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| December 15th, 2006 ~ Razor Sharp Wins Big at Film Festival
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As far as film festivals go, I'm happy to report that RAZOR SHARP just won Best Drama and overall Best in Fest as voted on by the fans of the first ever Wizardworld Film Festival in Dallas, TX over the weekend of November 1012. This comic book themed festival was a great exhibition ground for the film, and the crowd loved Michael's performance. Here's a link: www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/texas/WZ20061114-wwff.cfm
As part of the prize for winning, RAZOR SHARP will screen in Los Angeles over the weekend of March 16-18 at the Staples Convention Center when Wizardworld begins its 2007 tour.
The official website for the film (www.razorsharpmovie.com) is currently under construction, but will launch in early January. Included on the site will be tons of production stills, and a 10- part 'making of' special broken down into vide pods that feature footage of Michael on the set.
Information provided by writer/director of Razor Sharp, Marcus Perry. Thank you!!
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| December 04th, 2006 ~ Pretender Movies Coming to DVD
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Pretender, The - Fox wraps The Pretender with TV movies
Fox has already released the four seasons of The Pretender on DVD, but now they've announced that the two TV movies, Pretender 2001 and Pretender: Island of the Haunted will be released on March 13, 2007.
This single disc will contain Pretender 2001 (full screen 1.33:1) on one side, and Pretender: Island of the Haunted (widescreen 1.78:1) on the other. The disc runs for 216 mins, and sells for $26.98 US, or $37.98 CAN.
Disc 1 Side A:
PRETENDER 2001 (Full Screen)
Picking up where the television series left off, Jarod reunites with two old friends and unleashes some powerful Centre revelations. This film opens with a sequence that will allow it to be enjoyed by individuals who have not yet seen the TV series.
Disc 1 Side B:
PRETENDER: ISLAND OF THE HAUNTED (Widescreen)
Through a series of bizarre circumstances, Jarod and Miss Parker find themselves trapped together on a strange island in a life and death situation, out of which come some of the most important revelations about their pasts.
You can already preorder the disc from Amazon.com for $18.99. We'll post artwork as soon as it's released.
Source: TVShowsOnDVD.com
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| November 26th, 2006 ~ Razor Sharp No Longer an 'Unknown Project'
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You may recall a while back the biography on Michael that was posted on the Huntington Theatre's website that had a list of unreleased films which included Razor Sharp. Well this is now listed on the IMDB under Michael's filmography. There's very little information here but from visiting Cassidy Freeman's and Skye McCole Bartusiak's websites I have found that it is an "action short" made in August 2005 in Los Angeles and is currently in post-production. I have also found a photo on Cassidy's site which you can view here. For additional production photos, check out Skye's site here.
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| November 15th, 2006 ~ G-Spot Series on SHOWCASE in Canada |
G-Spot follows the trials and tribulations of gorgeous, fun-loving Gigi, played with flirty aplomb by Brigitte Bako, the series' creator, writer and star. Gigi is a 30-something actress in Hollywood whose early roles in critically-acclaimed films have since given way to an ever-growing repertoire of late-night B movies. Originally from Montreal and now living in Los Angeles, Gigi is determined to make an all-out comeback in her career, and with love.
Gigi's highs and lows with work, money, sex, men and fame in Los Angeles are shared and celebrated with her group of quirky friends -- Stella (Heather Hanson), a mostly out of work actress who's age-obsessed; Rick (Ian Alden), a mega superstar actor whi is in the closet about being gay and Canadian; and Roxy (Kimberly Huie), a single mom whose pre-teen daughter is wise beyond her age.
Michael, a long-time friend of actress Brigitte Bako co-starred in Episode 4: HBO a.k.a. Gigi Gets A Job of this series in 2005.
This series is replaying now on Canada's Channel: SHOWCASE.
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| November 10th, 2006 ~ Midwest Independent Film Festival Film Forum for Iowa |
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This Forum was created for people who saw "Iowa" at the festival and would like to share their opinions. Beware of spoilers in the story.
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| November 8th, 2006 ~ Iowa wins big at Film Festival |
| November 7th, 2006 ~ Iowa at the Midwest Independent Film Festival |
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Tonight at the Midwest Independent Film Festival, the Midwest is responding with our drug film in the form of Iowa. Iowa is a feature-length film that portrays the methamphetamine epidemic in the Midwestern small town and how drugs screw with people. (Trailer) The film was written by Midwest native Matt Farnsworth and features an unusually strong cast, including John Savage (The Deer Hunter) and Michael T. Weiss (NBC's "The Pretender"). The movie will be shown tonight at 7:30 p.m. after a panel on "Bringing Hollywood Talent to Midwest Films" at the Landmark Century Theater at 2828 N. Clark St.
Source: Chicagoist |
First Tuesdays with The Midwest Independent Film Festival Iowa Arrives, Best of the Midwest Nominees Announced!
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The 2006 Midwest Independent Film Festival will bring a sledgehammer of a film to its audiences when Iowa arrives on Tuesday, November 7th. Combining exceptional Midwest and Hollywood talent, Iowa/Illinois native Matt Farnsworth has crafted an entrancing cautionary tale of love, crime, fantasy and addiction.
An Official Selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, Iowa features searing performances by film veterans John Savage (The Deer Hunter, The New World), Rosanna Arquette (The Executioner's Song, Desperately Seeking Susan, Pulp Fiction), and television's star of The Pretender Michael T. Weiss. The film also offers breakthrough performances from newcomers Farnsworth and Diane Foster as well as terrific cinematography from Iowa City native John Naughton.
An unflinching look at the crystal meth epidemic in the Midwest and its devastating effect on the lives of users and the people around them, Iowa is notable for its restraint and compassion, and merits comparison with Requiem For A Dream.
On Tuesday, November 7th, the Pre-Show Social, sponsored by Goose Island Brewing Company, begins at the Landmark Theater, 2828 North Clark, at 6 p.m. Our Pre-Show Panel, "Bringing Hollywood Talent to Midwest Films," begins at 6:30 pm in the theater. Then join host Mike McNamara as our screening of Iowa begins promptly at 7:30 pm. Projection services are provided by sponsors Resolution Digital Studios, Mimi Productions and Zacuto. Post-screening reception will be held at Sausalito, 543 West Diversey. For more information, please visit www.midwestfilm.com.
IOWA. A cautionary tale of love, crime, fantasy, and addiction, Iowa follows two young lovers who decide to go into the "batch" business - cooking their own methamphetamine-only to watch it burn a jagged hole in their lives. Starring newcomers Matt Farnsworth and Diane Foster, Iowa also features searing performances by film veterans John Savage (The Deer Hunter, The New World) and Rosanna Arquette (The Executioner's Song, Desperately Seeking Susan, Pulp Fiction), and television's star of The Pretender Michael T. Weiss. |
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| September 1st, 2006 ~ Michael attends 'FENCES' Premiere |
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September 1st finds Michael attending the premiere and After-party for the musical Fences playing at the Pasadena Playhouse at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena, CA
See photos of Michael at this event HERE.
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| August 17th, 2006 ~ Michael Attends 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Premiere Party |
| July 17th, 2006 ~ Pretender back on Free TV in Germany !! |
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German TV Channel Tele 5 (T5) has begun to air the Pretender Monday thru Fridays from 19:20-20:15 and repeats the next day from 16:05 - 17:00.
See the Tele 5 website.
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| July 13th, 2006 ~ Michael's official Fine Art Website Updated !! |
For the first time since its introduction, Michael's Fine Art website has finally been updated!
Additional pages have been added including a GALLERY and a THE ARTIST page, from which you will find the text below ....
In a stunning look at repression Michael T. Weiss incorporates various mixed media often including combinations of photography, ink, colored pencil, oils, and digital manipulation, to explore how we as socialized beings sublimate our intrinsic anima.
Images of the human figure in various forms of restraint are bound with layer upon layer of dense webbing. Wrapped in this binding Weiss often includes images of religious iconography to represent how religion and society repress our basic primal urges. Hidden below the surface is a haunting glimpse of our interior nature. The result is an evocative, strangely beautiful work of rich depth.
Michael T. Weiss has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California, studied Art History at Harvard University and is continuing his artistic studies at Otis College of Fine Art & Design.
He is also well known as an accomplished film, stage and television actor as well as a playwright. He resides in Venice, California and New York City.
Original works of art are available for purchase. For info: info@michaeltweiss.com
or call: 323.860.3238
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| June 15, 2006 ~ IOWA premieres in Greensboro, NC |
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Michael's IOWA is scheduled to premiere at select theatres across Greensboro, North Carolina June 23rd.
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| April 25, 2006 ~ Complete Season Four Cover Art |
| April 19, 2006 ~ Complete Season Four Coming to DVD |
20th Century Fox has announced the long anticipated release of Season 4 of The Pretender to DVD in the US:
The 4th and Final Season of this fan favorite! Jarod is a genius of exceptionally high I.Q. who was brought up at the Centre, a clandestine research facility where he was kept against his will until he managed to escape. Although constantly on the run from Miss Parker, one of the Centre's most deadly agents, Jarod uses the unique abilities he learned there to help innocent victims get the justice they deserve. He also continues to hold out hope of finding his missing family. But what he never expected to find is evidence of an old DNA experiment that connects his father and Miss Parker's murdered mother -- an experiment which creates an ironic link between hunter and prey.
One of our retail friends has told us the final season of The Pretender will be released on July 18. This 4 disc set will contain the final 19 episodes of the series (1031 mins), including the double-length finale, "The Inner Sense." The set doesn't include the two TV movies which aired after the series ended on NBC, but we've been told Fox has plans to release them, though they aren't on the schedule yet. The set will sport an Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer, along with Dolby Surround audio tracks in English, French and Spanish, with Spanish subtitles. The set will sell for $39.98 US, or $54.98 CAN. Amazon.com is already taking preorders for the set; it's $27.99.
Disc 1 Side A:
- The World's Changing
- Survival
- Angel's Flight
- Risque Business
Disc 1 Side B:
- Road Trip
- Extreme
Disc 2 Side A:
- Wild Child
- Rules Of Engagement
- Til Death Do Us Part
- Spin Doctor
Disc 2 Side B:
- Cold Dick
- Lifeline
Disc 3 Side A:
- Ghosts from the Past
- The Agent of Year Zero
- Junk
- School Daze
Disc 3 Side B:
- Meltdown
- Corn Man
Disc 4 Side A:
- The Inner Sense
Bonus features will include:
- Commentary on "Rules Of Engagement" by Craig Van Sickle, Ethan Lawrence, Steven Long Mitchell and Tommy Thompson
- Commentary on "Til Death Do Us Part" by Craig Van Sickle, Andrea Parker, Steven Long Mitchell and Tommy Thompson
- Commentary on "Cold Dick" by Craig Van Sickle, Michael T. Weiss and Carlos Coto
- Farewell The Pretender (10:00)
- Jarod's Mythology Part 1 (9:39)
- Jarod's Mythology Part 2 (12:00)
- Looking for Chip Greenfelt (9.56)
Source: TVSHOWSONDVD.COM
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| April 15, 2006 ~ Michael visits Janssen Art Space |
Michael was in Palm Springs, CA today for the opening of Steven Janssen's "Janssen Art Space".
Today, Janssen has taken the art world into his own hands by opening his own gallery in Palm Springs, California, simply named, "Janssen Art Space." It opened it's doors April, 15th 2006 with a packed house and sell out sales for Janssen attracting such celebrities as Kirsten Dunst, Lucy Liu, Jennifer Aniston and Michael T. Weiss. The mid-century modern influence of Palm Springs, has diverted Janssen's tight signature style to a more abstract, relaxed approach. The future looks bright as he is concentrating on upcoming exhibits for other artists, as well as himself. Janssenartspace is also available for photo shoots and studio rental.
STEVEN JANSSEN
JANSSENARTSPACE
333 south indian canyon drive ste J
palm springs, ca. 92262
760.864.9922
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| April 10, 2006 ~ Michael donates an original piece of his artwork to Benefit the Huntington Theatre |
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Michael has donated this painting to benefit the Huntington Theatre and its many programs.
Click here to bid!!
Opening Bid: $2,000.00
Leading Bid: Be the first to bid!
Number of Bids: 0
Time Left: 9 days 6 hours
Online Open: Mar 27, 2006 9:00 AM EST
Online Close: Apr 21, 2006 5:00 PM EDT
Item Number: 173
Estimated Value: Priceless
Description: You've seen Michael T. Weiss' talent on stage. Now appreciate his artistry through another medium.
Own this unique piece of provocative artwork titled Rapture, composed with mixed materials on paper, by the celebrated actor last seen at the Huntington as Le Vicomte de Valmont in this season's production of Les Liaisons Dangeureses.
Weiss also starred in the Huntington's 2005 production of Lanford Wilson's "Burn This." Catch his soon-to-be-released film festival hits "Iowa" and "Marmalade." Best known for the lead role as Jarod on the NBC television hit "The Pretender," Weiss is a playwright, artist, and environmental activist.
Special Instructions: This item is available both online and at the event.
Live Event: After the online close, this item will be going to a Live Event for further bidding. Absentee Bidding offered. |
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| March 23, 2006 ~ The Huntington Theatre Company's 2006 "Breaking Ground Festival" of new play readings. |
Michael will star in a new play reading of Property at the Huntington Theatre's Stanford Calderwood Pavilion April 8th, 2006 at 8pm.
Property by Valerie Martin is a tale based on her 2003 novel about a white woman and her black chambermaid who are linked by slavery and one man. Pamela Gray and Will LeBow are also featured, and will be directed by Peter Schneider.
** Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. There is a recommended $10 donation per seat.
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| February 19, 2006 ~ Out At Short information by Becci |
She is as sweet and friendly as she is beautiful. {Becci on Andrea Parker}
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The evening started with George and I (the friend I went with) arriving
at the Sportsman's Lodge at about 6:30 pm. First order of business was
finding the room where the event was being held, which turned out to be
very easy. Ran into a couple of people I knew from the Pretender Con in
LA 5 years ago "Living the Dream" (side note: that part was rather
funny, since no one recognized me at all. At the Con I was a bit heavier
then I am now, and I had curly blonde hair ... I now have dark red
straight hair.) All of the stars were running late, so we were standing
around in the hallway just outside the room. Which lead to one of the
funnier / cool moments of the evening .... I was standing there with a
couple of friends and I saw Michael walk into the area where all the
conference rooms are, as I watched him walked across the main area, I
could tell he was unsure as where to go, he started to walk right pass
the room and I called out to him "Excuse me, you want this room right
here" and pointed down the hallway. He smiled that huge wonderful smile
of his, thanked me and headed into the room. Everyone standing there,
laughed at it because I guess I was the only person who thought of
saying anything to him. (after that it seemed that I became the
directions gal, since I ended up directing all of the stars which way to
go.)
Once the doors were "opened" to us, we all filed in, and got our
programs, and goodie bags (which contained something called hint water,
a highlighter (?), a CAN pin, udderly smooth hand cream, udderly smooth
foot cream, cliff bars, and the 3rd season of tP.) They were serving
snacks, the bar was already open and the stars were mingling. George and
I quickly found a table with a good view of the "stage" area, and set
down our stuff.
Just then I noticed Michael across the room from me chatting with some
people so I took a deep breath and headed over there to see if I could
catch him. Which I did. I stopped him with "Hi Michael, my name is
Becci, I just wanted to tell you I'm a huge fan." He smiled, shook my
hand and thanked me for that, and also for being there. That's when I
said "One of the other reasons I wanted to talk to you, is that a friend
of mine, Kelly who runs the MTW fan club on yahoo wanted me to ask you a
couple of questions." I then asked him about ECO, and he said yes he is
still working with them. and then I asked about Nip / Tuck and I
explained about the interview that stated it was him as producer. He
laughed and said "No, that's not me. Although it is a nice idea, they
are more then welcome to send me the residual checks." And then he asked
me to tell Kelly something, "please tell Kelly thank you for all the
wonderful gifts and work she does for me and ECO" ß-- that right
there made me even more of a fan.
After that, it was time to get the reading started, so we all took our
places and that's when things got a little .... well I guess messed up
would be the best way to say it.
See the room we were in, was right next to a birthday party. But it
wasn't just any kind of birthday party, it was a Quinceanera party. For
those of you who don't know what one is, think the biggest most
expensive sweet 16 party in the history of the world and then times it
by 200 .... and they had a live band, with a LOT of bass and the
soundproofing on the walls was .... well if they had any I'm still a
blonde. So needless to say we could barely hear some the actors over the
music.
But honestly all of that aside, the script was one of the best I've ever
heard in my life, it was funny, touching, sad, all rolled into one.
Michael had a small part as "skip" a baseball coach that he was reading,
and of course his voice was as perfect as always.
I don't know if he had something else that he was doing that evening, or
if it was the music that drove him away, but he did leave as soon as his
part was finished .... I'm sure he has very good reasons for doing so,
but I do feel bad for the fans that were there who didn't get a chance
to chat with him. He wasn't mingling at all, and honestly I was lucky
that I stood up and spoke to him when I did. But all of that aside, he
was very warm and charming when I did talk to him, so I'm glad I did.
As for the rest of the event, it was unbelievable! I met Andrea Parker,
*squee* and she was as warm, friendly, and charming as she is beautiful.
And so many others, it was an amazing evening and it was for such a
worthy cause it just makes it even better.
Hopefully I'll have some photos to post as soon as George gets home (my
camera wasn't working very well so I have to wait for his).
Becci
Thank you Becci for your approval of this post!!
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| February 07, 2006 ~ 'Out At Short' Event |
Who's Involved: (Schedules Permitting)
Michael T. Weiss (The Pretender, Crossing Jordan)
Jamie Denton (The Pretender, Desperate Housewives)
Andrea Parker (The Pretender, Less Than Perfect)
Ron Glass (Barney Miller, Firefly, Serenity)
Jon Polito (The Honeymooners, Threshold)
Richard Marcus (Tremors, The Pretender)
Jon Gries (The Pretender, Napoleon Dynamite)
Sam Ayres (The Pretender)
What is this 'Out At Short' Event?
This script reading is taking place February 18, 2006 at 7:30pm in the REGENCY ROOM of the Sportsmen's Lodge. A raffle is being held with all proceeds going to CURE AUSTISM NOW.
Tickets for each seat are $175.00. You cannot get in without a reserved seat (meaning that you can't just pay at the door and get in). The cut-off date to make a reservation is Monday, February 13. Each ticket includes your seat for the reading, a "goody bag" full of cool products, just like celebrities get at their galas, a spot for you at the hors d'oeuvres reception that follows the reading, your trips to the open bar and a donation to Cure Autism Now, under whose auspices this reading is being produced. The entire amount ($175.00) for each seat is tax deductible (Cure Autism Now Tax ID: 95-454-2637). Dress is "California Casual" (something nicer than shorts but not as nice as evening wear ... anything in between the two will work just fine!).
For additional information, visit: Jamie Denton's Official Site
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| February 6, 2006 ~ Anthony Stagliano and FADE |
I emailed FADE's writer/director Anthony Stagliano not long ago and got a reply yesterday. He seems like a very nice and funny man. Here's what he told me:
Hi Karen,
Sorry about the delay.
Fade is nearing the end of post-production, and we should be ready to show it in the next few months. Look soon for a website, which will keep everyone abreast of all the news.
As far as plot and story are concerned, I will be tight-lipped. I don't want to spoil anything this close to our massive release on every multiplex in the world and one small screen on MIR. That said, I can tell you that Mr. Weiss plays a doctor who is faced with a truly peculiar case. In tone, the film is unequal parts drama, horror and thriller. You should notice the character names in IMDb, since that can betray a lot of secrets.
Mr. Weiss came to the part through a mutual contact that we made during the casting process. It was a great treat to have him involved with our modest project. This was my first time directing professional actors, and our budget and time constraints didn't allow a lot of rehearsal time, but that didn't ruffle him in the least; he was thoughtful and professional the minute he arrived. He had his character in a way that I hadn't thought of, and was right. These are the things you look for when you are spending less on your film than Spielberg does on his lattés (I researched his Starbucks budget).We really could only afford to house our actors at the YMCA, and Mr. Weiss didn't complain.
When, to raise extra financing, we started a small sweatshop with the actors making shirts for Tommy Hilfiger, Michael T. Weiss was the first in and last out. I am wearing one of his shirts right now (Hilfiger was kind enough to allow me to buy it from him for a 10% discount off the retail price. Thank you, Tommy), and it is of the highest quality in construction. All jokes aside, I would work with him again at a moment's notice (and everyone we were fortunate enough to have, for that matter).
I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Stagliano for his graciousness and for answering my email and I wish him the best of luck with FADE's release.
Added here with Anthony's permission.
"I agree with you about Michael; he is a good and genuine person laboring in a profession which discourages those very traits. It certainly isn't necessary for him to be nice, but he is naturally."
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| February 5, 2006 ~ A Dream Come True |
I can't believe it !! After following Michael's career for 20 years, I finally got to meet him. I can't say enough about what a nice guy he is. So incredibly gracious and polite. I told him I had been following his career since he was on DAYS and I got the reply, "oh since I was four or five years old." I didn't think it was possible for me to like the guy anymore, but I must admit, that like more than quadrupled after meeting him Sunday night. What a sweetheart of a guy. I can't imagine him being rude to anyone like I've read around the web (those who have chastised Dear Michael in web forums and such, you know who you are, SHAME ON YOU!)
Now, as for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, I know you've been seeing the mostly-bad reviews it got during it's month-long run. Well, it was not like it was made out to be. I thought it was very well done. The stage was beautifully designed, the costumes were delightful, and the entire cast was very charming (many of whom we got to meet). A full review will be coming soon (but unfortunately, my pictures didn't turn out, so I'm hoping my dear friends will allow me to post their photos on the website).
Now, to the wonderful ladies (and young man) I got to meet: Mercy and Mazi, Merian, Maria, Bridget, and Anna; I miss you all so much already. I hope we will be able to do this again and this time I will stay more than the one day (and we'll see how much trouble we can get into LOL).
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| February 02, 2006 ~ Another Positive Review |
Which we're all of an hour into, I thought I'd post my musings
(psychotic ramblings...?) about the Huntington Theatre's production of
"Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (I can't believe I got the spelling right
on the first try since I've been up something, like, 20 hours).
I don't know if y'all recall that I saw MTW in "Burn This" in November
of 2004 and enjoyed it very much despite the fact that the play itself
did not hold up after 20 or so years. Given my affection for
Christopher Hampton's play, to say nothing of the opportunity to see
MTW prancing around in period attire while attempting to get into
several women's pants, I was very much looking forward to seeing this
production.
So, this morning I got up WAY too early to catch the Chinatown Bus to
Boston to catch the matinee. Nasty cold aside (my fourth this
winter...!@#$%^&!), it was a pleasant trip followed by a lovely lunch
and a walk through the Northeastern campus that left me feeling
decrepit. Upon arrival at the theater, I immediately felt youthful
again as it became clear that I was the youngest person in the
audience by at least 30 years. Since the theater had posted a warning
about adult content and nudity, I figured comedy would ensue. It did,
of course. There were loud gasps and muttering and even a little
heckling, although not loud enough to be disruptive to people on
stage. Not that it mattered much because...
I wish I could comment on MTW's performance (neither the production
nor his performance have received the resoundingly positive reviews
that "Burn This" enjoyed) but, quite frankly, I was in a lust-induced
stupor that has rendered me incapable of making any sort of judgment.
All I can say is that I will never, ever look at black, knee-high
riding boots the same way again. Not to mention (but I will) the waist
coats cut to fit him as though he were born in them and the silk
pajamas and... well, that navel that someone simply MUST make a
plaster cast of to display in the Smithsonian. Finally, there is THAT
voice, which as far as I could tell did an adequate job with Hampton's
brutally clever, gorgeous words. I have no idea what this will do to
my muse but given the weird sh*t she's come up with on her own, I
shudder to think.
Now... on to the production. What I CAN say is that I particularly
enjoyed the peformance of the actress who portrayed the Marquise de
Merteuil (Tasha Lawrence). She plays her less as a cartoon villian
than Glenn Close did in the movie and more sympathetically. She's more
complex and, therefore, more interesting. The sets were lavish and the
costumes were great. Between the cold medicine and the aforementioned
lust I can't be 100% sure, but I think they were doing something nifty
with the color scheme of the principal characters' costumes to signify
changing loyalties throughout the play.
An "actors forum" followed today's production, at which cast members
answered (some surprisingly good) questions from the audience. MTW did
not participate. I have no idea why. A few of the other cast members
didn't either so perhaps they take turns participating or he and the
others who weren't there had other commitments. Regardless, it really
didn't matter. Ginger thoroughly enjoyed her Christmas present to
herself, sniffles be damned!
So, Happy Birthday to our Pretender. From where I sat, 44 looked
pretty darn good.
G:-)
P.S. Today it dawned on me how many scenes in my interminable WIP
"Devotion" parallel scenes from the play, particularly the
"ultimatum" scene between Valmont and Mme. de Tourvel. Who knew I was
ripping off Hampton?
------
As is often the case when I go to a play, my impressions deepened when I thought about it later (once I'd slept and gotten off the cold meds...;-) and went back and reread some reviews. None of the reviews I read were truly negative; they were mostly mixed and most that criticized MTW's performance faulted the second act, stating that his love for Mne. de Tourvel didn't "ring true." I have to say that I agree but I do not fault him; I think the Valmont/de Tourvel relationship is the one weakness of Hampton's play. In thinking about it, I did find myself asking, "Why her, after all the women he'd encountered over the years?"
I think part of the problem is that the Valmont/Merteuil interactions are written so brilliantly (and Michael and Tasha were outstanding together) that when he's with de Tourvel it seems a bit of a let down. At least in the movie there are all those close-ups of Michelle Pfeifer's sublimely beautiful face, which at least gives us an unconscious visual affirmation of her uniqueness. While the actress playing that role on stage was more than adequate (she didn't participate in the Q&A either, which is a shame because I'd have liked to hear her perspective), that character just doesn't seem to hold up as well in the live theater, at least not for me, so Valmont's falling head over heels for her didn't ring true for me either.
Thank you Ginger !!
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| January 25, 2006 ~ A Hobby turns into works of Art |
It seems as tho' Michael's love of Photography and studying faces has turned into a work of art. This was first brought to light in two articles this month centering around Michael's performance in Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Sandy MacDonald - January 02, 2006, Theatermania.com
.... In Boston, he's car-free, instead patronizing the subway system. He does so not only to conserve energy but also because, as a photographer, he loves studying faces. (His show at a Hollywood gallery last spring was a near sell-out.) ....
AND
William Henderson - January 04, 2006, In News Weekly
.... While his play "Streams of Consciousness" was produced at The Met Theater in Los Angeles recently, and his one-man photography and art show "sold out in almost four hours," he said, he is solely focused right now on bringing to life one of history's most unlikable yet strangely sympathetic villains, or tragic heroes, depending on your point of view. ....
Check out Michael's new FINE ART WEBSITE !!
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| January 18, 2006 ~ Brenda's Review of Les Liaisons Dangereuses |
I received an email this morning from Brenda who just saw Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Here's what she writes:
I went to see MTW this past Sunday at the Huntington Theater in Boston. It was pretty good. It wasn't as good as last year's play but I still enjoyed it. He's the only actor I keep track of over the internet. He's extremely talented and it's a shame that people don't see more of him (on TV, movies, or theater). I can't believe I'm saying this but he's even better looking in real life than on TV. He's quite an actor, isn't he? By the way, you're website by far is the best MTW website there is - always updated and full of info. Just out of curiosity, have you ever heard from him? If you do, tell him it's great to see him in Boston and he should come back more often to perform. ( I love the fact that he's so into recycling and the environment. I've worked outside with plants and trees for years and I hate the fact that many of the developers I deal with cut so many trees down just so they can build more houses - there's too much building going on. All of the old farms and woodland areas around me in NH are being sold to developers and it's quite sad.) Sorry, once I start I keep going. Keep up the good work and enjoy the play on the 5th. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I may even go back on the 2nd for the actors forum just out curiosity.
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| January 16, 2006 ~ SLEDGE Plans International Release |
Posted on the movies' Official Website:
The summer of 2006 will see SLEDGE: THE UNTOLD STORY released worldwide.
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| January 13, 2006 ~ Reviews of Les Liaisons Dangereuses |
| January 05, 2006 ~ Michael Signs with New Agency |
Michael T. Weiss
c/o Agency for the Performing Arts
9200 W Sunset Blvd., Suite 900
West Hollywood, CA 90069-3604
USA
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| January 02, 2006 ~ Secret Projects ? |
The Huntington Theatre has added cast biographies to their website which have two projects listed for Michael that no one seems to know about:
Mr. Weiss' yet to be released films include Iowa (Tribeca film Festival), Marmalade (Best Picture, California Independent Film Festival), Fade, P.T.A., and Razor Sharp.
Does anyone have information on these two films: P.T.A. and/or Razor Sharp ?
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