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

Back Home!

I bade a fond farewell to Toronto yesterday and Bruce and I travelled back along the 401 and returned happily home.

I am very happy for my Toronto adventure and am grateful for the great audiences and feedback and getting to meet even more fun, cool and interesting people. I am also exceedingly thankful for Bruce's help in preparing this show and coming with me to Toronto: I always knew he was up there in the booth, calling the cues and keeping a watchful eye. (And, of course, giving me notes after each performance.)

Today I decided to focus on sleeping (I'd been skimping for a while) relaxing and catching up on my reading and TV. In addition, I am going to make some more revisions to the Jane Austen script based on audience responses and feedback for a new opportunity I have in mind. (I have a feeling Jane Austen and I are going to be working together for a while yet...)

I also have a few ideas which have been percolating in my brain that are just asking to be written down...Could an idea for next year's show be brewing? We shall see...

Cheers,
Tali

Full-on Fringing

Sorry I haven't posted much, I've been busy doing my show, flyering, volunteering and seeing shows, of course - I'm up to 21 so far!

I find the response and attendance in Toronto is quite good. My audiences really seem to be enjoying themselves overall and I am very happy that I run into people around the Fringe who recognize me and say they enjoyed my show! (One gentleman even said he might come again.)

I am having fun meeting new people and seeing new shows: A few of my favourites: The Duck Wife, Die Roten Punkte, and Bosco & Jones.

Cheers,
Tali

Opening Night!

We open tonight at 10. I am going things, making I have all my bits and pieces ready to go.

I am also very glad to report I managed to start seeing shows. Last night I saw The Flying Avro Arrow Musical Comedy - A Canadian story, and so an appropriate choice for July1st viewing. It's a sassy, irreverent and sometimes silly musical take about an important chapter of aviation history. It also features a guy playing William Shatner as an Avro security guard - Need I say more?

Cheers for now,
Tali