Last night I attended a book signing at my local Barnes and Noble for Adrienne Barbeau's new memoir, There are Worse Things I Could Do. (Title references her role as Rizzo in Broadway's original production of Grease). Adrienne (of Maude fame) is now about 60 and looks amazing. More importantly, she has a great personality...very warm, engaging and obviously intelligent.
My writing partner Liz and I had decided to go and "check her out" because we are always on the lookout for actresses we might be able to approach with a role in one of our TV series or films. The thought process is that if you can get an actor/actress attached to your script, then networks and production companies will be more likely to consider you. Normally it's hard to get your material to an actress unless you know someone who knows her, but we figured that if we felt comfortable with Adrienne (which we did after listening to her speak), we would just outright ask her how best to get something to her.
As we got into line with our copies to have them signed, they gave us sticky notes which we could use to write down specific dedications. I decided to be a bit cheeky and wrote, "Dear Sandy, I'd love to star in one of your TV series! Much success,". When our turn came, she read the note, laughed and said, "I take it you're a writer." So, Liz and I proceeded to chat with her a bit about it and asked how we might get a script to her. She immediately wrote out the contact information for her manager in LA and that was that! After a quick photo op, we were on our way...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED; one set of contact information...99 more to go!
Seriously though, I really liked Adrienne...I wasn't expecting to, but I did. She is a very warm and down-to-earth person who has lived a really interesting life. Go pick up a copy of her book, or, if you're in the New York area, catch her performance off-Broadway right now in The Property Known as Garland in which she plays none other than Judy Garland. It's getting great reviews.
P.S. If any of you out there "know someone who knows someone" please do pass along the contact to us. We have lots of great roles in the works for actresses and actors of ALL ages!
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