The Show Must Go On

Feb 22.09

Ok ok. I wasn’t going to blog. I woke up this morning sooo sick but “mamma hen Heidi” (Heidi Neven, our Production Manager) came to my rescue: Had a doc phone in antibiotics, some version of Claritin and Afrin–not that anyone out there gives a fuzzy rat’s a**, but anyway it seems to be working cause I know I will be fine for our 3pm show. I was so dizzy and fuzzy headed earlier I wasn’t sure. I have The View tomorrow morning but I’m sure I’ll be even better.

I just have to say that some of the comments folks are sending in have so moved me. This is such an amazing thing for me to experience–this feedback almost instantaneously from people who’ve seen the show.
Many friends came yesterday. Barbara Walters saw the matinee (in advance of our show tomorrow) and loved it. Last night friends from Atlanta, Mark Benerofe who owns the Core Body gym where I go, my trainer Sarah Enders, CNN financial reporter, Susan Lisovicz.

susan-cnn
Susan at CNN back in the big hair day

It was fun spending time with them. They also loved the show. Susan has invited me to come to visit the floor of the NY stock exchange one day after we open. I’m looking forward to that. Talk about being a fish out of water! But I want to feel all the testosterone flying as the guys do their thing. I adore watching Susan do her reporting from the floor. The red hair! The cheek bones!

Okay, friend! Wish me luck. They’ve just called 5 minutes which is when I go stand in the wings, catching the energy from the audience and from Don (who plays Diabelli–brilliantly!). He and I softly exchange the opera version of Break a Leg just as house kights go out: in Bocca de Lupo. (In the wolf’s mouth.)

See you next time.
deals are m*de


Category: Film, Television & Theater, My Blog

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Responses to “ The Show Must Go On ”

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  1. Marilyn says:
    February 22, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    Saw the article in the NY Times for your new play. Congratulations! If I get to NY soon, I would love to come and see it.

  2. Ro says:
    February 22, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    My sister and I saw today’s show and loved it. Best of luck with the play, and enjoy your time in New York.

  3. Sarah Enders says:
    February 22, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    Jane,
    It was truly an amazing evening.Thank you.You move me both on stage and in the way you address life. Always growing and learning, yet finding the gift of the present moment and connection to others.Strut your stuff at the exchange, you know you have it!!!!
    Love,
    Sarah

  4. Rick Hinrichs says:
    February 22, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    Wow! Saw the 3pm show with my fiance in Row A seats 101 and 102. Absolutely fantastic! It was so moving and multi-tiered. Loved the message, the cast, and especially you. You were unbelievable. Would never have guessed you were under the weather. I connected with the messages on so many levels and was very touched and moved. Fabulous!

  5. Rick Hinrichs says:
    February 22, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    Saw the 3pm show with my fiance in Row A seats 101 and 102. It was fantastic. We were both so moved and touched by the play. Loved the multiple layers of it and the cast was wonderful. You still have it Jane! Would never have known you were under the weather. We both feel so privledged to have witnessed your extraordinary performance as well as those by the cast (Zach Grenier was just amazing). Appreciate so much that yor sucked it up and performed today. Your performance will stay with us forever. BRAVO!

  6. laurencebeck says:
    February 22, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    Ladies and gentlemen there is such a thing as theatre etiquette. There’s the stage door keeper and you just can’t get past the dear old fellow.
    There’s also the pit which marks the distance between the footlights and the balustrade in front of the first row.
    And here’s Jane Fonda designing new ground for blog and theatre etiquette.
    Jane Fonda, actress, had gift.
    It was that there was no alternative but to love Jane Fonda. She reached you through the craft of her portraiture – you called her Jane, you thought Jane – and you tried to find an alternative but there wasn’t one.
    Jane Fonda’s portraits are at once the fusion of the artist and the sitter and the Broadway distance from the boards to your seat should not diminish that, indeed, fission where “something” has to be found to send out and to reach you.
    With her blog, (sans blag!), Miss Fonda remains the ever American actress who can configure every millimetre of distance between she and thee.
    The six veils of the mystery of Broadway have their seventh lightly falling upon them today.

  7. Lisbeth Calandrino says:
    February 22, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    My best to you; you make all of us women of the 60′s proud. You look wonderful and are a true spirit for all of us. Nice article today in the Times. I will be including you on my blog in the next week or so. I will link it to yours. Enjoy, Lisbeth

  8. Amanda says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:42 am

    This is sort of random, but the one thing that helps me when I’m getting a nasty cold is a small dose of Prednisone. It opens up your sinuses and any mucus. Sorry for “playing” doctor here, but I figured I’d mention it.

    I’m sure the show went wonderfully tonight and I can’t wait to watch your segment on The View tomorrow!

    All my best,
    Amanda

  9. Pastor Jeff Freeman says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:05 am

    Jane:

    I don’t know how I ended up here… but I think you are one awesome lady… who has an incredibly bright future — and I believe THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

    Hang in there — always keep your head held up high (it’s closer to God that way!)… and remember that you have lots of people “in the wings” supporting you through their prayers and good thoughts.

    Again, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! I’ll look forward to meeting you one of these days!

    Pastor Jeff Freeman
    Senior Associate Pastor
    The Church On The Way
    14300 Sherman Way
    Van Nuys, CA 914

    If I may serve you in any way, please don’t hesitate to call the church… 818.779.8000 … or jfreeman@tcotw.org

  10. Jake says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:57 am

    Jane your awesome!

  11. rob c. says:
    February 23, 2009 at 2:04 am

    Jane, What a terrific thing you are doing here! I love getting to know you this way. You to me were one of my first favorite actress’s and Crushes.

    For me it was the early 80s and I was about 8 or 9. home from school, with my mom. We watched one of her favorite movies, Barefoot in the park. I was instantly in love with you! Shama shama, yeah loved it!

    To this day it remains in my top 5 all time favs. I am so glad you are back on film and Stage. I missed you the whole time you were gone. But always knew you would be back. and you came back more Fabulous than ever!

    Peace to you Miss Jane Fonda. you are awesome!

  12. Marsha Keeffer, Silicon Valley, CA says:
    February 23, 2009 at 2:42 am

    Nice piece in the Times, Jane!

  13. Steven says:
    February 23, 2009 at 3:28 am

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I think what really strikes me with you … is the emotional conflicts you have had in your family. I am 49 years old, and have had a rebirth relationship with my 21 year old daughter. As I have matured, I have seen the little things that make up life. My relationship with my daughter improves daily, yet I will not smother her. Can you understand what I am talking about?

    I came to a life decision … I am leaving my career, and changing lifepaths. Today, I will quit my job in the most uncertain of times, yet I know that my accepting a position as a lifepath counselor, is very near to my heart. I will live overseas for the next 2-3 years, but isn’t that what life is about? Making a contribution to humanity? I am very happy in my decision, because I have followed a few people thru life, and you were one of them. Thank You Ms. Fonda

    Sincerely,

    Steven

  14. Steven says:
    February 23, 2009 at 3:36 am

    Thank you for being honest! I too, have had a strained relationship with my 21 year old daughter. We have worked hard to improve our relationship, and it’s getting better. I am 49 years old, and decided I will remain single to do those things I always wanted to do in life. Today I will quit my job in uncertain times … but to pursue your passion in life, there is a payoff at the end! The payoff is knowing you followed your heart, and there are no regrets. Next month I will be out of the country for quite sometime. I am willing to train and mentor lifepath counselors in a 3rd world country … isn’t that wild?

    Thank you for your honesty during your life. I appreciate it, and you were an inspiration to me!

    Sincerely,

    Steven

  15. Karen says:
    February 23, 2009 at 7:15 am

    I just found your blog and although I haven’t read all the posts yet I just want to tell you how completely fabulous I think you are. I have never seen a performance of yours that I didn’t love. Your beauty, grace, comic ability and just plain class are rare these days.
    Thank you for coming back and for the work that you do. xoxo

  16. tfitz says:
    February 23, 2009 at 8:34 am

    Saw your blog mentioned in Sunday’s NY Times. Was delighted at the breadth of information and resources. Keep up the good work.

  17. Thomas says:
    February 23, 2009 at 10:37 am

    It sounds great Jane! Hope you are feeling better,if I get a chance I will come and see the play.

  18. Jacquie says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:17 am

    Weird…I felt impressed to pray for you today…not sure why–I’m just a pastor’s wife from Michigan…but God bless you as you continue your walk with Him.

  19. Rus says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Just watched you on The View this morning….Please take good care of yourself Jane..I just had a very bad cold that turned into Walking Pneumonia so it is good that you are taking antibiotics! Just make sure you get plenty of rest in your busy schedule!

  20. bevy says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:47 am

    you are an incredible woman and continue to inspire me! from the time I was a teenage girl doing your workout tapes to now a 42 year old woman witnessing you being vibrant, sexy and most importantly smart and self aware,I recognize that you are a MAJOR WOMAN! Kudos

  21. Catherine says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:48 am

    Dear Ms. Fonda, just caught you on “The View.” You are such a lady; such poise rooted in honesty with vulnerability. You are an inspiration my sister. Grace and peace to you, Catherine.

  22. Debra Oliver says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:50 am

    Loved u on the View! You look FANTASTIC! My mom is flying out to the East Coast who I haven’t seen in 8 years. My goal is to take her to see your show, we have both been HUGE fans of yours and your father’s work. I loved your biography and got it the day it came out. You didn’t seem sick at all on the show!

    Debdiego03@yahoo.com

  23. patricia baarton says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:55 am

    ayou can’t believe you blog, I can’t believe I’m replying. Saw you on The View this a.m. and am still so impressed by you. My dream is is have a slumber party and invite all my favorite women…..you, Hillary, Meryl Streep, Oprah, and the list goes on. I am on the other side of 50 myself and live every day to it’s absolute fullest. Strong, smart, determined women ROCK!!
    Patricia Barton

  24. Frieda lindahl says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Jane, I am 65 years young and have always been a fan. I live in Michigan, so getting to see you on Broadway is not an option. I am on the housekeeping staff of a private club in Harbor Springs. Beautiful place. I have always defended you and the stand you took as an anti-war activest. Your apology for any misplaced loyalties at that time have been accepted by many. As an active member of The American Legion I am not very popular in my defense of you. That’s ok, being a tad outspoken I can take my lumps and keep smiling. I truly think we would have been good friends. Keep on keeping on.! Break a leg Jane, Freddie

  25. Madeline Marks says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:57 am

    Jane, I have what you have and so does so many people I know, I haven’t been able to stop blowing my nose. We’re all in the same boat- I’m all stuffed up too. I could go on and on about that but, the reason I’m writing, and I never, ever do this is because a few years ago my English boyfriend, of all people, insisted I read your book. I couldn’t put it down for so many reasons, but most of all you were so honest and so real, I could relate to so many things that you wrote about. Then, you did a book signing at Grand Central and you signed my book, your genuiness, sincerity and honesty that you reveal in your book matched what I felt when I met you!! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, you are an inspiration to so many.

  26. unefemme says:
    February 23, 2009 at 11:59 am

    Dear Jane Fonda,
    I just saw you on The View. You looked so good, and I wish I could come to New York to see your play. It’s wonderful that you are on Broadway again.

    I like reading your blog. I am just a normal person, in Southern Illinois. This is cool!

  27. Robin says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    I’m so glad I found your blog! I saw you mention it on The View. You’re fabulous and this blog is a treat!

  28. Amberly says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    Fresh lemon juice. Seriously. I feel better before I even finish my lemon. It usually makes your nose really runny and you cough up stuff, but that’s good. Fresh lemons, of course. Get better! : )

  29. Robin says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    I’m so glad I found your blog! This is a real treat!

  30. Anne Boston says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    Hi Jane,
    I have started reading the blog from the beginning so not totally caught up yet but I am really enjoying your updates and openness.

    Blogs are interesting to me because they’re often a combination of what is important to a person and recent experiences that move them enough (good or bad) to write about.

    Interesting comparision of your filmed stage work to Dabney in On Golden Pond, I think it’s a common theme in life and one of the simple yet powerful messages in OGP; you think you’ve got something then it starts to slip away.

    I got a cold this weekend too…Hope you’re feeling better!

    Anne

  31. Corinne Standish says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    Hi Jane,

    I blog, too, and absolutely love getting feedback from people all over the world whom I’d never be able to meet “in real life.”

    I used to model. Now I’m doing photography and shoot a lot of self-portraits that I post on my blog. So I identify with what you’re saying about feedback. It’s so awesome to hear what people have to say about my images! Working, you never hear what your viewers say. You hear from your agent, what the clients say, what you can do better, etc.

    It adds so much to life to what a larger cross-section of the world thinks about you……

  32. "Silla" says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    Just wanted to let you know that I, along with many obvious admirers, admire your work and your zest for life. You are a example for all women. Hope to see your new play one day.

  33. Kim Findlay says:
    February 23, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    Dear Jane,

    I would like to say hello. I enjoyed seeing you on The View today. I grew up about 3 blocks where your father grew up on 50th in California in Omaha. do you ever get back to Omaha. I am not sure if you still have family here?
    I have enjoyed your movies over the years. You are an inspiration to women.

    I will be reading your blogs.

    God bless

    Kim

  34. Brad says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    I was pleased to find out about your blog from Rosie’s. Great to see one of my all time hero’s blogging. Great way to keep up with you! – thanks !

  35. Alexis says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    Your life story/ies has inspired me to be better in my life, so I truly thank you.

  36. hildy says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Jane,
    You looked absolutely fabulous on “the View” today. I always love to listen to yoy ’cause you’re so natural; no airs,just honest and sensative. Loved your last book a lot.
    Stay healthy and happy.

  37. Tom Roundhill says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Dear Jane,

    Some roses stand straight and tall from Spring til Fall. That’s you.

  38. mommyknows says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Watching you on the view right now! You’re looking very healthy.

  39. Rain says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    I am so pleased to see you have a blog (read about it in NY Times). I started with blogging a few years ago and agree with what your friend told you (I read your opening blog) that you can make it as invasive or not as you choose. I am just glad to see more of your thoughts after having read your books.

    I also want to add how much I admire your life. You have admitted to mistakes but you live it with honesty and passion and to me that is really the ultimate goal. Anyone afraid of mistakes won’t be doing much. I am happy to find a place i can tell you that :)

  40. Joyce says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    Just a note to say that I seen you today on The View, and you looked great! and very happy. This is my first time here on your site and blog. I have exercised to your tapes for years and was so happy when you came out with your 2 programs on 1 dvd. Suits me just fine.

  41. wyofishingal says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    OMG The chicken soup/Afrin mixture worked. You look FAB.

  42. James Cabble says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    I seen you on the view this morning looking like a 20 year old. Just a beautiful woman inside and out. I am a 63 year old black man I live in Oregon on the coast in a small town but you have always been special to me. JC

  43. Susan Neal says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Just finished watching you on The View. I have always been a fan and missed you when you were out of the spotlight for so long. I love your candor and comfort in interviews. Many stars pretend candor but “pretty” up their lives. You feel more like a girlfriend than many others who feel imperious. I enjoy your work, and while I’m happy for you being on Broadway, I look forward to being able to see you onthe movie screen again one day.

  44. Lori from Northeran Ca says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    just saw you on the view You are still so beautiful What is the chance that your play will come to the west coast?

  45. Dakota says:
    February 23, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Just saw you on Barbara show you look great. Sorry I won’t be able to see your show, but you are such a wonderful person, how could your acting be anything less.

    I cured myself of Lupus and I just finished writting a book: Walk into Your Life. So much of it is about the lack of relationship with my mother. What we keep, what we store, what we create into our lives, powerful enough to even create a disease. Mothers and Daughters, Sacred Medicine-Spiritual Journey.

    Your Passion is your Power that is why you are so good. May the play go on for as long as you wish.
    Dakota

  46. Zora says:
    February 23, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    Just discovered your blog! Thanks for sharing your feelings, views and photos!
    Wishing you good health!
    ‘An Old Fan’

  47. Judy McLarty says:
    February 23, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    Hi Jane,
    Wonderful to see you on The View this morning. I love that you are blogging about your experiences in your Broadway play and sharing other news and views. I will be 60 this June, and you have been an important ‘touch stone’ throughout my life. As I live on Canada’s west coast, I doubt I will be able to see your new play, unless it comes out west – but it sounds absolutely fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

    All the very best, Judy

  48. Roy says:
    February 23, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Dear Jane, Jane Fonda.com is amazing as are you..wish I could get to NY. Roy uk.

  49. Susan DeAngelis says:
    February 23, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Ms. Fonda,
    My name is Susan Damato. I’m a teacher, author and blogger from Long Island. After I saw you on The View, I felt compelled to twitter you and tell you how much I admire you. Loved you in On Golden Pond and 9 to 5… but my favorite performance was in The Morning After. Ms. Fonda, you’re are truly an inspiration to women.

    Thank you for what you do,
    Sue

  50. joan B. Gonzales says:
    February 23, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Oh, my ! I have loved every performance on cinema of you . I live in northern California and hope to get to N.Y. and witness your talent on the stage. I am 75 and have watched your life unfold. Never dull, never boring, always made one wonder what direction you were heading. I was fearful that your marriage to Mr. Turner would keep you down on the ranch ! Hows the hip ! Wasn’t the therapy almost unbearable ? Saw you on the VIEW this A.M. and you walk so gracefully ……you must have worked hard ! Good luck Ms Jane Fonda. Joan Gonzales

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Film, Television & Theater

  • "At age 50, I broke all the career rules and left acting for 15 years. Ten of those years I was married to Ted Turner and after that I spent 5 years writing my memoirs and traveling the world on behalf of women and girls. Needless to say, returning to my profession late in life has been an interesting, exciting and unusual experience! "Monster-in-Law" was my first film after this hiatus and was one of my most fun professional experiences after "9 to 5"! During my 15 year absence, I gained confidence and, as a result, I feel that my acting is better, more nuanced and relaxed than ever."