An Actor Deserving

I'm fond of the actor Neal McDonough. I believe, of course, that I saw him first in the HBO miniseries "Band Of Brothers", where he played one of the more memorable characters. I regretted not seeing more of him, but then there was an enormous ensemble of mostly very good actors who demanded attention of their own. It was, I though, a fine launching point for McDonough, who surely was off to bigger things.

That has not really come to fruition in the years since then. It's not clear to me why not. He has worked a ton, but often in projects unworthy of him. The best thing he's had was probably his bit part in "Captain America". He also played a villain in the "Walking Tall" remake. He has not had anything like the starring role in a prominent film that he deserves. It may not be too late for him, but if he couldn't get it off Band Of Brothers, then I don't know.

A Star Was Met

As I write this, the final evening of the LA Improv Festival looms. There has been plenty of notable activity during the week, even on days when I wound up writing here about something else. Above all, it can be said that I did not fail to take advantage of the privileges extended to me as a performer. One was granted access to the green room (and its libations) on the night of the show, and I went in there and drank (within moderation).

One was also granted a 50% discount on tickets when purchased the day of the show, and I have done that. One was also allowed free admission to any show which failed to sell out, and it has been this that brought me back to the theater hosting the festival every single night. I've seen some great stuff, and have not failed even once to come across a friend who happened to be there. I'm glad for that, because I don't much like going out alone and few without the pass I have would see so many shows in a week.

High Expectations

It is interesting and infuriating to watch every tempest in a teapot come and go. For many people, there must be a lot of of minor controversies to mark the time in between the major ones. I would just as soon forget about the interstitial ones, but it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. Since everyone else must have them, I'm not able to escape them myself, so I'm always trying to find something in them to be stimulated by.

At the heart of the current scandal is Justin Bieber. I don't think I've heard any of his songs all the way through myself, but I'm sure I don't have to explain him. If you are unfamiliar, suffice it to say that he's a young pop singer of considerable popularity. Here is what happened. Bieber visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, professing to be very moved by it. He also speculated that Frank herself would have been one of his fans. To my knowledge that's the extent of it.