A tribute to a friend....

Suddenly and without warning, This past summer, my friend Joe Wortman was gone. Joseph was supposed to perform along with myself and the current cast of Line on Friday and Saturday at The Thirteenth Street Repertory Company, when unexpectedly, he didn't show. That Saturday, the sad sad truth was discovered about his passing.

Losing a friend is always a sad event, but in losing Joseph's companionship I discovered that I was just one of many who had felt the magic of his spirit while he graced us with his presence. At his wake, it was amazing to learn how one person could effect so many in such a personal positve way.

As my last post explained, I had the chance to perform at Line's 40th anniversary celebration at LaMama in May. I will treasure this experience now, for it was one of the last times I had the opportunity to perform with Joseph on stage.

One of the reasons I decided to take time off was to deal with Joseph's passing. Now that I am returning to the stage in November I'm dedicating my performaces at TSRC in his memory.

So Joseph, enjoy the show. Always Neil

Long Time Coming...but I'm back!!! Watch Out World!

Sorry about the delay in updating my blog. Life surely does get in the way.

But here goes, I took a break from acting and the art world (at least performing at both, while spending my free time getting myself back in shape). As some of you know, after several years, actually almost a decade of 'pain' in my right foot, I broke down (no pun intended) and had surgery last summer (2006) on it. And almost a year later, I am still recovering from that. And learning that recovery from the doctors handywork isn't as simple or quick as one might hope or think it would be. As the good doctor told me afterwards 'You know Neil, the foots never going to be like it was, before the pain began.' Nice, huh?

During my so-called recovery, I've had the chance to rediscover my love of acting and painting. And enjoyed seeing a lot of amazIng performances and imagery.

The biggest highlight of the year for me was the celebration for Israel Hrovitz's Line. On 4/14/07, the play celebrated it's 40th anniversary at LaMama, the location where the play was first intoduced. I had the extreme pleasure in performing a scene from the play with several very talented actors including Maureen O'Boyle Joe Wortman, Nixon Cesar & Liche Ariza. In the photo showcased besides the cast, Edith O'Hara (TSRC director) is seen. It was a great event, one which I will cherish for ever.

Its Christmas time already...

Here's another poster design for you. Each year, The Thirteenth Street Repertory Company showcases their version of Charles Dicken's classic story. I personally appeared in two productions. The first, where I made my Professional Stage Debut as Bob Crachit, and then a few years later as Jacob Marley.

Anyway here's this year's poster. its actually a re-do from one I did for them several years ago. But, I think its pretty kool. Hope you like it.

Graphics time...

Recent designs for The Thirteenth Street Repertory Company.
Currently all three productions are on the boards as they say. So if my designs entice you in anyway to see live theatre...then my job is a success.

Hope you enjoy.
Neil

At last, I'm back in the 'LINE'!

Great news!!!

This coming Saturday, October 21st, at 9:30pm I'm back.

After several months of recovery from foot surgery, I will be back in the 'Line' as Arnall! As always, please contact the theatre ahead of time to confirm that: (A) the show is on and that (B) I'm performing in it.

I'd also like to thanks David Liebowitz for filling in for me while I was rehabbing.

Neil

My Madonna, featured in the Media...

Discovered this on the web the other day. I thought it was a cool that my 'Madonna' was showcased from the Exhibition.

Oh, about the exhibition. Had the great good fortune of attending the 'Curator's Circle' Preview of the exhibition on Saturday, September 30th. The night before the opening of the event. It was great meeting with the curator's and discussing the work. The show itself was very nicely organized, and I felt honored to be in the company of such talented artists.

So if you get the chance to see the exhibition, I think its worth the trip.

Art Exhibition

Welcome to my first post.

Big news. My art is being featured in a group art exhibit @ The Katonah Museum of Art
Entitled 'Wonder Women: Idols in Contemporary Art"

Two of my images, both showcased here: Marilyn vs. Madonna, a mixed media illustration done in 1993 for Personality Comics. And Madonna, which was created in 1998 for a Group Exhibition: : More Then Fifteen Minutes & exhibited at The Cooper Gallery in New Jersey. It was also showcased at The Society of Illustrators later that same year.

The exhibition features several big names in the art world, which include: Audrey Flack and Andy Warhol.

Public Opening is: Sunday, October 1, 2pm - 5pm
The show runs Ocotober 1st - December 31st, 2006

To find out more, please check out their website @ www.Katonahmuseum.org

The Museum is located @ Route 22 at Jay Street
Katonah, New York 10536
The museum's number: 914.232.9555

Hope some of you can make it, the catalog is way cool. I personally can't wait.

Yeah!