Quote of the Day: Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you. Misty Copeland
The fearless and multi-talented Lorna Landvik could also be attributed to that quote. I attended a workshop of hers once and she said, “Never take ‘No’ as the final answer.” We were talking about writing and publishing, and it could also apply to play writing and performing. When I did my interview on I Can’t I Have Rehearsal, I included Lorna Landvik in my “Inspiration Smoothie.” (listen to the podcast for clarification and the other inspirational ingredients)
Lorna Landvik is back at Bryant Lake Bowl this winter for her solo comedy/improv act Party in the Rec Room. She really knows how to throw a party. She dances in to loud rock music, mixes up a blender full of margaritas, and starts handing them out, then breaks into her first bit. She welcomes us with song, dance, a ton of laughs, and a side order of thoughtfulness. I’ve only seen the show twice, but I’m convinced that the answer to life’s most profound questions lies in dance moves and down home philosophy.
The secret to success is fearlessness. My friend and I talked about this after the show. What does it feel like to leap into each role, be it an old hag with bad teeth, a grumpy fisherman, or a young woman in a bad business relationship, with reckless abandon? I asked Lorna last year how she prepares for each character. She said that she doesn’t. She has a suitcase full of hats, wigs, and a few sparse props, a book for one of the bits, and of course the blender. She says it’s true improv. You make it up as you go. That, to me, sounds both exciting and terrifying.
Lorna Landvik is the author of 11 novels, with the 12th due for release in the near future. I can’t wait. Our book club has read several of her novels, the latest was Best to Laugh, set in the 1970’s Hollywood based on some of Lorna’s experiences when she moved there to break into the comedy business. It’s a great read! My personal favorite is Oh My Stars! which they’ve made into a short film and hope to get picked up as a full length feature film. Crossing my fingers. I would love to see that story come to life on the big screen.
You can laugh along with Lorna at Party in the Rec Room at Bryant Lake Bowl through February 2, 2019. This is a regular winter gig for her, so if you miss it in 2019, plan to go in 2020. Also, read her wonderful novels. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be swept away by her endearing and quirky characters.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What’s the last thing you did that scared you a little, yet felt brave?
That sounds really different. I suspect it’s one of those intensely creative productions that you either love or hate, or does everyone seem to enjoy it?
It’s improv. Everyone has a blast!
Yes, if done well, improv can be hilarious.
Oh My Stars! is my favorite Landvik too!