character actress launching: The DNA

Monday, August 8, 2011

The DNA

It struck me today, on my long drive back from an audition for a training video in Watsonville, where I used an East Coast accent that brought chuckles to the audience as I portrayed a mean bill collector, that I may be some sort of gambler. But, instead of betting on horses or playing the numbers, I audition for roles. Isn't it a numbers game? Am I not the horse I am betting on?

Is it in the DNA? One of my grandfathers was an inveterate gambler. Horses. Cards. He was an accountant, too. Held down some serious jobs in lower Manhattan. An immigrant with big dreams, he lived a fast life and died much too young.

I went to the beach today after the audition, enjoyed a tuna fish sandwich on whole wheat on Aptos Beach. Tasted the salt, felt the breeze, gazed at the crowd. Drove home before sunset.

So, did I win?

No comments:

Some comments about the Bastille Day CABARET CREME performance

You are all so cute and did you see the audience swaying with the beat? Lovely.

K.Y.

C'est super ! Tu te débrouilles bien ! Et on comprend bien les paroles. Bravo !

Surtout, tu es dans le 'mood' qui dit : Always look to the bright side of Life...
Et ça c est super !
Bravo !

F.T.

How awesome! Great job - you guys are having a lot of fun performing these songs!

N.M.

How delightful!! keep on keeping on.

J.H.

Bravo Lisa! Vous avez certainement l'impression que vous êtes en s'amusant!....Tre Fab!

A.C. (a joke from Google Translate)

A fun time! Clearly, you brought a lot of joy to everybody...

K. M.

What the fans said about our work in "Marius"

It was great to see you in the juicy role of Honorine. I especially enjoyed your impassioned performance in the (2nd act?) where you are getting upset about your daughter. Great stuff. You were really in it and it all read very well. Loved hearing your impeccable French accent upon entrance...

- Kristin C.

Tonight you were spectacular! I am so proud of you and it was nice to see both your brothers here tonight to cheer you on...

But again, my hats to you girl! You rock!

Big hugs and love,

- Claudia R.

Your performance was every bit as good as anyone else's in the play. Your delivery was loud enough to hear every word. The set and lighting were excellent...I think the Company has a great future...
If you want to know who I think was the best performer, I was totally convinced in the portrayal of Mr. Brun portrayed by Matthew Surrence as the dandy Customs Inspector. His mannerisms, jokes, and wit ignited most of the jokes in the script, and he came across as "full of himself," comfortable in the role, and when called for, a 1000 watt smile that projected to the very last row...I'm going to make a $20 contribution to the Company...

- Marc Carlson

I think you realistically embodied the part--it was believable in a broad sense--appropriate to the tone of the play. We must remember the play is a period piece, not a modern realistic drama...Also, we could hear you--that is very important--the ability to project vocally & bodily (non-verbally) & use the stage is also important...It's a very personal matter---one hopes it will lead somewhere but progress is not a direct path.

The question is, did you enjoy it?
Was it worth the tremendous time & effort?
Obviously, it was not about the money--did you make good connections?
Carlos Castaneda says, ultimately all paths lead nowhere; therefore, one asks, was it a path with heart?

-George C.

Another great Yelp!

Funny and poignant, this play captures the atmosphere and characteristics of a French seaport community beautifully. Convincingly acted by all, with some outstanding performances, and skillfully directed by multi-talented R. David Valayre. The simple but ingenious revolving set moves the action crisply, so the more than two hours' duration doesn't feel like it. The music -- as well as the attractive Provence-themed foyer-adds to the enjoyment.

- Jeanne P.

"Marius" reviewed on Yelp!

A low-budget but wonderful version of Marcel Pagnol's classic play Marius is currently at the Southside Theater at Fort Mason, through August 25, 2013. Although in English, the play is suffused with French culture and attitudes, and anyone who has been to France will feel as though they have been transported back there. The play has been expertly translated by the director David Valayre and the acting is excellent. It is 3 hours long and all scenes occur in the same cafe in Marseilles, but the play is riveting and full of humor and emotional tension. Marius is the first part of the Pagnol trilogy. The second part, Fanny, is planned for next summer and the final part, Cesar, for the following summer. I am looking forward to returning next summer for the next installment. One of the characters of this trilogy, Panisse, was Alice Waters' inspiration for her famous Berkeley restaurant's name.

- Chris K.

Early review

Caught my sister, Lisa Carlson, in the wonderful performance of "Marius" now playing at Fort Mason Center. Beautifully staged and directed by David Valayre, based on the French play by Marcel Pagnol. Lisa gives an intense and powerful portrayal of Honorine, the mother of the gorgeous Fanny played by the beautiful Nastassia Maltsava. As the only daughter of our mother Marcia, Lisa had excellent reference material to work with! She certainly does our family proud. If you happen to be in San Francisco this month catch this witty and vibrant performance.

- Anthony Carlson

More kind words

Slowly, I have been showing a few people my unexpectedly videotaped story about an episode in Paris, told in May in Berkeley. I'm still developing this one, but I am encouraged by kind praise like:

"The audience was definitely with you so content and delivery hit the mark..." J. P.

"Great story! You really told it very well! I also like your hair, it seems like it looks so different every time I see you!" D.C.

"...Beautifully told. Beautifully written." B.H.

"Lisa! You are amazing. What a sweet story and wonderfully told. Could hear that the crowd was very receptive." C.M.

Nothing like supportive friends and colleagues to keep one going. Lots to learn, lots more to tell!

Review of "The Little Nebbish"

Pam and I were looking forward to seeing my old Film Production Class colleague, Lisa Carlson, in The Little Nebbish. We were jazzed by the performance, 2 thumbs up. First of all, Lisa played a strong role really well. Her character was completely believable. Her affected accent was totally real, as well as the costume and make-up. We are used to seeing small productions and the Berubians managed to pull it off with aplomb. The staging and lighting were simple, but effective. There was a lot of furious scene changing. The final scene worked and we were taken aback. Good show.

- Lothar Vallot, Huntington Beach, CA

Reviews of "Real Women Have Curves" Keep Coming

"Lisa Carlson's performance in Real Women Have Curves was a hit, an emerald gem, she captured the essence of a Latina mom!! As a Latin woman raised by a Latina mom with all of the dilemmas that are placed upon us by "mom," Lisa's performance captured what is at the heart of Latinas; how we feel about life, love, our bodies and the bonding with our female friends and family that help us get a better understanding and meaning of life. Great job Lisa!!! You embody the true latin spirit!

Thank you for a wonderful evening!"

Claudia Russo, San Francisco

Real Women Got Great Reviews

Joe Peer's Production of "Real Women Have Curves"

It all began on the first of January 2009

Change was in the air and I had to be part of it. Enough of cubicles and painful tenosynovitis from all those years of pounding the keyboard. Time to expand my universe, explore what I could do with this still smooth voice. Companies were downsizing, and tech writers were not "in" this year. I'd go back to my old voiceover work, I thought. But, it has become more than that. Follow my journey as I take baby steps into a new universe, using my Goddess-given thespian talents.

Lisa Carlson
Character Actress Launching

character actress launching

Monday, August 8, 2011

The DNA

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