Friday, October 26, 2007

Half Life Answers

I am so grateful to you for all of the response to Episode 2. I really enjoyed the work, so it's nice to hear it so appreciated. In the midst of it all, I have recieved hundreds of questions. Here is my attempt to answer. In the future, you might get better and faster answers by posting to the forum Rachel has so graciously created. Also, the web designer is looking at adding a guestbook for you to leave your comments. The e-mails are just becoming overwhelming. So, please help a little girl out. Also, you can look out for some updates and new clips on the Half life section fo the website as Chris continues to perfect the site as a whole. Let's see...

Have I played Half Life yet? No. I've tried. BELIEVE me, I've tried. It is just not my gift. Half Life 2 was just too overwhelming, so I thought I'd give Episode 1 a try. There's less play and a lot more Alyx, so I figured I'd catch some of it. No. Didn't happen. I catch some of the play I see on you tube, but that's about it. I did have the amazing opportunity to see snippets when it was played for me at Valve Headquarters in Seattle. That was truly wonderful. However, I just don't have the gaming skill! How's that for irony?
Is the work time consuming? Not really. Everyone has a very clear idea of what our goals are when we go into the studio. We move quickly and very efficiently. I don't have a lot of time to overthink anything. So, you usually get my first instinct. Though I give many options for them to pick from. A few 4 hr sessions usually get it done.
How was the process of finding this character different? Well, I didn't have to work too hard. The Valve Team had already done most of the work. It was lucky that Alyx fit on me so well. I really just brought instinct to it. I wasn't confined by physicality, so that made it fun. I could be and do anything. I could go anywhere. A creative wonderland!
I hope that's a satisfying start. Again, thank you for being so responsive. It means more than I can say.

Love,

Merle

ATLANTA in Los Angeles

MOST WANTED at La Jolla was truly an amazing experience. Michael Grief was nothing short of amazing to work with again. If you get a chance to see it next time around, run to see it!

Now? Well, I'm still West Coast. Right now I'm in Los Angeles and will be for a few months. The project? ATLANTA! It's a new show at the Geffen Playhouse. We begin performances on November 20th right after I get back from shooting NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH written and directed by the incomparable Rod Lurie.
ATLANTA is based in the south during the Civil War. It uses a lot of great throw backs to Shakespeare's greatest speeches. And introduces the beautiful music of Marcus Hummon (winner of several grammy's and writer for the Dixie Chicks), co-written by Adrian Pasdar (NBC's Heroes). It is co-directed by artistic director Randall Arnie (previously artistic director of Steppenwolf) and Adrian Pasdar. You will fall in love. I already have.
Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Sunday, August 05, 2007

New Lookie Loos and Extensions

A wonderful video by Craig Brockman of Broadway World from the opening night for Adam and Anthony.... Your favorite Gorilla Mama is featured:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=20449
In other news...drumroll please....I've just been extended again until Labor Day (Sept. 2nd). I guess my vaca will have to wait until the summer is over... That's alright though. I am having a ball!
Tarzan won the double header on Thursday against Atlantic Theatre Company and Inherit the Wind/Coram Boy. So, we're still in the running! Look for our schedule this week on www.broadwayshowleague.com starting tues or wed. Come and support and be ready to JUNGLE YELL!!!
Love,
Merle

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Catch This!

Catch this!
Were you at the Nederlander last night? I was. And I was blown away. That standing ovation before the show even started was incredible. If you haven't gotten out to see Anthony and Adam yet, what are you waiting for? I'm having the best time. And "Tango" is just a complete joy!
Questions answered:
SOFTBALL: This Thursday, first game is at 11:30am against Atlantic Theatre Company on field 6. Second game, hinging on WHEN we win the first game, will be at 1:45pm on field 4. Wear your green and support Team Tarzan!!! These are the Central Park Fields found when you come in on Central Park West @64th St. www.broadwayshowleague.com for more info.
GIG: Dates being rolled around. I'm not going to drop the ball on this one. Promise!
LAST RENT PERFORMANCE: As of right now, my last night on the Nederlander stage will be Saturday August 11th. Mama Gorilla is tired. She's ready for a vacation. But I will try to hang in there until then...

Friday, July 13, 2007

Got Pictures?

Hey Gang,
I've had a ton of great pictures sent to me recently and I'd like to show them off. If you have pictures of you with me or just other fun shots you think I'd like, send them over to me! And the lovely Cindy J will be posting you on myspace page!
MerleyQ@aol.com
Look forward to seeing what you've got!

Love,

Merle

Friday, June 29, 2007

Tango Anyone?

Well, well, well... I thought I had put up my tango shoes. But I was wrong. It is OFFICIAL. I will be tangoing with Anthony Rapp in the RENT! And, if you missed me opposite Adam Pascal in Aida, you can see us on stage together again at the Nederlander as Joanne and Roger who do not interact at all... he he
Tarzan closes July 8th and I will be on stage at RENT July 9th. This will only go until the middle of August, so get on it, get there, give me a jungle yell!
Movie coming up, gig coming up, and so much more...

Love,

Merle

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Closure

Hey guys...Yes, the news is true. It was a surprise, but all good thing must....well, you know. Tarzan closing is July 8th @6:30pm. But please keep checking back in the next couple of weeks. I have several things in the works and it stands to be a very busy second half of the year for your beloved monkey mama. I promise this isn't the end. And yes, I WILL still work on the gig very soon.... Much, much love. And many posts to come. But right now, I'm looking to relax for a second. All my love, Merle

Friday, June 15, 2007

Undercover Showtunes with NYMF

Hey Gang! Just a note to tell you that I will be performing in “Undercover Showtunes,” the second night of NYMF’s highly-anticipated Spring benefit concert series to raise funds for the 2007 NYMF Festival. The evening will feature an extraordinary and eclectic group of Broadway, TV and film performers bringing out the theatrical side of the music world’s most beloved rock and pop songs, an approach that met with great acclaim in their kickoff concert of songs by singer/songwriter Ben Folds.
Also peforming will be: Gloria Reuben, Alison Fraser, Christian Campbell, Mano Felciano, Michael Winther, Stephinie D'Abruzzo, Peter Friedman, MMIriam Shor, Ann Morrison, Mary Faber and Natascia Diaz.
Undercover Showtunes will take place on Monday, June 18 at 7 PM at the Zipper Theater in New York. They are located at 336 W. 37th St. between 8th and 9th Aves.
Featured songwriters include Paul McCartney & John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, Rufus Wainwright, Marc Cohn, David Bowie, Stephin Merritt, Fiona Apple, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Elton John, Harry Nilsson, The Decemberists, Bjork and many more. Hope to see you there!

Love,
Merle

P.S. There are lots of fun new things coming up for you to check out, so keep checking back and I'll keep you posted!

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Hidden Sky @ Joe's Pub

Yay! Hidden Sky returns. A concert presentation at Joe's Pub Monday May 14th. Manoel Felciano, Marya Grandy, Me and the Gang all back together. See you there!
And for all of you who might be involved in grading pilots for the national tests or whatever they do...Continue to push for "I'm Paige Wilson", the new Rod Lurie project I was so blessed to have a terrific role in. This will, hopefully, be a great piece of television with an incomparable group of people!

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Sorry for the late notice for those of you who were at the show yesterday. My apologies again for not letting you now I'd be out. I will be gone from Tarzan all week while shooting a pilot out of town. I'll return on Wednesday April 4th. Enjoy the beautiful weather!
Love,
Merle

Monday, February 26, 2007

Away for the weekend...

Helloooo aaaalllll... Just a little heads up that I will not be at the Rodgers this weekend March 2nd-March 4th. A little time away for a wedding. Enjoy Natalie and Andrea as Kala. They are great girls! -M

Friday, February 23, 2007

WORKING Concert

For those of you who missed the concert, here is a great clip of it:
http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Video.aspx?ci=544158
Yummy....
If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it, blame yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for the Creator, there is no poverty. -Rainer Maria Rilke

Thursday, February 15, 2007

http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Photo_Op.aspx?ci=543857
Come out and see the Actors' Fund Benefit of WORKING this Monday Feb. 19th @ The Zipper Theatre. We're having so much fun and I think you will too...