“I didn’t know this dissonance was inside me.” George Carlin

Louis CK

There’s no standup comedian hotter than Louis CK right now. His FX television show, Louie, earned him two Emmy Award nominations in 2011, and his recent comedy special, Live at the Beacon Theater, made history when CK distributed the show via the web (not HBO) and netted $1,000,000 in sales in mere days.

Darrah’s VO Demo from Darrah de jour on Vimeo.

After spending a couple years babysitting for the Kenny’s (Tom and Jill voice SpongeBob SquarePants), I was inspired to take a class in voiceovers. Here is my demo.

If you know anybody who needs a VO actress, please pass it along!! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section where it says “Leave A Comment”. I’m going to start another class soon, so, hopefully, I will keep improving. Can’t wait to begin exploring animation.
xox

Gloria Vanderbilt, Summer 1941

Today, I read a couple reviews of Broadway’s adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s which my man sent to me. We were lucky enough to attend four plays while in NYC, including that one, and we were so close to the stage I should have brought a spit bucket! Especially for Tom Hanks’ spittle (Lucky Guy), but hell, I didn’t mind! My honey is such an enthusiastic theatre and music buff and is exposing me to so much art! I really admire that in him. One of our new activities, when bounding out of bed, is seeing who can understand the bulk of NYTs eclectic vocabulary words! Anyway, back to Tiffany’s… My favorite was Hollywood Reporter’s take on the theatrical revamp, which states almost verbatim, my sentiment: “The most crucial missing component from Clarke’s performance is vulnerability.” Although, the reviewer for the New York Times keenly likened lead Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) to Vanderbilt in her teens (above). She really is her doppelgänger! What do you think?

Emilia Clarke

Wishing you a most fabulous week! xox

[Vagina]

Here’s li’l me performing “Because He Liked To Look At It” as part of The Vagina Monologues in ’08 at the Directors Guild of America. Please “like” and subscribe for more of my youtube vids!

Hi guys! Here’s a flashback vid in celebration of the recently passed International Women’s Day. Hopefully, these candid conversation about gender and sex will educate the likes of Poland, Egypt, Muslim countries and the Vatican who are in talks with the UN, using “religion, custom and tradition” as a defense to leave women unprotected against violence. (Talk about an unholy alliance! The Vatican is in cahoots with the Muslim Brotherhood – let’s take that in for a second.) Think their reasoning is a load of bull? Support TVM playwright Eve Ensler’s charity V-Day, which educates, raises funds and helps women in the global movement for peace.

Jennifer Lawrence (AKA everyone’s fantasy BFF) spoke with the press after her Best Actress Oscar win and was, obviously, hilarious. Lawrence won for playing a recent widow with an unapologetic propensity for office sex in Danny Elfman-scored Silver Linings Playbook. She previously starred in two franchise films with much higher budgets than SLP. In Hunger Games, she played archery goddess, Katniss Everdeen - a role she will reprise in November 2013 and redhead supervillain with blue skin, Raven Darkhölme / Mystique in the 2011 film X-Men: First Class, a role she will reprise in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014. With her goofy sarcasm and relatable shock at meeting Jack Nicholson (he totally hits on her, of course!) Lawrence charms by never taking herself too seriously. She is the girl on fire right now, but she’s so completely down to earth. Her flat refusal to engage in any media nonsense make her a favorite not just of the Academy, but of us all. Since her first Oscar nomination for Winter’s Bone, Lawrence’s endearingly frank personality has made her Girl #1 on our radar.

Lawrence Talks to the Press (after a shot of something strong):

[JLaw Press Conf Blunders]

Jennifer Meets Jack:

[Jennifer & Jack]

[Trouble]

Wow.Wow.Wow. For Taylor Swift? Wowzers. It’s no wonder the latest music video from country-crossover cutie Swift has garnered almost 47 million views on YouTube. Awaking in a Coachella-esque abandoned lot while donning a hair cut and color that heralds a SuicideGirls photo set, Swift spends the first two minutes of the six minute vid for her latest hit “I Knew You Were Trouble” off the album Red in an epic spoken word rant about losing oneself whilst falling for the prototypical bad boy. Amid a mixture of pop, dance and unfolding lyrics, she explains her latest heartbreak. You know this guy. We’ve all fallen for him. He gets you high, he takes you out of your own seemingly dreary and mundane existence, then he stirs up all kinds of emotions inside of you – feelings you never had, kinda always wanted, but were also scared of enduring, then leaves you to endure them by yourself. He’s self-absorbed and has no idea that – while he’s tattooing the word “love” across his chest, with you by his side – he has love at his disposal – but is such a drama king user, he’ll never actually feel what love is inside. How it dances in your blood and levitates your flesh and bone until almost weightless, you can barely thank the world for being alive. Instead, to him,  it’s an idea. A far-off, unattainable wish that his drama (or addictions) hold no space for. And, you’re left, not unlike Taylor, to wake up by yourself in the middle of a field, rising up, screaming his name. But, he’s gone.

You realize your life was pretty rockin’ before he came along. Not that he didn’t teach you much. He did. If you let the lessons sink in and don’t get on the roller coaster of the next pretty bad boy. It seems so cliche, but the reasons are deep why girls do this. And, if you’re not careful, as Swift suggests, you could let the most precious detail slide between your fingertips…

“How can the devil be pulling you toward someone who looks so much like an angel when he smiles at you? I think that the worst part of it all wasn’t losing him, it was losing me.” ~Taylor Swift

Good Dads Put Bad Dads To Shame!

BZZZZ! What’s new in the wild and wonderful hive we share? 

Inspired by Jason Lee of Bored Panda, this father’s revelations of picturesque domesticity and rabble-rousing with his cherubic daughter make me simply restless with joy! Talk about adoration! I’m ’bout to go all Rumpelstiltskin on his ass.

Last week, beloved advice columnist Pauline Phillips AKA Abigail Van Buren who penned the column “Dear Abby” for almost forty years passed away at 94. An advocate of speaking freely about hot topics such as divorce, homosexuality and Alzheimer’s – which she finally succumbed to, Phillips was a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom when she began writing for the San Francisco Chronicle in 1956. Her daughter Jeanne will continue as the sole columnist, a role she took on in 2002 when her mother’s health began declining.

The twin sister of advice columnist Esther Friedman AKA Ann Landers, “Dear Abby” said, of her role as a relationship guru, “[writing the column] has been fulfilling, exciting and incredibly rewarding. … My readers have told me that they’ve learned from me. But it’s the other way around. I’ve learned from them. Has it been a lot of work? Not really. It’s only work if you’d rather be doing something else.”

Attributing her humor to the genes on her father’s side, Abby’s responded to letters with flippant and occasionally risqué one-liners, like some of those collected for her 1981 book “The Best of Dear Abby” (now going for over $100 on Amazon):

Dear Abby: My boyfriend is going to be 20 years old next month. I’d like to give him something nice for his birthday. What do you think he’d like? — Carol

Dear Carol: Nevermind what he’d like, give him a tie.

Dear Abby: What inspires you most to write? — Ted

Dear Ted: The Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Dear Abby: I’ve been going with this girl for a year. How can I get her to say yes? — Don

Dear Don: What’s the question?

~ Goodbye, Abby. ~

On a walk, I discovered this car exists, and now salivate at the thought of owning it.

Cyber-genius, activist and creator of Reddit, Aaron Swartz took his own life at 26 after getting in hot water with the Feds. Many feel these charges were dubious and now call for change.

Former porn star Stacie Halas AKA Tiffany Six was fired from her middle school teaching job for having once starred in adult films. I had a sweet, albeit very very old alcoholic middle school teacher who sipped from a thermos (fire water?) and wore rhubarb velour onesies not unlike Mrs. Roper when I was in 7th grade. Tiffany Six woulda been DOPE.

Academy Award winner Michael Douglas battled cancer, and now his son is in the grips of a battle all his own. Drug addiction. Cameron recently failed a urine test from behind bars, where he’s serving a 9 1/2-year sentence for drug-related charges. Once again proving the point that non-violent drug offenders should be in rehab – not prison.

Cheating: it may Do A Body Good, but it certainly screws with a marriage. This week, former California Governor AKA “The Governator” (who’s looking to reprise his role as The Terminator) and golf pheonom and serial cheater Tiger Woods were in the news trying to beg back their estranged wives. Arnold told a German newspaper ”I still hope for reconciliation; I still love Maria.” Schwarzenegger and Shriver divorced last year after 25-years of marriage when he admitted to fathering a child with the housekeeper. As for Tiger, reports say the broken hearted sexual deviant put together a prenup worth $200 M along with a $350 M cheating clause and proposed on one knee to Elin, his 33-year-old Swedish blonde ex. If you believe the National Enquirer, she agreed to remarry the golf legend. Who knows, if the ice melts, maybe her forgiveness will improve his game?

In lighter news, country cutie Taylor Swift has signed on as the newest spokesperson for Diet Coke.

Probably the best explanation (from a man) of why the term “friendzone” is insulting to women.

Have an amazing weekend!!! xox

P.S.: For no other reason, than to make you smile.

Web Series ‘The Casting Room’ Wins Canadian Comedy Award for Best Web Series

By Darrah Le Montre

TORONTO, ON, CANADA (Hollywood Today) 1/3/13/— Winner of the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Web Series, The Casting Room is a hilarious and addictive weekly web episodic that explores what goes on behind closed doors in a casting room. Two-time Emmy nominated casting director and “TCR” creator Stephanie Gorin has been casting theatre, film and TV for twenty years. She’s seen it all and seems to know everybody in the biz. Now in its third season, The Casting Room, which reveals actor gaffes, is being syndicated in Norway, and developed by H-wood network execs for the small screen. Netting such comedic heavy hitters as Colin Mochrie of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” teen fave Devon Bostick from “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” and Scott Thompson and Dan Redican from “The Kids in the Hall,” “The Casting Room” is becoming the latest web hit.

This week, catch Sheila McCarthy from “Little Mosque on the Prairie” showing what NOT to do when trying to win an acting job. Hint: don’t waste time showing cat videos on YouTube.

In a Hollywood Today exclusive, we chat with prolific casting director Gorin. Delving into her award winning series, co-starring Naomi Snieckus, we get her advice on how to break into acting and the most common mistakes made by even veteran actors.

Gorin was thrust into casting as an actor some twenty years ago. Helping a small production company that is now the landmark Mirvish Productions, Gorin was asked to assist casting on one of the biggest stage shows created in Toronto, “Les Miserables.” You know, the one adapted for the Oscar buzzing film of the same name, for which otherwise cutie Anne Hathaway can’t stop talking about herself.

After her first taste, Gorin was hooked. Having cast the kids for “Les Mis,” Gorin changed companies and braced herself for an equally gripping show, “Phantom of the Opera.”

She says, “After I had a child, I became the Canadian casting person for “Miss Saigon” and “Mamma Mia.” Three of the leads that I cast in “Mamma Mia”: Louise Pitre, Tina Maddigan and David W. Keeley went onto Broadway. I loved it and carried on casting from there!” quoth Gorin.

Her passion project is weekly web series “The Casting Room.” It’s both fun and informative, and an actor must-see. Capitalizing on the wealth of knowledge she’s acquired as a top casting director for Showtime – she cast two seasons of the scandalously sexy Jonathan Rhys Meyers vehicle “The Tudors” – Stephanie netted Canada’s Gracie Allen, bespectacled blonde Naomi Snieckus. The witty star of “Mr. D” and “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight,” in “TCR,” Snieckus plays her absent-minded, always-late associate. Providing a Chrissy Snow to Gorin’s Janet Wood.

Gorin tells Hollywood Today, “I got to know Naomi through casting and I loved her. We always had a laugh together. Naomi and I write the episodes.”

Second City trained “Seed” star Matt Baram “directs [the episodes] and we bounce ideas around about the script.”

Winning Best Web Series at the Canadian Comedy Awards has afforded the team opportunities to meet with networks like Bravo about developing their unique format for the small screen.

But Gorin admits, “The Casting Room,” is first a labor of love. Filmed in her casting facility, a rigorous schedule has the team shooting eight episodes a day, with one hour dedicated to each episode.

“My goal is to have people watch it and enjoy it. We wanted to give back to the community.” Still, Gorin admits, “It’s a good teaching tool and entertaining. Some of the networks are looking at putting on web series or shorts.”

She goes on, “We have a Norwegian company who has offered to buy our scripts and concept and plan to make their own Norwegian online version. I have had two network meetings and have been approached by a producer who would like to develop the show but we may like to keep it as short segments/interstitials.”

While fielding offers, Gorin, Snieckus and Baram get to work (and laugh) with some of the cleverest cats in comedy. Now in its third season, “TCR” brags a long list of funny men and women who co-star each week. Suresh John of “Mr. D” and “Wingin’ It” makes an appearance, along with The Frantics’ Dan Redican (“Puppets Who Kill,” “Just for Laughs,” “Kids in the Hall”) who trains commercial actors on do’s and don’ts of the audition process. Right on the pulse of the “Glee” club, also addressed this season? Musicals.

While in season one you’re witnessing the finalizing of the product (it’s not as beautifully lit as the next two seasons) you’ll see Eric Peterson talking costumes and props, Marty Adams coming in really sick. Season two boasts “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” star Mochrie’s better half, Debra McGrath flexing her satirical prowess. Also worth watching is The Listener’s Ennis Esmer, and my current crush, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s” Devon Bostick, who auditions while hungover. With over 60,000 views on Devon’s episode, I guess I’m not alone in my infatuation.

After shooting 28 episodes, all based in reality, I couldn’t help but wonder who the worst offenders were in the casting room?

Gorin laughs. “Let me think! I get some really great actors in my rooms, but I would say the biggest mistake is not being prepared. If they’re prepared, you can direct them and play with them more. Or, not dressing for the role. Or they costume up for the role. It’s not about costumes, it’s about connecting to the material. It’s a fine line for “TCR.” You want to show [these mistakes] in a humorous way. Like the guy who was reading his lines off a cell phone.”

Aw, yes. Another hottie. “Newsroom” and “General Hospital’s” Peter Keleghan.

Splitting her time between Canada and Los Angeles, Gorin’s workload is heavy. She’s starting up on the new season of Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana’s turn-of-the-century NYC drama “Copper” on BBC and season four of “The Listener.” Just finishing Jason Priestley-led HBO Canada/Direct TV romp “Call Me Fitz,” she’s currently working on the American and Canadian tour of “Les Miserables” stage show.

While she admits that most of the actors she sees are versed in both the classics as well as contemporary fare, I am troubled to learn Gorin’s never watched “Sons of Anarchy.” For Charlie Hunnam alone. I convince her that “SOA,” which is essentially Hamlet set in a motorcycle club in Oakland, is the best show on TV, and make her promise to watch it.

Before we close, I keep my word to an actor friend, passing along a common but tricky question: “What is the best way to get in the room, if you have an agent that does not send you out enough?”

Every actor’s best friend; Gorin generously advises Marissa, “I would suggest to take a camera, pick a short scene that can show you off, and drop it off with a little card that says ‘I like the shows you cast’ and throw a package of coffee or a tea bag just to be noticed a little bit. Enclose a small photo and short letter and say you’d love to get in the room and be seen by them. Say, ‘please keep me in mind for the future.’ It’s worth trying. Do student films and keep your chops up. You get better by working. And it will look good on a resume.”

Speaking of her desire to help actors fulfill their dreams, Gorin says of “The Casting Room,” “We didn’t make it to get rich, trust me! We did it out of love.”

Watch all episodes of The Casting Room and don’t forget to subscribe to their YouTube Channel and spread the love!

For more tips from Gorin’s camp, check out their docu-style vids “Inside The Casting Room,” where actors like Bostick and Emmy winner Brittany Allen from “All My Children” talk about the process of auditioning.

—-

Originally published at HOLLYWOOD TODAY

As promised, I will do drive-by-newsings from time to time to let y’all in on what I’m reading, and what’s happening in this fine world we share!

If Zac Efron Does It?

Here’s the scoop:

Lisa Ling gets kinky on her new show on the Oprah Winfrey Network, exploring BDSM’s underworld.

Taylor Swift holds boys accountable for their dating trespasses and Michael J. Fox doesn’t like it.

Leann Rimes yet again discusses her marriage to Eddie Cibrian, their cheating scandal – this time referencing suicide, how pathetic she was, and how her “body wouldn’t let her stop.”

(1) I wonder if public opinion would change if Cibrian appeared alone or alongside her on one of these shows? 2) How much would the public love her more if she had denied his advances or taken the high road and exited the affair even with a broken marriage – her own – ending in divorce?)

Animal rights activist and phenomenal painter Gretchen Ryan appeared on the Ricki Lake show to offer a very public apology to the driver of a Jeep who, years ago, tragically drove off a cliff leaving her paralyzed. She also stars in a viral video called “My Story” directed by Ari Solomon.

A Swedish Toys “R” Us catalog erases gender imbalance in toys. Now girls can shoot plastic Uzi’s too!

Speaking of plastic, here’s more on the photo Zac Efron doesn’t want you to see involving a dildo or five.

In what might be the most awesome stunt ever, two Dutch TV hosts, Dennis Storm and Valerio Zeno undergo simulated labor contractions (sans delivery). If only they had to pass a baby the size of a watermelon out a tiny hole…

(For reals, I do wonder if empathy is the missing link in unity between women and men. Fathers have told me that only after they experienced the magic and mystery of their gf’s or wive’s becoming goddess mothers did their opinion of women become fully realized. It reminds me of the episode of The Tudors when King Henry VIII had zero part in the delivery of Anne Boleyn‘s baby, except to check if it was a boy. The polar opposite of what prompted Flea to name Red Hot Chili Pepper’s album “Mother’s Milk” and sit in awe of his wife after the birth of their baby. It’s that front row seat to femininity with her wings spread amass - as opposed to fearing it, or being separate from it – that changes men. And, it’s that uncommon empathy that would make men better lovers and more vocal advocates of protecting women from sexual assault. Really, dudes, your silence on this issue has been deafening. Women need you. You have a lot of power here, so please help us by joining and initiating this conversation!) Off soap box.

Traveling will no longer include flashing TSA your naughty bits.

Closing on a sweet note! Calling all East Coast expatriates! Dunkin’ Donuts plans to open 150 stores in Southern California. Herald the five pounds I recently lost from my hips… :/ Pssst… in case you were wondering… their blueberry muffins with actual bits of sugar on top are forever my vice.

Have a splendid weekend! xox

Leann Rimes Gets Honest About Her Affair in New Song, Borrowed

What do you think? Is Leann Rimes being brave by playing the role of “Super Mistress” and speaking up about the ins & outs of having an affair with a married man? Or, should she shut up already, cuz, she won the man? And… is ex-wife Brandi Glanville’s anger misdirected? Or, should Leann have shown some kind of sisterhood to a woman she never met?

[hicks]

It’s just a ride

And we can change it anytime we want

A choice right now: between fear and love.