Revision and Rehearsal

Pat Di Iorio as Fred and Tali Brady as Anne

(photo by Chris J. Hing)

Dear Readers,

I'm sorry it's been a while. School, work and shows have been cutting into my blogging time!


And, of course, I am working on my new show Austen for the Attention-Impaired. It opens in a couple of weeks and I am very excited! (For schedule and ticket info, please select "See A Show" from the menu.)
 
However, I am hard at work at my new summer show - I am very glad to be teaming up with Pat - I had so much fun working with him on a recent show, I asked him to be in this one!

I have also signed on Robin as my stage manager/actor. We actually met in a children's production of Peter Pan (CENSORED) years ago. I met up with her again a couple of years ago through mutual friends and I am glad to be working with her again.

Also, Costa is helping me out with direction. He is a great help since he helps to give an outside perspective. (And, he's just really cool!)

My friend Chris also graciously pencilled us in for a photo session, an example of his work is at the top of this entry.

I promise I will keep you a little more up to date on my adventures for the next little while.

Cheers,
Tali

Wanderings and Winterlude

Good Day,

I made a welcome journey to Ottawa this weekend to visit family, check out some of the Winterlude activities and, of course, present Afternoon Tea With Jane Austen.

There was a sizable, responsive crowd. (And clever - They laughed in the right places.) It was great fun! The Jane Austen Society if Ottawa also presented me with a lovely gift: an exquisite multi-coloured teacup.

I was also invited to join a few members for tea and conversation afterwards. It was fun discussing several matters of Austenalia both popular and obscure!

Cheers,
Tali

Ottawa and Auditoriums

Things are proceeding apace. I continue to work on my summer show.

In the meantime, I am revisiting my earlier show,  Afternoon Tea With Jane Austen. I am delighted to be traveling to Ottawa to present a FREE show at the Ottawa public Library. (Sunday, February 20 at 2 p.m. - 120 Metcalfe - Main Auditorium) Many thanks to the Ottawa Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America  for arranging this event.

I am looking forward to donning my bonnet again - And have even procured a new dress for the occasion!

I will also be presenting the show at a private event in April. I shall let you know about my shows as they happen.

Best,
Tali

Happy Birthday, Jane Austen!

Wow! It’s been a year, already! I am keeping busy working on the new show and discovering more Austenalia.


Unfortunately, I was not able to make the JASNA Birthday Tea this year, but I’m sure it was lovely.

I am also amused by the selection of Austen-related products one may purchase at this time of the year. My local book-mart was selling author-inspired scented candles. Apparently, Jane Austen smells like gardenia, tuberose and jasmine. (There are some authors, including Charles Dickens - he is personified in scent form by tangerine, juniper and clove.)

I received a lovely gift recently. Alex, a Montreal Fringe compatriot from last year (and Janeite), sent me a delightful Jane Austen calendar. Now 2011 will be more Austentatious than ever!

Cheers,

Tali

Toronto and Temerity



Greetings Gentle Readers,

Delightful news! I have applied and been accepted into the Toronto Fringe Festival again this year. It runs from July 6-17, 2011.




I am already working on the script (and downing a small lake's worth of tea in the process). I am also looking forward to visiting Toronto again. In addition, I plan to workshop the show in some form in early 2011. I will keep you posted, of course.

Best regards,

Tali

Sleeplessness and Sensibility

I know it’s only September, but it’s already time to think about next year’s Fringing. In a moment of moderate madness, I lined up outside Mainline Theatre on St-Laurent for the Montreal Fringe Early Bird Draw. (The first 8 local applicants in each English and French who applied in person on Saturday at 8 a.m., were guaranteed a spot in the June 2011 festival - Out-of-towners were permitted to apply online.)


It was a rather chilly night. I arrived at 1:30 a.m., with my warm clothes, books, camp chair and mug of hot tea and joined the four or so souls already in line. (The first pair arrived at 9 p.m. to ensure themselves a spot!) By 3 a.m. or so, we numbered about a dozen. After dawn, a few more drifted in and by about 7:30 a.m. all the spots were spoken for.

To while away the time, some curled up and tried to sleep, others chatted or read. We also provided a great deal of amusement to passers-by who inquired about our purpose. Sometimes we answered them seriously, other times, less so. (One gentleman particularly enjoyed answering “We’re waiting for Stones tickets.”)

My companions certainly have some fascinating projects in mind: A translated Mandarin opera, a sci-fi comedy, and, very excitingly, a sequel to last year’s Shades of Grey (a live-action drama in the vein of The Twilight Zone). Liz, the show’s writer gave me some tantalizing hints of what might be in store as we counted down the hours and tried to keep warm.

Eventually, it was time. At 8 a.m., we were ushered into the theatre, lined up and our applications were processed. As a result, I am very happy to say the Orange Wine Productions officially has a Montreal Fringe spot in June!

Of course, some of you may be wondering what it is. For the moment, let’s just say it’s Austen-related.

Meanwhile, I am pleased to report I have had some invitations to perform Afternoon Tea With Jane Austen. I am working on some dates and will let you know the details when they become available.

Cheers,
Tali

Tea and Motivation

Good Day Gentle Readers,


It’s been a month since I attended the Toronto Fringe Festival. While I spent most of the time performing, volunteering and checking out some wonderful shows, I did, however, set aside some time in my schedule to be interviewed by speaker and author Clint Cora for his Motivational WebTV show.

I am very honoured to be Clint’s very first guest on this series. He interviewed me while I was in Toronto and I was delighted to tell him about my creative and rehearsal process – There are also a few scenes of me performing. Please check out the video on Clint’s blog at: http://www.clintcora.com/blog/

And, of course, if you’re looking for some motivational resources or looking for a speaker for an event, please read more of his blog or check out his website.

Cheers,
Tali