Meet the terrific cast of The Herbalist

So, Monday night was a smash hit - the actor's reading of our feature script, The Herbalist, received a lengthy standing ovation, and the actors deserved it.

One audience member (non show-biz type .. we call them "earthlings") said she had not seen so many truly gifted actors at the same time on a stage before. I could only smile with pride.

A Seattle snowstorm subverted an SRO crowd at the Theatre Off Jackson, but many terrific, attentive people still showed up, despite the threat of even more snow - which mercifully never materialized. Khanh Doan, the spirit of the story, narrated. Those aware of her talent and skills were not at all surprised; others were amazed by her astute interpretation thorughout the performance - not to mention her vocal stamina.

Heland Lee portrayed dynamic Detective Si Hing - an original character for the stage and screen, embodying the best of the old and the best of the new in Chinese and Western culture, much like Bruce Lee affected the world.




Above, the outstanding Owen Yen portrays the evil and destructive Big Boss, also known as Bai Lo (Big Brother), who exploits his community's weaknesses to maintain power and wealth.

And on the right, Owen plays The Herbalist, Uncle Ho, the healing, positive force in the community. A humble man, his power is deceptive because in Chinese medicine, healers empower patirents to heal themselves.

Throughout the evening, Owen traded costumes at least 15 times. It made sense to have Owen play both roles - although he is one of the few actors with the chops to play two such different characters throughout a long performance - because The Herbalist symbolizes "good medicine," and of course Big Boss symbolizes "bad medicine." If I direct the film, I'd cast a single actor to play both roles as well, but not announce who it would be so the audience would not know until the end of the film.
Needless to say, Buddha and Ho Tai were on set to lend their spiritual authenticity to the performance. Rub Ho Tai's tummy for prosperity and luck; rub his head for knowledge and wisdom!








Only work with the sensational Henry Mark if you're prepared for this bandit actor to steal every scene he's in. Henry portrayed characters ranging from angelic to psychopathic, nailing each beat, nailing every word of dialogue.


Andy Chan made all the women swoon over his brilliant British accent. It's real - he portrayed a forensic scientist as his main character. Others he played needed an American sound, so he manufactured that as well.
















Above, multi-talented Kiki Yeung played the sly Shin, who revealed a stunning surprise at the end of the script; Chau Luu was the feisty Ginger - whose life was turned around thanks to the good work of Si Hing.
















Toan Le portrayed the tough Louie and the unconscious Mr. Lau! Normally soft-spoken actor Karie Gonia blew all her friends away as she stepped into the role of a tough-talking, kickass prosecutor who made sure the bad guys got their comeuppance!

















OK, I won't call multi-faceted actor Allen Go a ham. Rather, I'll just say that we couldn't take our eyes off every character he played when he performed. 12 year old actress Elena Becker played a youngster drawn into a nasty situation; she kept up with all her older colleagues and handled the mature situations with which she was surrounded very well.

From the left, newcomer Stephanie Hage portrays the seductive Donna with her hair down; EMT Lydia with her hair back; the remarkable Connie Chang played a number of significant characters - each with a different accent: she nailed them all. Another bandit actor! Handsome Phil Chin played a wide range of emotions as the coming of age character, addicted gambler Willie Chu.

Borrowed from his current film, in which he portrays serial killer Ted Bundy, Ryan Cooper assisted me with the rehearsal and played several distinct characters in the performance.

Maureen Francisco used every prop imaginable for the characters she played. We definitely could not miss her when she stepped up to each scene!

A long question and answer session followed. We received a lot of warm appreciation for what the script said and showed, as well as some insightful notes from a discerning audience.

The audience was told why we had everyone sign nondisclosure forms - the (unmentionable) premise is expected to have a long life of several sequels.

I'll finish the rewrite in the next couple weeks - between several writing projects, coaching, preparing for the possibility of competing in a national singing competition, yadda yadda yadda.

Executive Producer Chris Koruga is already talking to those in a position to finance it, so the prognosis is good! (High fives!!)

Actor's reading of The Herbalist a smash!

Last night was a terrific experience; the actors were so good - they brought the story and characters to life.

Photos and a review tomorrow!

Rehearsal

Oy.

We didn't have all of our four hours of rehearsal time - which we desperately needed - because one of the main actors didn't show up without an explanation. So we ended up waiting, starting late, I read for her until I decided to fire and replace her - she was safe at home, just tired.

It happens more than it should. Some people who say they are actors - or that they want to be actors - are not because their behavior is unprofessional. They end up hurting all the other actors and show itself because we've been stripped of precious, necessary rehearsal time.

I'm usually very good about spotting wannabe's, but slipped in this case. So in the end I have to take responsibility because it was my casting choice as director.

I then switched to plan B and recast the role - to an excellent actor whose work is so fantastic I can't complain. It's better for the replacement actor, too, because this opportunity will give her a chance to stand out much more for the audience and VIP's. Not to mention her terrific contribution to the performance.

We were so busy at rehearsal I didn't have time to take pictures for you, but I shall for the theater performance tonight (Monday, Jan 28) to share with you tomorrow.

Honestly, I feel so fortunate to be working with these actors. My last note to them read, "I expect every one of you bandit actors to steal every scene!" I didn't say, "and the show" because my goodness - I have to give them *something* to shoot for!

I'm very proud to be working with "my" cast - you'll meet them Tuesday, as well as Executive Producer Chris Koruga. I'll also include my review of the evening!

If Chris and I make the film (our fervent hope investors in the audience step up to sign checks after the performance), all the actors in the reading performance will be given the opportunity to audition for roles.

Heath Ledger 1979-2008

The saddest fact of his death Tuesday is that he was alone in his New York apartment.

He had been ill with pneumonia, according to a friend. He had been having difficulty sleeping, tormented by his recent work as the soul-less, psychopathic Joker in the upcoming Batman film.

He had a background of drug and alcohol abuse, which he had reportedly left behind him.

And he was also a devoted daddy to his young daughter.

I tell the artists with whom I work - please. Take care of yourself. Have a healthy support group. If you have problems with addiction, mental health issues or other demons from childhood, relationships or trauma, do what it takes to get yourself together *before* fame and fortune.

Because no matter how successful you might find yourself one day, sooner or later, those troubles will reach out and rip your face off if you try to put them off, stifle them or suppress them.

In most cases, it robs people of their careers.

But in too many cases, it costs good people their lives.

Heath is gone. He is free from pain. But his 2-year old daughter's pain will live with her the rest of her life; his family and friends will suffer his loss until- well, until they don't, which might be never.

And we, those who admired him and appreciated his work, are left to curse the unnecessary death of yet another celebrated artist. Feeling robbed. Wondering what he could have done, what he could have contributed, what a great dad he would have been, if only he hadn't been sick and alone and...

Please. Take care of yourself.

Not just for you - for all those who care about you. Who love, admire and adore you, either personally or from a distance.

Don't let Heath's death be in vain.

Yo come and yoga

Grrrrrrreat.

I finally found someone who made me realize "why yoga." Why it's so good, good for us, how it works and how one movement builds on another.

I've taken several yoga classes from other teachers and frankly, it was just uncomfortable. But this teacher had the *wow!* factor. I get it, I get it! And it feels great! From beginning to end, from one move to the next.

She inspires through her instruction of the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical aspects of the millenia-movement techniques to the soft beat of East Indian meditation music.

What a gift ... I leave feeling on top of the world. Taller, energized, comfortable, pliant, flexible, supple and malleable!

Alas, she announced today she's on her way to Palo Alto California. Permanently. Right after next week's class. Sigh.

My search is now on for someone who replicates her fundamental understanding of the ancient way; who doesn't simply move through the maneuvers technically without comprehending or taking time for the spirit-body-mind connection of the practice.

I now understand why people become so enamoured with their yoga teachers when they are fantastic. From my experience, they're rare. At least, it's a stretch to seek them out. ;-)

Will Hollywood get my Goat?

OK, I can't say too much, except a literary agent from a major Hollywood Agency has my Goat Story comedy feature script (I can't mention the title because it might give too much away) to consider repping it and me.

I'll find out if he's high on the writing, characters and story in a couple weeks; I'll keep you looped.

Meanwhile, you know all those scripts I've been squirred away writing in my little North Seattle cabin in the woods and holding actor's readings of them over the past several years? They'll get a shot as well if this materializes.

What it means is that all the work is closer to paying off -- some are indie, some are commercial.

What it really means is that the journey really is the reward. I've had one heck of a good time writing my scripts, working with actors and developing what I consider quality story lines, memorable characters and frankly, lots of laughs and tears during the creative process.

I'm coaching someone who just received a major award. And he's not happy with what he's doing because his priorities were more material than experiential. Ooops.

He said he thought for sure if he ever achieved this award, he would be on top of the world. Well, there he is now, with his award - and will be feted at lavish celebration. But when he looks back at his journey - especially this past year - he does not want to re-do it ever again.

Priorities. And of course, he especially learned to *listen to his coach.* She predicted some serious problems working the way he was, maintaining other than enjoy the journey priorities and she was ignored.

He would have won the award either way, but why not enjoy life while you work so that winning the award is just the little tasty cherry on top of a great year of life?

Meanwhile, in my life, church mice might have a better credit score, nicer cars and clothes, but I've enjoyed the heck out of doing what I do - am passionate about it, feel proud of what I've accomplished, of maintaining my integrity, values and standards through it all, and have always believed a breathrough would come sooner or later.

In this case it would be thanks to a very renowned, generous (and anonymous) colleague who has known me for several years, and has also seen me help other qualified artists work their way up the food chain.

At this point, I'm not really excited - those close to me who know the details are excited for me. If it all goes through and the company I'd love to see produce this script with the casting suggestions I've made? Then, excitement.

Until then, I have a staged actor's reading performance of The Herbalist to produce and direct (I'll have plenty of photos for you! Amazing cast!), as well as pimp for investors with Executive Producer Chris Koruga, and two feature scripts to finish.

I'm thrilled ultrasharp script supervisor Kay Taylor, who has been at my side for several of my film and staged reading projects, will be on hand for the gruelling 4 hour rehearsal, as well as the performance. Her notes are invaluable.

A fine actor in her own right, Karie Gonia, is working hard as my assistant and right hand (you know I wondered where that hand went..). Another great Northwest actor, Ryan Cooper, is also assisting me during the rehearsal and performance.

All this and Seeker, my Pomeranian puppy - well, he's more an adolescent now - has learned how to chew his way through the fence I built for the back yard several years ago. The other two pups gleefully follow him, bouncing outside the yard for me to rush out to collect. Three five-pound Pomeranians are not seen as a real "dog pack" threat, but they can bother the neighbors so I'm mortified when he chews another hole for me to plug

Fortunately, they come back quickly, but that doesn't stop the neighbors from raising a disapproving eyebrow.

I'm getting a metal fence made that will be chew-proof. The back yard is plenty big enough for these little rougues, they don't need to be galloping gangsta-style all over the neighborhood! Allie Cat keeps an eye on them, making sure they get back home - through the same hole - soon.

When I complain that I have enough to do without worrying about them - they only look at me, eyes glittering with stories of their adventures running around.

I'm also learning about "raw food diet" eating .... my fitness coach is all over this and believes it will help streamline the new me.

Oh, yes, and I'm recording a song this coming weekend with the assistance of my singing coach, Nedra Gaskill, to submit for a national competition. More on that later.

Fortunately, friends and family are all well, little 4-year old JoJo is making his way bravely through his leukemia treatments, and I'm learning to pace myself so I can get everything done without exhausting myself (famous last words!).

Chefs do it with taste!

I have the privilege of coaching an international chef, Val Saengphaibul (say that 10 times fast!) who will one day soon have his own show on a food network.

He's already auditioned for The Food Network at their request, so tick tick tick - his time is coming soon. And his camera presence is coming along just fine because he has such a great personality along with an encyclopedic knowledge of food, flavors, spices and all things ingestible.

He's also fun to work with, and I know audiences will love this guy when he hits the air.

What's not to love about a man who says, "You never know when you'll die, so make sure every meal is a great one because as macabre as it sounds, it could be your last."

Auditioning for The Herbalist staged reading

I auditioned many terrific actors all day Saturday for the staged reading of my new feature film script that we're holding at an impressive Seattle theater later this month.

Most staged script readings are set up to just hand the script to whatever actors show up half an hour before they read the script aloud.

I cast the roles (most actors play more than one role), have a long rehearsal and include props and costume touches for the characters that make the experience as entertaining as possible for the audience; as professional as possible for the performers and fun for everyone.

Executive producer and biz partner Chris Koruga has also arranged to have some nice programs printed as well as warm appetizers and refreshments served.

We're expecting a packed house, including some VIP's repping studios from LA as well as investors in a financial position to write checks that would cover the entire production if they wish, so of course that's an added incentive to do everything First Class.

Chris has also been invited to meet with some accredited studio chiefs (there are some pretty iffy studios there as well) in China next month; there is a keen interest there for the script.

Meanwhile, none of that would matter if the script were not extremely well written. Any problems will be picked up in rehearsal, but there should be few, if any.

I'm also working on another romantic comedy script, Nothing But The Truth, with my LA mentoring group, and have started writing my first animated feature, Home For Christmas, which is an incredibly enjoyable adventure!

A nice fire makes everything special

This is my view while I write.

I use fire logs that are made of several recycled materials - from sawdust to used coffee grounds. They burn cleaner than wood and they don't use up primary wood and tree resources. I occasionally mix them with very hard wood logs (that take a long time to burn) that I've had for years in my basement.

I can't abide the gas fire places, even though they're no work.

A warm and toasty fire stimulates creative juices, is somehow artistically reassuring and- oh, who am I kidding. It's just really great to look at and cozy, especially on cold winter days and nights. The kitty and pups love to snuggle in front of it as well.

I've had a welcoming fire burning for everyone dropping by and folks with whom I work; they all say they enjoy the ambiance.

The Plan for 2008:

1. Realize
2. Organize
3. Synchronize
4. Economize
5. Energize
6. Actualize

Extras! Extras! See all about it!

I treated myself to viewing seasons #1 and #2 of Ricky Gervais' incredible, hilarious, Emmy-winning BBC/HBO creation, "Extras," about background, lineless actors - "extras" - and their struggles to make a living as well as get ahead in show biz as "real actors." Those who have lines.

Pictured here, the Extras core cast l-r: Ashley Jensen, Ricky Gervais, long time Gervais collaborator Stephen Merchant and Shaun Williamson.

Each episode features at least one A-level star put in the position of ridiculing themselves and their coworkers so sharply and over the top, I keep hoping that audiences actually know the megastars he casts are nothing like the characters they portray as themselves!

In the show featuring Orlando Bloom, Bloom "as himself" skewered Johnny Depp mercilessly, describing how horrendous it was to work with him and how he could not understand why people think Depp is such a great actor, making fun of his scissors props and other props his notable characters have used.

Kate Winslet as the chain-smoking naughty nun is priceless.

I do worry if the British show is a bit inside. I fall on the floor laughing at things I've seen, experienced, and know go wrong along the way working on or making a show or film, then wonder if real people in the audience understand how funny it all is because Gervais shows how just about everything *does not* work and why.

Typically, Gervais takes on all the verboten subjects in the most twisted way: racism, politics, homophobia, materialism, celebrity, classism, looksism sexism - all the "ism's," in fact, along with the usual deception, deceit, betrayal, failure, success and camp that is show biz.

One of the things I appreciate about this show in comparison to his original smash hit, The Office, is that Gervais' Extras character has a broader range of emotions, surrounded by people who don't share his depth or see themseleves realistically as he does (and despite himself ends up loving them anyway).

Unlike The Office, however, audiences were steeled for comedy when Extras hit the air. They didn't know The Office was a comedy until well into the first season. Viewers in the UK took it as a serious documentary about a typically dysfunctional office. When they realised it was a joke, they laughed long and loudly.

Suffering as his character does in every episode, we are left with the punch line of a very old joke: What? And quit show biz?

This response comes at the end of a very long story told by a circus clean-up man who follows the elephants and other animals in the parades, cleaning up after all the sick and bodily elimination in their cages, getting paid nearly nothing; worse, he's kicked around by everyone with whom he works - all of whom disrespect him.

Finally, the frustrated listener asks, "Good heavens! Why don't you get another job!?" (Review punch line.)

Unmentioned winners & losers in Iowa

Winners: us.

The US.

The United States of America.

92% white, rural, middle class, mostly evangelical, voters turned out en masse for the Democrat/progressive candidates, giving the majority of their votes to a black candidate promising change - Barack Obama. Promising a rebuke and elimination of the Rove-Bush-Cheney dynasty and all it has stood for and wrought on this nation for the past seven years.

It was as if Iowa voters said, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? You are outta here!"

Losers: Corporate media, FOX news and others who covered the campaign as politics and issues as usual.

They barely mentioned John Edwards, but he still came in second place, beating Hillary Clinton. According to "mainstream media," the fight for the presidential candidate nominee is just a battle between Hillary and Barack. According to "mainstream media," especially FOX, Republicans have much stronger support than they actually do.

Voters clearly made their way to alternative sources of information to educate themselves about the candidates and issues rather than commerical media because they made their choices based on what they researched and knew and interviewed or whom they saw debate, rather than what they were told by formerly reliable sources. This is probably a reflection of the high turnout of younger voters participating in the process.

Knowing it was one of the few times he would have access to national media, John Edwards used his TV-aired Iowa voters' response speech time to elucidate why he is running and the people for whom he wants to fight and change "business as usual."

Clinton's speech was both generous and conciliatory, showing her geniality in the face of a shocking defeat. Unlike Edwards and Obama, however, her speech was partisan, emphasizing her assurance that the next president will be a Democrat and that the nation will be run by Democrats by the end of the year.

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, a genial, personable, affable and articulate candidate won the Republican straw vote in Iowa - upsetting the politics as usual multi-millionaire former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. His speech was conciliatory, positive and inclusive - making change and unity the key issues.

Huckabee is a fundamentalist Christian, a former Baptist minister who does not believe in evolution and certain science, but does believe the Bible is literally the truth.

The message was clear: Iowa voters want significant change from the Rove-Bush-Cheney policies and mentality. Unfortunately, coming in to change the mess they've made of our economy, military, foreign policies, neglected infrastructure, health and domestic issues will be a herculean and overwhelming task by whoever takes residence next at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Meanwhile, FOX and right-wing radio talk stations have had their notice - When you don't tell the truth but care only about spinning everything to serve your biases, people will stop believing you (when they may have years ago) and will in fact seek out other, more trustworthy information sources.

Progressive radio stations are attempting to get the truth out; the moment they slip into the self-serving ego trip taken by so many right wing radio chat show hosts? They too, will lose their credibility.

We'll have to remind them of that if they make that fatal mistake.

Meanwhile - another win has been gained by independent voters nation-wide. Watch for New York City Michael Bloomberg to step in as an independent candidate if the candidates don't specifically outline how they will put the country back on track to serve the national interest - not the partisan, personal, financial or special interests - just one byproduct of the Rove-Bush-Cheney dynasty.

Declutter is de best!

Wow!

It's said that this time of year most of us like to do a little house cleaning - organizing for the new year, and I'm no exception.

It's terrific and so efficient to have everything in its place and a place for everything, especially considering the schedule I start early Monday morning. Another couple days of working like a mule around here and I'm open for business!

I'm someone who can focus like a lazer beam, so a normal amount of clutter doesn't bother me while I'm working. But I've noticed that streamlining has made a difference. Everything feels easier. And one of my coachees says that the amount of clutter in my home studio was not *that* bad.

But I whipped out the seven-step outline of my new animated feature script in virtually minutes. Well, I usually write pretty quickly, but this felt easier because there were no distractions. Other than my pets looking at me as if to wonder who I am. Or if they admit knowing me, wondering after my mental health. That doesn't help.

Something I am going to do this year for my blog readers? Use more pictures. It may mean fewer blogs because it takes more time to snap and include them, but looking back I see where pix could have enhanced your enjoyment of many posts, especially when writing of my adventures.

My motto: breaking projects down to doing one small task at a time, I can tackle anything!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you your greatest success, love and happiness in 2008 (and forever more!).

After spending years honing my skills and craft, preparing for the opportunities that are manifesting now, I'm putting it all on the line. Jumping off the precious precipice of life, excited to see who or what catches me!

As my long-time best friend, British novelist/lyricist/poet John Beresford puts it, "Fortune favours the brave."

Be brave. Be yourself. Be all you can be. Be happy.

To quote me: "The way we deal with fear defines who we are."

To quote k. d. lang: "Don't die with music inside you."

You go, girl/guy!