Frost Nixon

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In the Mandell Theater in the Lowdes Shakespeare Center,”Frost Nixon” written by Peter Morgan is being performed through April 28th. Stephan Jones does an astonishing performance as Nixon. His performance isn’t a satirical caricature but an honest look at a man with insecurities and pride. As a elementary school student I used to enjoy doing political cartoons of Nixon so from an early age I understood his charisma. Timothy Williams performs as David Frost, a talk show host looking to score the biggest interview of his career. John Bateman as James Reston acts as the narrator who has had a long time desire to see Nixon admit and repent for his wrong doing. In a humorous moment he meets his long time nemesis and he goes mute and shakes Nixon’s hand. Nixon turned smugly away with his best attempt at a grin.

The interview itself was like a prize boxing match with Nixon evading question with his long winded rope-a-dope memories and effusive tales. In the first round Frost sits back overwhelmed and exhausted by the ex-presidents long winded and empty answers. The actual interview went on for hours but it is thankfully edited down for the stage production. The interview is cut into four bouts and by the end it seemed like Nixon was a bull that wanted to feel the pain of the matador’s sword.

After the show, the cast assembled on stage for a question and answer session with the audience. Director John DiDonna asked theater reviewer Steve Schneider to join them on stage. Steve wrote a glowing review of the performance but hated the historical inaccuracies of the play. He stated that Nixon never admitted to the Watergate cover up and any younger audience members might accept the play at truth. Artists have a responsibility to present the truth. He equated it to journalistic integrity. Going to the theater to learn history is like going to “The Daily Show” to get the news. John asked a class full of college students, “Who is Nixon?” Only three students raised their hands. The play offered Nixon a redemption that he never had in real life. How much artistic license should be allowed before historical accuracy is ignored or turned on it’s head? To illustrate his point, Steve suggested, we imagine that a Japanese playwright decided to write a play about World War II in which there was no Pearl Harbor. Instead Japan is forced into the war when America stages a sneak attack on the Japanese Navy Fleet. Could that be an entertaining play? Certainly, but it would be divisive and inaccurate.

You have just 3 chances left to see this amazing production.

Friday April 26th  at 8PM

Saturday April 27th at 8PM

Sunday April 28th at 2PM.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

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I went to Winter Park on March 15th to be interviewed by “I Luv Winter Park” in the Hidden Garden Courtyard across from Panera’s on Park Avenue. Parking was atrocious, I ended up parking a mile away and then hiking. When I got to Park Avenue, I realized why traffic was so bad, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival had just opened. I thought the interview went well although I’m never sure if I’m offering enough information.

I decided to explore the maze of tents. I never have high expectations when I look at art in tents but some work always jumps out and inspires me. Matthew Cornell, a local artist from McRae Art Studios  won the overall award for Best in Show. His oil paintings are hyper photo-realistic. A large painting of ocean waves had me do a double take. I had to walk up close to see the incredible detail.

The Festival was crowded, so it was hard to find a spot to sketch where I wouldn’t get trampled. The fountain offered a quiet refuge in the shade. People came and went in a constant stream. Most people who sat down had fast food from the food vendors. When they were done the wandered off to see more art. The sound of the trickling fountain and birds in the trees helped level my blood pressure, but still I had to rush to get the sketch done.

ReDesign

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On April 2nd I went to Urban ReThink (625 E Central Blvd • Orlando, FL) for an evening discussion, facilitated by Adam Call, the Herman Miller Collection National Lead and Curator. The evening featured prerecorded conversations with mid-century design icon George Nelson. George’s legacy, and approach to design were discussed, along with the processes that helped define post-World War II modern design. When I entered, Adam apologized letting me know that the time posted for the event was wrong. The discussion was wrapping up.

Several sleek chairs were on display across the room so I assume George was a furniture designer. With the talk over, I continued to sketch as people got up and mingled. I did catch Adam reading one reminiscence where George discussed a brain storming session where sketches were done and each designer jumped in to contribute ideas. It would have been nice to learn more about Georges creative process.

Cirque De La Symphonie

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Merrill Lynch was a primary sponsor for the Cirque De La Symphonie concert on March 30th. Terry invited quite a few of her clients to the concert and the VIP reception held beforehand at the Bob Carr. I started sketching the buffet while Terry entertained clients. Within moments the line for Food grew. I was faced with a wall of people’s backs and an occasional glimpse at the spread. Outside, the sun set causing the sky to flash orange. For the longest time I left the middle table empty because I couldn’t catch a glimpse of it. Carol Connor joked that by the time I finished the sketch, the food would all be gone so leaving the table empty might be correct. When my sketch was done, the line had died down so I quickly ate a small plate of food as the lights flashed to get people seated in the theater. Merrill Lynch financial advisers purchased tickets for their clients to attend the concert. David Shilhammer announced that it was the largest number of tickets ever sold to a single corporate sponsor.

At the concert, Cirque and the Orlando Philharmonic collaborated in a thrilling program featuring music by Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak and others. Acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and strongmen performed and aerialists soared overhead as the orchestra supplied the musical suspense. Elena Tsarkova did an amazing act in which she performed quick costume changes on stage in a matter of seconds behind a glittering curtain. I have no idea how it was done but every woman should see this act to realize it shouldn’t take long to get dressed to go out.

When Elena performed as a contortionist, Terry leaned over and said, “I bet you would like to sketch her.” She was right.

Tippi Hendren

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On April 12th at 7:30PM as part of the Florida Film Festival, there was a screening of Alfred Hitchcock‘s “The Birds“. I was the very last person to enter the Enzian Theater for the sold out screening. The last seat was in the front row right in front of the seats where actress Tippi Hendren was going to be interviewed after the film. I’ve seen the film before on TV but it is much more impressive on the big screen.

Barry Sandler acted as the moderator asking Tippi questions to get things started. She praised Hitchcock’s film making genius and was thankful for all the acting tips he gave her. She also worked with Charlie Chaplin who would act out the whole scene himself and then ask the actor to repeat it. There were several truly fanatical fans in the audience who would shout out in delight to Tippi’s responses.

In the middle of the interview she spoke at length about Hitchcock’s dark side. He became sexually obsessed with her and asked her to do things that she refused to do. In the birds Tippi had seagulls and crows tied to her in the attic scene and for five days, they threw birds at her. The crew grew concerned for her safety but Hitchcock was unrelenting. She was pretty good at deflecting the birds, but after so many takes the birds got quite cranky. One cut her cheek just below her eye. A doctor advised her to rest for a week. After shooting “Marni”, another Hitchcock film, Tippy had to get away from him.  His advances became more brazen. If she broke her contract, Hitchcock vowed to ruin her career which he did. Other directors wanted Tippi to be in their films but Hitchcock would always say she was busy.

Tippi’s daughter is Melanie Griffith. Tippi was shocked when Melanie told her that she got a part in a movie. She should have had some ides of how difficult it is to work as an actress. You are always looking for work and the hours are horrendous when you are working. That didn’t stop Melanie.

Now Tippi is involved in an organization that hopes to save wild cats like tigers and lions from captivity. Some people assume she is rich from starring in Hitchcock’s films. She was paid just $500 a week when making the birds. “That money is all gone” she assured us. She is desperate to raise money  through Shambala to protect these wild cats. Hitchcock may have ruined her  acting career, but he certainly didn’t break her spirit.

Free Samples

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After finishing a sketch at the Regal Winter Park Cinemas  , I looked to see if there were any other films playing in the Florida Film Festival that might interest me. “Free Samples” directed by Jay Gammill had a Tippi Hendren playing the role of a sage old Hollywood actress. I rushed over to the Enzian Theater and got in just as the film began.

The film stars Jillian played by Jess Weixler as a Stanford law school drop out in Hollywood trying to find herself. She tried music but realized it was too difficult and she gave up painting for the same reason. She seems to have her life on hold for her Stanford boyfriend or fiance.

A girlfriend asks Jillian to spend a day in a soft serve ice cream truck handing out free samples.  She interacts with the costumers with dead pan wit not caring about the consequences. When a local musician asks if she will come see his band perform, she plainly states that the band sucks.

When a little girl arrives with her dad who is distracted arguing on a cell phone, Jillian becomes sincere lamenting her own parents. The little girl takes Jillian’s hand and says it will be alright.

Tippy comes up for a sample needing two walking sticks. Jillian and the old actress sit together and have a magnificent candid conversation. The sincerity and honesty of the characters had me wiping my eyes a few times. Jesse Eisenberg as Tex, shows up in a suit asking Jillian where she would like to go to dinner. She had been so drunk the night before, she forgot she had agreed to the date. The adventure of the day had softened her allowing her to let people back into her life any softening her empathy for others.

After the film, the director in his lace less sneakers and Tippi in her blue jumpsuit took questions. On person asked if the role had been written specifically with Tippi in mind.  The director was pleased and amazed to get such a legend into his first feature. Jess Weixler’s playful deadpan performance was the cement that brought this amazing film to life.

Food Not Bombs

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Every Wednesday at 5PM and Mondays at 8:30AM, Food Not Bombs sets up outside City Hall (400 South Orange Ave. Orlando FL), to feed the hungry. When I arrived people were going through clothes needed for warmth. The as of yet unfinished, tax payer funded, Multi-Million dollar Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts loomed behind them, the steel beams glowing orange in the setting sunlight. Two steel arches from a sculpture arched overhead. Someone asked me what time the food arrived. I must have looked like I was supervising since I was working on the sketch. I let him know that this was the first time I was at this particular feeding site.

Food Not Bombs used to set up in Lake Eola Park but some antiquated city ordinance states that you can not feed more than 25 people in a city park. Apparently people didn’t feel comfortable having homeless and hungry people gathering in the park. Food Not Bombs volunteers were arrested for feeding too many hungry people. Lawyers for the Food Not Bombs defendants argued that feeding the hungry was in their rights since it promoted their free speech and political views.  Court cases were won and lost in an endless cycle of litigation. Finally they were told they could set up at City Hall.

The feeding station was set up to my left as I sketched. The people who came were offered food quickly and efficiently. People sat on the benches and steps around me but no one sat on my bench. It was going to be a cold night but at least folks had warm healthy vegan food without any preaching.

Jai Gallery

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Josh Garrick informed me that he would be reciting a Homerian Greek Myth at Jai Gallery (101 South Garland Avenue Orlando FL) on Third Thursday. Josh took the gathered patrons on a journey through the world of Barbara Sorenson‘s artwork. Dancers from John DiDonna productions / Empty Spaces Theater Co(llaboration) performed to the narration. Jennifer Bonner designed some magnificent cloaks for the dancers that mimicked and accentuated tall sculptures in the room. Josh spoke of potions for the fairest in the land as he stood by large vases. I didn’t realize that this Snow White theme dated back to Greek myths.

Wendy Wallenburg was shooting pictures and Carl Knickerbocker had ventured out of his art studio to gallery hop.
Melisse Mila Makaroff was one of the dancers and I almost caught her in my sketch but the moment flowed past too quickly. The performance moved all throughout the gallery for just 20 minutes and I could only catch one view. As people mingled afterwards, I rushed to complete what I had started. This was my second sketch of the night and I needed to get home. Patrick Greene tripped on one of Barbara’s colorful metal sculptures and I laughed out loud. The pretentious veil had been lifted.

Grand Bohemian

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I went downtown to the Grand Bohemian Hotel to meet Terry after work for a drink and appetizer. My plan was to go to the Amway Center afterwards, perhaps to sketch plastic bucket drummers on the street. I had several happy hour drinks however and decided it was too cold outside to be sketching. The Grand Bohemian is where the visiting Miami Heat players were staying. Terry told me she looked out her office window and saw a huge crowd of fans surrounding the team bus. The basketball game started as we were sipping our drinks.  We could see the commentators and behind them the Amway Center looked more than half empty. I don’t think the Orlando Magic fans knew their home team would be trounced. The bartender changed the station to a college game once the Magic took to the court. Artist Donna Dowless was dropping off one of her paintings in the Grand Bohemian Gallery. She waved as she was leaving.

Terry left and decided to scout out the activity around the Amway Center. Happy hour ended as I was working on the sketch. The waitress offered me one more Blue Moon at the happy hour rate anyway. I got a text from Terry and she let me know that I had made the right decision to sketch the hotel bar, the streets around the Amway Center were deserted.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning Novel “The Yearling” while at a typewriter on a hand made table on the front porch of this old batten board house first built in 1884. Marjorie moved into the home in 1928. She renovated the building adding indoor plumbing which was incredibly modern for the day. The home is in Cross Creek which was a several hour drive north of Orlando. The property has a small orange grove, a barn, tenant house, a garden and plenty of chickens and ducks. Terry took the tour while I sketched the 1940 Oldsmobile in the carport. The Yearling was written in 1938 and it was made into a movie staring Gregory Peck in 1946.

One of the women on Terry’s tour had been to the Rawlings home before. She thought that the ducks on the property were animatronics since they have no fear of humans.  She decided to step over a duck and one of the caretakers insisted she leave. When the tour reached the south porch, which is in my sketch, the tour guide told the story of the ice man delivering ice for the ice box. He found a snarling raccoon in there and told Marjorie he wouldn’t return until she removed the varmint.

The guest bedroom had such distinguished guests as poet Robert Frost, authors Margaret Mitchell and Thornton Wilder, artist N.C. Wyeth and actor Gregory Peck. Marjorie was friends with author Zora Neale Hurston from Eatonville Florida. She visited Marjorie but since Zora was black she couldn’t sleep in the house. She had to sleep in the tiny tenant house with the help out in the orange grove.

A bold red rooster lead a brood of hens around the yard and the ducks seemed content to soak up the sun.  Fluffy new born duck chicks bobbed like corks in a small pool near the hen house. Time really feels like it has stood still at the Rawlings home. Marjorie died in 1958. Major restoration to the home was completed in 1996 and preservation work is ongoing.

Terry and I had lunch at the Yearling Restaurant down the road where Willie Green played the blues.  A sparrow seemed intent on getting inside. It flapped its wings and fluttered up and down against the window pane unable to pass through the mysterious glass. The fried green tomatoes and catfish were fried and filling.

“Bless Us”, I thought, “the world must be hungry.” And so it is. Hungry for food and drink-not so much for the mouth as for the mind; not for the stomach, but for the spirit.””

– Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings