I was reading the Merc.  Yeah, I know, when did I begin to read the paper?  It all began when the Sunday paper began to be left on our step/stoop (I don’t know if one calls a single step that leads up to the front door a stoop or not) I don’t know why, but it’s been there every Sunday for about the last four weeks.  So, why not read it if no one is taking it.  By the way don’t let the telemarketers fool you when they say that you can get hundreds of dollars in coupon savings.  It’s a lie!  But back to my original story…

I was reading the Merc, that’s what the cool folks are calling it, and the major article on the front page was about the 10 most powerful women in the Silicon Valley.  It’s a pretty impressive list.  One of the things they pointed out was that on this particular list there was only one person who was an actual CEO of a company…and she was number 3!  The article went on to state that while most of these women were next in line for the title of CEO, their jobs held just as much responsibility and power, albeit most of it was behind the scenes as in streamlining department processes and mergers and the like.  It did raise a question though.  One that most women in theatre and movies ask all the time.  Where are the great leading roles for women?!?  So I don’t leave you hanging, there’s an interesting argument that while these women are incredibly powerful, women view the term “success” much differently than men.  Men are greedy when it comes to power.  They aren’t comfortable with sharing their knowledge and helping fellow associates to do their job better because then it could put that associate in direct competition for the alpha dog position.  Women on the other hand are happy to share their knowledge and lend a hand to their colleagues to help them succeed.   That was just a theory that one of the interviewees spoke about, but I think its a very valid point and one that sounds more like fact than theory.

What does this have to do with theatre?  As I stated before, there has been a question in the theatre and movie industry that’s asking where all the great female lead roles are at.  To be frank, I don’t have an answer.  But I will say this.  Sure there are the iconic roles of Mama Rose, Evita Peron, Sally Bowles, Velma Kelley, Roxy Hart, Elphaba, Glenda, and Eliza Doolittle, and Aunie Mame, but what about all the new stuff that’s come from Broadway recently like Diana Goodman from “Next to Normal”, Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde”, Celie and Sophia from “The Color Purple”, Felicia from “Memphis” and The Lady In The Lake from “Spamalot”.  That’s just a TINY number of amazing roles that have a complexity that every actor seeks to find.  Or maybe it’s just me being jealous that ladies have a million amazing songs that I would give my pinkie toe to sing.  There are a number of shows that have female characters that can easily pull a Judy Dench!  And by “Pull a Judy Dench” I mean be on screen/stage for mere minutes and get an award nomination!  So let’s get Dench!!

Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.

Okay well this is akward!  I am a total nincompoop when it comes to emoticons.  Would it be a total cope out if I just write out the way the smileys should look?  Oh, wait!!  Duh, that’s what cut and paste is for, ya know?

2.

Because I seem to be constantly on the go with only approximately 5 hours of good sleep a night, I am often more tired than what I would consider normal.  Maybe all these years of constant activity are finally starting to catch up in my old age.  Hahahaha!!  I don’t think so!!  I just need to get into some sort of sleep schedule and I will be all hunky dory!

 

 

1.Ummm, hello?  I had an amazing day at work today, went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner (I had the half and half meal YUMMY!), made it to the gym for a great run, AND had me a glass or three of wine?  Life is GRAND, people!!!  Life is frackin’ grand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My dear Miss Emily was one of the very first girl best friends that I had in a very long time.  She could ask me to do anything and I would happily oblige.  As you can tell.  She is the reason that a lot of these “Hello Dolly” pictures exist.  She is a kind wonderful friend who I miss greatly.  In yesterday’s post I wrote that there would be people that you just lose touch with and unfortunately this beautiful soul was one of them.  I told her about my fears.  I complained to her.  She listened intently and talked me through those things the way a calm and logical friend usually does.  On the rare days when she complained, I would be there for her.   She made me a little photo book that I absolutely treasure and have up in my home.  In the end of the book, she added quotes like “A friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out.” – unknown.

I miss you, Emily.  I hope you are well and making the most out of life.