I sit here exhausted and overwhelmed after a wonderful trip to some of the great cities out on the west coast. Beginning in Portland, where I saw fellow Drama League Fellow Tamara Fisch's terrific production of "The Scene" at Portland Playhouse, I then took a trip to Seattle, where I visited Tim Sullivan, Production Manager at the Intiman. For those of you who don't know, Intiman is facing lots of trouble, and could use some help. I also visited clown teacher Jane Nichols' class at University of Washington and got to laugh and cry as her students grappled with what it means to simply be. Jane is a remarkable teacher and it's always a gift to see her at work.
After Seattle, I made my way back south to Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where I visited with Bill Rauch and saw his terrific production of "Measure for Measure", as well as Laurie Woolery's exquisite production of "The Language Archives" and Marion McClinton's touching production of "To Kill A Mockingbird." It was an exciting few days of theater, and wonderful community of dedicated artists. I look forward to returning!
My last stop was San Francisco, where I saw Loretta Greco's funny and provocative production of Therese Rebeck's new play "What We're Up Against" at the Magic Theatre. I was also honored to see Liesl Tommy's production of "Ruined" at Berkeley Rep, a pitch-perfect production of a powerful play that left me breathless the two nights I saw it. As a special bonus, my former Brown/Trinity co-candidate Christopher Windom assistant directed, so I got to play cheer-leader to two of my favorite directors at once! And then as a triple bonus, I got to visit with Stephen Buescher, a director, actor and teacher who is among the smartest theater people I know.
It was thrilling to see the work that is going on in so many places, and the variety of perspectives. It was a gift to be able to go on this trip, and I look forward to making my way back west!
Now it's back to work!