Just before I left for Las Vegas to complete my CSI episode I learned that the “The Two and Only” received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. The category for Best Solo performance includes:
Daniel Beatty, "Emergence-See"
Ed Harris, "Wrecks"
Jay Johnson, "The Two and Only"
Nilaja Sun, "No Child"
It really is quite an honor and I am grateful that the critics have been so supportive of my show. So, Ed Harris. The LA Critics Circle Awards nominated our show in with Lynn Redgrave who won. I am reminded of what my mentor Mr. Meeker once told me, “Jay, when you play with the big boys you play for keeps.” To use the standard Academy Award language, it is an honor just to be nominated. I always thought that was justification from those who did not expect to win, but now know it really is the truth.
I completed my filming of the “Living Doll” episode of CSI. It was a great experience. I’m always frustrated as an actor when I discover a great new way to play the scene the minute they call it a wrap. It is the total antithesis of working the stage when tomorrow is another chance to find that moment again only better.
Having spent a lifetime playing myself as a ventriloquist, it was difficult to play the part of a ventriloquist that was so unlike myself. This guy has had a very tragic life. My brief and somewhat strange performance will be the last show of the regular season and is supposed to air May 17th.
We shot at the Riviera where the gambling didn’t stop just because a television show came to town. During one take a bartender mixed a blender drink about five feet from my ear. It was like trying to do Hamlet in a Saw Mill. I asked William Petterson (Grissom on the show) how he could concentrate with all that was going on around us. He said, “It is not just the casino noise, take a look over there.” I turned around and what looked like a thousand people crammed the casino with cameras straining to get a look at the filming. After seven years the stars have been able to find a way to focus on the work. They need an academy award for that feat.
Next stop New York City where I will dine with my producers and turn the original Bob over the Smithsonian Institute, oh yeah, and the Tony Nominations are announced.
As you were,
Jay
5 comments:
Hmmm, sounds to me like you're on an well deserved upswing.....
After you've been wined and dined by your producers, will the rest of us get to wine and dine you as well, or just wine...
your wino friend
R,
Congratulations on the Outer Critics Circle Award...you are certainly deserving to say the least. CM was usually correct since he lived a life full of experience in playing with and being one of the "big boys." I would love to be with you at the Smithsonian to see you and Bob. Get pictures. Hope Sandi goes, as well. There is no doubt that the Tony Awards are in your future. Just chill and see what happens. There's always a plan for us, you know. Hope you have a great trip and keep in touch.
Carry on,
dw&m
Hi Jay
Congrats on the Outer Critics award.
“ Its good to be the king”
;)
Jay,
Wow! Look what happens when one forgets to check the blog for a few weeks. I have really missed out on your exciting life. Time for a bookmark!!
Congratulations on the Award nomination. Yes it's really nice to be nominated, but...we all know you should win!! I hope you do.
And now, to change channels, CSI!!!! I am so impressed, and so is my 10 year old son Will. I have told him a lot about you, made him sit and watch Soap with me and shown him pictures of you at LA Tech, but now he IS impressed. We both can't wait to see the episode on May 17. Heck, two minutes or ten minutes, I would guess that the experience has really been worth it. And you are such a professional that I know you fit in great. I hope that is the start of something more for you in TV!!
Finally, the Smithsonian. What an honor! To think that millions of people in our nation's capital will get to see Bob and know that he (and you) were part of our nation's history, THAT IS AMAZING! In other words, you have had a great life. An amazing life. I also hope that Sandi get to go as well. What else can I say? Except that if that tour of yours doesn't end up in Dallas sometime, I'm going to begin a letter writing campaign. Tell me who to write and I'll start!! RIGHT NOW!!!! Until then,
Adios from Tejas,
Bill the Band Guy
Hi Jay;
I see you've done well for yourself since SOAP ended all those many moons ago. I'd love to see your show The Two And Only come down this way to Florida.
If that's possible.
Say Hi to Bob for me.
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