the marketplace, whether it’s gifts or shows, it’s great that as consumers we have shows to satisfy every taste.
Sue
December 1st, 2009
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