Ashley Harrell

All it took was a great piece of advice: 50 mg of Benedryl, a glass of milk, and early to bed. Got this from both my mother and my Aunt Ingrid, and THANK GOD… Monday night was the most solid night of sleep I have had in a quite a while. Thankfully, I awoke Tuesday morning feeling rested and “ready for my close-up.” It was the big day: headshots. The one thing in an actor’s career that can define her, display her, and get her cast (or not). With the help of Roberto and Carol, my headshots turned out great! Now, I just have to pick up the CD, pick my favorite pictures, make any necessary touch-ups, and print print print! I will hopefully have all this done in time for the open call I’m hoping to attend in mid-October. To celebrate the completion of my much-dreaded photo shoot, Brian and I went to see Julie Taymore’s “Across the Universe,” the artsy fartsy, acid-tripping, glorious Beatles movie-musical studded with cameos from Bono, Salma Hayek, and the likes… I had read reviews of the movie that just knocked it down – but… I LOVED IT! I felt that it is the type of movie that appeals to a wide variety of people. It is my personal observation that singing in movies makes certain viewers feel uncomfortable or awkward, but the familiarity of these songs makes the show completely accessible to all. I mean, who doesn’t like The Beatles? Most notably, the scene of “Strawberry Fields” was enchanting. Julie Taymor’s vision whisks the audience away to a special place for just over two hours – simply fantastic! I would love to see it again, especially after Brian discovered the cast is packed with Broadway stars! And speaking of Broadway, last night we went to see “The Color Purple,” starring Fantasia. Though our seats were in the very last row of the theater, the stunning music and beautifully conceived visuals effectively translated Alice Walker’s literary masterpiece to the stage. Despite Fantasia’s breathy and croaky speaking voice, her character seemed well-developed and the singing (especially at the end of the show) was quite well received by the (very) enthusiastic audience. But I think my favorite performance was Sofia’s empowering solo, “Hell No!” Next on our list of Broadway shows to attend is the Broadway revival of “The Ritz,” playing in previews at Studio 54. I just love love love living with someone who not only knows all the best shows out there – he knows how to get the cheapest possible tickets! As for this weekend, not quite sure what is in store… maybe some piano bar lounging, or some painting, reading, strolling through the park… whatever I do – I am quite content being in greatest city in the world.