The ever generous and lovable Bob Prosky

Another sold out performance tonight. Great crowd. Schmidt and I were discussing the possibility that audiences have now heard about the show from friends or from reading the reviews, and with tickets being so hard to get – well, we were saying that it seemed that audiences were coming in more ready to laugh. It’s hard to know for sure, and of course everyone on the stage has a different idea of what their idea of a great audience is – BUT, it does seem like they come in now and are really ready to laugh from the get-go. As if they come in with the idea of “I heard this is really really funny so I am really really ready to laugh.” Of course sometimes this sort of preconceived idea can work against you and people can come in with the idea of “I heard this is really really funny … so, prove it to me.”

I’m babbling. All I know is the audiences continue to love it and we continue to be grateful to be a part of such a great hit and part of a theatrical event that makes folks convulse with laughter night after night. As an actor who has predominantly done comedy I have to tell you – there is nothing like that sound. It is a high that feels better than any drug (well, I haven’t done that many drugs but it’s better than the few I have done). I mean, I do think we have a pretty phenomenal production but a lot of it is this incredibly funny play and the genius of Michael Frayn. When I come out with that cactus in the dumb show and they go nuts – I like to think it is me and the genius expression I bring to it but honestly I know it is this hilarious play and the brilliant setups and situations that the playwright has devised.

Tonight after the show we had a great treat. Bob Prosky and his lovely wife Ida had the company over for a party. Great food and drink – I mean REALLY great food and drink and a lovely home – I mean a REALLY lovely home. Was such a treat to see all three of Bob’s original Hirschfeld drawings. And his Tony nominations. I am so inspired by Bob and the incredible work he has done throughout his career. And I am especially thrilled to hear that his film career didn’t start until he was in his 50s. Means there is hope for me.

Anyway, it was a truly lovely party. Wish Jonathan could have been there but was nice for us as a company so close to the closing to have this wonderful evening. Ida made this amazing cheesy eggy thing (I got the recipe and plan to make it when I get home), plus a ham, salad, bread, cheeses of the world and yummy desserts. I just left at 1 a.m. as I have my White House tour at 9:30 but it didn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. I loved playing with their cat – I miss my kitties terribly and cannot wait to see them on Monday when I get home. I do miss my partner but it’s the cats that I really can’t wait to see, you know. Skipper, Shakespeare and Samantha (we didn’t mean to name them all with S names – it just happened). Have a few auditions next week when I get home. I think I said it before – I really would like the next gig to be at home (or at least really darn close to home). Cross fingers.

Okay, tomorrow morning the White House. And the clock continues to tick. Two shows down … six to go.

-Jay