There's Something About Mary

Documentary on Mercia Entertainment

2012-01-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

So yeah ya'll that's me! Talking all about my new company Mercia Entertainment. Enjoy!

This video is an introduction to Artistic Director Mary Riley, how Mercia was formed, and the future direction of the company with some insight and clips from our first project Voodoo Macbeth.

Featuring:
Matthew Burchfield- adapter of Voodoo Macbeth
Sarah Hankins- First Witch
Dianna Lora- Second Witch
Rashika Pickett- Third Witch

This mini-documentary was produced in conjunction with Thomas Ramsey.
His work can be found here:
http://thomasblakeramsey.com/

Things That Never Die

2012-01-18T14:50:00.003-05:00

Looking forward to singing this for the Friends of Dickens New York event coming up on February 4th. What a beautiful piece of music! Enjoy

Things That Never Die

By Charles Dickens

Composer Lee Dengler

The pure, the bright, the beautiful,

That stirred our hearts in youth,

The impulses to wordless prayer,

The dreams of love and truth,

The longing after something's lost,

The spirit's yearning cry,

The striving after better hopes-

These things can never die.

The timid hand stretched forth to aid

A brother in his need,

A kindly word in grief's dark hour

That proves a friend indeed;

The plea for mercy softly breathed,

When justice threatens nigh, T

he sorrow of a contrite heart-

These things shall never die.

Let nothing pass for every hand

Must find some work to do;

Lose not a chance to waken love-

Be firm and just and true;

So shall a light that cannot fade

Beam on thee from on high.

And angel voices say to thee-

These things shall never die."

100 Things To Before I Die

2011-12-14T16:39:00.001-05:00

As you can see this list is very short. I'll keep adding to it, as I think of things that I want to do. Have suggestions? Comment below!

1. Send a message in a bottle
2. White water raft
3. Bungee jump
4. Take trapeze class
5. Take an aerial class
6. Kayak
7. See the Northern Lights
8. Walk like an Egyptian at the Pyramids
9. Visit an Asian country
10. Find a castle in Scotland and pretend it's mine
11. Sing on the grounds of the Sydney Opera House
12. Skydive
13. Walk a tightrope
14. Climb a mountain....no really, like....climb the whole thing.
15. Learn a second language
16. Take a hot air baloon ride
17. Own my dream bed
18. Tour Alcatraz
19. Visit all 50 states (only 4 left)
20. Build a savings
21.

Antony & Cleopatra Indie Gogo Campaign is up and running!

2011-12-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Gratitude 2011

2011-11-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

On Monday night, I attended a Thanksgiving Gratitude Party hosted by my friend Guy Shahar at The Public House. Not only did I meet a bunch of great folks in and out of the industry, but I got a chance to think about all that I am grateful for this year, so you fine folks get to see my list:

-my 4 beautiful, healthy nieces and the new niece or nephew arriving next summer!
-my family and their health
-my newly acquired health insurance
-my friends and how supportive and loving they are
-my continued work in my industry
-my new venture into coaching via Betterfly
-my joining Actor's Equity
-creating my company Mercia
-meeting Julian
-my Dad's cottage that got destroyed during Irene...not only did they get insurance money, but more than expected so the new place will be even better!
-my bosses (yes, I said it lol) They've given me the opportunity to make enough to live in this crazy town AND be creative, and that makes me so happy!

Three from the Block: The Police

2011-11-21T11:41:00.001-05:00

The talented Ronoldo Cruz and I in "The Police"

This past weekend, I was blessed to be able to work with Antonio De La Cruz on his project of 3 shorts called Three from the Block! I was in the one called "The Police" where I played Megan Smith, the librarian who tries to help a troubled teen (played by the very talented Ronoldo Cruz) make a change in the right direction. One of my lines was the definition of synchronicity (which by the way isn't easy to memorize).
Thanks Ronoldo for your patience :).

I don't do as much film as I should, so I feel very lucky to be a part of this project and I had a great time working with the whole cast and crew!!

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events that are apparently causally unrelated or unlikely to occur together by chance and that are observed to occur together in a meaningful manner. The concept of synchronicity was first described in this terminology by Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychologist, in the 1920s

There's been many moments in my life that felt as if they were meant to be, that they occurred at the right moments for a reason and I believe in it, that some things come together because the Universe has aligned in your favor, so you should always acknowledge those moments and embrace them.

Here is the synopsis of "The Police":

“The Police" a story about a troubled teenager and how a song changes his life. When Tony robs a woman’s purse on a street corner and runs away after being urged by his friends, he ends up hiding in basement from the cops. While hiding out he happens to listen to a song by the music group The Police. He then proceeds to go to a local library to find out more about the group. He finds a librarian that introduces him to Greek tragedy and philosophy. He begins to stay away from his bad influences. In the end Tony ends up being arrested in an interesting twist of events. His life will never be the same.

What about you? Have you ever experienced synchronicity?

Tracey G Photography

2011-11-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

I had a great shoot with up and coming photographer Tracey Goldsberry on Sunday, November 13th, which brought out the Vampire in me! Check out my portfolio for other shots from this session!

Tracey and I met years ago doing promotions around the city (to make that extra money you know?) and so I guess I've probably known him for about 6-7 years! He's recently transitioned into freelance photography and I'm happy to help and support him in his new endeavor. If you are a model interested in working with Tracey, you can contact him here.

For you

2011-11-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

Raising money for Voodoo Macbeth, help a sister out!

2011-09-13T17:27:00.000-04:00

This is my Indie Gogo campaign for my very first project as Producing Artistic Director of Mercia Entertainment. We have 66 days to raise $1500. When you get a moment, click and donate. I would be ever so grateful and will post accolades all over the internet in your honor. Thanks and much love!!

All I ever wanted...

2011-09-02T14:02:00.002-04:00

THE GO-GO'S "Vacation"

Can't seem to get my mind off of you

Back here at home there's nothin' to do

Now that I'm away

I wish I'd stayed

Tomorrow's a day of mine

That you won't be in

When you looked at me

I should've run

But I thought it was just for fun

I see I was wrong

And I'm not so strong

I should've known all along

That time would tell

A week without you
Thought I'd forget

Two weeks without you and I

Still haven't gotten over you yet

Vacation

All I ever wanted

Vacation

Had to get away

Vacation

Meant to be spent alone

Vacation

All I ever wanted

Vacation

Had to get away

Vacation

Meant to be spent alone

A week without you

Thought I'd forget

Two weeks without you and I

Still haven't gotten over you yet

Vacation

All I ever wanted

Vacation

Had to get away

Vacation

Meant to be spent alone

Vacation

All I ever wanted

Vacation

Had to get away

Vacation

Meant to be spent alone

Vacation

All I ever wanted

Vacation

Had to get away

Vacation

Meant to be spent alone

Chocolate in a Pill .......or....... Why???

2011-09-01T15:42:00.009-04:00

I received a sample of Cocoa Energy Restore on the street from a cute girl who I'm sure was an actress or a model and was trying to make ends meet. God bless her.

I was so excited to get a sample of some new chocolate. Ready to eat with my coffee once I got to work. Much to my surprise, it wasn't chocolate you eat (again I say why??) but a pill....you heard it right folks. Chocolate in a pill. So here goes my thought process on this:

Dear GNC:
I'm sure when you thought up this product in your conference room, you thought to yourselves...." GNC selves...the world is going to LOVE THIS.
Perhaps that inital thought process came from a place of thinking..."Well who can resist chocolate in a pill?"

This.

Girl.

GNC... you have stripped away the very reason we eat chocolate... the literal mouth orgasm we all have every time that tasty chocolate hits our tongue. Sometimes with caramel, orange, berry...hell even chile flakes (really good actually!). You've brilliantly (so you thought) created a product that gives you all the benefits of eating chocolate (stress reduction, energy, herbal properties, etc.) in a pill, without realizing it's only the TASTE that anyone cares about, the rest of it is just excuses for the general population to eat more and the healthy folks to justify their eating of it until the end of life as we know it.

"Well did you HEAR?? Dark chocolate is good for you!!"

"Oh but Bob, little Susie can have ONE piece, can't she? It's HEALTHY now"

Needless to say, I will not swallow this product, though I did open the pills to drop the powder on my tongue (a la druggie) just to see if perhaps I could get some of the good stuff

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME OR IF YOU RECEIVED A SAMPLE!

Nasty...it tastes really gross. GUH-ROSS

Maybe sniff it?? I'm not that daring...

Nice try GNC, back to the drawing board...

Almost There....Once upon a time...a story of tech week...

2011-08-18T17:31:00.000-04:00

Mary tie-tie...

So this week is what we thee-ay-ter folk like to call hell week. It usually consists of daily rehearsals, long hours, fine tuning, nerves, stress etc. all packed into one glorious week. Add on top of THAT, a 40 hour work week and well, you just start to forget your own name..

Exhibit A- In an effort to remember my wig, clothing, shoes, jewelry etc. for our rehearsal tonight, I forgot a little somthing called MY SCRIPT!!!

Really?

Really.

Now, you might be thinking to your self, "Self....why would she need her script at this point??" A valid quesiton I reply to you, but like many other actors, I feel the need to drag my script with me every moment of my life the week before the show, as if that will somehow allow me to make no mistakes, remember every line and be fabulous on opening night in sheer, absolute perfection. (cue Tony award music please).

In realilty, it probably doesn't make that much of a difference and perhaps leaving it home today gave me the chance to internet surf, relax, and get out of my head a little. Save for a few weeks here or there, 2011 has been a blessing and a curse, lots of fun roles, running companies (plural) and staying extremely busy since January 1st, but not a lot of Mary time. Fall 2011 will be Mary time, cause well...I deserve it.

I'm looking very forward to the opening of this show. A rollickin' good time playing a wild character/celebrity, Miss Anna Nicole Smith. I never leave the stage (ok, well for maybe 5 mins)...which I think is why I'm feeling overwhelmed. That's a LOT of responsibility to entertain folks for 1 hr. 20minutes. Luckily, I have an amazing cast to share the moments with. It's been an honor to work on this show, and I hope I can do the piece the justice it deserves.

There are going to be a few changes this fall for me, but all for the better I hope. Fingers crossed.

Welcome to....The Unstuffy Divas

2011-08-03T14:54:00.006-04:00

This is the story of The Unstuffy Divas. My dear friend and former roommate Jen Gelber and I sing every year on the Lower East Side Arts Festival at Theater For the New City. Now let me preface this by saying they have gotten better over the years, but that particular year, they must have been really behind in scheduling and planning. I didn't want to assume that she and I had a slot (now I ALWAYS do) and so we waited and waited with no word.

Jen and I didn't have material worked up really, like other groups, as we put it together on a year by year basis based on pieces we had studied in the past, or really just had always wanted to sing. Also a few years ago I was an even more poor actress with no funds to practice for a festival I wasn't sure we had a spot in. Well, TWO WEEKS before the festival we get word that we have a spot.

So the conversation begins:

"Oh S*&$, what are we going to do???!!"
We spent the better part of an hour, if I remember trying to come up with something from pieces we knew we had in our heads already, but didn't really come up with a good concept of what to call our 12 minute slot. One of us (I swear I can't remember which one now and since we are a team it matters not) said something to the effect of "What if that's our bit......that we are trying to figure out what to sing this year at the LES Festival"

and so it was

and so the audience enjoyed the novelty of us essentially singing bits from pieces we already knew mixed in with some scripted funny to figure out what we were going to do, which in the end was the beautiful Barcarolle (Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour)
and thus began our collaboration...

This year we offered up "Lost in Translation" where a delightfully hilarious actor, Timothy C. Goodwin "translated" what we were singing for the audience. It was fun to perform and I hear, funny to watch.

If you read this, please join our FB page and find us on Twitter. I am so excited about what's to come.

Here are a few shows we are currently writing:
A History of Opera...Abridged
Here Lies: Great Opera Deaths
Lost in Translation (30 minute version)
30 Minute Ring Cycle

My hope is that History of Opera will be accepted into the Fringe 2012.

Fingers crossed.

Anna Nicole: Blonde Glory

2011-08-01T15:16:00.003-04:00

ANNA NICOLE: BLONDE GLORY a new play

by Grace Cavalieri

August 21-28, 2011

Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue at 10 Street, Lower East Side

All tickets: $15.00

Five performances in the Dream Up Festival:

Sunday, August 21 at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, August 24 at 7:00 PM
Friday, August 26 at 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 27 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, August 28 at 7:00 PM

Cast:

MARY RILEY as Anna-Nicole Smith
JASON ALTMAN as Pushkin
JOHN SARNO as Horshel
AMANDA ELIZABETH-SAWYER as Anima
WILLIAM KOZY as Doc
BONG DIZON as Reporter

Directed by: Shela Xoregos
Stage Manager: Michael Zumbrun
Costume Design: Rayneese Primrose
Music Director: Bonita Labossiere
Composer: Howard
Lighting Design: Don Cate
Portrait of Anna-Nicole by Holly Picano

presented by: Xoregos Performing Company

Butterflies in Mah Stomach and Voices in Mah Head

2011-07-19T14:25:00.005-04:00

So today I was blessed with a sweet spot to audition for the NYMF. I've been wanting to audition for the last few years, but something always seems to get in the way. This time, all the stars aligned and my boss was at trial and I was able to slip out of work for an hour and head down to Pearl Studios. The butterflies started oh I'd say about 9a.m. You know the ones, the nerves that seem to come out of no where and the voices that say:

"You haven't done this in HOW LONG?"

"Don't you only do straight plays now??"

"Are you good enough??"

"How come I'm one of the oldest people at this Non-Equity call???!!!" ;)

For all you youngin's and newbies to the entertainment biz out there, I can tell you this. The butterflies almost always come, if you care about your product (you), your performance, and your art. The best part is that it's ok to feel a little nervous. I hope I never get so used to it all that I'm essentially bored with feelings of "who cares" or "it doesn't really matter."

So how did I do?

Not bad, I think. I am on the 2nd week of a cold, though much better I have what I call, and maybe other singers call "the fuzz" which is essentially phelgm, but in some cases you can't just cough it away and seems to make appearances whenever it wishes, usually right in the middle of your 16 bars. I almost chickened out of going, because I new this was the kind of sick that I can't sing through, but I refused to back down and went anyway. I'm hoping that all the folks behind the table think I can actually sing and weren't too turned off by "the fuzz." I kept a good attitude... as the older I get the more that I embrace the fact that I can control ONLY so much, and if I'm a little sick, well I still gotta SELL IT don't I?

When I whined to a professor in college about being sick and not feeling like singing, he said to me:

"Well if I held out a $20 bill and paid for a ticket, you'd sing then wouldn't you?"

...Good point, Dr. Hiss....good point.

That stuck with me.

Actress Mary Riley Building Star Power-by Jing Chen

2011-06-30T17:35:00.002-04:00

Astoria resident and professional actress, Mary Riley will star in the play, “Mad Mel and the Marradians,” a sci-fi comedy by Gary Morgenstein that premieres July 11 and will run throughout the month at the Abingdon Theatre, as part of the 2011 Midtown International Theatre Festival.
There seems to be nothing the Virginia native can’t do. Besides acting, Riley also sings and models, while working at two other jobs to pay the hefty bill of living in the Big Apple. Despite her extensive theater resume, Riley considers herself a model as well, who most notably made several appearances on the pages of “Beauty Revealed,” a book by photographer and novelist, Jerry Harke.

Riley doesn’t stop there. She founded and served two years as the Artistic Director of the American Bard Theater Company. While she has handed that position over to someone else, she was appreciative of the perspective it gave her.

“Being an actress, all I did was act,” she said. “You don’t realize the work that goes into it to make a play happen. Being the Artistic Director, I handled a lot of the administrative tasks and there was something nice about that. You’re casting the actors, dealing with the paperwork, booking the place. I learned a lot.”

While it was a prestigious title and an enjoyable two years, Riley soon realized she loved performing too much. “It’s fun on the stage, and it’s fun for the audience,” she said.

She has been doing just that recently – performing. Besides upcoming performances as Anita in “Mad Mel and the Marradians,” she will play model and TV personality Anna Nicole Smith, in “Anna Nicole: Blonde Glory,” and is reading the role of Rosalind in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” She also recently performed in the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts as one half of “Unstuffy Divas,” a singing duo that combines opera with comedy.

With so much on her plate, how does she find time for herself?

“It’s hard, but I love to travel,” she laughed.

Riley won’t be relaxing anytime soon, as she has plans to make a name for herself in the theater community for generations to come. “I don’t care about fame, about TV fame; I just want the theater community to know my name.”

“Mad Mel and the Marradians” will be performed at the Abingdon Theatre, 312 West 36th St., Monday, July 11, at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, July 24, at 6 p.m. and Thursday, July 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$18 and are available at ovationtix.com/trs/pr/834935 or by phone at (866) 811-4111.

Reach Intern Jing Chen at jchen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.

There's Something About Spa Days

2011-06-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

HEAVEN!!!

So I received a belated birthday gift of a spa package at Metamorphosis Day Spa, which included:
A decadent combo "Cleopatra's Confection" milk and honey body wrap, "Head Trip" scalp massage, "Playing Footsie" foot massage and 50-minute Swedish massage...

in a word....HEAVEN.

I've never had a body wrap before and it was an amazing experience. Being covered in milk and honey, covered in a toasty heated blanket. I would say if one could revisit the womb....this is what it would feel like. I had the biggest grin on my face the whole time. I didn't want the nice lady to come in and tell me it was all over. Can't I live bathed in milk and honey for the rest of my life???? PLEASE?????? PRETTY PLEASE???

I guess not... so I rinsed off and proceeded to a new room for a 50-min Swedish massage, complete with wonderful smelling oils, a heated neck roll and a foot rest.

And after all that, I took my Pulsd coupon worth $15 (for only $7.50! mind you) straight on over to Kiran Indian Cuisine where I FEASTED on Chicken Makhani, Puri, and Samosas.

A good day.

Yes....yes it was!

Mad Mel and the Marradians

2011-06-06T14:25:00.001-04:00

So I've been blessed this summer with some pretty cool projects. The first I want to shamelessly promote is Mad Mel and the Marradians. It's been a while since I've done a comtemporary play and I've NEVER done a sci-fi play so I'm looking forward to this. I'm playing the role of Anita, Mel's beautiful girlfriend ;). I am super excited to be working with the playwright, Mr. Gary Morgenstein and our wonderful director, Mr. Carlo Fiorletta. The cast of 5 is a fun bunch and I know you are going to love this show! We open the Midtown International Theatre Festival July 11th at 6 p.m. All of the information is below and we've been receiving some great press for the show so far and I know there will be more to come!

2011 Midtown International Theatre Festival

Gary Morgenstein presents

Mad Mel And The Marradians
Written by Gary Morgenstein

The fate of the human race depends upon an egotistical writer whose phony scholarships have stumbled upon a deadly plot by the alien Marradians.

In this sci-fi political romp by Syfy Channel's Gary Morgenstein (Ponzi Man, A Tomato Can't Grow in the Bronx), the ambitions of Imperial Chancellor Larynx of Marradia -- a planet very far away -- to become High Priest Dubya are threatened by writer Melvin Worthington. In his best-selling books about the Marradians and their visit to Earth 30,000 years ago (which he has totally made up), Worthington stumbles upon a secret that threatens the existence of the human race - bringing the Marradians to Manhattan to stop him.

Director: Carlo Fiorletta
Cast : Jordan Auslander, William Beckwith, Rachel Caccese,
Rob Gaines, Mary Riley
Audience: Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Running time: 90 minutes
Venue: The MainStage Theater - 312 W. 36th St., 4th floor
Tickets: $18 or $15 Student/Senior

A White Chocolate Covered Friday...

2011-06-03T14:18:00.000-04:00

It's a lovely thing to have a Godiva on the ground floor of my work building. Today was Friday, payday and I decided to treat myself to one of their expensive, but unbelievably exquisite White Chocolate Covered Strawberries. I was greeted promptly when I walked in the door by a lovely and kind sales lady who offered me a sample (a full size mind you) of their Banana Split Truffle. Yep.....you heard right. It was as good as you can imagine it would be. I chose my treats, one for me, one for my dear friend and co-worker Erin G., and I proceeded to pay. Kindly sales lady inquired as to whether I wanted to be a part of their chocolate club (YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I would get one free chocolate per month (YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). So....OF COURSE I joined! But wait......we weren't done yet. She then said.... AND...you get to pick a free chocolate since you joined.

Hello...... HEAVEN.

Thanks Godiva, what a beautiful start to the weekend! xo

This Bitter Earth...

2011-05-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

Cha-Cha Changes and Summer Fun

2011-05-25T17:50:00.001-04:00

Lots of great stuff happening in life right now. Check out my website for my summer calendar. I'm excited about the projects that I get to be a part of this summer and hope that you can come catch me in some of them if possible. Highlights include: playing Anita in Mad Mel and the Marradians at the Midtown International Theatre Festival and playing Anna Nicole in Anna Nicole: Blond Glory at Theater for the New City's Dream Up Festival!

After much thought and soul searching, I'm leaving the theater company I helped to found in the summer of 2009, ABTC. It's been a great two years and I have learned so much, but artistically I am just heading in a different direction than my collegues. I wish them well on their furture journey, and I encourage you to keep checking back, as my plans are to start a production company of my own in the near future.

Jennifer Gelber and I are officially launching The Unstuffy Divas. Check soon for our website launch this summer. She and I are performing this Friday at the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, a 10 minute opera-comedy piece called "Lost In Translation." I'm looking forward to getting to work on some of the ideas we've been batting around the last few years including: A History of Opera Abridged, The Seven Deadly Sins and Jazz & Shakes.

...ok....lots of text to memorize and script work to do. More updates soon.

You gonna party like it's ya berfday...you gonna get a mention in the NY Post like it's ya berfday!

2011-05-04T14:29:00.003-04:00

NY Post

This goes out to all ma haters....you know who you are... xoxo

Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeee.............

Juggling Eight Balls in the Air or Living in New York City

2011-04-08T15:30:00.000-04:00

A friend asked me today how I was liking my morning job. I began to explain to her that I quite enjoyed it, yet then I had to rush to my second job, which I like too and on many nights go straight to the theater, which I love. Lately, though I love what I do, I've felt stretched so thin to the point of losing track of days. What day is it? Who am I? I have an audition tomorrow at 11am and no time to prepare. Can I just have a few days off?? The answer is no. In order to do what I want to do and still make enough to survive I have to do it all. Juggle all 8 balls in the air and pray none of them drop or that if they do, it's only one and not all 8 (i.e. complete mental breakdown LOL)

But here is the pressing question... What am I missing? I can't believe it's April, where was NYE? Was there a NYE this year? I certainly never have enough time to put into myself. I need to exercise more, relax A LOT more, get more massages and go to a spa once in a while. Meditation would be nice, or yoga. I have a beautiful niece I haven't had the pleasure to meet yet in Texas. But where do these things fit in to a 9-1:30 job run to 2-6 job then to the theater? Don't tell me to get up early. Unless I have a child, I will never be a morning person. That would require me going to bed earlier, which is next to impossible during rehearsals. Is there a solution? Dropping a job won't cut it if I want to continue to live in a decent apartment and want to have a little cash flow for a night out here and there.

I guess there are no hard and fast solutions. I certainly don't expect or think that I'm the ONLY one who is dealing with this. I guess I just stop every once in a while and ask myself.... "Self, what is it all for?" Maybe it's time for a little Eat, Pray, Love and a trip to India.

OHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Having cake and eating it too (This post sponsored by Google Search)

2011-03-31T14:47:00.002-04:00

Rant warning: Call me jaded, say I shouldn't put this out in public, but writing about it is cathartic, so if you don't like it. Click here

Ladies (and guys too),
We all do it, google search a new love interest or even friends. Why? Curiosity...true. A need for information...true. In my case. I almost always do it ASAP because I've started to lose count at the amount of married, engaged or otherwise taken men, that try to work their way into my life, while OF COURSE still having their cake too.

Let's see: (Names have been changed to protect the not so innocent; and to avoid any legal issues)

There was:
Mr. Publix- Still lived with his wife, whose marriage to her was labeled a "technicality." Funny how he begged me to move to Florida as his "friend" until his "divorce" got finalized. Funny how those papers don't get filed ya'll.
Originality Factor=3

and then
Mr. Slàinte-Was engaged to be married, but didn't feel that needed to be discussed. Almost lost my heart to that one, really hard to just walk away, but I could have never trusted him.
Originality Factor=5

and then
Mr. Pepperoni- Married, but somehow in love with me. No thanks, will pass. Nice how you post happy pics of your wife on Facebook, but you are telling me that you are so unhappy. Funny how that works.
Originality=2

Mr. Officer- NYC cop. We had a WHOLE conversation over drinks about my past marriage, but he couldn't be bothered to reveal he WAS ACTUALLY CURRENTLY...married. That one I have to thank Google for too. Did I mention he had just gotten married 5 months earlier AND his wife was currently pregnant. Poor lady.
Originality Factor=1

and finally
Macheath-legally seperated for 2.5 years....so um.... MARRIED....thought it wise to wait to tell me face to face about the legally seperated missus and 4 kids....until flying me out to see him at his hotel in Indianopolis (not where wife and kiddies are). PS. Legally seperated folks don't have happy portraits of themselves with their 4 kids in an article on the internet. Nope....nice try. Thank God I googled before flying....close call that one.
Originality=0

Come back....just when I think I am past all this BS, here it is again, so I'm sure this post will be updated.

Getting Older?

2011-03-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

So moving is always tough on the body. Moving last weekend felt especially tough. Part of the issue was the lack of help we had. Thank GOD for my friend Ben who stuck it out the whole time, but it would have been nice to have an extra guy around....you know, the kind with amazing upper body strength unlike mine. About 3 hours before we were done I realized I had pulled something in my arm or shoulder. It's pretty distinctive when you've pulled something and you feel it as you do something as simple as turn your head. Alas, it's not like I could stop moving or really take that much of a break.

I realized that I am the type of girl that doesn't expect others to lift stuff all the time for me. I fancy myself a frontier woman (if I had lived back then). I realized on moving day that most of my near and dear girlfriends are the same types of women; strong, determined, willing to work and not just sit around and giggle. As I was listing in my head my closest girlfriends, I realized that that's why they are my bestest girls, they don't act like it's all about sitting around on the porch fanning yourself with a glass of lemonade. Because of this, I fully went into this move with no qualms about lifting heavy items.

So I pulled something. We've established that, however, I was hoping that a day or two of not lifting 50" plasma TV's would remedy that. It did get better, but the dull pain seemed to come back this past weekend even though I did no heavy lifting. It's annoying as it feels like there are pins/needles in my arm...like it's half asleep, and it's a dull pain. If I remember correctly this happened the last time I moved too and didn't fully heal for a few weeks.

Just a pulled muscle? Or am I just getting old?

Back in the old 'hood-Astoria, NY

2011-03-01T15:54:00.002-05:00

So I left Astoria, NY several years ago to travel as an actress and do some regional theater. When I got back, I moved in with a friend over in Sunnyside. Now I find myself back in the neighborhood I first experienced when I arrived in this crazy city. Astoria is a melting pot of cultures, mostly Greek, but nowadays there are so many artists living in the area it's unbelievable. I can rattle off many names of my close friends that live here now! I just got to spend the other evening with my dear friend Amanda and a few other folks at her apartment watching the Oscars and she is now only a few blocks away!

My favorite eats in Astoria:
Petey's Burger-30th Ave./30th St.-unbelievable burgers and fries
Neptune Diner-31st St/Astoria Blvd.-a classic, always tasty, great place to dine
Gowasbi- 34st/30th Ave.-Japonese
Trattoria L'incontro-31 St/Ditmars-Amazing Italian

I love my new neighborhood because:
-we have a park a short walk away
-we have a 7-11, yep
-very close to the N train 30ave stop
-it's quiet
-I'm in love with my apartment, so cute!
-so much great food, great shops, all within walking distance.
-so close to the city!

So....come visit...will ya?

Four By Tenn-Shameless Self and Company Promotion

2011-02-24T17:44:00.002-05:00

This is our brand spanking new show postcard for ABTC's spring offering. It's my job as Artistic Director to shamelessly promote my company (and my role) to the world wide audience. I'm very excited about this spring season. I feel the last 6 months have been a huge growth period for me both as an actor and an Artistic Director. I was extremely blessed that the director I wanted (Seth Duerr) said yes, the cast we wanted said yes and hopefully the audience (you) will say yes and come see the shows.

When are they you ask? Check out the calendar at right and head over to our website to get your tickets ASAP! Tickets are extremely reasonable ($18) and you can even buy both nights for only $30!!! Rehearsals start March 8th so stay tuned for all sorts of fun promotional items to get you in the Tennessee Williams mood.

Shire Green-this post sponsored by Home Depot

2011-02-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

Alright world, I know I am terrible at updating this blog. Perhaps since I have a new quieter afternoon job, I will have more time. The last few weeks have been taken up with ABTC casting and pre-production and packing for my move this weekend.

My friend Sam and I found a great apartment over in Astoria and I am super excited about the new living adventure. The only downfall was that the kindly landlords had splattered the walls with the most hideous of paint colors. Cream Puff. Need I say more? As you can probably guess, Behr's Cream Puff is about the equivalent of post-it note yellow and not something ANYONE needs to have all over their walls....in EVERY room. I decided the moment I saw it that this time, I was painting an apartment.

Sam and I preceeded to drop about $300 on paint/primer etc. a few nights ago at the local HD, and my day off on Monday began my adventure on making this apartment super fly awesome. It was long and tedious, if you want to truly do it right, but I did feel good last night about all that I had accomplished. There was lots of leftover hardware in the walls, so that took time to remove and spackle. I got the bathroom primed and painted Parchment White (Glidden). The bathroom has large pink tiles with small black ones. I wanted to tone down the girly-ness since it's me and Sam, so my decision was to find a great Eiffell Tower shower curtain in black and white, put a nice off white on the walls and accent with a black mat and black towels. Classy huh?

Tonight's adventure is painting my room Shire Green. I originally wanted a Parisian theme, but since that's now happening in the bathroom, I have gone a different direction. The photo at right is my "dream bed." It's called an Eden bed (canopy version preferred) This bed is super expensive (2K+) as it's hand-made wrought iron, but I am in love with it. I decided on Shire Green because ultimately, I want this bed in the room, so it will lend a nice forest/Midsummer Night's Dream look. I haven't decided what to do regarding artwork etc, so if you have any ideas, do comment and let me know. I think the final look is going to be pretty awesome.

More to come regarding my adventure in apartment improvement.

Crossword Puzzle from Starting Here, Starting Now

2011-01-10T23:56:00.000-05:00

This was my performance of

Crossword Puzzle from Starting Here, Starting Now

with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire. Accompanied by William TN Hallat the ABTC Fundraiser on 12.1.10....Enjoy!

2010 Year in Review

2010-12-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

Accomplished: I produced with my company (American Bard Theater Company) our first two full length productions, saw the company grow by leaps and bounds, and all of us learn a lot about ourselves as artists, humans, and colleagues. I look very forward to working on Tennessee Williams Spring of 2011

I did a musical (Jekyll & Hyde).....it had been a while. It's time for another one soon. I miss singing all the time.

Was blessed with two beautiful nieces, Isabella Faye McKinley, born May 18th and Victoria Hope McKinley, born April 26th

I lost those nagging pounds I picked up when I was doing 3 shows in Michigan in 2009..... 17 nagging pounds to be exact.

I paid down my debt by half, should have it all paid off before summer hits, then I am rewarding myself with a trip somewhere lovely. Ireland

Worked my first full time job in 10 years (and insurance!), then lost it two weeks ago, only to gain a situation that will allow me to audition more and go to castings this spring, a much better situation. Now if I can figure out how to afford medical insurance we will be golden.

All in all, 2010 wasn't a big ticket year for accomplishments, but certainly a year where I was able to catch up, build, lose, gain, and balance my life here in New York City.

Here's what's in store for 2011:

You may see me in Tennessee Williams this spring, with a big hat on my head and all my southern mentalities laid bare

You may hear me read a role that is so much unlike me, I already love the possibility of the challenge: Anna Nicole Smith.

I may join Equity, because I feel it's time, or I may continue to lay low in Non-Eqville to keep more acting options open.

You will see me dancing more (hip-hop and belly)

You will see me singing as much as possible and I will book another musical....just you wait Henry Higgins...just you wait.

You will hear me learning French and finally achieving my goal of being bilingual

You will see me put a very large amount of time into my modeling career. It's time to shift some focus there and book more commercial print work and really develop a beautiful portfolio.

That should get me started in 2011 huh?

Pizza, coffee and cabin fever...OH MY!

2010-12-27T10:50:00.001-05:00

So in a city like New York, we seldom bat an eyelash when receiving a nice blanketing of snow. Trucks have usually cleaned it all up by the time it's stopped falling. This blizzard, however, has presented a bit of a challenge. High winds and the wind chill have made it difficult to clean as we go and this morning it actually does feel like "Snowmageddon 2010 (part deux?)"

I always try and take these days to catch up and do things on the computer or in my house that I put off when I am so busy running around and living life, but at the same time, I realize how much I love to be out doing things and not stuck at home. You never want to be at home when you "have" to, only when you want to or when it's been a really long day. Actually, as you can see, being home means I blog... I know, I used to blog all the time and now I rarely get to it. I promise I will be better at that next year. See....it's my first resolution!!!

That's all for now. Post your snow pics if you got 'em and stay warm and dry.

Plenty of Fish

2010-12-25T10:59:00.005-05:00

So my friend Laurie is in town and told me I need to sign up for a free dating website called Plentyoffish. Now, if you've followed my blog or life at all, my luck with dating sites in the past has been in the negative numbers. I do, however, always end up with some pretty funny stories. I decided to sign up. We shall see right? If anything, I do need to expand the types of men I meet in my daily life. Right now the men that I meet are either gay (love you girls!!), taken, or moody actors. Not much choice as it stands. Here is my Plentyoffish profile.

The funny thing about signing up for an online dating site is all the chemistry tests (results here) and relationships tests they want you to take. Don't they know that any normal human being likes to live in the fantasy world of "it's them, not me." Answering these tests and questions, only serves to make me aware of my flaws and lack of knowledge about what I truly want.

Do I want kids (I love to sleep in)? Marriage (did it)? Do I like gifts? Little notes? Travel? Long walks on the beach? Dating smokers? Going out for drinks? Men with children?

I know what I don't want. Doesn't that count for something? Can I just create a site where people can sign up with profiles detailing what they don't want??? That part's easy.

And as usual, I list that I want taller men and continue to get bombarded with messages from guys that max out at 5'9." Well, at least I tried right?

American Bard and Terra Fossil Wines

2010-12-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

From the ABTC Fundraiser on December 1st 2010

Morla- from The Neverending Story

2010-11-10T14:55:00.001-05:00

Nosferatu

2010-11-05T14:52:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of seeing Nosferatu for the first time the other night. An extremely well made film and way ahead of its time, I found it creepy with Max Schreck being by far the scariest Dracula ever. Many fillms like to make Dracula sexy and although those have their place and are enjoyable (i.e. Gary Oldman), seeing Dracula as creeptastic as this film portrays him, leaves an impression and some serious loss of sleep. I would definitely recommend anyone see this if you haven't yet. A true classic and this film falls on many top 100 greatest films lists.

Wiki info: Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (translated as Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror; also known as Nosferatu: A Symphony of Terror or simply Nosferatu) is a German Expressionist horror film, directed by F. W. Murnau, starring Max Schreck as the vampire Count Orlok. The film, shot in 1921 and released in 1922, was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, with names and other details changed because the studio could not obtain the rights to the novel (for instance, "vampire" became "Nosferatu" and "Count Dracula" became "Count Orlok").

Measure for Measure Promo-Fall 2010

2010-10-30T00:57:00.000-04:00

Mariana by Alfred Lord Tennyson

2010-10-27T20:49:00.006-04:00

Valentine Cameron Princep

Mariana

WITH blackest moss the flower-plots
    Were thickly crusted, one and all:
The rusted nails fell from the knots
    That held the pear to the gable-wall.
The broken sheds look'd sad and strange:
    Unlifted was the clinking latch;
    Weeded and worn the ancient thatch
Upon the lonely moated grange.
        She only said, 'My life is dreary,
            He cometh not,' she said;
        She said, 'I am aweary, aweary,
            I would that I were dead!'

W.E.F. Britten

Her tears fell with the dews at even;
    Her tears fell ere the dews were dried;
She could not look on the sweet heaven,
    Either at morn or eventide.
After the flitting of the bats,
    When thickest dark did trance the sky,
    She drew her casement-curtain by,
And glanced athwart the glooming flats.
        She only said, 'The night is dreary,
            He cometh not,' she said;
        She said, 'I am aweary, aweary,
            I would that I were dead!'

Upon the middle of the night,
    Waking she heard the night-fowl crow:
The cock sung out an hour ere light:
    From the dark fen the oxen's low
Came to her: without hope of change,
    In sleep she seem'd to walk forlorn,
    Till cold winds woke the gray-eyed morn
About the lonely moated grange.
        She only said, 'The day is dreary,
            He cometh not,' she said;
        She said, 'I am aweary, aweary,
            I would that I were dead!'

John Everett Millais

About a stone-cast from the wall
    A sluice with blacken'd waters slept,
And o'er it many, round and small,
    The cluster'd marish-mosses crept.
Hard by a poplar shook alway,
    All silver-green with gnarled bark:
    For leagues no other tree did mark
The level waste, the rounding gray.
        She only said, 'My life is dreary,
            He cometh not,' she said;
        She said, 'I am aweary, aweary,
            I would that I were dead!'

And ever when the moon was low,
    And the shrill winds were up and away,
In the white curtain, to and fro,
    She saw the gusty shadow sway.
But when the moon was very low,
    And wild winds bound within their cell,
    The shadow of the poplar fell
Upon her bed, across her brow.
        She only said, 'The night is dreary,
            He cometh not,' she said;
        She said, 'I am aweary, aweary,
            I would that I were dead!'

All day within the dreamy house,
    The doors upon their hinges creak'd;
The blue fly sung in the pane; the mouse
    Behind the mouldering wainscot shriek'd,
Or from the crevice peer'd about.
    Old faces glimmer'd thro' the doors,
    Old footsteps trod the upper floors,
Old voices call'd her from without.
        She only said, 'My life is dreary,
            He cometh not,' she said;
        She said, 'I am aweary, aweary,'
            I would that I were dead!'

The sparrow's chirrup on the roof,
    The slow clock ticking, and the sound
Which to the wooing wind aloof
    The poplar made, did all confound
Her sense; but most she loathed the hour
    When the thick-moted sunbeam lay
    Athwart the chambers, and the day
Was sloping toward his western bower.
        Then, said she, 'I am very dreary,
            He will not come,' she said;
        She wept, 'I am aweary, aweary,
            O God, that I were dead!'

Measure for Measure

2010-10-10T18:40:00.003-04:00

Put this on your calendar:

Measure for Measure

Playing the role of: Mariana/Nun/Bawd and pianist

American Bard Theater Co.
Runs: November 4th-13th,
Times: Thurs.-Sat. 8.pm
Wed. November 10th at 8 p.m.
Sat. matinees at 2 p.m.
Location: Roy Arias Theatres (Payan Theatre)
300 W 43rd St, 5th Floor
Tickets: $18

Has it almost been a year?

2010-09-25T12:16:00.000-04:00

So I can't believe I have neglected my blog for so long. I guess my excuse is like anyone elses as I have been extremely busy working a full time job on top of Artistic Directing at ABTC. The company is going very well with a few new people on board to help us out. We now have a board of directors and our doing our annual September ask to help fund our spring season, and we hope to have our 501(c)3 status by the beginning of 2011. You can follow what's up with the company at American Bard. Our fall show is Measure for Measure which opens November 4th and I will be playing the role of Mariana. I am busy reading Tennessee Williams and selecting 6-8 of his one act pieces for us to do for our spring show.

In my personal career, I have had the pleasure of being in the spring show of ABTC as Marget in Much Ado About Nothing, as well as working this summer with director Ted Minos on Comedy of Errors with Inwood Shakespeare Festival. I played the very fun role of Courtesan. I have continued to do readings with Instant Shakespeare Company, with whom I love working with and getting my feet wet in plays and characters I have yet had the opportunity to read. I shot the summer 2010 Harley Davidson vendor catalog, worked with Jerry Harke on his book Beauty Revealed coming out soon, in which I am featured on several pages and in December of 2009 was given the opportunity to travel with Jerry and his wife and 3 other models to the beautiful island of St. Martin for a photo shoot/vacation getaway! All of this, of course is chronicled on my website.

I am dating a fantastic man and have the pleasure of becoming an Aunt again for the third and fourth time this spring with my beautiful nieces Victoria and Isabella respectively. I haven't had the chance to get to meet them yet, but when I do, you will be the first to see pictures and how my other nieces Sophia and Grace have grown. Overall my family is well and happy, so we are a very blessed bunch.

I think that's all for now. I promise not to be MIA for so long next time.

Witches, Bitches!! A Cauldron of Selected Scenes

2009-09-25T18:22:00.000-04:00

This is the first show from American Bard Theater Company. I am proud to be the Founding Artistic Director and have spent my summer, along with 14 other fabulous artists, creating this company. Come if you can, it's FREE and I know you will have a great time.

Summer of Shakespeare

2009-08-22T12:13:00.000-04:00

So this summer has been a wonderful summer of Shakespeare. I got a chance to read the following with Instant Shakespeare Company:
Cressida in Troilus and Cressida
Ariel in The Tempest
Mistress Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor

Also, I was able to do some on your feet spontaneous Shakespeare with Spontaneous Shakesepare Saturdays through Imagine Me. Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet
and Leonata in Much Ado About Nothing.

Things should be slowing down a bit as I focus on American Bard Theater Company, and our fall project.

God of Carnage

2009-06-18T21:57:00.000-04:00

What a welcome back to the city!! I won a ticket to God of Carnage in my office raffle. Included was a talkback with James Gandolfini, so I was already excited about what the night had to offer. The show was AMAZING. Marcia Gay Harden is phenomenal and the show was a constant volley of insults, accusations, stories, excuses, and sometimes nice words. The best part is that after the show THE WHOLE CAST came out for the talkback!! I couldn't belive it. I got to tell Marcia and the other cast members what tension the pauses created (suggested by the director Matthew Warchus), and how it helped to make everyone in the audience wonder what was going to happen next and who was going to speak. It deserved the Tony, go see it before it closes!!

Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night

2009-06-18T02:30:00.000-04:00

So tonight, I saw a simply BEAUTIFUL production of Twelfth Night by The Public Theater. Cast included: Anne Hathaway, Raul Esparza and Audra McDonald. My favorite part was the music, all Irish that played in between the scenes by live musicians. Come to find out afterwards by reading my program, that the music was composed by one of my all time favorite bands, Hem. If you can get to NYC or get a chance, you should definitely try to make it out to see this production. Many thanks to my friend Cheri who had an extra ticket!!

A Midsommer Night's Dreame

2009-06-14T22:42:00.000-04:00

Today I performed the role of Titania in A Midsommer Night's Dreame on Summit Rock in Central Park with my unrehearsed Shakespeare company Spontaneouse Shakespeare Players. If you have never heard of unrehearsed Shakespeare it's a blast. All actors are given their cue scripts; this means that only the last 3 words of your cut line are on the page so you have to be actively listening ALWAYS! You take your script and put it on a wooden dowel, thereby created your roll/role. This is how it was done in Shakepseares day. Sometime they had little to no rehearsal so everything you need to know about staging and performance is already in the text. The show went great even though we had to deal with a lot of park distractions and we even got a patron reivew:

Name: Michael Lindsay
Comments: Just a quick note to say thanks for this Sunday's performance of Midsummer Night's Dream. I was visiting for the weekend and staying with friends on the west side and decided to go to the Metroploitan. As I was walking through the park, your fellow players caught my attention with their sign and announcement, so I decided to check out the play before going to the museum. It was such fun that I stayed for the entire production and enjoyed it very much. Please share my thanks with your entire company. (Oh, and even though you did not ask for contributions, the spirit moved me to leave some money in one of your yellow "footlights." Hope you found it.)

We have one more performance on the 28th, check my website for details. Hope you can make it!

Reading the role of Thaisa in Pericles

2009-05-30T13:54:00.000-04:00

Donna Stearns, ProducerJason Kendall, Artistic Directorof Shakespeare Saturdays present...

Pericles, Prince of Tyreby William ShakespeareDirected by Shana Solomon

Reading at 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 30
Inwood Branch of the NYPL 4790 Broadway

By Subway: A train to Dyckman (200th St.)
Free Admission

I will be reading the role of Thaisa in Pericles for Shakespeare Saturdays

Interview for American Art Report

2009-05-18T13:59:00.000-04:00

Mary is interviewed for a feature on photographer Jerry Harke's work entitled American Art Report in Times Square, NYC!

A great birthday review

2009-05-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

I celebrated my birthday with a great review about my last show here with TBT, A Streetcar Named Desire. The Alpena News says, 'In the hands of Riley, Blanche unravels in front of the audience's eyes....' Check out my webpage for more.

A Streetcar Named Desire at Thunder Bay Theatre

2009-04-16T04:29:00.000-04:00

A Streetcar Named Desire
Written By Tennessee Williams

April 29 - May 10
Wednesday - Saturday at 7:30
Sunday at 2:00 pm

Thunder Bay Theatre in Alpena, MI

The Winter's Tale Promo Video

2008-11-11T12:44:00.000-05:00

The Winter’s Tale at Southwest Shakepeare

2008-06-16T12:48:00.000-04:00

I am very, very, very, very excited to have been cast in the role of Hermione in The Winter's Tale at Southwest Shakespeare running November 27th-December 20th 2008 in Mesa, AZ This is my first principle Shakes role and I feel lucky, blessed and a little nervous. Keep me in your prayers and come out for a visit. It will be much warmer there than on the east coast. Good things are happening...thank you for all your support and love.

Immortal Beloved

2008-06-03T13:01:00.000-04:00

Not since the movie Immortal Beloved had I heard these words spoken, but seeing SITC reminded me of how much I love this letter.....enjoy

The Third Letter
Good morning, on July 7
Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours

Background
After Beethoven's death in March 1827 two documents were discovered in his desk. These were the Heiligenstadt Testament and the love letters shown above. The passionate feelings manifested in these letters where addressed to a person unknown. Many have speculated over whom might be the recipient, made more difficult by the fact that there is no year or place given on the letters. But Solomon, following Beethoven's date on the letters, his movement during the period (1812) and studying the persons close to Beethoven, has come to the solution that Antoine Brentano must be the answer, now generally accepted as being correct.

This Saturday-The Lower East Side Arts Festival Performance

2008-05-20T13:02:00.000-04:00

L.E.S.

THE 13TH ANNUAL LOWER EAST SIDE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, MAY 24th

Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue
(between 9th and 10th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
Telephone: (212) 254-1109
Fax: (212) 979-6570
**JOHNSON THEATER**

6:36 - MARY RILEY & JENIFER GELBER
Are excited to be back for their second year of performing here at the L.E.S. Festival. They met while working together on "Romeo and Juliet" at Genesis Repertory Theater in 2007. They hope you enjoy tonight's Opera Sampler. They will be accompanied by Rachel Kaufmann

Excerpts will include:

Adieu, notre petite table from Manon

Moon of Alabama (Whiskey Song) from The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagony

Papageno/Papagena duet from the The Magic Flute

Three Little Maids from School from The Mikado

The Card Trio from Carmen

Senza Mamma from Suor Angelica

Quando Men Vo (Musetta's Waltz) from La Boheme

The Flower Duet from Lakme

The Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman

Come and see, guaranteed to be highly entertaining and completely FREE!!

Anthony and Cleopatra-This Saturday

2008-05-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

I will be reading the role of Cleo this Saturday, details below. Come if you can but be forwarned, it's one of his lonnnnnnnnnngest plays.

Title: The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra

Date: Saturday May 17, 2008
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Columbus Branch, 742 Tenth Ave., between 50th and 51st St.
Notes: Playmaster Paul Sugarman

Wide Open Spaces-updated

2008-05-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

Day 1-Fly to Denver and relax

My flight got in around 3:30 and I grabbed my car, found my hotel, which was a stones throw from Downtown and headed out for dinner. I chose PF Changs (I know it's a chain) but we don't have one in NYC so I needed my fix. I ended the evening sipping on a low fat hot chocolate at Starbucks and sitting on the 16 St Mall and enjoying the lovely 60 degree weather.

Day2-Boulder, CO (Colorado Shakes Audition) Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming

Got up and drove to Boulder, which is the home of the University of Colorado and met with Phillip Sneed, the Artistic Director of Colorado Shakespeare Festival. He was gracious and showed me the theater spaces on campus and told me some of the history of the Festival. Then it was on back to Denver to meet my friend Jenny and her new baby Ella for some lunch at Cheesecake Factory. And anyone who knows me would be surprised to know, I had no cheesecake while there.

Then it was in the car and off to check some states off my list. I drove east on 36 into Kansas (see state sign pics in my album) and made a left. The airwaves were covered with Tornado warnings and the sky was dark so as I got into Nebraska, I cut back throught Colorado and out of the bad weather to get to Cheyanne. Overall it's flat out that way with not much to see, but I still had fun and ran across Cherry Creek Encampment Site as I was heading into Nebraska. Exhausted but feeling very accomplished, I fell into my bed in Cheyanne.

Day 3-Rocky Mountain National Park, Hot Sulphur Springs, and Colorado Springs, CO

I woke up this morning and headed out to see the famed Rocky Mountains. I took my time winding through and stopping to take some photos and enjoy the calm. When I was done, I headed over to Hot Sulpher Springs to enjoy a relaxing few hours soaking in the natural sulphur springs of Colorado. This particular spa had 15 pools of various sizes and all heated to various temperatures and all virtually empty! Reluctantly, I had to get out of the pools and head to Colorado Springs but next time, I will make sure to plan a whole afternoon here.

Day 4-Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge National Park and Durango, CO

I got up this morning and after a tasty breakfast, headed to Pikes Peak, one of the fourteeners of Colorado. Because of the weather, I only got up to about 13,000 ft. but it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Pristine, beautiful, calm, crisp, still, peaceful, the many words to describe the view and feel of being up that high, as if I was on top of the world. I try to picture this view anytime I feel there is something I can't conquer. I could see for miles and miles!! Once again, I had to keep trekking so I headed through Manitou Springs (dropping off my mother's day card in the mail) and headed onward to Royal Gorge Bridge National Park which is about 10 miles west of Canon City, CO.

You can't even begin to imagine the view, pictures and descriptions do NOT do it justice. It is a suspension bridge built over the deep gorge cut from the Arkansas River. It is the highest suspension bridge in the world (Raven pointed out that the longest is in West Virginia) Again, Colorado is quiet this time of year as it is in between seasons, so at one point, I was the ONLY ONE one the bridge, and the wind was pretty fierce so imagine the swaying that I felt. I also was able to drive over it (which I pointed out to Raven that I have now driven over both the longest and the highest suspension bridges in the world). I also took the time to take the incline down (oh yes folks, the steepest incline in the world) to the bottom of the gorge to get a good look up and see the fast flowing Arkansas. Leaving way later than planned, I got to Durango very late and once again fell into my bed and crowned myself the sleepiest girl in the world

Day 5-Four Corners Monument, Mesa Verde and Leadville, CO

Up again and drove out to the Four Corners Monument, kind of self explanatory as it is where New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona meet and of course, got the cheesy tourist pic. I picked up some really cool jewelry hand made by the local Ute Indian tribes and headed back toward Durango to the Mesa Verde National Park. Breathtaking views and miles mountains, gorges and cliffs and cliff dwellings once inhabited by Ancestral Pueblo people way back from about A.D. 600 to about A.D. 1300, until they left for reasons unknown and it was rediscovered in the 1800s. For a country like ours with little history, it's really neat to see something from so long ago. A must if you ever get out to Southwest Colorado, but I digress, once again I get into the car for a very long drive to Leadville, CO where I will spend the night to be close to the airport for the next day. On the way I catch sight of 7+ fawn grazing on the side of the road, check the pics. Another amazing and awe inspiring experience, they were so beautiful and so graceful. I arrive in Leadville utterly exhausted from 5 days of hard core road tripping. I should have checked the weather.......

The Winter’s Tale review

2008-03-20T13:14:00.000-04:00

Unadulterated Pleasure
by William Coyle
The Winter’s Tale reviewed March 15, 2008

Robert Ierardi as Camillo and Richard Fay as Leontes
Photo Credit:David Laundra

The American Globe Theatre’s presentation of William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is as fine a rendering of this gorgeous play as any I have seen. That’s no mean feat for a Shakespearean company that likely operates on a fraction of the budget of more established ones. Yet, now in its 19th season, the American Globe Theatre has managed to become Times Square’s longest running Off-Off Broadway theater.

The Winter’s Tale is, above all, the story of one who regretfully makes catastrophic decisions, improbably receives a second chance, and then smartly runs with it. King Leontes of Sicilia, hosting for a long period his boyhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia, mistakenly believes that his beloved queen, Hermione, and Polixenes are having an adulterous affair. The delusion sets in motion a chain of events that lead to the estrangement of Polixenes, the imprisonment of Hermione, the death of Leontes’ only son-heir, and the intended murder of his baby girl, Perdita, who Leontes erroneously believes to be the bastard daughter of Polixenes.

Diedra Da Silva as Paulina and Robert Lee Taylor as Antigonus
Photo Credit:David Laundra

Against the better counsel of everyone in his court, Leontes forges ahead, destroys his life and nearly ruins his kingdom. Richard Fay shines as a chastened Leontes finally recognizing the error of his ways; he literally grovels in agony as Paulina, Hermione’s senior lady, rubs salt into his wounds. The powerful final scene tugs at the heart strings appropriately yet never descends into sappiness.

Director John Basil remains for the most part entirely true to the original text, slightly embellishing it for the better on occasion and introducing dances and songs in several scenes. As Leontes, the confident Fay utterly commands his lines: fearsome in one scene, bitter in the next, child-like and confused in another. His descriptions to his counsel, Camillo, of Hermione’s imagined transgressions are animated and comical; at one point he thrusts his nose at Camillo’s to illustrate adulterous behavior he claims to have witnessed. Yet, never do we doubt his tight rein over those who, as much as they suspect their king’s beliefs, must perform his insane bidding on pain of death.

Mat Sanders as Autolycus, Joseph Small as the Shepherd, and Geoffrey Barnes as the Clown (Shepherd’s Son)
Photo Credit:David Laundra

Jim Parks’ period costuming is conservative but clever. He lends Leontes and his lords a bit of a hip flair while still placing them firmly within the time of the play. Kevin Lee Allen’s imaginative set design fully utilizes a modest space: two spiral stairways on either side of the stage lend symmetry and a bit of grandeur to the black box, while the vertical rise offers Leontes the ability to look down on his minions while making forceful, if misguided, pronouncements that will forever alter their lives. Alisa Claire’s choreography of peasant dances is charming, and Mark Hankla’s lighting, particularly when it isolates Leontes, is frequently inspired.

My quibbles with the direction are minor. Christina Shipp as the grown-up Perdita didn’t quite convey the inherent majesty that the natural born daughter of royalty is said to possess, and Paulina, played strongly by Diedra Da Silva, dipped momentarily into farce at a point of the play that demands restraint. Jefferson Slinkard’s employment of a feigned Mexican/Italian/something else accent when he, as a disguised Polixenes, confronts his disaffected son, Florizel, needs work. I detected a slight flagging of energy during the last quarter of the play which happily picked up by the final scenes.

Standouts among the cast are Fay as Leontes, Elizabeth Keefe as Hermione, whose trial speech elicits the pity her plight deserves, Geoffrey Barnes as the simple yet humorous son of a shepherd, and a remarkably agile and appropriately hammy Mat Sanders as the ne’er do well, Autolycus.

The best Shakespeare answers ambiguous questions occasionally posed by the text and Mr. Basil is unafraid to engage those questions. While prior familiarity with the play always helps, do not feel intimidated by unadulterated (pardon the pun) Shakespeare. You will get it, and the American Globe Theatre’s rendition of this great play will pleasantly surprise even the most bard shy. This is currently the best theater bargain in Times Square.

All my boyfriends on one stage...

2007-12-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

How did they get them all together

My life

2007-12-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Things are amazing right now in my life....a lot of wonderful possibilites and I couldn't be happier (insert Wicked song here)

My brother and his wife are having a baby and I have a spring show on the horizon, among other exciting things going on.

I am very thankful and very blessed.

That is really all I have to say, back to reading my first Harry Potter book (thanks to my dear friend who bought it for me).

Oh yeah.... and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Days Are Here Again

2007-12-04T13:24:00.000-05:00

So I know I promised some profound blog about the world...but alas, I am a busy girl and share my most profound thoughts with only my dearest friends. So today you get a little education:

For 13 long years, we as a country prohibited the drinking, sale, and transportation of alcohol via the 18th amendment....sad huh? Luckily we came to our senses and passed the 21st amendment on December 5th 1933....Repeal day!!

Most of you know I do lots of cool promotions and tradeshows to make my rent and to treat myself to cool trips, and for the last 5 days, my rent making job has been working for Dewars.

With 30's clothing and a sweet Madame X kit car that takes me around the city (it's nice to feel like you have your own personal limo) I have been traveling through the many NYC boroughs reminding people to be grateful that they have the right to sip that chocolatini ....oh......and Dewar's

So....check out the website and look for parties around the city tomorrow.

My team will be at the following venues if you care to check us out:

Doc Watson's 1490 2nd Ave (6-8pm)

Boa 122-126 St. Marks Place (8-10pm)

7th on Sale

2007-11-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

Some people write about politics, some about travel and some how their patience is being tried.

Mary writes about sweet shopping deals:

7th on sale

The event ran this weekend starting with VIP night where VIP's got stuff for cheap when they didn't even need the markdowns. Yes, I actually saw Burberry bags go out the door for $50 and Christian Louboutins for $200. I also saw Iman, Mary Louise Parker, Anna Wintour, Bette Midler, Nicole Kidman and her country man and various WB stars who in my mind always remain nameless (though hot)

I don't know about the website, but I got about $2000 worth of great stuff for $300 and I am a happy girl. I got a great new perfume that I had been dying for (Tom Ford's Black Orchid) for $10 along with a great summer dress, a new dress coat, gloves, a hat, designer jeans etc, etc,. All the proceeds go to HIV/AIDs fund, so go shop. As for me, I am going to try on the clothes I got to see if they even fit, then I am going to hook my family and friends up with some of the sweet deals I wrangled throughout the day.

Then I am going to Charlottesville

and then I am eating tons of Turkey with mom and Crystal.

So HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Be patient, I promise the next blog will be about something profound...

like my favorite types of bon bons

Jerry Orbach's Eyes

2007-11-10T13:32:00.000-05:00

So in NYC, there is an ad campaign running for organ donation. The main celebrity is Jerry Orbach, who donated his eyes when he passed....my friend Melinda (see top friends list) and her sketch comedy group The Other Baldwins ran with that. Trust me, this is worth the watch. ENJOY

Jerry Orbach Eyes

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Dating in NYC...it just gets better and better

2007-11-09T13:33:00.000-05:00

So I still have my match.com account open, though clearly, as you can see below, I am not "getting much action". Most of the messages come from fine, upstanding, available gentlemen such as the one who wrote me below. Basically he states that I should give up on the man I really want and settle for him. IF I COULD ONNNNNNNNNNLY show you his pic I would.....ohhhh would I.

However, I will just post his message, giggle and move on with my life.

Yes, I am looking for a tall man so WHAT? surely, I can meet 1 of the 6.3% leftover that meet my requirements??? If not, I will take a shorter one as long as he NEVER sends me this crap!

teeth, knuckles and feet?

I mean.....really???

It's officially time to dump the match.com account...

Ok, you're officially beautiful, charming, bright, blah blah blah...but I've been doing a little number crunching, and the 6' 2" minimum rules out 93.7% of the male population, so I don't think you're gettin' all that much action, Sweetie. Be honest, how many winks have you gotten recently?

Well, I'm prepared to do a lot more than wink. I've got a full tank of gas, a fistful of dollars, and a mighty hankering to haul my ass down to Astoria and kiss not only your forehead, but also your teeth, knuckles, and feet. (Those are the sexiest parts of the female body.)

I'd apologize for the pathetic pixel quality of my photo, but it's actually a litmus test. Depending upon the sharpness of your monitor, it may appear that I have a rare skin disease. Any woman who would let that stand in the way of a good time is not for me.

Love,
Dodd ("Todd" with a cold)

Up late...update

2007-11-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

This is random but I am up late.....so here goes:

Got sick after pushing myself a bit too hard on Monday:

Coaching with John Basil (where I did my monologues 8 times), TX Shakes audition (another time, along with 16 bars of 1776), rehearsing with scene partner Chris (let's see, we did that scene at least 10 times) rehearsing with Jacob on Q Margaret and Suffolk.........THEN class, where I was in 3 scenes.

No wonder I am sick....geez Mary....

on the lighter side of things:

I had a great time in Baltimore for those who knew I went for a quick few days to visit a tall man. The train ride is so short, I never realized. I have only taken it to my mom's in VA where it takes 7 hours....it's so nice to get on a train and get out of the city sometimes....even if it's nowhere tropical

Worked a tradeshow with Heidi from Phoenix, she and I worked on a marketing campaign for Schick a few years ago so it was nice to see her again.

Laurie and I got cute matching hats....why??? because we can!!

I have seen some good theater and opera lately:

NYC Opera: Flavio, Salome, Vannessa, Agrippina, ....Carmen and Cendrillon next week

Met Opera: I treated myself to a personal wish to see Julie Taymor's Magic Flute production....amazing set, costumes, all dripping with Julie's glorious touch!

Broadway: August: Osage County (simply wonderful Steppenwolf actors), Cymbeline tomorrow night.

Off B: Richard III with Michael Cumpsty

The showcase is coming together nicely. Come if you can. I will be doing Cleopatra to Jon Hoche's Mark Antony. I am so proud of my work in John Basil's class this fall. I feel it has made me 10 times stronger as an actress...

What else....let's see, got a hot new pink Sony VAIO laptop, and a pink digital camera (I know...what's with all the pink, like I am 5 yrs old!)

Can't WAIT for the holidays, I miss my family!

Ok....randomness over....

Brevity 2007

2007-11-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

So for all of you who are wondering what Ms. Mary is up to besides ending her run as Miss DiLusso 2007, here is my upcoming showcase.

You want to attend, you really do. My classmates are fabulous and your going to love what we have done with the scenes...so.....be brave....make a reservation by calling the number below... I GUARANTEE you will be entertained.

Brevity 2007 Information

One hour of Wit & Pathos

American Globe Theatre

Date:
Monday, November 26, 2007

Time:

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:
American Globe Theatre

145 W 46th St

New York, NY
212.869.9809

John Basil & the American Globe Theatre invite you to Brevity 07, one hour of wit and pathos. Directed by John Basil, Producing Artistic Director.

With players Ralph DeMatthews*, John Druzba, Andrew Eisenman*, Erin Gilbreth*, Jack Herholdt*, Jon Hoche, Kelly McKinnon, Christopher Newell*, Gabriel Oshen*, Henrik Peterson, Mary Riley, Basil Rodericks*, Jacob Troy, Amanda Webb and Jillian Welsh. (*Actors Equity)

Doors open at 6:30, reception to follow.

My Tori Amos De-virgination

2007-10-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

First off, is devirgination a word? Who knows and who cares because I saw my first Tori Amos concert tonight at none other than the great Madison Square Garden.

I know you can't believe that I am truly a Tori fan and have never been to one of her concerts but I just never usually shell out the money for concerts...I spend it all at the theater.

The first part of her set was from American Doll Posse, her most recent album. Those songs were not that familiar to me but after the first 8 or so, she started to break into some serious classics:

Spark, Baker Baker and Winter.

A Sorta Fairytale

CORNFLAKE GIRL.......!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah....and I walked out with a $35concert t-shirt (shut up, I'm a sucker)

an a huge smile on my face.....

kinda like sex but with sex you don't have the option of buying the tshirt

A clip of Precious Things is below: (if it loads) Enjoy

And the winner is....

2007-09-09T13:43:00.000-04:00

Name: Mary Virginia

Age: 29

Hometown: Salam, MI

Talent: Folding salami roses (see below)

Platform:

As Miss DiLusso 2007 I would like to increase the knowledge of this delicious tasting salami. I vow to travel the tri state are from deli to deli spreading the good word of DiLusso and introducing new customers to this delightfully delicious product. Please visit Deli of the Day for more information.

Thank you so much for your votes across the nation. I could not have done this without you...

and in conclusion

I LOVE SALAMI!!!!

Voodoo Girl by Tim Burton

2007-08-24T13:45:00.000-04:00

Voodoo Girl

Her skin is white cloth, and she's all sewn apart
and she has many colored pins sticking out of her heart.

She has a beautiful set of hypno-disk eyes, the ones
that she uses to hypnotize guys.

She has many different zombies who are deeply in her trance. She even has a zombie who was originally from France.

But she knows she has a curse on her, a curse she cannot win. For if someone gets too close to her,

the pins stick farther in.

Tim Burton

from the Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Short Stories

Summer of Shakespeare

2007-07-16T21:03:00.000-04:00

What have I been up to this summer you might ask?

John Basil's Summer Shakes Intensive complete with monologues from Henry VI, Anthony and Cleopatra, Loves Labor's Lost, Snowangel, and scenes from the Scottish play and All's Well that Ends Well AND

on top of that, working on Luciana, Abbess, Courtizan, Luce, Officer, Merchant et al in Comedie of Errors for New England Shakes which is coming up very soon.

Got a favourite Shakespare Quote or play......do tell!

I feel like a 5yr old....

2007-07-04T13:52:00.000-04:00

...everytime I watch fireworks!!!

Today I worked down near South Street Seaport, the beautiful Laurie met me for lunch and I finally bought one of those jingle-y things you tie around your waist when you do belly dancing, I had been wanting one for a while and the lady gave me a good deal on it so why not. It's royal blue and goes with my eyes. After work, Rachicca, Jade and I all hung out and had dinner at Heartland Brewery. Rachicca and I had picked up $5 pashimas because it was unseasonably chilly today. We had a good dinner and headed over to the shops at SSS.

The fireworks started at 9:25 after a little rain shower. They lasted almost a half hour and were AMAZING. They were so beautiful and fun and the crowd was having such a good time. They had the weeping willow fireworks that I love and SMILEY face fireworks and heart fireworks!!!!

Happy Birthday America!!! Thank you for everything!!

and thanks Rachicca and Jade!! I had a great night!

My top 5 dates of all time

2007-07-01T13:55:00.000-04:00

#1-The boat docked out by the WFO marina. We had wine and danced to Frank Sinatra. You took me out on the dinghy so we could go out and get a closer look at the Statue of Liberty. We kissed on the Hudson River under the moon. I have never slept so well as I did to the gentle rocking of the boat on the river. YOUR SONG: Fly Me To The Moon sung by Frank Sinatra

#2- It started with the ol' look across the crowded room in Memphis, TN, no really....that is how it happened.... you held me in your arms in the dim light and I haven't felt that safe in years......like I had always belonged there. YOUR SONGS: Here Without You by 3 Doors Down and Hemmorage by Fuel

#3-We met at a bar in the West Village and the conversation didn't stop. We couldn't take our eyes off each other and we didn't want to part ways.The smartest man I know and the accent will always be super dreamy. YOUR SONG: Star Wars Cantina Band

#4-We spent the weekend in Monterey, CA, one of the most beautiful places in the country. It was so relaxing and peaceful. The drive down from San Jose was a nice getaway. We hit Carmel and Santa Cruz and got some great pictures at Pebble Beach. YOUR SONG: A Sorta Fairytale by Tori Amos

#5-We went to the fair in Chesapeake, VA and rode the ferris wheel. It stopped right at the top as the fireworks kicked off and I felt at that moment the happiest I had ever been in my life. I had everything I had ever wanted. YOUR SONG: Pavement Cracks by Annie Lennox

Honorable mentions: San Francisco dinner and cheescake , Ice Skating at Roc Center, Cheese and Wine in SF Park

Thanks to all of you! I have been so lucky in my life to meet the people I have!

N'awlins

2007-06-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

So this weekend Laurie and I went to The Big Easy.....let's take a stroll through the weekend:

Friday: We get up at 5:30 and leave my apartment in a black sedan headed for JFK. Sleepy we are......excited we are.....get there we must (ok...yoda) We take a short 3 hour plane ride and land about a quarter to 10 in New Orleans where we pick up and upgrade to a white Mustange convertable!! But WAIT!!! We are starving at this point so where do we stop. The ultimate southern place SHONEY'S. Oh yeah...buffet. After our yummy cheap breakfast it was off to the hotel. After a few wrong turns and some bad neighborhoods we find the French Quarter and our lovely hotel, The Maison Dupoy. We had to wait to check in so we had drinks and laid out by the pool. We checked in around 4pm, showered and headed down to Bourbon Street!

Friday night: First things first. Boas and masks must be purchased at the cheap souvenir store We start out by having dinner and a drink at a place called the Emporium. After yummy dinner we hit the street and just start walking. We stop in a bar to get hurricanes and listen to authentic bayou music....we wander out and then we get stopped by a guy asking us to throw beads.....why not we say. After being whisked through a strip bar (ummm ok) we end up on the upstairs terrace with a few other girls tossing beads. This keeps us occupied for about a half hour as we hunt for cute guys and outrageous outfits. A stripper comes out to help us toss beads. She has well over $500 stuck in her garter. (and I am an actress why???) we get bored and head out to see what else we can find. We get stopped by another guy and brought into a club and onto the stage with a live band. They are having a booty shakin contest. Laurie and I participate and I dare say we shake some serious booty. We head back out and stop by a Crystal burger for some food (cheese fries was it) So far.....this is AWESOME

Saturday: We take the old stang out for a drive, top down and it is HOT AS HELL but well, we did payyyyyyyy for a convertable so we suck it up. Our mission. Hit all the states we hadn't, so we headed out on 10E for Alabama. Don't worry, we were only in Alabama for 10 minutes before we turned around and stopped in Gulfport, MS to put our feet in the Gulf of Mexico. That water was HOT. On the way back we stopped at Taco Bell........yummy. We went back to the hotel for some sleep and showers.

Saturday night: Of course we needed NEW boas for Saturday night.....we were just in the mood for different colors!! Mine was pink and black to go with my Marilyn Monroe dress. Dinner again. This time at the Copper Pot. Then off to see what Bourbon Street had to offer. This time we went to a little place called Tropical Isle. They had these cool green plastic alien cups that everybody was walking around with so we had to see what kind of drinks they offered. I had a Tropical Itch and Laurie had a Grenade. Tasty. Then we headed down the street where we caught Jamil Sharif at the Maison Bourbon. True New Orleans jazz. I LOVED IT! They were wonderful. See band pic below.

Sunday: A lovely breakfast at the Court of Two Sisters and then we went to the Aquarium and watched the IMAX movie Sharks and petted itty bitty sharks and stingrays!!!!

This was one of my favorite weekend trips ever. Thanks Laurie and thanks New Orleans...hope to see you again this fall~

LES Arts Festival Performance

2007-05-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

Info is below I will be in the Johnson Theater
(ITS FREEEEEEEEE)

Jennifer Gelber and I will be singing the "Flower Duet" from Lakme and "Summer is a Cumin Seed" from The Seasonings by PDQ Bach

Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue
(between 9th and 10th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
Telephone: (212) 254-1109
Fax: (212) 979-6570

I make an appearance in Alli video

2007-05-22T14:01:00.000-04:00

So this is the job I am working through June 10th. The event is set up in Union Square to educate consumers about Alli, the first OTC FDA approved weight loss drug. Anyhoooo.....I'm in the vid from the website...about halfway through if you don't want to watch the whole thing I look so serious in this, really reading the website...enjoy and stop by 20 US East if you have the time.

Mary

NEW TIME* Performance: LES Arts Festival Friday 9:12 pm

2007-05-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

Info is below I will be in the Johnson Theater
(ITS FREEEEEEEEE)

Jennifer Gelber and I will be singing the "Flower Duet" from Lakme and "Summer is a Cumin Seed" from The Seasonings by PDQ Bach

Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue
(between 9th and 10th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
Telephone: (212) 254-1109
Fax: (212) 979-6570

Carry me back to old Virginny

2007-05-16T14:02:00.000-04:00

I am back in NYC after a beautiful sunshine filled weekend in Virginia. I got to see Mom (HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!) and my bro and his wife, and my Dad.

I drove down the Jersey Shore on the Garden State Parkway and took the Cape May Ferry to Deleware. The dolphins were swimming along side the boat. Then onto the Eastern Shore....the east coast is so beautiful and so much different from the west coast. Because I live in the city now I don't drive sas much anymore so this was a nice getaway. Weekends like this remind me how peaceful life is right now and how happy that makes me.

I had a great day of shooting with my favorite photog, Michael Hiser. You are seeing and will see more of the work we did as we post it. I hope to pull 4 shots to use on my comp card so let me know if any strike you as a great shot for agencies and modeling.

I am starting John Basil's Shakes Summer Intensive in June so I am looking forward to that and then it's off to New Hampshire. More to come.

Romeo and Juliet Review from Drama-Queens.net

2007-05-11T21:26:00.000-04:00

Star-Crossed in the Holy Land… of Astoria
..time-->
By Sue Parker | May 6, 2007 - 8:20 pm
..category-->
Posted in Category: General
..end header-->..entry -->

ROMEO AND JULIET…JERUSALEM

Genesis Repertory Ensemble

by Amy M. Frateo

Greek Cultural Center Astoria, Queens, NY

Cast: Michael Raver, Josh Silverman, Tania Asnes, Sarah Hankins, Justin Maruri, Mary Elizabeth MiCari, J Michaels, Raphael Kasen, Alex Moshofsky, Adam Gutbezahl, Shawn Watson, Mary Riley, Jennifer Gelber, Kenneth L. Naanep, Brittany Bellizeare, Carissa Cordes, Jason Cutler, Shaun Orbin, Sarah Leigh Orbin, and Dianna Lora and Ronnie Shumake. Direction by Mary Elizabeth MiCari & J Michaels. Translation & traditions within the production managed by Mimi Asnes and Nesreen Mahmoud. Set and costumes uncredited, and Rob Nguyen on lighting design. Eric Fitzgerald was stage manager.

This production boasts a topical production scheme and double-casting in the pivotal roles. I made sure to see both casts of this dynamic production and I was not sorry. If you missed this show I am sorry for you! Genesis which has a long history of bringing the classics to us in creative and cutting edge ways has done it again. This Romeo and Juliet touched me in ways other versions of the show never have.

Seeing Juliet in traditional Palestinian garb as well as all the Capulets in like-garb rooted me exactly where I needed to be. Not to mention the snippets of Arabic and Hebrew as well as a little Yiddish here and there. What a wonderful directing team Ms. MiCari and Mr. Michaels are. The show is well cast, well staged and flies by with few hitches. It hits hard where it needs to, teaches it's lesson through laughter, love, and – of course - tragedy. Bravo.

Costumes are well done with women wearing veils and men in both traditional and modern dress. They made sense to me and quickly explained the person wearing them. I saw the set consisting of rubble and curtains and understood exactly where I was. The sound (also credited to Ms. MiCari) was well done and her choice of music added to the mood in exactly the right way, both educating us and gently nudging our emotions where she wanted us to go. The lighting by Rob Nguyen does well to highlight and add to the production. It was easy to see he created something special with little to work with.

The show starts with a very funny Sampson (Jason Cutler), a scowling man spewing Arabic at a young Israeli soldier named Hannah (Carissa Cordes) who spews Hebrew right back at him. This set up the idea that neither side could agree – because neither side took the time to understand the other. Their brief exchange and subsequent battle (choreographed with great energy by Douglas Castillo) showed me that I was in for a great night in the theater.

Mr. Cutler found miraculous depth in the small part of Sampson. It was a pleasure to watch him throughout the show and to see the darkness in him grow. Ms. Cordes as Hannah had the hardest part in the play. She remains on stage the entire production, reacting right with us. Greatly focused and powerful acting. Raphael Kasen played Benvolio, Romeo's religious friend with great joy! He captured not only the pathos and intelligence of the character but also achieved much more as an Hassidic scholar with Hebrew and with great understanding of the culture. Adam Gutbezahl as Tybalt, was powerful and very believable. He actually did become the "king of cats" for me. Shawn Watson (credited with providing the authentic properties) as Lord Capulet is a huge and powerful actor with a great voice. He has an ominous presence. Mary Riley as Lady Capulet outfitted in full traditional Islamic garments was centered and made a small part usually overlooked an integral part of this production. Jennifer Gelber and Robert Liebowitz played Lady and Lord Montegue with honesty and integrity. My heart really broke for them at the end of the play as they prayed in Hebrew over the body of their dead son Romeo. Justin Maruri as Mercutio was at first an interesting character to watch as the angry Israeli soldier intent on protecting Romeo at all costs, however he played the anger too much too soon and his performance lost steam. His choice to play that one note left me dry when it came time for his – what should be – sad death. His Queen Mab soliloquy (which is usually a highlight) was rambling, without focus, and boring. He might have been over his head. Kenneth L. Naanep as Paris added an interesting spin on the character. Paris is usually overlooked…. but not in this production. He was funny and evil and great to watch. Brittany Bellizeare as the Princess was great. Powerful and beautiful, this actress is one to watch. Shaun S. Orbin added great humor as an assassin and Sara Leigh Orbin provided interesting work as a reporter viewing the tragedy. Diana Lora doubled roles as the apothecary and an unnamed Arab woman and Ronnie Shumake was funny as the confused cleric charged with the dangerous union of lovers. J Michaels as what seemed like Rabbi Lawrence was a treat. He was by turns funny and sad and dark. His was one of the greatest departures from the original text as an herbalist who smokes those herbs! What began as a comic relief built into a dark portrayal. I enjoyed it very much. Mary Elizabeth MiCari as the Nurse was a highlight. She captured the humor of the part (which is still sometimes played by men) yet made us totally believe she was an ostracized Palestinian woman. Her Arabic language, beaten-back posture, and accent all added to that for me. This is by far the most fleshed-out character on the stage and the most accomplished performance.

I saw both casts of this production so I will review each Romeo and Juliet team.

I saw Josh Silverman as Romeo with Tania Asnes as Juliet. Mr. Silverman was a bit over his head in this role. I understood the casting decision as he looked so much like a young Jewish boy in puppy dog love. He seemed a bit stiff and a little too controlled for this type of character however. Although I liked that his Romeo was intellectual rather than emotional I think he missed the mark in some scenes. That being said, I do think that he gave a well studied performance. I truly felt for him in his death scene.

Ms. Asnes, tiny but powerful was a smart and centered Juliet. A lady with a wicked sense of humor. I really felt the modernization of this character in Ms. Asnes who capitalized on Juliet's intelligence rather than her innocence. With these two at the helm I laughed much and cried very much. I was touched by them as a team.

When next I returned to the theater I saw Michael Raver and Sarah Hankins as Romeo and Juliet. This was quite the different pairing . Mr. Raver is a beautiful man with large sad eyes and a sad demeanor. However, he gave away the story and telegraphed his destruction from the first moment he stepped on stage. With Mr. Raver as Romeo I felt pushed along. He seemed to be pushing himself. He seemed distracted, overly emotional and unsteady on the stage. There were moments of brilliance but not enough to sustain me. He seemed to be acting for himself and left the rest of the audience out. There were times I could barely understand him. However, his work with his Juliet, Sarah Hankins, was nicely done. They seemed to really have a relationship which was real and believable. Ms. Hankins (although a bit too old for the role) was a joy. She is full of energy and lightness which only made the tragedy greater in the end. Ms. Hankins has great command of the language and moves like a dancer. I do think she might be better suited for comedy but she was a joy to watch. Mr. Raver and Ms. Hankins captured the impetuousness of youth and their death scenes and love scenes were unusual and fresh.

It was interesting to watch the cast change and mold to the lead actors. It was like watching two different plays and a great pleasure.

This was Genesis Repertory's attempt at moving work into the Astoria community and for that task they chose the Greek Cultural Center. This black-box lookalike in odd space that could barely hold this dynamic ensemble. Tucked in a side street of a side street, it would probably have been a great success in the 50s and 60s but in the 21st Century it looked a bit out-of-place. If it was trying to be retro, I think it would be a bigger attraction in a neighborhood that has little to no theatre but it seemed to suffer from neglect. When told that the building was slated for demolition due to commercial needs, this reviewer was none too surprised. It is a slice of the past that is not trying to move with the times.

Here's to Genesis finding a larger more dynamic home and bringing work like this to a borough thirsty for theatre. Great job by all. When Genesis does another show I will be there.

Romeo and Juliet review from Drama-Queens.net

2007-05-11T14:03:00.000-04:00

Star-Crossed in the Holy Land… of Astoria

By Sue Parker | May 6, 2007 - 8:20 pm

Posted in Category: General

ROMEO AND JULIET…JERUSALEM
Genesis Repertory Ensemble
by Amy M. Frateo

Greek Cultural Center Astoria, Queens, NY

Cast: Michael Raver, Josh Silverman, Tania Asnes, Sarah Hankins, Justin Maruri, Mary Elizabeth MiCari, J Michaels, Raphael Kasen, Alex Moshofsky, Adam Gutbezahl, Shawn Watson, Mary Riley, Jennifer Gelber, Kenneth L. Naanep, Brittany Bellizeare, Carissa Cordes, Jason Cutler, Shaun Orbin, Sarah Leigh Orbin, and Dianna Lora and Ronnie Shumake. Direction by Mary Elizabeth MiCari & J Michaels. Translation & traditions within the production managed by Mimi Asnes and Nesreen Mahmoud. Set and costumes uncredited, and Rob Nguyen on lighting design. Eric Fitzgerald was stage manager.
This production boasts a topical production scheme and double-casting in the pivotal roles. I made sure to see both casts of this dynamic production and I was not sorry. If you missed this show I am sorry for you! Genesis which has a long history of bringing the classics to us in creative and cutting edge ways has done it again. This Romeo and Juliet touched me in ways other versions of the show never have.
Seeing Juliet in traditional Palestinian garb as well as all the Capulets in like-garb rooted me exactly where I needed to be. Not to mention the snippets of Arabic and Hebrew as well as a little Yiddish here and there. What a wonderful directing team Ms. MiCari and Mr. Michaels are. The show is well cast, well staged and flies by with few hitches. It hits hard where it needs to, teaches it's lesson through laughter, love, and – of course - tragedy. Bravo.
Costumes are well done with women wearing veils and men in both traditional and modern dress. They made sense to me and quickly explained the person wearing them. I saw the set consisting of rubble and curtains and understood exactly where I was. The sound (also credited to Ms. MiCari) was well done and her choice of music added to the mood in exactly the right way, both educating us and gently nudging our emotions where she wanted us to go. The lighting by Rob Nguyen does well to highlight and add to the production. It was easy to see he created something special with little to work with.
The show starts with a very funny Sampson (Jason Cutler), a scowling man spewing Arabic at a young Israeli soldier named Hannah (Carissa Cordes) who spews Hebrew right back at him. This set up the idea that neither side could agree – because neither side took the time to understand the other. Their brief exchange and subsequent battle (choreographed with great energy by Douglas Castillo) showed me that I was in for a great night in the theater.
Mr. Cutler found miraculous depth in the small part of Sampson. It was a pleasure to watch him throughout the show and to see the darkness in him grow. Ms. Cordes as Hannah had the hardest part in the play. She remains on stage the entire production, reacting right with us. Greatly focused and powerful acting. Raphael Kasen played Benvolio, Romeo's religious friend with great joy! He captured not only the pathos and intelligence of the character but also achieved much more as an Hassidic scholar with Hebrew and with great understanding of the culture. Adam Gutbezahl as Tybalt, was powerful and very believable. He actually did become the "king of cats" for me. Shawn Watson (credited with providing the authentic properties) as Lord Capulet is a huge and powerful actor with a great voice. He has an ominous presence. Mary Riley as Lady Capulet outfitted in full traditional Islamic garments was centered and made a small part usually overlooked an integral part of this production. Jennifer Gelber and Robert Liebowitz played Lady and Lord Montegue with honesty and integrity. My heart really broke for them at the end of the play as they prayed in Hebrew over the body of their dead son Romeo. Justin Maruri as Mercutio was at first an interesting character to watch as the angry Israeli soldier intent on protecting Romeo at all costs, however he played the anger too much too soon and his performance lost steam. His choice to play that one note left me dry when it came time for his – what should be – sad death. His Queen Mab soliloquy (which is usually a highlight) was rambling, without focus, and boring. He might have been over his head. Kenneth L. Naanep as Paris added an interesting spin on the character. Paris is usually overlooked…. but not in this production. He was funny and evil and great to watch. Brittany Bellizeare as the Princess was great. Powerful and beautiful, this actress is one to watch. Shaun S. Orbin added great humor as an assassin and Sara Leigh Orbin provided interesting work as a reporter viewing the tragedy. Diana Lora doubled roles as the apothecary and an unnamed Arab woman and Ronnie Shumake was funny as the confused cleric charged with the dangerous union of lovers. J Michaels as what seemed like Rabbi Lawrence was a treat. He was by turns funny and sad and dark. His was one of the greatest departures from the original text as an herbalist who smokes those herbs! What began as a comic relief built into a dark portrayal. I enjoyed it very much. Mary Elizabeth MiCari as the Nurse was a highlight. She captured the humor of the part (which is still sometimes played by men) yet made us totally believe she was an ostracized Palestinian woman. Her Arabic language, beaten-back posture, and accent all added to that for me. This is by far the most fleshed-out character on the stage and the most accomplished performance.
I saw both casts of this production so I will review each Romeo and Juliet team.
I saw Josh Silverman as Romeo with Tania Asnes as Juliet. Mr. Silverman was a bit over his head in this role. I understood the casting decision as he looked so much like a young Jewish boy in puppy dog love. He seemed a bit stiff and a little too controlled for this type of character however. Although I liked that his Romeo was intellectual rather than emotional I think he missed the mark in some scenes. That being said, I do think that he gave a well studied performance. I truly felt for him in his death scene.
Ms. Asnes, tiny but powerful was a smart and centered Juliet. A lady with a wicked sense of humor. I really felt the modernization of this character in Ms. Asnes who capitalized on Juliet's intelligence rather than her innocence. With these two at the helm I laughed much and cried very much. I was touched by them as a team.
When next I returned to the theater I saw Michael Raver and Sarah Hankins as Romeo and Juliet. This was quite the different pairing . Mr. Raver is a beautiful man with large sad eyes and a sad demeanor. However, he gave away the story and telegraphed his destruction from the first moment he stepped on stage. With Mr. Raver as Romeo I felt pushed along. He seemed to be pushing himself. He seemed distracted, overly emotional and unsteady on the stage. There were moments of brilliance but not enough to sustain me. He seemed to be acting for himself and left the rest of the audience out. There were times I could barely understand him. However, his work with his Juliet, Sarah Hankins, was nicely done. They seemed to really have a relationship which was real and believable. Ms. Hankins (although a bit too old for the role) was a joy. She is full of energy and lightness which only made the tragedy greater in the end. Ms. Hankins has great command of the language and moves like a dancer. I do think she might be better suited for comedy but she was a joy to watch. Mr. Raver and Ms. Hankins captured the impetuousness of youth and their death scenes and love scenes were unusual and fresh.
It was interesting to watch the cast change and mold to the lead actors. It was like watching two different plays and a great pleasure.
This was Genesis Repertory's attempt at moving work into the Astoria community and for that task they chose the Greek Cultural Center. This black-box lookalike in odd space that could barely hold this dynamic ensemble. Tucked in a side street of a side street, it would probably have been a great success in the 50s and 60s but in the 21st Century it looked a bit out-of-place. If it was trying to be retro, I think it would be a bigger attraction in a neighborhood that has little to no theatre but it seemed to suffer from neglect. When told that the building was slated for demolition due to commercial needs, this reviewer was none too surprised. It is a slice of the past that is not trying to move with the times.
Here's to Genesis finding a larger more dynamic home and bringing work like this to a borough thirsty for theatre. Great job by all. When Genesis does another show I will be there.

If your married with a pregnant wife, you shouldn't be dating.....(deluxe edition)

2007-05-06T14:09:00.000-04:00

Hey loser

How can you meet me for drinks for hours at Walker's and fail to mention that you have a wife......

PS....she is 5 months pregnant.

Some men SUCK (notice I didn't say ALL)

True story. I met a NYPD cop, who shall remain nameless last Thursday at the Tribecca Film Festival. Gave Oficer Prick my card, he called that night to see what I was doing...being very tired I said we would get together another night. We talked from last Thursday on, every day via text and phone. Finally we were able to meet for drinks Tuesday night. Things went very well and the next morning my friend wanted to see a pic of him. I said I didn't have one but perhaps he may have one online if I googled him (come on....you know you google) and then I would send it to her.

Here is the kicker:

Mary did you find a picture??????

NOOOOOOOOOO I found a wedding announcement from last Sept!!

Mr. handsome single, ringless, cute makeout cop was none of the above:

He was a newlywed...............and a father to be.

AMAZING!!!

Wanna here the best part??? When I confronted him via text and asked him if he was married he said...............you ready for it??? really?

DOES IT MATTER????

Then he said:

YOU DIDN'T ASK

The scary part is that he would have NEVER told me had I not asked

I hope one day I can find a man as special as he is....if I'm lucky

Truly, all you can do is laugh...........I can't believe people like this actually exist!

The sad part is that he has a beautiful wife, barefoot and pregnant, sitting at home while he is out at all hours making out with other women!!

But I am sure he has NEVER done this kinda thing before and surely won't do it again if he actually would admit it! I wonder if he will do the whole eyebrow raise thing again when he says it....I thought it was cute when I met him but I can see now that he gives himself away.

Shy around women and can't talk to women my ass....

Venting about stupid boys in uniform makes me sleepy

This one needs his ring permanently seared to his finger.

Wonderful friends, Magnolia cupcakes and married cops

2007-05-05T14:24:00.000-04:00

First and foremost. Thanks to all my friends who left me sweet messages about my birthday. I appreciate each and everyone of you. Each one of you has touched my life in some way and I am so thankful for your presence in it! So my birthday was a total blast. I didn't have to work and enjoyed the beautiful weather. This week has been more than a little crazy. I went out with a NYPD officer who failed to mention he was married. See the next blog for that story (don't I always have the BEST dating stories!)...... I had yummy Magnolia cupcakes and a slumber party with some of my close friends. Rachicca and I watched Mommy Dearest...I love that film

NOOOOOOOOOOO WIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEEEE HANGERS!!!

If you never have seen it, you truly should..she is CRAAAAAZAAAAAAAAAYY!

I even heard from my brother way way off in Iraq!!!

I got a great manicure GC from Laurie, a ticket to Morrisey's MSG concert from Nick, Sauza tequila from Rosy, a cool TV Fashion game from Rachicca...I love my friends!!!

Cast in New England Shakespeare Comedie of Errors

2007-04-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

I am playing Luciana et. al, in New England Shakepeare Festival's Comedie of Errors tour. My contract runs from July 24th-August 12th. I don't have the tour cities but when I do, I will be sure to post. I hope you can come if your up in the Northeast

Guess my Shakepeare class is paying off, money well spent! I love John Basil!

Wickedly Disappointing

2007-04-22T14:28:00.000-04:00

So tonight......after 3 long years of waiting......I finally saw Wicked.

I was disappointed......

I mean, don't get me wrong....the peformances (loved Kendra as Glinda) were great, the set was neat and it was a spectacle.....but

that is all it was...a spectacle... the music was mediocre at best. There were 3 good songs and every musical theater person knows them by heart. I am here to tell you that they are the ONLY songs worth listening to.

If you disagree....please, pipe in. The story was fun, the costumes were crazy cool and the flying monkeys were my favorite but let's face it. If a musical has mediocre music................well............you can't put enough green makeup, flying monekys or sparkle to cover it up. I can only guess it's pull with the target 11-16 yr old market is what has kept it going. I was so excited to see it.....so excited and left so dissapointed.....................

Here are my pics from my last few theater outings.

Coram Boy- AMAZING MUSIC..............simply gorgeous, I was crying at the end, though that could have been PMS It has a very choral feel (lots of Handels Messiah) so if you like that kind of thing....your in luck

Producers- I wanted to see it before it closed....Fun and full of laughs...a good night out, girls are hot, costumes are great and the storyline is funny

Prelude to a Kiss- not my favorite play in the world but this is a great production. I love John Mahoney (Fraiser's Dad)

Company- Not my favorite staging with the cast playing instruments but I love Sondheim and they did such a fabulous job so.......all is forgiven

Grey Gardens-Christine Ebersole is AMAZING but the show isn't great. Act I is much better than Act II. I will be surprised if this show were to tour. Without the amazing leads, I am not so sure it would stand up

110 in the Shade-Ahhhhhhhh Audra. The most beautiful luscious lyric soprano. I thought the show was well written, fun and beautiful through and through. Two great soprano songs Raunchy and Simple Little Things come from this show...check em out..

Other favs: I LOVED 25th Spelling Bee and Avenue Q

Wedding Singer, Light in the Piazza

Ok....enough of my two cents

To My Future Love

2007-04-13T14:29:00.000-04:00

I need you to appear,
and soon
I have waited so long for you,
and I deserve you
and all that you have to give
wash up on my shore and speak to me through the wind
caress and kiss me in the dark with your loving arms wrapped around me.
Whisper how much you love me in my ear as I fall asleep, dreaming.....
of you.

New Poem?

2007-04-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

I was having fun with syllables in this one...starting with 1 and ending with 10.
Not sure if I love it but here it is.

Untitled 2/14/07
Sir
Take it
It is yours
And mine to give
And the dark will come
To wrap its arms around
And then we will know the truth
Soon the oracle will reveal
The fate of these long distance lovers
Now, look into my eyes and kiss my soul

New Poem-Your Glass Wall

2007-04-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

I know...what's with the oracle references lately....who knows...and I think I am choking on my own sappiness...

Your Glass Wall 2/14/07

My hands reach up to touch it, but I feel nothing at all.

This invisible glass wall

My eyes meet yours and nothing is said

Palm to palm and separated still

No way around, over or under

the tears stream down my face as the oracle says:

Distance brings death but soul to soul in the dark will you find what you seek.

Palm to palm

I look deep into your soul

and the oracle says:

Timing is everything, and nothing, and unchangeable

the winds of the gulf will blow your way

don't miss this time, do what you dream

New poem-Monterey

2007-04-10T15:13:00.000-04:00

Monterey 2/14/07
Only a few days but embedded in my mind forever
Breathtaking views and the ultimate calm
You were created in the happiest moment
A beautiful sunny day, my birthday, my Grace
If I could have held onto you forever
and frozen that moment in ice
to be thawed by the glorious sun
on every birthday of my life
Reality came and stole you away
but embedded in my soul will always be
Monterey

New poem-Possession

2007-04-10T13:31:00.000-04:00

Possession 2/14/07

If only for a moment

I am yours and you are mine

and here in the dark, nothing can touch us

not fate, the gods, nor time.

And though it may end

I will forever be possessed by you

and know what I saw in your eyes

and consider my life blessed

No one knows why it happens

Why one soul means more than another or

why it clings on like the last living breath.

To my man in uniform

2007-04-02T15:14:00.000-04:00

Dear Nicholas, (or Nicknus)

You left for Iraq today for four months. I will count the days until you return. My older brother whom I love with all my heart and soul. I am so proud of you, the man you have become, the man you will continue to be; your marraige, your service to our country, your unwavering faith and love for me, your support and friendship. I am honored to be your sister. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and not a day will go by that this candle won't burn for you, until you come back. Stay safe and know that you are loved.

With love,

your sister

Naked Men, names and rising temperatures

2007-03-29T15:16:00.000-04:00

It sucks to be sick....but according to The Secret, all I have to do it ask the universe to give me health, so here we go....

"Dear Universe, please give me health, I have too much to do to be running fevers "

Love Mary

I came home from hanging out with my little Laurie umpy umpkins with a 102.5 fever. I feel better this morning but I usually run my fevers at night....so hopefully I can make it through the show tonight and feel ok.

Storytime...

Story #1-My myspace name is Arab Barbie because Michael and Sarah (R&J) said I looked like an Arab barbie doll with my hijab on. I will post pictures as soon as I get some, but just so you understand the thought process behind that one.

Story #2- I PICK THE BEST SHOWS. Laurie and I went to see Defender of the Faith set on the border of Northern/Southern Ireland. I wasn't feeling too great until the cute main character walked in the "house" and got completely naked. We had a great view because we were sitting on the side of the house. I love the Irish.It felt like South Park. We needed a Shit counter. They said fuck and c--- AT LEAST 50+ times.

Hush......I'm dateless right now (don't try to set me up, I really like being alone right now) so I have to get my kicks where I can.

Time for breakfast

Only remember the good times. That is all that matters

2007-03-22T16:47:00.000-04:00

Our reflection in the mirror, Shakespeare, The pink wrist band, Recycling,

The tallest one in the crowd, The kiss on the NYC street corner, The same

pizza, Stealing your Corona hat, Recycling, Your wit, The Cape, The suit

and cigar, The shower, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,

The Neverending Story, Beer pong,

The way you recited that monologue while.., The best way to wake

up in the morning, Ricky Bobby, Being a blob of jello, Ice cream cones,

Myspace surveys and those hands.

I'm only remembering the good things and forgetting about the bad. It's spring and I am only interested being positive and focusing on my future. Everything happens for a reason. I hope someday you can make a list too,

So thank you for every moment

Love, Mary

Towels

2007-03-22T15:28:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's because I only had 3 1/2 hours of sleep last night, so I know I really should be in bed, but since I am wired, you get this silly blog. Ben and I were talking about new towels. Why is it that you have to wash them before they soak up the water.
If you use them without washing them....they don't absorb?
Why is this? It's a mystery to me...
Must sleep now..

PS...I am really proud of my work and my castmate's work in Romeo and Juliet. Your going to LOVE it!

Go see 300!!

2007-03-18T17:13:00.000-04:00

Holy shit it was awesome. 300 hot guys and for you guys out there, plenty of writhing women (oracles, as they called them) and Spartans kickin some major ass!! The best part was the Spartan Queen not taking any shit from anyone!!

GO SEE IT!

I want to be a Spartan Queen

Career Update

2007-03-18T17:12:00.000-04:00

Just to let everyone know what I am up to. I am sure you have seen the posts but I am playing Lady Cap in Romeo and Juliet at Genesis Repertory here in Astoria (See main page for info) I am about to start a class on Monday nights at American Globe Theatre called Speaking the Text with John Basil. We will be working out of the First Folio so I am excited about that. I am in the middle of working with Paige Clements on my Irish dialects and of course, auditioning as much as possible. That's what is up with me. Let me know what's up with you when you get a chance.

2 glasses of wine and 90 minutes of watching a half naked chained man

2007-03-17T17:14:00.000-04:00

Tonight I had yet another girl date with Laurie. I got us two tix to see Prometheus Bound at the Classic Stage Company near Union Square. We started off at the Heartland Brewery for wine and appetizers . After a short walk to the theatre and a cute box office guy who got us better seats, the lights went down I was treated to 90 minutes of Prometheus, chained and bound, because apparently pissing of Zeus was a bad idea, however having him half naked with his abs of steel was not. Laurie and I then walked over to Max Brenners, this great chocolate restaurant that I had never been to where we feasted on tasty desserts before parting ways.

Wine, half naked man, chocolate= pure satisfaction.

Check out Prometheus Bound at the Classic Stage Company

A hot red dress, a great friend and opening night of Talk Radio

2007-03-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

So it has been a crazy but fulfilling weekend. This afternoon, my roommate Ben texted me that he had 2 tix to the opening night of Talk Radio which I had seen previously in previews. After 3 hours of sleep the night before and a full days work, I try to decide if I want to go. But it didn't take long to say yes considering it was opening night.

I love opening nights on Broadway. The stars, the networking, the dressing up and the general excitement always put me in such a good mood. I asked my friend April to go with me and we had great time. The play was even better than previews.....but the night got better.

Ben texted at the end of the show that he had 2 extra tix to the cast party at Bar American did I want to go...........HELL YES!!

Whats even better than opening night? The opening night party!

Looking H.O.T.T. in my new low cut red dress, April and I worked the room like pros heading straight for the food but not after passing by Chris Noth, Cynthia Nixon, Kristen Bell, B.D. Wong, a bunch of CSI/Law and Order folks, Natalie Portman (who could make me be a lesbian in a heartbeat) and the ultimate for me...............are you ready....................Bernadette...............oh yes, I love Bernadette!!!!!

With our glasses of wine and yummy food we headed upstairs and took seats to eat. We met a wonderful older couple, Bob and Jean from Texas who were friends with the producers. After eating, two handsome gentlemen came up and wanted a picture with me ( Well. I am famous after all! LOL) So of course I obliged and as I spoke with he and his friend, I found out that Reed was the producers son and his friend was M. Night Shaymalan's brother (those wonderful eyes!). Cool huh? They said they will come to see me in Romeo and Juliet, which was very sweet. I do hope they come.

This all reminded me how wonderful life is. I love my life, I love my city and I couldn't be happier, despite my struggles, I am at home, at peace and for the first time in a long while, content with the way things are progressing.

I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders....things that weren't working and were never meant to be have been removed and it feels like a burst of oxygen. Maybe it's just spring

Feeling so blessed...I say goodnight. It is way past my bedtime.

Love you all

Thanks Ladies

2007-03-10T17:32:00.000-05:00

I had a great night tonight!! My dancing queens. Thanks for the drinks, the dancing, the Irish boys who were singing at the top of their lungs, the random cute guys we met and for keeping me out all night. I needed it.

Romeo and Juliet opens

2007-03-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

So for everyone who is just dying to hear me yell and cry in Arabic, here is the information on my new show (don't worry, not all of it is Arabic or Hebrew)

I'll be appearing in Genesis Repertory's production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet on March 22 - April 14, as Lady Capulet

I am surrounded by a great cast and a wonderful director that has really allowed us to bring our ideas and creativity to the stage

So you all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, right? Well, not like this! We set our show in modern-day Jerusalem, where Romeo, a Jewish kid from New York, visits his extended family in Israel -- and meets Juliet, the Arab woman of his dreams.

You heard me. Romeo is Jewish, Juliet is Muslim. Sparks will fly.

You can see Romeo and Juliet at the Greek Cultural Center at 27-18 Hoyt Ave. South, Astoria, Queens, New York.

Here's how you can get there from Manhattan:

By Subway:

Take the N or the W (they're on the same tracks) to the Astoria - Hoyt Ave. stop. Walk two blocks west along Hoyt Ave. South (where the Triborough Bridge lets off into Queens). Half a block shy of the stoplight, you'll see a path on your left (at 2718 Hoyt Ave.). Take the path to the recessed building, and go into the basement. There's the theater.

By Car:

What are you doing with a car in New York? Are you insane?

All right, I recommend entering Queens by the Triborough Bridge or the Queensborough Bridge. The theater is several blocks from the Triborough Bridge. There's abundant free street parking.

Thursday, March 22 at 8pm -- opening night!

Friday, March 23 at 8pm

Saturday, March 24 at 8pm

Sunday, March 25 at 3pm -- our only matinee

Thursday, March 29 at 8pm

Friday, March 30 at 8pm

Saturday, March 31 at 8pm

Thursday, April 5 at 8pm

Saturday, April 7 at 7pm -- plus a talkback with the cast after the show

Thursday, April 12 at 8pm

Friday, April 13 at 8pm

Saturday, April 14 at 8pm

I would love for you all to come and see it if possible.

The show also features:

Justin Maruri,* Jordan Kaplan,* Adam Gutbezahl, Mary Elizabeth MiCari,* Shawn Watson, Mary Riley, Dan Chen, J Michaels,* Kenneth L. Naanep, Brittany Bellizeare, Carissa Cordes, Robert Liebowitz, Jennifer Gelber, Jason Cutler and Dianna Lora* as "the Apothecary"

Set/Lighting Design: Shaun Fillion
Costume Design: Carla Gant
Marketing & Promotion Martin West
Stage Manager: Jennifer Gelber
Cultural Advisors: Mimi Asnes and Nesreen Mahmood
Production directed by Mary Elizabeth MiCari and J Michaels**

All tickets are $15.00. If you have any questions, call (646) 226-0370 or email genesisastoria@gmail.com.

My happy list....

2007-03-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

took this idea from Laurie....a list of things that make me happy

1. Singing my heart out

2. Dessert....that isn't shared

3. Learning anything new

4. Dancing

5. Getting into an audition that you didn't think you would.

6. Getting cast!!

7. Picking the movie

8. Hearing from an old friend

9. Someone who actually can kiss my soul

10. The way the sun feels on your face in the late afternoon

11. Getting kissed on the head, or on your face and eyelids

12. Being held

13. Rollercoaster rides...the higher and faster, the better

14. Hanging out with my brothers

15. Kittens and puppies

16. An harvest moon

17. Happy, cute babies...

18. Letting go of bad feelings

19. The way my sheets smell after they have been washed

20. Sleeping in late, bonus points if there is someone else there

21. When someone knows exactly what you want or need without you saying a word

22. Central Park in the spring or fall

23. Being on a boat, the way the wind feels in your hair and on your face

24. Playing in the Pacific Ocean

25. Flowers for no reason at all

26. Listening to my favorite songs

27. Breaking a sweat

28. Taking a warm bath

29. Shopping (when I can afford too ;-)

more to come...

My happy list....

2007-03-07T15:17:00.000-05:00

took this idea from Laurie....a list of things that make me happy
1. Singing my heart out
2. Dessert....that isn't shared
3. Learning anything new
4. Dancing
5. Getting into an audition that you didn't think you would.
6. Getting cast!!
7. Picking the movie
8. Hearing from an old friend
9. Someone who actually can kiss my soul
10. The way the sun feels on your face in the late afternoon
11. Getting kissed on the head, or on your face and eyelids
12. Being held
13. Rollercoaster rides...the higher and faster, the better
14. Hanging out with my brothers
15. Kittens and puppies
16. An harvest moon
17. Happy, cute babies...
18. Letting go of bad feelings
19. The way my sheets smell after they have been washed
20. Sleeping in late, bonus points if there is someone else there
21. When someone knows exactly what you want or need without you saying a word
22. Central Park in the spring or fall
23. Being on a boat, the way the wind feels in your hair and on your face
24. Playing in the Pacific Ocean
25. Flowers for no reason at all
26. Listening to my favorite songs
27. Breaking a sweat
28. Taking a warm bath
29. Shopping (when I can afford too ;-)
more to come...

A Night in the Life of a Club Dancer

2007-02-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

Yeah.....the title drew you in, didn't it? Last night I was hired for a Carnivale party at Strata in Manhattan. I didn't realize at first that we would be dancing, just wearing skimpy cosutmes for Carnivale. I was excited when I found out we were dancing because I love it and despite my generally not so great musical theater dance call backs, I am a great club dancer. My costume? You can see it below (sorry about the bad phone cam pic) I should have better pics soon but you get the idea. We also had huge angel wings and got to parade down the stairs and dance on platforms. I loved the angel wings but it was hard to get around with the size of them and they kept pokin me in the ass. Now I know how the Victorias Secret girls must feel when they have to wear them.
I got the Latin side (gee, I wonder why??) probably cause they like booties over there. I was fine with that because I love Latin dancing. When I went up to the bar to get a Voss, a handsome Puerto Rican complimented me on my latin dancing and asked me what was my heritage. I replied English, Irish and German and he said I was much better than he and he was Puerto Rican. This of course is always a self esteem boost when your up there in front of 100s of people and hoping that you actually can dance when you think you can.
Then came the song Milkshake..........awwww yeah....
does it really bring all the boys to the yard, I wondered?
As I was up there dancing I stopped and thought
Here I am, working this skimpy outfit, dancing my ass off, at one of the hottest clubs in NYC, drinking champagne on breaks, going back and dancing my ass of more, getting paid and having a blast!
I think I am going to have to look into this field as a way to make some extra cash all the while burning 100s of calories.
Besides, no matter how fat or ugly you could possibly feel on any particular day, putting on that outfit and angel wings and working it on a platform with your own bodyguard to keep people off could make any girl feel like the hottest girl in the world.
Yeah....life is good right now.
However, my body is sore and I feel exhausted.....dancing up there in 4 inch heels for three 30 minute sets is hard work..
who knew?!!

Advice from Starbucks

2007-02-17T14:15:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help but really like what I read on the side of my Caramel Apple Cider Starbucks cup yesterday.
The Way I See It #200
There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing somthing, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, just results.
Art Turock
Sales strategist and author
I think one could apply this across the board, with life, work and love.

So I am a romantic....

2007-02-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

Today was an interesting day. I woke up to the sound of sleet freezing ice rain slamming against my window. Luckily, unlike some of my friends, I got to stay in bed for as long as I wanted and out of the storm. Those of you who know me, know I have been more than a bit poor lately due to all the promo work that I have done that takes forever to pay. Fortunately, the checks should start rolling in soon. The point of this story is that I had hardly anything left in my fridge to eat...bread, leftover South Beach wraps. So for breakfast I had toast and water and lunch, SB wraps and water. Sad huh? Though I bet I have dropped at least 5 pounds. ANYWAYS....moving right along, so I had no idea what I was going to do for dinner, I literally had nothing left. A check I was hoping would come in today....didn't... so I went off to my training hungry and thinking creatively on what I could do with a half a box of Smart Start and olive oil.

This is the cool part. I get to training and they quiz us on what we needed to know for the event. The top 4 got gift certificates......I scored well and got a $25 Amex gift card!!! (this is when I know there is a God or at least an angel on my shoulder)

So I took myself out to Chevy's and ate lots of enchiladas and diet coke (much better than South Beach food!), then my roomate got me a ticket to see the invited dress rehearsal of Talk Radio, the Eric Bogosian play which opens soon on Broadway so I spent an hour and forty minutes with cutie Liev Schreiber. Afterwards.....I got a yummy Caramel Apple Cider...with whip cream and headed home...

I had a lot on my mind but was feeling very neglected that I hadn't even been asked out for tonight (I know...didn't I just blog about not caring about V-day)But let's face it...even a bitter, 30 something, jaded, single girl would like just one guy to text, or call, or email or something...

But that angel must have stuck around...

The best part is when I got home, I got an email from a certain someone asking me out for Saturday to celebrate Valentines Day.....

awwww....

There's Something About Mary

Documentary on Mercia Entertainment

Things That Never Die

100 Things To Before I Die

Antony & Cleopatra Indie Gogo Campaign is up and running!

Thanksgiving Gratitude 2011

Three from the Block: The Police

Tracey G Photography

For you

Raising money for Voodoo Macbeth, help a sister out!

All I ever wanted...

Chocolate in a Pill .......or....... Why???

Almost There....Once upon a time...a story of tech week...

Welcome to....The Unstuffy Divas

Anna Nicole: Blonde Glory

Butterflies in Mah Stomach and Voices in Mah Head

Actress Mary Riley Building Star Power-by Jing Chen

There's Something About Spa Days

Mad Mel and the Marradians

A White Chocolate Covered Friday...

This Bitter Earth...

Cha-Cha Changes and Summer Fun

You gonna party like it's ya berfday...you gonna get a mention in the NY Post like it's ya berfday!

Juggling Eight Balls in the Air or Living in New York City

Having cake and eating it too (This post sponsored by Google Search)

Getting Older?

Back in the old 'hood-Astoria, NY

Four By Tenn-Shameless Self and Company Promotion

Shire Green-this post sponsored by Home Depot

Crossword Puzzle from Starting Here, Starting Now

2010 Year in Review

Pizza, coffee and cabin fever...OH MY!

Plenty of Fish

American Bard and Terra Fossil Wines

Morla- from The Neverending Story

Nosferatu

Measure for Measure Promo-Fall 2010

Mariana by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Measure for Measure

Has it almost been a year?

Witches, Bitches!! A Cauldron of Selected Scenes

Summer of Shakespeare

God of Carnage

Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night

A Midsommer Night's Dreame

Reading the role of Thaisa in Pericles

Interview for American Art Report

A great birthday review

A Streetcar Named Desire at Thunder Bay Theatre

The Winter's Tale Promo Video

The Winter’s Tale at Southwest Shakepeare

Immortal Beloved

This Saturday-The Lower East Side Arts Festival Performance

Anthony and Cleopatra-This Saturday

Wide Open Spaces-updated

The Winter’s Tale review

All my boyfriends on one stage...

My life

Happy Days Are Here Again

7th on Sale

Jerry Orbach's Eyes

Dating in NYC...it just gets better and better

Up late...update

Brevity 2007

My Tori Amos De-virgination

And the winner is....

Voodoo Girl by Tim Burton

Summer of Shakespeare

I feel like a 5yr old....

My top 5 dates of all time

N'awlins

LES Arts Festival Performance

I make an appearance in Alli video

**NEW TIME*** Performance: LES Arts Festival Friday 9:12 pm

Carry me back to old Virginny

Romeo and Juliet Review from Drama-Queens.net

Romeo and Juliet review from Drama-Queens.net

If your married with a pregnant wife, you shouldn't be dating.....(deluxe edition)

Wonderful friends, Magnolia cupcakes and married cops

Cast in New England Shakespeare Comedie of Errors

NEW TIME* Performance: LES Arts Festival Friday 9:12 pm