Pure Purple

I suspect this show will be huge.
Admitedly, I've wanted to see it since hearing of its creation, but began to worry when rumors spread that Whoopi Goldberg had walked out of an early workshop performance in utter disgust. I then almost gave up when I was less than blown away by the release of the first two songs on the show's website a few months back, but picked up interest again when previews started a month ago, Rosie gave it beyond-a-rave a few days back on her blog, and when today, my old standby Mr. Ben Brantley, who rarely disappoints where accuracy is concerned, had only the pacing to blame in what I gathered was an otherwise two thumbs up.
Also without question, Oprah on David Letterman last night was huge.
Things like this appearance, the reality of their occurrence, are always a bit of a let-down. How do you do justice to a much publicized 16 year absence and countless, countless begging on the part of Dave over that time, in a half hour interview? She looked gorgeous. And I loved every minute of their time together but it was all a bit odd. Odd and yet huge nonetheless. I happened to be outside both the Ed Sullivan and Broadway theatres, which stand a block away from each other and where the "Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Color Purple" are both located respectively, at the time of her taping around 5:25 pm yesterday and was blown away by the enormity of the event.
This morning I heard great things from a friend who attended the Opening last night.
And I am thrilled at the chance to see it.
All in due time.

In other news, tonight is my shoot for "Across the Universe." I will report to the Columbia University campus at 5 o'clock pm this evening for a riot scene that will probably tape until the early hours of the morning. We've been told to expect to stay until at least 7 am tomorrow and (on top of the joys of extreme exhaustion) could also potentially expect hypothermia, potential bodily harm (watch out for those method actors who take the word "riot" VERY seriously) and a haircut for any men who are requested to get one by production.
So, come this time tomorrow, the likelihood of me looking like a movie star is slim.
But the likelihood of me looking a lot like Mary Lou Retton is all but a certainty.
Wish me luck!