Back from a terrific LACCTAA event and some dinner at a nearby Eyetalian eatery. My voice actually got better as we went along - didn't cough at all and was able to be heard. The panelists were GREAT - all had great stories to tell, answered my questions with such honesty and humor, and the audience of about fifty-five ate it all up then asked very smart questions of their own. Everyone on the panel was different - some had become writers, some producers, some still acted, a real potpourri, but all in the show business. From the actor point of view Harrison Page was so passionate and positive, which is probably why he's had a successful career for forty years. In introducing him, I said my favorite film of his is Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls. Annette Cardona (Cha Cha in the film of Grease) was wonderful in discussing a recent detour she knew she had to take (she completed her masters degree and is now teaching and loves it), but how she still keeps her hand in. I told a few of my stories, Clent Bowers talked about his B'way shows, Phil Kellard was very funny in talking about his writing/producing career, and also offering tips to the young actors in attendance on what he looks for when actors come in to read. Bill Ewing spoke so clearly and beautifully about his transition from acting to being a key executive at Columbia Pictures, and Gary Stockdale talked about his going from actor to Emmy-nominated composer. It was just a great afternoon.
