Like me on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenny-Block/118385024943309

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Jenny Block Wins a Lambda Literary Award for "Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage"

New York City, May 28, 2009

The Lambda Literary Awards

What an amazing night!

I was so honored to receive a Lambda Literary Award last night for my book "Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage" (Seal Press, 2008). Thank you to the Lambda Literary Foundation for this wonderful honor.

I was in SUCH shock when they called my name. I had nothing prepared so I did my best to bumble through my thank you's. The evening was so much fun.

(I still can't believe I won!!!)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sarah, Plain and Tall at the Dallas Theater Center

So, a short while back I had the chance to interview Joe Calarco, the Director of Sarah, Plain and Tall at the Dallas Theater Center. The show, which was fabulous, is closed and the interview never made it to the paper. So I thought I'd at least share it here.

Block: Can you tell readers a little about “Sarah Plain and Tall”?

It’s a beautiful family musical based on the award winning novella of the same name by Patricia MacLachlan. The show was originally commissioned by TheatreworksUSA, a company that producers theatre for young audiences in New York. The version Dallas audiences are seeing is a much expanded and changed two act version.


Block: How did you come to direct “Sarah Plain and Tall”?

Well I had known Julia Jordan, the book writer for the show, for a long time and I had directed readings of a couple of plays of hers. She recommended me for the project, and I had a conference call with Julia and Larry (the composer) and Nell (the lyricist) and we all hit it off and I got the job.


Block: How do you approach a piece like this that is based on a book that is both well-loved and award-winning?

Honestly, you just trust the material. Julia and Larry and Nell did such a brilliant adaptation that I just felt lucky that it fell into my hands. The really stayed true to the spirit of the novella while adding a great deal of dramatic action as well.


Block: What’s the biggest challenge you faced in terms of staging this particular show?

It’s so beautifully written that honestly I never thought of it as a challenge. Yes, there are hurdles such as how do you stage a scene where two characters swim in a cow pond or stage a sequence that takes place over a series of months and takes place in both Maine and Kansas at the same time, but those challenges are what I love most about being a director. It forces you to use all your skills.


Block: What is it that makes “Sarah Plain and Tall” such a special piece?

This might sound corny but its heart. Nowadays so many musicals have characters that are so blown out of proportion that they seem almost not human anymore. I find it very refreshing that the characters in SP&T are incredible real and human and are totally recognizable to any audience. Their pains and their joys are very real and universal.

Block: Are you ever amazed that bringing such wonderful stories to life is what you get to do for a living?

All the time! I am incredibly grateful that I get to make my living doing what I love to do and I’ve been able to do that for over a decade now. I feel very fortunate.


Block: What’s the best part about directing this show?

It’s one of the “special ones.” It’s a beautiful script and the writers have been incredibly loyal to me over the years. Also half the cast has been with the show since we first workshopped it 8 years ago, and the newer cast members are just as talented and lovely and sensitive. It is a show that has always attracted really good people to it.


Block: Any crazy anecdotes from the rehearsal process you can share?

Honestly no (laugh). It’s been a blissful rehearsal process.

Block: Who should come to see this show?

Everyone. It is a true family show in that it appeals to adults and kids equally for different reasons. And it also appeals to people who just love good theatre. That is why I like it so much. Julia and Larry and Nell have written a very special piece.

Block: Anything else you want to say to potential audience members reading this?

Well, I’ve LOVED Dallas and can’t wait to come back.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Great shirt. Even better cause.


In honor of Gay Pride Month (June), Kenneth Cole is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), "the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans" in a very cool fundraiser. They're selling limited edition t-shirts that read: THOSE AGAINST SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AREN’T THINKING STRAIGHT (OR ARE THEY?) – KENNETH COLE.

Aside from bearing a great message, it is as soft and comfy as can be!

You can get the tee at Kenneth Cole New York stores, Kennethcole.com, and hrc.org for $35.00. 100% of the net proceeds go to the AWEARNESS FUND and HRC.

Plus, during Gay Pride Week, 20% of the evening’s proceeds at the following stores will be donated to HRC:

Los Angeles
June 12, 2009 4-9pm
Kenneth Cole New York Store, Beverly Center

New York
June 26, 2009 4-9pm
Kenneth Cole New York Store, Soho, 595 Broadway

Chicago
June 26, 2009 4-9pm
Kenneth Cole New York Store, Chicago 540 North Michigan Ave

Dallas
June 26, 2009 4-8pm
Kenneth Cole New York Store, Dallas North Park

Kenneth Cole’s AWEARNESS is a not-for-profit entity that supports, empowers and encourages acts of service, volunteerism and social change.



Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Jenny Block and Polyamory on Fox and Friends


Here's the segment I did on Fox & Friends on May 12, 2009. Would love to hear what you think of the show.


Reading in NYC

I'll be in NYC reading with several of the other finalists for the 21st Annual Lambda Literary Awards. I hope to see you there!

Date: Saturday May 30th, 8:30-11PM
Admission: Free--Donations welcome
Location: NYC LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th Street, 7-8 Aves
Subways: ACEL123

8PM Doors open for bake sale, book & CD sales

8:30-11

Edmund White: Rimbaud: The Double Life of a Rebel
Honor Moore: Bishop’s Daughter
Jenny Block: Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage
Ron Suresha: Kinsey Zero through Sixty
Christy C. Road: Bad Habits: A Love Story
Rachel Kramer Bussell: Crossdressing
Bobbie Geary: The Janeid
Ann Herendeen: Pride/Prejudice

Monday, May 11, 2009

Polyamory on Fox and Friends

Tune in to Fox and Friends at 6:50a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, May 12. I'll be "debating" with Glen Stanton from Focus on the Family. Wish me luck and let me know what you think!