Image = Meet Your Heroes!

This post is not about movies but my other lifelong passion – Broadway.  Going to Broadway shows was an integral part of my life being raised in NYC and to me there is nothing like seeing a Broadway show on Broadway.  The energy and magic of live performance – I am always blown away by how Broadway performers can do what they do eight times a week.  The Tony Award nominations were announced last week so ‘tis the season to celebrate The Great White Way! 

I studied dance for many years and to me dancers are the most astounding performers.  My all time favorites are Gene Kelly, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Chita Rivera, Gene Anthony Ray and Gregory Hines.  At a recent gala for Amas Musical Theater , I met a Broadway dancer who inspired me from a very young age.  His name is Hinton Battle and Amas honored the 3 time Tony winner for his phenomenal career on Broadway and beyond. 

My mother took me to my first Broadway show, The Wiz when I was 5 years old and it was also Hinton’s first show, playing The Scarecrow at age 18.  Mr. Battle went on to star in Dancin’, Sophisticated Ladies and Dreamgirls on Broadway – all of which I was too young to see at the time. Then I saw The Tap Dance Kid while I was singing & dancing at the High School of the Arts and Hinton was the star of that show too.  The Tap Dance Kid was a powerhouse of dance and earned Hinton his second Tony award.  I will never forget it.

At the beginning of the gala, I said hello to Mr. Battle and told him it was an honor to meet him and expected that to be that.  But as the evening progressed, I had the opportunity to spend more time with Hinton who was incredibly gracious and interested to meet a fellow dancer and Broadway baby.  Later, when an original signed poster from The Tap Dance Kid was unclaimed at the auction, I saw another opportunity to have a permanent souvenir of an incredible event – and so I grabbed it.  Then I had a great photo opportunity with Mr. Battle that I will cherish, with my collector's item poster, forever.         

Image = The Tragic Loss of Greatness

I loved Philip Seymour Hoffman.  He significantly enhanced my life through his work.  Philip was one of a rare breed of "real" actors who completely commit to their characters and get lost in them.  There are countless movie stars who are skilled at playing the same part again & again, but there are few actors who actually transform themselves in their work. 

The list of American actors without matinee idol looks who submerge themselves into a role is very small.  Dustin Hoffman, Sean Penn & Paul Giamatti come readily to mind – and that’s about it.  What was truly remarkable about Philip Seymour Hoffman was that he traditionally fit into the role of a character actor but despite this image, he broke the rules and actually starred in films and did it well.  In less than 25 years he was triumphant in theater - both local and Broadway, indie films, and big budget Hollywood movies.  His sudden tragic death is a devastating loss for the entire entertainment industry. 

Over the past 72 hours, I have read a lot about the many great roles Philip Seymour Hoffman played – Boogie Nights, Almost Famous, Charlie Wilson's War, Doubt, Capote, etc.  But no one has mentioned my favorite PSH role ever – Flawless (1999).  PSH stars as a drag queen who becomes a vocal coach for Robert De Niro, a homophobic cop who has suffered a stroke.  I won’t say much except that Philip is transcendent and I highly recommend finding it and watching it.   

PSH in Flawless

I was fortunate to meet PSH at a Tribeca screening three years ago.  It was a completely inspiring documentary about a wonderful band in Haiti called When the Drum is Beating.  My friend and I spotted Philip as we were exiting the theater and I was struck dumb.  After working with talent for years, I am usually pretty cool around famous actors, but not this time.  What could I say to him that would even begin to elucidate my admiration?   My never shy friend said, “She loves you.  You have no idea how much she loves you,” and I said something of little importance.  PSH deflected the comments and just said, “Wasn’t that a great film?  What a really great film.”  He was the most normal guy who in that moment was just another film goer.  Not exactly a meaningful encounter but a memorable one for me, especially now. 

One of the few things in life that makes sense to me is great art.  Film, theater, music, literature...  I take solace in the joy of a great performance or an inspired piece of writing.   

Philips's death makes no sense to me.  How could this gifted actor be gone so soon? 

 

I don’t want to talk too much about how Philip died but there is something to say about the trend in entertainment.  Perhaps the elusive demon that plagues people with an addictive personality is the same characteristic that curses people of extraordinary talent.  Judy Garland, John Belushi, Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Cory Monteith...  It is an all too frequent consequence for great artists.  My sincere hope is that Philip Seymour Hoffman will not be remembered for how he left us but for the incredible gifts that he left with us.