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Shortly after Carved in Stone closed on Sept. 5, my lap top went in for service.  Turns out, it needed to have the hard drive replaced – at least so they said (don’t get me started!).   I had misplaced the CDs needed to simply “clone” my hard drive, so I had to order a new set from Toshiba, then wait, and wait, for the damned thing to get repaired.

It was just as well, because it forced me to take some much-needed down-time after all the work and stress of producing and performing in Carved in Stone.  Now, don’t get me wrong, it was a wonderful experience over all, and I’m thrilled we finally made Jeffrey Hartgraves’ show happen, and loved performing it again with this cast and crew.  But it was also an incredibly stressful experience, with a new drama, it felt, almost every day – not made any better by the horrible economy and the sadness of Jeffrey's absence.   Someday, when certain “interested parties” are no longer with us (and can no longer sue!), I will write about the experience.  Until then, let’s just say that it felt great to disconnect somewhat, and focus “outside,” and really work out all the emotional bruises incurred during the past several months.

Well, its two months later (??!!) and my lap top is back (although hardly recognizable).  And I’m entering another busy phase, though hopefully one less stressful as I won’t be “the boss of anyone.”

First of all, I’m trying out a new gig, that of theatre correspondent for the WeHoNews on-line newspaper.  I’ve two reviews under my belt so far, and a ton of theatre to catch and cover in the coming weeks.  It’s like an advanced college course, seeing several shows a week and writing about them, and it will force me to see some theatre that I ordinarily would avoid.  I’ve had some ambivalent feelings about being an actor and a critic, it doesn’t quite feel “right,” but I’ll keep at it as long as it doesn’t become a conflict of interest!

My schedule is packed air-tight because I’m seeing all this theatre in between rehearsals for my next show, gay apparel: A Christmas Carol.  I was thrilled when Jason Moyer asked me to meet with him about doing his show, and almost as happy to let him be the boss, and be merely an actor for hire!

I initially met with him for the role of “Scrooge.”  Scrooge is the role of a lifetime for most actors, but I found I connected much more with the Ghost of Jacob Marley.  Maybe after three months playing Quentin’s reserved physicality, I’m ready to chew a little scenery!

Turns out, I have the challenge of several roles as well as “Marley,” including Jason’s adaptation of “Tiny” Tim – now a sickly gay “Uncle” Tim of, let’s say, a certain age.    The script is funny and a bit wicked while remaining very faithful to Dickens’ original.  Rehearsals begin within hours, and I cannot wait until we open the day following Thanksgiving!

Before rehearsals began, however, we had time to throw our first Halloween party in LA.  During our years in SF, our annual Halloween parties became notorious, then somewhat legendary.  We’ve been anxious to continue the tradition down here, and Saturday’s party was a great start!

Alas, I also have some very sad news.  Our dear friend Cindy Fried passed away very unexpectedly in October.  It was a great shock and a terrible blow -  to Laurence particularly, as they were best friends and he discovered her body.  While Cindy and I were never as close as she and Laurence were, we did have a special connection.  She was an incredible supporter of my career, flying up to San Francisco frequently to see me perform there, then never missing an opening or closing night since I moved down to LA.  Many a videotaped theatre performance has memorialized her free, infectious laughter on its soundtrack.  She was brutally honest, so I knew a rave from her was sincere.

Her memorial service was very moving, and really proved that one really never runs out of love to give, if they give if freely and without judgments.  In her own kooky, free-spirited way, Cindy was an absolute inspiration, and will be greatly missed by a great number of widely disparate folks.