Theater of Note Marathon show wrap up

I was happy to once again perform The Countess at the 2012 Theater of Note Marathon show in Hollywood last night. Also performing last night were my pals Betsy Salkind (who is also obsessed with the head found in Bronson Canyon Park), Marty Barrett and Brian Deschaneux with the musical stylings of Fogelfoot and Michelle Gardner, who I saw do a kick ass sign language version of Love the Way You Lie, but later that evening had another whole set.

the Countess

Michelle in motion

The house itself is small, seating 50 or so people at a time with a bit of SRO around the edges, and there are minimal production values. The green room is a card table in a parking lot with some PB&J and jug wine, and the stage is the bare floor with a painted brick wall behind it. What makes it incredible is that it is in the heart of Hollywood and the performers are all extremely talented, working actors. This is a night of show people performing for other show people, with a flying by the seat of the pants feel. That slightly crazy woman who can't seem to ever cover herself with clothing, that is a member of every single theater company everywhere? Here, at this show, she is phenomenal, summoning characters from the depths of her soul and has the audience eating out of her hand.

My favorite acts of people I didn't know: (I'm sorry, I didn't get a program. Maybe Michelle or Marty can fill me in)

The guy with the giant flow chart of all of his dead childhood pets, as he tries to explain why he doesn't want to date you if you insist on sleeping with your dog. He allegedly came up with the bit that afternoon. I hope he turns it into a one man show. It was hilarious.

The guy with the essay about winning a blue ribbon in tablescaping at the LA County Fair. I will be entering this competition next year.

The physical comedy duo Ten West. I am humbled. They are amazing.