Forty Years of George Street

Mail Bag: Letters to David Saint

One thing we love at George Street Playhouse is when hear from our audience. It's part of what makes theatre a two way conversation and partly why this blog exists! After every preview of a show, we host talk backs with the creative team of the production, moderated by David Saint, our Artistic Director. We have a very vocal audience and I thought it would be great to share a recent letter from David Saint's desk:

"I would like to express my appreciation for your outstanding production of The Toxic Avenger, which perhaps was one of the best and most entertaining shows ever featured at the George Street Playhouse, regardless of genre. Not only were the book, music and lyrics unbelievable, the casting and performances were superb as well. If ever there was a production that embodied excellence in every way (and deserves an encore) it was The Toxic Avenger, which was simply a brilliant and totally satisfying piece of theatre.

The other show I saw and enjoyed was the world premiere of Arthur Laurents' New Year's Eve, with Marlo Thomas and Keith Carradine heading up a solid cast. Mr. Laurents' keen unblinking eye for irony and the maturity and depth of his observations of the human condition made the play extremely successful both as an entertainment and cause for reflection.

Thanks to you, George Street audiences are now being challenged as well as entertained! Which means that the product is alive, vibrant, engaging and (most importantly) thoroughly entertaining. And that is about as good it gets!

Sincerely,
M.A. Smith"
Got a thought on your mind? We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to post it on the blog and we will try to respond as quickly as possible. Hope to see you at the theatre.

Final Weekend with Marlo Thomas and Keith Carradine

When Art Imitates Life

In Arthur Laurents’ play, New Year’s Eve Marlo Thomas, plays Isabel a famous actress married to an award-winning playwright, whose daughter follows her family’s theatrical roots. In addition to several actors in the production, here’s a look at some other theatrical dynasties:

The Barrymores are perhaps one of the most famous American theatrical dynasties who, for three generations and well over a hundred years, provided America with important actors, particularly John and Ethel Barrymore. John Barrymore’s granddaughter, is actress, Drew Barrymore.

The Redgrave Family spans five generations of actors, directors, and writers. Vanessa Redgrave married director Tony Richardson, and gave birth to actress Joely Richardson and the late Tony® Award Winning Actress Natasha Richardson. Lynn Redgrave starred opposite her sister, Vanessa in London in Chekhov’s Three Sisters and received an Academy Award nomination for Gods and Monsters. Natasha Richardson was married to actor, Liam Neeson.

Bruce Paltrow was a stage, television, and film director who married Emmy and Tony Award winning actress Blythe Danner in 1969. Their daughter, Gwyneth Paltrow is married to Chris Martin, the lead singer of the rock band Coldplay

Actress and playwright Anne Meara is married to actor Jerry Stiller. Their son, actor, director, producer Ben Stiller is married to actress Christine Taylor. They also have a daughter, actress Amy Stiller.

Tony and Emmy Award winner Rosemary Harris is best known to audiences today as Aunt May in the Spiderman trilogy. She was married to director Ellis Rabb. Rabb directed Harris in 1975 in a Broadway production of The Royal Family, a parody of the life and careers of John and Ethel Barrymore. Harris has a daughter from her second marriage to author John Ehle, actress Jennifer Ehle who won a Tony® for her performance in Tom Stoppard’s Coast of Utopia.

Actor Alan Arkin has three sons who are all actors -- Matthew, Adam, and Anthony Arkin. Adam Arkin has appeared on and off Broadway and on television in Chicago Hope .Matthew Arkin is known to George Street Playhouse audiences for his roles in The Scene and this season’s Sight Unseen and has appeared off-Broadway in Dinner with Friends. Anthony Arkin is also an actor of stage and film.

Natasha Gregson Wagner who currently plays Samantha in New Year’s Eve is the daughter of actress Natalie Wood and producer Richard Gregson. Wood is best known for her films of Gypsy, West Side Story, From Here to Eternity, and Splendor in the Grass. Following Wood’s divorce from Gregson, she remarried actor Robert Wagner who adopted Natasha after Wood’s death. Robert Wagner is now married to actress Jill St. John

Actreess Marlo Thomas who returns to George Street Playhouse following the success of Roger is Dead is the daughter of actor Danny Thomas. Danny Thomas starred in the sitcom Make Room for Daddy and is the founder of St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. Ms. Thomas is married to talk show host Phil Donahue. Ms. Thomas's brother Tony Thomas is a film and television producer of Blossom, Empty Nest, The Golden Girls and Dead Poet's Society.

Keith Carradine is the son of actor John Carradine and part of a family that includes actors David Carradine and Robert Carradine. John Carradine appeared in film, TV, and stage with performances including the film The Grapes of Wrath, the TV series The Munsters, and stage appearances in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Tobacco Road. Tony Award Winning Actress Martha Plimpton is Keith Carradine’s daughter.

Can you name others?

Interview with Marlo Thomas and Natasha Gregson Wagner

BY CHARLES PAOLINO, HOME NEWS TRIBUNE

Two experienced actresses whose parents were performers, may have some special insight into their roles in Arthur Laurents' new play, "New Year's Eve."

Marlo Thomas and Natasha Gregson Wagner — one the child of Danny Thomas, the other of Natalie Wood — play mother and daughter, both actresses, in the play that will have its world premiere this week at the George Street Playhouse.

But both actresses feel that the play, while it has a theatrical setting, reflects on experiences that affect people in every walk of life.

The play concerns a complex of relationships — personal and sexual — among six characters: Isabel, a successful stage actress whose career is winding down; Gil, her husband and a leading playwright; Sam, their daughter and a soap-opera star; Justin, Gil's accountant and, openly, his lover; and Mikey, an optometrist and Sam's boyfriend.

Thomas, who caused a sensation at George Street last season with her performance in Elaine May's play "Roger is Dead," was asked by Laurents to play Isabel; Wagner, whose extensive career up to now has been in movies and television, plays Sam.

The rest of the ensemble includes award-winning actors Keith Carradine as Gil and Peter Frechette as Justin, and Walter Belenky as Mikey.

The director is George Street artistic director David Saint.

An important element in this play is Sam's impending transition from a soap opera to the legitimate stage, an event Isabel witnesses after being told by a director that she was "too old" for a role written for her by Gil.

The effect of this moment, Thomas said, is to reveal feelings that have not been clearly articulated in a family that talks around issues more than about them.

"That's a big part of our family," said Wagner, referring to the characters. "They don't ask the questions — I don't think they're big on therapy."

"The mother is dealing with the loss of her powers," Thomas said, "and so, on the face of it, the first reading of it, you might think that she's competitive with the daughter."

In fact, Wagner said, Laurents emphasized at a rehearsal how the relationship appeared on its surface, even to the women engaged in it.

"There are times when it is contentious," Wagner said, "and Arthur wanted it to be more aggressive and — what did he call it? — as if we were in a boxing match.'

"But as you dig deeper into the play," Thomas said, "you realize that she wants to live through this daughter, and she wants this daughter, not just to hold up her banner because it will in some way flatter her or immortalize her — but because she really does love this daughter and wants her to experience the joy of talent."

This play is not all about Isabel and Sam but about layers of relationships among all the characters, one affecting the next, as they do, Thomas said, in the world at large:

"Everybody's dealing with these relationships," she said, " a mother and a daughter, a father and a daughter, a husband and a wife, a daughter coming of age and taking her place, seeing who her parents are in the world — I mean those are things that all families are doing."

Thomas and Wagner said they were impressed by the degree to which the 91-year-old Laurents — who directed the current Broadway revival of his classic "West Side Story" — has developed authentic characters in "New Year's Eve."

"He's so insightful," Thomas said, "on every single relationship, whether it's mother-daughter, or daughter-father, or husband and wife. Whoever it is, he's got an answer for all of it that's very deep. And that's not just because he's the writer, but because he is really psychologically equipped to talk about and think about and develop these kinds of people. That's why the play's so complicated."

The character of Sam is no less complicated than the rest, and Wagner — with a substantial resume of movie and television appearances since the early '90s — is tackling this part as her stage debut.

"I've never done a play," she said. "This is my first foray. I'm excited, I'm grateful to have the opportunity, and I'm very aware of the value of working with these talented people."

Wagner — who has been reading Eva Le Gallienne's 1966 biography of the innovative Italian actress Eleonora Duse — said the impetus for taking to the stage herself was her studies with famed acting coach Larry Moss at his studio in Los Angeles.

"I had been taking classes for three years, working with great playwrights, saying their words, and I realized this was something I wanted to do," Wagner said. "Larry Moss encouraged me to do a play, so he gave me the technique and the confidence to try this."

Liz Smith reports about New Year's Eve

The following article is from today's blog entry from famed former Page Six columnist Liz Smith:

FLASH! One of wOw’s most distinguished own — the actress Marlo Thomas — will open on Friday, April 17, in New Brunswick, New Jersey’s George Street Playhouse.

In almost the same moment that his revival of “West Side Story” opened to raves on Broadway, the writer-director Arthur Laurents is letting his new play, “New Year’s Eve,” be presented for a run there through May 10.

Arthur’s co-director for "West Side Story,” David Saint, is also directing “New Year’s Eve,” and friends tell me that when Mr. Laurents, age 91, isn’t off skiing and jumping about, he is in New Brunswick checking out his latest project.

I don’t have to remind you who Marlo Thomas is. (She is now “that woman” of the famous TV show “That Girl.”) Starring with Marlo are actors Keith Carradine, Peter Frechette and Walter Belenky. Notable in the cast is the beautiful daughter of the late film star, Natalie Wood. Natasha Gregson Wagner auditioned and won her role.

This production came about because, some time ago, playwright Laurents went over to the George Street Playhouse to see Elaine May’s play, “Roger Is Dead.” There, he simply fell in love with Marlo Thomas and decided she’d be perfect for “New Year’s Eve.”

Arthur Laurents is famous for not suffering fools gladly and speaking his mind. I have been a friend of his simply forever; we go back to the 1950s. But I was delighted and amused when Marlo told me how she feels about Arthur. “He has been so sweet!” she laughed. Ok, I’m going to New Jersey on the 17th to check this out!

Tickets at the George Street Playhouse range from $28 to $66, so this is a good chance for the theater-loving public in New York and New Jersey!

Audience Reaction and Response: Roger is Dead

During our talk backs you've gotten to ask questions to David Saint, an actor or two, or the guest director on a production. This season, audiences were treated to discussions with Jack Klugman, Paul Dooley, Rosemary Harris, Frank Dunlop, Matthew Arkin, and today...the ENTIRE CAST of Roger is Dead, led by the fascinating Marlo Thomas. In all, it was one of those moments, (and I'm not just saying this because I happen to work for George Street Playhouse), where you sit and want to pinch yourself in disbelief that you are part of the experience.

Today was our Sunday Symposium, a regular discussion about the play with the creative team and cast members that we offer with each production. It differs in a lot of ways from our talk-backs with the audience during the preview period, and today was no exception. Discussing a new piece like Roger is Dead is a rare opportunity for the audience. It's a chance to ask the actors questions about their characters, plot points, and sometimes observations that were unclear.

During previews, discussions were led by Artistic Director David Saint. He discussed how the show came to GSP, the process it had gone through before production, and answered questions from the audience. Elaine May, the show's director, was unable to take part due to a note session with the cast based on the performance.

Today however, the entire cast participated in the discussion, led by Director of Education, Danny Tamez. In a rare Q&A with the entire cast, the audience discussed nearly every topic the play addresses; from historical figures, the state of youth education, Carla's marriage as it relates to reality, Elaine May's career, and the relation between the working class and the privileged. Marlo Thomas noted in the discussion, "at first I thought,' why did Elaine want me to play this role? Then as I read it, I was attracted by all the layers it had."

One audience member pointed out how the character of Michael was unclear to him and perhaps even somewhat under-developed. Mark Blum, who plays Michael, noted that as an actor, “you fill in the blanks to try and make it clearer for the audience. I agree with you," he said to the audience.

In taking questions, Ms. Thomas pointed out that each person's experience watching the play was different, and reflected on particular highlights she felt were important.

In a candid moment, Thomas also revealed a similarity between her marriage with Phil Donahue, and the marriage between the characters of Roger and Doreen, in the play. "Many years ago, my husband and I were on a Hawaiian vacation....very in love and newly married." Walking along the beach they noticed a "wrinkly old woman" and Thomas said, "Phil, will you still love me when I look like that." He turned to her said, "it depends what I look like."

When asked what the next step might be, Thomas replied "well we'd like to bring into New York." Gushing, one audience member said, "I LOVED IT! I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!"

In all, it was a truly remarkable way to end a star-studded season.

Have a question about Roger is Dead? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Post your comments on this blog! For a schedule of future Sunday Symposiums please visit our website after our season announcement.

Podcast with Marlo Thomas

"State of the Arts" producer Amber Edwards talks with Marlo Thomas about her theater work, the GSP production of Roger is Dead, and her groundbreaking 1960s TV series "That Girl" in this podcast. It's a fascinating listen!

Lessons in Laughter

Well the reviews are in and George Street has ended its season "on a high note."
For those of you who have missed recent posts about Roger is Dead with now is your LAST CHANCE! You have 3 weeks left to catch it . As the Two River Times says, "Elaine May is at the top of her game, which, for those who might not remember, is to entertain with an edge."

While many of you may know who Elaine May is, I only recently discovered just how funny Ms. May and her partner Mike Nichols really were as a comedic duo. During her stay here in rehearsal everyone would refer to the "telephone call" or the "doctor / nurse sketch", and quote lines like "It's a mother's love". Well I recently happened across this podcast with STEVE MARTIN, courtesy of Public Radio, with clips from the old Nichols and May routines. It's a great resource and hysterically funny.

Rutgers Grads make appearances in Roger

Two days ago the staff gathered in our cabaret for our final meet and greet of the season as we began rehearsals of Roger is Dead a new play by Elaine May. The cast includes Tom Bloom, Mark Blum, Julia Brothers, Carman Lacivita, Patricia O'Connell and Marlo Thomas. The world got a little smaller as they introduced themselves and spoke to the staff.

Carman Lacivita is a recent graduate of the MFA program at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He recently appeared opposite Kevin Kline in Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway. Julia Brothers, who is well known in the San Francisco Bay Area actually appeared in a children's production her senior year at George Street Playhouse when it was run by founder Eric Krebs. Mr. Krebs at the time, was just starting the theatre, and taught classes at Rutgers University. It just proves you are never too far away from your roots and it's always nice when "hometown actors" appear on our stage.

posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant

Keeping up with GSP!

So much has happened since our last post....let's get up to speed

This past Sunday, Rosemary Harris had her final dress rehearsal for Oscar and the Pink Lady. What a treat it is to see this amazing actress fluidly move to play so many characters. In attendance were the tech staff (who have been working so hard to put this show up with just TWO WEEKS!), select members of the staff, and Ms. Harris' husband John Ehle (their daughter is Tony Award Winner Jennifer Ehle from The Coast of Utopia). As the director Frank Dunlop noted, it was the first time they were going to attempt running the show without stopping. Much has changed since their run in San Diego. The show was formerly in the round, keeping Ms. Harris moving all the time. Now at GSP, she's tailored her movement and facial expressions, making it all the more nuanced. Midway through the transformation has completely taken hold, and she comes so believable as a 10 year old boy it's truly astonishing. At the final moment of the show, there was barely a dry eye in the house.

There's an elegant simplicity to the show that is just so moving, it's hard to explain, so you'll just have to get out here and see it!

Meanwhile, the fun at GSP never stops. We're just one week away from beginning rehearsals on The Scene, Theresa Rebeck's funny, sexy, racy comedy about trying to make it big. Hopefully, I can convince a member of the cast to join in the blogging fun.

BUT WAIT! There's more! David Saint, our fearless Artistic Director has just begun attending auditions for Roger is Dead our final show of the season starring Marlo Thomas, written and directed by Elaine May.

Somewhere in between all this, our touring company read a new piece in development for next season about the dangers of cyber bullying, and the staff has begun to read scripts under consideration for next season. NEXT SEASON already can you imagine?!

Well, that's all the news for now...stay tuned.

posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant

"Aunt May," "That Girl" and Elaine May!

Lots of exciting news is happening here at George Street. You only have 19 shopping days left! Why not buy that special someone a gift card or tickets to George Street! Two new shows have been announced this week. The first will open in January, Oscar and the Pink Lady stars the great stage and screen star Rosemary Harris, best known as Peter Parker's Aunt May in the recent Spiderman movies. The second announcement is that Marlo Thomas from TV's "That Girl" will star in a new comedy, Roger is Dead, by Elaine May (Oscar Nominated for the original The Heartbreak Kid and writer of Primary Colors). I'm actually one of the few people around here who have never seen That Girl on TV , but I did grow up on the cartoon series Free to Be...You and Me. Fortunately, both are now on DVD and I have this clip from the show. It's clear even here, what a comic actress Ms. Thomas is.



posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant