(Moon)Evelyn, would you say all the performances were the same, or did you notice some changes? I was amazed that all the performances were the same replete with the same hand, body action etc.(SD runs his fingers through his hair at the same word in the dailogue...but it always looks so uncontrived). Notice JR's body...how her motions change from the 1st scene when she is the lover to the next when she is the wife of 2 years...v. subtle. You are in for a magnificent performance in the British theatre....far superior to anything I saw on Broadway last month. (Moon)Have we seen the pix of Colin from Telegraph, or is it new? Same ole Lord Wessex pic...The one at the wedding with the hat and plume. I sent Karen all the cuttings I found. One in a TV Guide of the South where they feature P&P as one of the sexiest movies..."where the people had their clothes on".

Sorry for the italics....I guess I'm not as awake as I think I am!!

Since this seems like a sleepy Sunday on #72 I thought I would comment on my trip to UK and answer some questions about TRT and the min-spring Reunion I must start out by saying that getting together with Spring Friends made the evening special.There were seven of us : Ann W. , James, Aishling, Kirsten, Tineke,Kimiko ( A JE fan who flew in from LA with husband just for the play!!)Sadly Lizza was ill.Special treat to meet Aishling, Tineke and Kirsten. Funny that when Firthettes meet...we embrace each other and no one feels like a stranger. Conversation takes off and you�ve got to fight to get a word in!!. *** We met at the Luna Nuova. I had contacted the publicist at the Donmar to see if we could meet JE, and she said any other day but the two performances days...she is worn out. And after seeing this play one can see why...physically and emtionally draining.I was disappointed...but understand.She is also terribly shy. I did send programs for her to sign which she did . I had sent flowers that afternoon from **everybody**. ....Spring, JE Fan Page, the List...lurkers too. I selected a basket similar to the one Lizzie and Jane carried when they were drying flowers at Longbourne in Episode 6.I selected pale pink roses, pink mini- carnations and several star-gazer lilies (pink) and babies breath. This is how I envision her...a real English rose On the card ( a cute Mary Engelbreit one I had taken over) I wrote: �We are so proud of you. Congratulations (Break-a-Leg- or what ever they say in this country...)From Your Friends on the World Wide Web.� When I received the signed programs there was a note on the envelope: � Thank you so much for coming. Hope that you enjoyed the show and have a safe flight home. The flowers are gorgeous. Thank you. Jennifer� I had not signed my name...don�t know how she knew we sent the flowers...unless Kate (stage mgr.) or James told her. The florist asked me to come and approve of the arrangement on Sat. morning ( I�m a real pain...you see!!)and I took a pic . Karen has kindly consented to scan it on. More later.

Correction:" baby's breath" I just hope the Olivier Awards have a separate category for new plays and revivals and they both can win. Each time I saw it (4) the audience reacted differently. The audience was mixed in age...resident Brits, not tourists. I saw a few Americans the last night. The first night one man stood and I joined him.... The last night�s audience seemed to be �industry� people who knew each other..There were several bravos and extended applause. It is the hottest ticket in London and everyone commented how lucky they were to be there. It was thrilling. Box Office told me it will move to the West End in January...Venue not decided yet. I will keep in touch ...perhaps it will be on when we go in January. I also went to the Globe Theatre and saw �Comedy of Errors� with a hilarious Italian actor who I swear is a Roberto Begnini clone. I passed by the Rose theatre. ..which is only in an excavating form. The Globe is an exact replica ...just like SIL...The �groundlings� stand in the front and talk to the actors. I sat on a bench on the First Tier. I also attended a performance of �Mid -Summer Night�s Dream� at Stratford with the RSC Company. Hey kids....I�ve never seen such acting. I can see why that company is so renowned. The Millenium Dome is in full view...thrilling to see it as the plane approaches London. We�ll have to go when we go in January.Correction: that should be� baby�s breath� I can�t add more about the play than Tineke and Ann W. told you. TRT is Tom Stoppard at his best...Henry is a terrific male role and SD plays it with great energy, tenderness and humor...�devoid of physical or vocal glamor�. He and Annie (JE) have a tremendous on stage chemistry. It�s a thrill to watch them on stage just looking at each other. Could Colin have played this role ?....Sure! Better than SD? You betcha�. Forgot to add that I also got SD autograph for Jana C.....anything for a Firthette!! London is still the most exciting city in the world....can�t wait to go back.

Sorry about the disjointed paragraphs....we must completely confuse the "English-as-a-second-language fans". Did this on Works...and sometimes these paragraphs take on a life of their own.... I apologize.

Evelyn, thanks for your report. What a wonderful trip!! So glad to hear JE is so sweet and considerate of her fans. That was so nice of you to get the flowers on behalf of us all. Did you notice any celebrities at any of the performances you attended? Ann said John Boorman was in attendance at one performance (getting to be a habit with him!). What did you think of the music -- did they play that Herman's Hermits song "I'm into something good"? I believe that was in the production I saw years ago.

(Susan MC)Did you notice any celebrities at any of the performances you attended? Ann said John Boorman was in attendance at one performance (getting to be a habit with him!) Yes, I saw John Boorman the first time I went. There was another familiar face...but I couldn't connect a name. ( I wished for Karen who has a memory like a steel trap!!)Lots of people who knew each other...tv, theatre?, film?..definitely entertainment industry types. ***** What did you think of the music -- did they play that Herman's Hermits song "I'm into something good"? I believe that was in the production I saw years ago. It's a lovely touch that Stoppard does in this play...very inventive...he frequently let's Henry's favorite pop songs speak for him: his first marriage fails to the tune of the Righteous Brothers "You Lost that Loving Feeling. His second marriage's survival of his wife's infidelity is announced with a burst of The Monkees' " I'm a Believer....I thought love was only in fairy tales."Very clever.At the end of the first act Annie ascends the stairs to the tune of "I'm into Something Good"..The light continues fading on her til the stage is dark. She looks luminous .

Is it any wonder that ODB is so much in demand. I have been watching some of my C.F tapes and just sit there thinking this is one h--- of and actor. The little things he does like the way he keeps saying hmm when he is talking to her after his dip in the pond. The way he drops his eyes to her cleavage for just and instant in the scene at Rosings at the piano when he says :You are perfectly right, no one who has the privalage of listening to you could find anything wanting. The silly look he gets on his face in FP when she tells him he can't smoke but he can stay the night. His facial expressions in TEP when he is sitting there in the taxi and it gradually dawns on him that she is cheating on him. I could go on and on. I WANT TO SEE MY LIFE SO FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Lucie, how poignant are your pleadings and observations. We too want to see MLSF and could (and actually do!!) go on and on about the wonder of this man of so many talents and such God-given gifts as a voice which will melt sheet steel, chocklit-pool eyes which can cloud with thunder or sparkle with boyish glee, or stare intently and most passionatley until there in not a woman in the place who can withstand him. I am just amazed that when I mention him to someone I have not seen for a while, that I ave to say more than his name. Does not every woman in the known unmiverse understand and feel his appeal?! Are the rest dead or just immune =P

Some pictures you all *might* want to check out! From an ROP tea in NYC. There are more pics, plus names, in separate posts by Linda. These are but two of the messages and pictures. http://www.pemberley.com/bin/meetings/meetings.cgi?read=603 Picture on the left??? ;-) http://www.pemberley.com/bin/meetings/meetings.cgi?read=609

Well, well, well, if it's not the long-lost Ben! Thanks for the details of your trip, Evelyn. The flowers were v. generous of you. Glad JE communicated her appreciation. I heard they were changing the Donmar's name to "Evelyn's Place" ;-)

(Eileen) I heard they were changing the Donmar's name to "Evelyn's Place" ;-) I know they're tired of my face...and I'm tenacious too.!!All is forgiven, though, I joined "Friends of the Donmar"...least I could do. ***** Nice pics of the ROP Reunion...Nan said I had missed it by a week or so...but But I don't know any of those people 'cept Nan. I better stick to Spring...they put up with me:-) BTW Tineke scanned a photo of our Spring Reunion at the Donmar...she'll post the URL on Springfolks.

Evelyn, I have just visited Virtual Views and apparently Tom Stoppard and Steven Speilberg where at the Donmar last Friday, WOW. TS seems to be taking quite an interest.

Someone who just attended a performance of TRT posted this on Virtual Views ! And Tom Stoppard and Steven Spielberg were in the bar chatting - a bonus! What's goin on here? These guys must be scouting!! I tell ya' it's the hottest ticket in London this summer!! Allison...bring your binnocs !!

LOL Ann...Great minds....we seem to be on the same track!!

Allison...bring your binnocs !! Will do my best, though I am not very good at spotting film directors (Spielberg excepted). I would never have recognised John Boorman!

What IS so special about Feb 7th 2036?

(Allison) I would never have recognised John Boorman! But you recognized Alan Yentob....I was impressed m'dear :-)

Don't know about Feb 7, 2036, but today is Canada Day. Have a good one!

Yes, have a good one, ay? This is one of my Canadian favorites: Butchart Gardens, Victoria And this is my husband's

And this is Gi's Wedding Day...we all send you lots of love Gi...

Here's a pretty good article about all the movies that are being adapted from classic lit for the teen audience. There are more than I realized. http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/Feature_Story/feature_story/0,4120,62392,00.html BTW, this was not going to be my rant. It was going to be on Sean Connery and Catherine Z-J and what the male reviewers in England have had to say about this February-December romantic entanglement on the screen. I'm going to put Mel G up on a pedestal because he's sworn never to do this. Need to go find the quote about "curling one's toes."

I didn't forget that this was Gi's wedding day but thanks for bringing it up, Evelyn. Ladies, I wish you all had met Antonio, now Gi's husband. Wishing both of you the very best. Kudos to Mel. And I trust Colin will do the same (if he had the same power). Now if only Mel would make a pact not to make so many violent films.

*****BEST WISHES FOR A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!!***** *****To our well-feted couple, Gi and Antonio*****

Gi and Antonio, Best wishes from Hawaii and from Me

Gi, I hope the Wedding Night was something to remember;) I'm just back, well a couple of hours from seeing Pride & Prejudice at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratfod. That is Stratford, Ontario, Canada, not London! And what a magnificent performance it was! The person playing Lizzy was beautiful, witty, funny, well-spoken. However, they had her in black for the first act. I would've put her more in a blue. Mr. Darcy, hmmmmmmmmmm......... YUMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! He really came into the role during the second act (of course). He was very good. HOWEVER, the best was the actor who played Collins, he had us laughing in the aisles, holding our bellies. He had these grasshopper skinny legs and used them to the full effect! Oh he was brilliant! the woman who played Caroline Bingley was equally excellent. She seethed with want of Darcy and ill-like of Elizabeth, but was funny when trying to get Darcy to notice her. The actress playing Mrs. Bennet was performed by a well-respected Canadian actress, Lally Cadeaux, some of you may or may not have he rd of her, she was very good, but I suspect she watched the A&E version, because she sounded a lot like Alison Steadman's, Mrs. B. The girl who played Lydia was the tallest and well-endowed person, I've ever seen on the stage! But she was amazing. Lady Catherine De Bourgh, think Carol Kane playing her. She was hysterical! The girl who played Jane B, reminded me too much Kathy Griffin from Suddenly Susan. Mr. Bingley was a fairly extremely small role. Mr. Bennet, ah, save the best for last. He hit he nail on the head with this role. A dramatic pregnant pause just before he tells his wife of Collins' letter, had us in stitches. as the whole family waits to be told who is coming to dinner, he reads and rereads the letter, and two (TWO) minutes later while the family are craning their necks in anticipation, does he mention the "odious" Mr. Collins. The actor was brilliant! Teg will have production values of the play. I could tell you the stage was minimally set, but you really felt as though Meryton, Derbyshire or even outside. the way they handled the Picture Gallery at Pemberley was priceless! For those of you who can see this production, please do so. You will be glad you did!

HAPPY FOURTH!!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!

My best wishes to Gi and Antonio too.

Here's a picture of the flowers Evelyn sent to Jennifer: And here's the Donmar entrance. Evelyn said that a notice for 3DOR is behind the door, but it's hard to tell.

Thanks Karen... There were no pictures or notices of 3 DOR inside the lobby. It is illegal to take pictures inside the lobby...I found that out when I took pix of SD and JE that were displayed. **** Also thank you Laura for the review of P&P in Stratford, Canada. Did they compress the whole 6 Episodes into 2 hours? Did they play it the same as our P&P?

They compressed the whole novel into 3 hours. It was an amazing production, truly. For those of you who check the Austen.com Tea Board there is a longer, more involved review. Teg does Stage manager work, so she was really good about describing the production values. For a minimalist stage, you really did think you were in the houses and town square.

There were no pictures or notices of 3 DOR inside the lobby. It is illegal to take pictures inside the lobby... You mean all those photos we took inside the lobby in March are contraband? Well, I always wanted to be a bad girl. Seeing that entrance again sure took me back.... Beautiful (and expensive looking) flowers for Jennifer. Laura, the P&P play sounds like a lot of fun. I'd be interested in seeing it staged but closer to home.

(Heide)..You mean all those photos we took inside the lobby in March are contraband? No...but taking pics of the copyright photographers pics of the play on display is illegal. .. Beautiful (and expensive looking) flowers Neighborhood florist...who were v. enthusiastic about sending the flowers to JE...not that expensive either...by London prices...which are astronomical.

I realize I'm a day early, but I won't be anywhere near a computer tomorrow so... Happy Birthday, Winter! From one great teacher to another... (hey, teaching was temporary for Paul, too). And some words of wisdom in case things don't work out with Miramax: Have a great one!

For those of you who don't get by the Tea Room on Austen.com, here is our review. It does include spoilers for those who are going to see the production. Laura and Teg Ah, the weather, the shopping, the swans, the production!!! Returning rather late last night, we didn't feel quite up to posting this at that time. Stratford's production of our beloved story was a joy to see. The stage was set with the bare minimum of set pieces and very few props were added to effect scene changes. For eg... for Mr. B's study it was simply a chair and side table to the stage right side of the main playing area. A large set of double doors directly upstage centre dominated the stage. These were used to full advantage throughout the show. Fabric banners were used frequently as special effects for scene changes or, the most surprising of all, to represent the gallery of portraits at Pemberley! That one was priceless! Lighting was dramatic indeed. A number of gobos (pattern projections) really helped to establish the outdoor scenes, and the dramatic casting of window lighting on the floor. Of course, the Darcy portrait was well lit indeed!! :) By far, Teg was most amused by the representation of the trees for several scenes. We both derived great entertainment from the transformation of umbrellas, coats and hats into dance partners, as well as the 'horses' (two men) pulling Lady Cat's carriage. The advancement of plot was achieved in a couple of different ways. Some scenes were combined as one. For eg. the first evening at Netherfield and the 'walk about the room' scene were portrayed as the same evening. Also, characters provided narration in many areas to communicate happenings and speed up the story. ("Elizabeth spent four days at Netherfield!") Costumes appeared more Edwardian in design than Regency. Of course, Darcy looked good in any of them! ;) However, Elizabeth's lack of colour in her outfits (primarily black in the first act, and white in the second) was disconcerting. Especially since Darcy was prinicipally in black and white as well. Most of the extras were in dark greys, the only coloured costumes being worn by Mr and Mrs B, the other four Bennet sisters, and Lady C. Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst in RED!! Caroline seemed to have the most costume changes. The officers were, of course, in red as well. Bingley, who's part was actually rather small, also had colour. Mr. Hurst matched his wife. hee hee The cast was excellent. Elizabeth was beautiful, with a clear, strong voice that could be heard in the far corners of the House. Darcy, who took a bit of time to warm up to, really came to life in the second act. Mr. Collins. hee hee hee... He really deserves a Genie for this role!! His physical portrayal, with flourishes, bows, and costume swishing made David Bamber's performance pale in comparison. The entire audience was in stitches, especially at the Netherfield Ball. :D Caroline Bingley was wonderful! Just the right mix of cattiness and snobbery. Mrs. Bennet (portrayed by Lally Cadeau) was very much like the A&E version. Mr. Bennet, a true joy to watch. His slow, deliberate delivery of his lines, with very pregnant pauses at just the right moment had the audience waiting with bated breath for him to continue. We waited, I swear, a full minute for him to announce that Mr. Collins was coming for dinner. He read and reread the letter while the rest of the cast was leaning forward in anticipation and the audience began to wonder if someone was missing something....(well, Teg was wondering anyway. that's what I get for working in theatre) Lady Catherine was most imperious. The biggest surprise came when she spoke.... in a very high-pitched 'Carol Kane' type voice. hee hee hee (and her horses were excellent) Oh, we simply must add that Mary Bennet's singing at the Netherfield Ball was truly something to hear... or not! hee hee It's rather difficult to deliberately sing off key, but she did a great job! Be not alarmed, dear Dwiggies, when Darcy's letter is placed into Elizabeth's hand. This scene was very nicely done, as Elizabeth began the read, Darcy picked it up and the other characters appeared as required to add the detail. Take special note of Kitty when the Bennet's are circling together.... she keeps tugging on the bodice of her gown to show more cleavage as she wiggles her shoulders to show it off to advantage! And at last we come to the end. A few very pleasant surprises here! Teg waited with anticipation to hear what Darcy had to say when Lizzy finally said yes! Then she was bug-eyed when there were no words spoken but rapid lip movement. hee hee hee A tidy little scene here all around. The rest of the cast appears to fill us in on what happens with each of them. Here the narration effect comes into full play. The last part of the scene, just before curtain, has Darcy and Lizzy appearing through the doors, a little girl in white with them. Darcy shows the most animation here as he swoops down and picks her up, tossing her over his shoulder, all of them laughing delightedly. What an ending!!! And a good time was had by all. We got home very very late... 1:15am. Highly recommended!! ***** Two thumbs up! :)

Sounds absolutely wonderful, Laura and Teg! How I envy you your delightful evening! :) Now Teg, ...about that date between Dr Laura and Richard.... :)

By-the-bye, might i highly recommend this delightful topic? :) *hee hee* http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/babes/45

Thanks Laura and Teg.... It was v. brave of that company to undertake this production...sounds as if they were most successful. I wish I could see it. But your splendid descriptive narrative helped me **see** it . Nice to have gifted writers on Spring!!

EsBee, I'm gonna get you for that!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KJART

EsBee, I'm gonna get you for that!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KJART

And, for that little niche for which you needed something really special...

ME!?! It's wer who is to blame- I'm just enjoying his handywork! :P

Your welcome, Evelyn! It was a pleasure to see! Happy Bday to KJ and Winter, tomorrow!!!!! Many happy returns of the day!

Thanks for the birthday greetings, Laura and Eileen! Love that pic of ODB, Eileen!!!! (that's his writing in the background, isn't it?)

Happy Birthday KJArt..... Enough loafing :-) Get thee to #98 we need your comments on FF.

Pictures of JE and Interview from the new issue of HARPER'S QUEEN UK http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/4820/ehle_int/harper.html

I just realized KJArt's listed as JUNE 8th?! She will be amazed! I suppose it would not be nice to take our things back, huh?!

Yup, missed it by a month...but you really didn't miss it...you gave me a neat luau and Heide a car, and Karen my favorite back, as I recall. So I don't mind if you take these back and give them to someone more deserving :-).! BTW...we are all complaining because our talented idol keeps getting his name off the cast lists and thus all that good and hard work goes unacknowledged. Having heard what marvelous performances they are giving for P & P, I think the CAST deserves their due, too, don't you think?! Remember: It's nice to be appreciated

Happy Birthday Winter! and KJArt, a very late Happy Birthday. :) I lack sufficent talent to post any gifts for your viewing pleasure, but feel free to imagine a lovely image of ODB posted [HERE] -with my compliments. :)

Happy Birthday , Winter....I too am "image-posting-challenged"... but you know we send our v. best wishes and love you :-)))

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WINTER!! Had a few leftovers from Sunday and you know they don't keep ;-p

Also been shopping for that *PERFECT* gift, when I remembered something you had asked for...hee hee Remember, it's the thought behind the gift that counts

And one last thing...Harvey has agreed to have a smoke with me next time we're on a plane together to discuss your future employment. (gonna be a tight squeeze in those lavs)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WINTER Our Dame of the Day with her floral tribute from Drool and Fellow Firthians

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!! Thanks everyone! SB-- Am imagining that you've posted the FP pic where he masterfully takes the mugs from what's-her-face's hands-- only it's my picture superimposed! Evelyn-- I am gif challenged as well. Thanks for remembering my Bday! Karen-- how DID you find that picture of MDB and I together? Don't I look so enthusiastic?! The flowers are beautiful. Thanks, Marcia. Now, if only Mom and Dad will finally retire to Hilo like they've been planning to, I can get a hold of the real ones... OK-- this is turning out to be a good bday so far, despite the fact that I had a workday from hell, and "casual Friday" didn't make any difference at all. I still managed to get your nice virtual gifts, I got a microwave from the ex-boyfriend, and am going out to dinner at my fav. restaurant. Ooo.. and Women's World Cup Soccer is on tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Winter.

Happy Birthday, Winter. In honor of your status, I thought it's time you received the full Dame regalia. I bow before you.

Thanks so much, Heide! (My word--- you've even given me the waistline I wished for!) Thanks for the birthday greeting and card, Lucie! I'm so glad to have such thoughtful friends in this community of ours...

Dearest winter, I hope you have the happiest of birthdays! We were supposed to be seeing FP today to celebrate, but I refuse to depress myself by going there. I keep telling myself it will be here soon enough. I hope you had a great day, and BTW, you and JN make an extremely cute couple ;-).

Allison, I was wondering if you have seen The Real Thing yet, if so I would love to hear what you thought of it, I loved it and am seeing it for the second time at the end of July. Happy Birthday, Dame Winter.

Monday Times: Archer plans new Arsenal stadium BY ANDREW PIERCE JEFFREY ARCHER is brokering a deal to bring Arsenal to a new stadium at King's Cross, next to a �150 million conference centre. Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare, the Tory frontrunner to be mayor of London, is preparing to head a consortium to try to raise the finance for the centre, and has discussed a joint development plan with the North London club. He will hold talks this month with convention centre developers and tourism groups. Arsenal will be formally invited to join the scheme. A senior director has already expressed interest in the move. Arsenal have been seeking ways to increase the 38,000 capacity of their Highbury ground, which is hemmed in by housing, and have fought a long-running battle with Islington council over redevelopment plans. The club wants a capacity of about 60,000. Talks will begin before the end of the month, when Lord Archer plans to present the proposals. One option is for a purpose-built centre where delegates could eat, sleep and talk in one venue. The cost would be raised from the �300 million urban regeneration fund, which will be controlled by the new London authority, and the private sector. Arsenal's move would be partly financed by the sale of Highbury, which is worth more than �30 million. The site identified by Lord Archer is the hundreds of acres of semi-derelict land at the back of King's Cross railway station. The location would provide excellent travel links for supporters. It is next to the planned site of the London terminal for the Channel Tunnel rail link and in 2001 it will be the site of the BAA rail extension from Heathrow. It is also the favoured option of the Business Tourism Forum, whose members include the BAA, Confederation of British Industry and Virgin Rail. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is supporting the proposals.

Allison, I was wondering if you have seen The Real Thing yet Yes, Ann, I did and enjoyed it very much. I had seen the original productionand had not liked it much. This was much better IMHO. However my enjoyment was slightly dampened by the fact that our seats were in the first row of the circle, at the side. I have never sat there before and the view is not good. The production is best viewed from the front IMO and is certainly better seen without a large wooden bar across one's line of vision! However the performances were very good. I thought SD was particularly fine as I do not remember having seen him before.

Oh no, Allison, that's where our seats are Row A, 8,9 & 10. not bothered for myself as I have already seen it but am taking a friend who has not seen it, but had good seats the first time round so can't complain. Did you see anyone you recognised in the audience and how did the audience respond, they were very enthusiatic when I went in June? I quite agree about SD, I am definitely a fan now and will look out for other things that he may be in but I do think that the chemistry between him & JE was a big lus to the whole production.

"was a big plus"to this production.

Did you see anyone you recognised in the audience No. I looked hard but nobody I recognised. how did the audience respond, they were very enthusiatic when I went in June? It was warmly received. Nobody leapt out of their seats or anything but, in London, I often think that is a symptom of fandom rather than an appreciation of the play. When I saw "Plenty" there were people standing and applauding CB when her performance was, frankly, shrill and OTT. Do I sound grouchy today? It must be the heat. I wonder is ODB's makeup is running? It can be no fun filming in Londinium in this humidity.

Happy Birthday again, KJ Art! *Grunt* *virtually moving the gifts over from last month* Thanks for the JE interview link, Evelyn. I can see why she and ODB were attracted to one another. It seems they're alike in many ways. I hope there's many great things in her future. (Winter) Ooo.. and Women's World Cup Soccer is on tomorrow! And they gave you a birthday present too! U-S-A! U-S-A! What a torturous game. So glad to see 90K people there, TV ratings up...wonder if Phaedra will do more FP advertising (in addition to that which is already planned on Fox Sports). [From 119] Karen, I also saw 'Son of Sam' and caught the musical montage. FP's was better. I didn't care for SoS--way too long. (Allison) I wonder is ODB's makeup is running? It can be no fun filming in Londinium in this humidity Reminiscent of 'Nostromo', no? Hope he has a 'waterperson' this time, too.

**GROAN** If you guys keep inventing virtual birthdays for me every the 8th of a month crops up I will be aging even faster than I am now!! Thanks for the thought, but..... <8-{

(Allison)I thought SD was particularly fine as I do not remember having seen him before. SD was in Mrs. Holyroyd. If you want to see him in a splendid film...check out FIRELIGHT. It is out on video. Fantastic love story. **** Sorry your seats were poor for TRT. The sides at the Donmar are losers. For one of the performances I sat in the first row stalls side and I could not hear some of the dialogue.Even center circle is better than side stalls. **** Glad to hear CB got a standing O....deservedly or not.....London audiences are getting exhuberant. ****** BTW THE REAL THING segment of JE's website is now complete. For pictures go to: http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/4820/real_pics.html For reviews: http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/4820/real_art.html ****** (Eileen)...Re; JE....I can see why she and ODB were attracted to one another. It seems they're alike in many ways If those two would have stayed together they would have gone to live in a cave in the Hebrides and we never would have seen either one!!

(Allison) I wonder is ODB's makeup is running? It can be no fun filming in Londinium in this humidity Have you found the set? Are they shooting out of doors? Have you brought a folding chair to watch? Fess up. (Eileen) So glad to see 90K people there, TV ratings up. Heard this morning that the ratings were higher than for the NBA finals this year (pffft, wonder why) (Eileen) I also saw 'Son of Sam' and caught the musical montage. FP's was better. OK, take Colin out of the scenes and put some ordinary everyday actor in it. Now, re-rate. ;-)

OK, take Colin out of the scenes and put some ordinary everyday actor in it. Now, re-rate. ;-) Well, that changes everything. You can't compare CF-less Highbury to Yankee Stadium (even if they just dropped 2 out of 3 to the Mets)!

(Karen)Have you found the set? Are they shooting out of doors? Have you brought a folding chair to watch? Arghhh! You know my guilty secret. I have been marching around London, chair in hand, on the off chance I might stumble across a film set. So far no luck:-) But does anyone know who is actually producing this film? Does it have a distributer? What happened to Mike Binder's previous film with MH?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVELYN, hope you are having a lovely day

HEY GANG, IT'S EVELYN'S BIRTHDAY!!!

Many happy returns of the day, Evelyn. Hope it's extra special! *must be if you get a dancing frog;))

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Evelyn, Happy birthday to you. How... oh, ok, I won't do that verse."

Hi Gang, Thank you Ann....Karen ...and Laura.... For all the good wishes., the dancing and singing!! Almost worth being a year older.....to get such a reception:-)) I esp. liked the cowboy, Karen. Love y'all, Evelyn....the Dancing Frog

Happy birthday Evelyn.

Happy Birthday Evelyn, you've been so good for this place!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVELYN From Darcy's Hands to your head, the only fit headwear for your exaltedness And, Fresh from me to you for a lovely evening - orchids and rosebuds

oh...there's more (irreverancy begins now) ;-D "Miss Bennet, please pardon my forwardness, but I fear I may have given you the impression that my feelings remain unchanged from last April. They are not. I have met another woman, who sets my soul on fire with her wicked humor and sharp tongue. We met in the lobby at the Donmar and I have not been able to forget her. Alas, her name is Evelyn..."

I walk the streets of London in vain. Where oh where is Evelyn to be found?

"I pond-er whether Evelyn has crossed this vast ocean before me. My life would have no meaning if she had."

"Will we ever meet again?" I know you're going to kill me *hiding from view*

closing all the tags that I was sure were closed. *slapping myself silly*

LOL Karen.

BTW we seem to have had some visitors to CHAT tonight by the name of FIRTH!! not our DB I am sure!!

Great photos, Karen. I wanna be in the one by the lake. He *needs* me!

Happy Birthday, Evelyn!!!! (a fellow Cancer, I see!) With much love, Jennifer

Happy, happy birthday, Evelyn! To the gal who always sends flowers...here's some for you. It's the "spring mix." I thought it fitting. Thanks for all your info sleuthing and enthusiasm for all things Firth (and Ehle)! BTW, what's that Darcy's got in his pocket, Evelyn (in the searching London pic)? Something for you, perhaps? ;-P

*****HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVELYN!!***** *****And many, many more!***** *****May your generous nature be returned to you ten times over!*****

The sound you hear is me laughing uproariously!!! LOL Karen....You really outdid yourself.But how can I compete with Lizzie??? ****** (Eileen)BTW, what's that Darcy's got in his pocket, Evelyn (in the searching London pic)? Something for you, perhaps? ;-P What can I say? (Blush, blush....) "The Best of all Gifts":-D **** Thank you Lucie, Winter...and Eileen's Spring bouquet....how apropos! What a crowd!! You really know how to make a gal happy....

Nobody does it better at making things happen. Heartfelt thanks to you for all you do for us, both at the Donmar and here at the board. Looks like Lizzie can't compete. Much love and Happy Birthday. And my gift to you is a reminder of what you said to us at the Donmar after telling Colin we were from the Spring. "He probably thinks we're all from a spa." Here's your very own. Long live the Spa girls!

WOW!!Thanks a Bunch.... KJArt, Heide....you're all tops!! (Gee Heide...the spa reminds me of the one at the Thanet!!, hee, hee) What a Party!!:-D

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVELYN!!!! Hope you had a wonderful day! As usual, I must ask the recpient of my good wishes to envision her own gift. However, I am sure that your imagination is fully capable of producing a vision of splendor and artistry... (by which of course I mean a scantily clad Darcy) ;) Karen -ROTFLOL!!! those pics and accompaning story line were great -how I envy our birthday girl! I wish Darcy would seek me out with such diligence! :)

(Eileen)As usual, I must ask the recpient of my good wishes to envision her own gift. I've got a great imagination.... Pemberley will do :-) (Eileen)how I envy our birthday girl! I wish Darcy would seek me out with such diligence! :) It was an "out of body experience"....

I just realized that I forgot the serve the cake. Good thing, the candle is one those that never goes out! Glad I could amuse you all...and especially Evelyn (at Jennifer's expense)!! ;-D

Such a sweet cake.... Ilike the black frosting...For mourning over b'day? ...especially Evelyn (at Jennifer's expense)!! ;-D Don't think ole Jenn has to worry :-D Loved all my gifts...can't wait til next year....!!

Loved the pics, Karen. Thanks, I really needed them today.

Yooooooo, Winter, honey... Have I got a weekend lineup for you to go see!! And of course report back to all of us. Read at the LA Times about the lineup at Outfest '99. In addition to Bedrooms & Hallways (with JE), which will have a normal release next month, there are two others of interest: "The Sex Monster" - the movie with Mike Binder and Mariel Hemingway, CF's co-stars in Londinium. Also, Binder is the writer-director of Londinium. "Man Is Woman" - French film about gay French jewish guy who has to marry (a hassidic girl) so that rich uncle won't disinherit him. Saw it last fall. Really cute. Great klezmer music. Antoine de Caunes isn't too bad to look at. Just my picks for the weekend. ;-D