a l a n a  d i e t z e

i'm in love with this play. other people seem to like it allright too:
GO! "With a nod to the absurdist canon, and perhaps Lewis Carroll, Schwartz's use of cliches, idiom and chatter is at times brilliant and funny.." Lovell Estell III, LA Weekly

"Director Rory Kozoll skillfully brings out every bit of dark humor...Dietze is remarkable... Grano gives a powerhouse performance...Karsian delivers...Shranko is delightful... Blendell is swell...[and] an amazing Amanda Saunders."
Jennie Webb, Backstage

"An appealing cast, under the direction of Rory Kozoll, emphasizes the plays capricious charm..."
Charles McNulty, LA Times

"Amanda Saunders plays the mother. It says much about Saunders' talent that from under her cool mask peeps a playful apology for her lack of connection to her family. As the miserable daughter, Alana Dietze does not pout or cry, brilliantly pushing the boundaries of restraint. Andrea Grano in a perfectly luscious comic turn positioned to buoy the show through its darkest waters. Jeremy Shranko, Tara Karsian and Troy Blendell flesh out other characters, fantastic and prosaic and all of them very well played. An absurd, postmodern landscape that manages to remain coherent? In the third millennium? In Los Angeles? It's an event. And when such a play is directed with economy and grace, it's cause for celebration."
Jason Rohrer, Stagehappenings

a while back i helped out some friends (Hugo Armstrong and Daniel Martinico) with a quirkly little film project they were doing. it was a sort of "mockumentary" about an actor's life that turns very dark. i participated as part of a fictional movement workshop that the lead character attends. the project became "OK, Good" -- an official selection of this year's Slamdance film festival! here's a great review of the  finished film http://www.hammertonail.com/reviews/ok-good-film-review/
and i even made it into the picture!
if you're at Slamdance/Sundance this week - be sure to check it out.

i've been putting off writing about the ovation awards. it's hard to talk about such things and be both humble and interesting.  all the cliches are cliches and all the cliches are true. i didn't win. that's cool. know who did? in my category? laurie metcalf. laurie metcalf! i grew up watching Roseanne! i mean! come on! aaand here they come: "the honor is being nominated..." "even to be in the same category with such amazing women...," you know.   nobutseriously. i was so so grateful to be a name on that big shiny projection screen on that big SHINY stage. the ceremony was stunning and what a joy to be surrounded and supported by so many loving faces of the theater community that has become my true home within a home. i had a blast with my fellow echoistas (that's what we echo theater company members call each other) and my TWO dates - one is pictured with me below and the other, my friend katie, came all the way from austin, TX to be at the ceremony!  plus i got to dress up in pretty clothes. here's me with date #1, one of my bestest friends, nicholas konow -- in't he hannsom?!  and look! red carpet!! wheeeee!

two great reviews for Have You Seen Alice? !!!

check em out then come see for yourself
Backstage Critic's Pick!
LA Weekly Pick of the Week!

the world premiere of HAVE YOU SEEN ALICE? by Jacqueline Wright, directed by Adrian A. Cruz opens this friday, november 4th!

i had my first experience with jacqueline's writing in 2005 when i worked on her play BING while studying at occidental college. i do believe she is one of a kind and i'm over the moon to be speaking her words on stage again. do come see.
www.theatreofnote.com for tickets and details.

I am so unbelievably out of my mind proud happy excited honored to announce that I have been nominated for a 2011 Ovation Award for Best Lead Actress in a Play (Everything Will Be Different with the Echo Theater Company)!

the production was also nominated for Best Acting Ensemble and Best Play (Intimate Theater).

This show was so close to my heart and I'm so very glad that it had an impact on others as well.

Big huge thanks to LA Stage Alliance for all they do and to all the Ovation voters out there! and congrats to ALL the nominees! Check out the full list here. I'm in good company.