Lincoln Center Director's Lab

Well, A-freaking-men. After what seems like a year in which I have been applying for various grants to no avail, I'm happy to report that something has finally come through. I found out late yesterday that I was accepted into the Lincoln Center Director's Lab this summer. The program this year will focus on 'New Play Development: Where are we and why?' The topic changes every summer and I'm extra excited to be taking part in this particular one. This is certainly the best early-birthday present I could receive.

YouTube vs. Viacom

Curious who will win? Check out the latest from Sliced Bread.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XBHi-lScSuc

Talkie Talkie

Saw 'Talk Rad!o' the other night and it was, um, well it was, uh, good, I guess. Liev Schreiber does a really bang-up job, though I don't know if I'd go as far as to say (as Ben Brantley did) that he's the 'greatest actor of [my] generation.' He's certainly been given the opportunity (thanks to the Public) to be have been graced with prime roles, but I don't know if I'd go as far as to say he's the best of the best. No doubt, he's the most engaging actor on the stage, but that's not saying much. As attractive as Bobby Flay's wife is, she certainly doesn't command that much attention beyond eye-candy. The play was initially a vehicle for Eric Bogosian to flaunt his macho-ravings, and I can't say it's stood the test of time, especially with the likes of Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh in the contemporary mix, but overall it was an fun 100 minutes of entertainment. I imagine the 17 producers will make their money back, though one of them, who shall remain nameless, had a bio that made me understand how money plays an enormous role in bringing average, uncontroversial theatre to the Boradway. She happily makes memories with her children and grandchildren in Long Beach, Aspen and Dallas. She would like to send a heartfelt thanks to her family and friends for their love and support in 'making all memories'. It is a pleasure to help bring this exciting play to Broadway. I love NYC." I guess 'Talk Rad!o' is as controversial and edgy as a den mother from the suburbs.

Escape into 'The Attic'

Went to see The Play Co.'s production of Yoji Sakate's 'The Attic' last night at 59E59. It was really amazing. I preface this by saying that the director, Ari Edelson, is one of my best buddies, but that just means I would be more honestly critical if I didn't like it. In fact, it was some of the most fun I've had in the theatre in a while. Not surprising, I'm a sucker for new international work, and The Play Co. is certainly the one organization in New York I know I can always depend on to present original and challenging material from abroad. This play really takes the cake though in regards to creative and inventive ways of constructing a story. The central character is none other than the set itself and how dozens of individuals struggle and cope within it. I attended the show with my good friend and set designer extraordinaire, Martin Andrew, who always has something negative to say about scenic elements, and, to my amazement, all he had were compliments for the design. The play glides between styles and genres seamlessly, and the eight actors do a bang-up job at juggling over thirty different characters. Normally I find it difficult to focus for 110 minutes without an intermission, but the time really flew by, and more often than not, I was leaning forward in my seat. The show closes on March 25, so you've got another two weeks to check out this incredibly humorous, moving and unique new play.