w/ Ludacris at 1st yr Anniv. of Straits (photo: Donna Permell/PrimePhocus)

With GCAPP President Michele Ozumba and my Digital guy James Andrews (Everywhere) Photo Credit: Donna Permell

With Imara Canady, Chaka Zulu (Ludacris Manager), Valerie Jackson, wife of the late, great Mayor Maynard Jackson

At Straits 1yr Anniversary. Photo (Donna Permell)

Tulea at Ludacris 1st Year Anniversary (photo: Donna Permell)

Being honored by Ludacris Foundation

Leaving New York City this morning I felt a combination of relief and melancholy. I’ve been here for 5 months during which time my life has changed: I discovered I was more than comfortable on the stage; I found a new group of friends-my cast members; I discovered the pleasure of having the time to dig deeper and deeper into a play, probe its mysteries, mine the complexities of my character, find new moments in which to reveal her more subtle self; I heard my own voice coming from me and filling the theater, a deep, rich, resonate voice, so different than my voice of 46 and 50 years ago when I was last on the Broadway stage; I realized I have finally found my voice; I began to feel a part of the Broadway community-a community of breathtaking talent and generosity. I left that world this morning but I think I will return to it at some point along the way. I hope so.

But there is relief too-the relief of not having to get just the right amount of sleep; of not being continually worried about getting sick, getting hurt; the pressure of making it fresh and true every night. Without these things that I have grown used to over 5 months I feel positively footloose and fancy free.

I barely had time to catch my breath and do a little unpacking when I had to go to an event at my friend, hip hop artist and actor Ludacris’ Atlanta restaurant, Straits. Ludacris and I both have foundations that help young people. We became friends a year ago. This event hosted by his foundation, has been planned a long time ago. I was honored at the dinner as was Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Ambassador Andy and Caroline Young were there and Valerie Jackson, the widow of the former mayor, Maynard Jackson. It was a swell way to reenter Atlanta life-surrounded by fun, smart, interesting people. And the food was superb!

I am all packed to leave for the Galapagos tomorrow. It was challenging because we are restricted to 40 pounds including snorkeling gear and flippers, mask, etc. I’m excited, even though I’ll be going through the airports in a wheelchair. It will be 10 days with friends, children and grandchildren and about as far from Broadway as one can get. (Right now, it’s ten minutes to 11pm. We’d have finished 25 minutes ago. See, I’m still thinking within a theatre reference…not so easy to put aside).

See you next time