Okay so it is WAY down there in the body of the review, but it says that I am terrific. Which is lovely....

I am very happy with my work in this show and I hope some of my New York friends can by and see it!

This week in my NYC life I will be working a promo gig for Bank of America and auditioning for a theater.... and hopefully doing my laundry sometime soon. Some things never change.

nytheatre.com review
Martin Denton .. October 1, 2006

The Octoroon, by Dion Boucicault, is a lively and exciting melodrama of the kind they don't write for the stage anymore (though they write them for TV quite a lot; they're called soap operas). Set on a plantation in Louisiana in 1859, it's centered around the love between handsome George Peyton and beautiful Zoe, a love that's not only forbidden (for reasons I will get to in a moment), but also severely in jeopardy in that Zoe is also loved by both the kind-hearted but unsuccessful current overseer Salem Scudder and the evil and villainous former overseer Jacob M'Closky; while George is being pursued by Dora Sunnyside, the rich daughter of a neighboring plantation owner, whom George just may need to marry if he is to save his aunt's plantation. George's late uncle had been ruined financially..deliberately in one case and inadvertently in the other..by his overseers; unless a remittance arrives in time from Liverpool, the Peyton place (sorry) will have to be sold at auction.

Boucicault also works into this yarn such thrilling details as a fire aboard a ship, a battle between a Cherokee Indian and one of the main characters, and a newfangled camera, one of whose plates (or "dishes," as one of the slaves guilelessly refers to them) contains incriminating evidence of murder and thievery. It's pretty much non-stop action and romance, the kind of simplistic but riveting drama on which the American entertainment industry was built. Boucicault, the Irish American playwright who also gave us The Poor of New York, The Shaughraun, and London Assurance, knew a thing or three about stagecraft.

But of course I've been deliberately talking around the Big Sensational Concept that fuels the whole play, and that's the plot point given away in its title: Zoe is an Octoroon. She is the daughter of a quadroon slave and the late Mr. Peyton; Mrs. Peyton, for reasons of her own that are never clearly divulged, has raised Zoe almost as her own child (and as a free woman). With only one-eighth Negro blood, Zoe easily "passes" for white, and of course George doesn't realize that she is what she is until it's too late. (The laws of the time, and certainly the mores of slave state culture, forbade miscegenation, and as anybody who's ever seen Show Boat knows, even one drop of Negro blood was enough to make someone "black" in the eyes of the law.)

Eventually comes the big "confession" scene, where Zoe tells George the truth:


That is the ineffaceable curse of Cain. Of the blood that feeds my heart, one drop in eight is black..bright red as the rest may be, that one drop poisons all the flood; those seven bright drops give me love like yours..hope like yours..ambition like yours..llife hung with passions like dewdrops on the morning flowers; but the one black drop gives me despair, for I'm an unclean thing..forbidden by the laws..I'm an Octoroon!
Dramaturgically, it's not much different from Marguerite telling Armand that their love can never be; but in 1859 (two years before the Civil War) this was sensational stuff in the United States, and in 2006 it's almost impossible to listen to. Which brings me to the controversial aspect of presenting The Octoroon after 150 years of progress in race relations: the whole world of the play..which was written to be performed and seen exclusively by white people, remember..is predicated on an assumption of the inferiority of blacks to whites. This sits so uneasily on modern audiences that it can't help but inform the experience of seeing this play, even though race (as opposed to slavery) is not the main thing that it's about.

Why produce it, then; why see it? Because this is our heritage. Slavery happened in the United States; plays depicting what used to be called the South's "peculiar institution" in a sentimental manner happened too. We need to see them up close and understand them and the insidious effects they had/still may have on attitudes in our nation.

And Metropolitan Playhouse has, bravely but not unsurprisingly, made the smart choice to let us see The Octoroon, warts and all, more or less as it was, certainly unexpurgated. Boucicault's flair for drama still shines through, even as the broad style in which he wrote sometimes clashes with the more realistic acting style preferred by contemporary performers and even as words and notions that feel horrendously racist often make our skin crawl. Roe's staging is brisk and exciting, played out on a spare but effective set that's moved around by the actors as required; costumes by Melissa Estro are especially effective, notably the gowns worn by the female characters, which peg them on the socioeconomic scale with great efficiency.

The performances are variable, with particularly effective work coming from the ladies in the cast. Sarah Hankins, in her New York debut, is terrific as Dora, imbuing her with qualities that make us root for her even though she's clearly not the heroine of the piece. Wendy Merritt finds real goodness in Mrs. Peyton, letting us understand that in her time it was possible for a woman to view herself as a good "Christian" without once doubting her entitlement to own other human beings. In the title role, Margaret Loesser Robinson does a beautiful job playing passive tragedy, managing to make Zoe both fragile and sturdy at the same time.

The piece's five African American characters are portrayed with dignity and humanity by Lee Dobson, Alia Chapman, Alex Ubokudom, Tryphena Wade, and Justin Stevens. Arthur Acuna is very effective as Wahnotee, the Indian, who figures prominently in the machinery of the plot despite speaking no English. (The presence of this character offers interesting insight into the attitudes of the times: Wahnotee is depicted as a godless savage addicted to "fire water," an even more demeaning stereotype than that applied to the play's black characters.)

The Octoroon is tough to relax into and just enjoy in 2006. But this was provocative popular entertainment 150 years ago, and from that there is plenty to glean, even today.

Good lord. We weren't supposed to have reviewers at the shows until 10/7, but evidently Backstage was there last weekend. WOW. It feels crazy -- here I am doing a show, just like always....similar to shows I've done or processes I have goen through before. But now, instead of worrying about Elizabeth Maupins review, I am thinking about BAckstage's review. It really blows my mind. AND we were named a "pick" which the revivial of Suburbia didn't get.

I am excited to play this show...I really love playing Dora; she is a treat be! She definitely brings out my gossipy, flirtatious southern side!

Here's the review:

The Octoroon
October 04, 2006
By Nancy Ellen Shore
When Dion Boucicault's provocative melodrama The Octoroon opened in New York in 1859, its audience's deep divisions over slavery mirrored the bitter North-South rift that would soon erupt into civil war. And while America has done much to eradicate racism in the past 147 years, its ugly residue remains, making this vibrant, richly detailed, movingly acted revival a welcome addition to fall's theatre offerings.

Set on a Southern plantation run by a good-hearted widow, the play centers on the doomed love affair between her dead husband's illegitimate daughter, Zoe, and her European-educated nephew, George. Zoe bears the stigma "octoroon" -- her mother was a quadroon slave, the daughter of a mulatto and a white. Boucicault is a master of the "well-made play," and his fast-paced tale of romance, intrigue, lust, greed, murder, and prejudice -- complete with stolen letters, a fire, and poison -- is peppered with impassioned speeches voicing the ideas that were sweeping the country toward war and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Director Alex Roe's production is a masterpiece of inspired staging that brims with life, featuring brilliant ensemble work: Wendy Merritt's kind, stoic Mrs. Peyton, determined to preserve the values of her beloved husband; Michael Hardart's confident, idealistic George; Alia Chapman's hymn-singing Grace -- especially moving when she begs the man who bought her husband to buy her; Alex Ubokudom's well-meaning, obedient Solon; Sarah Hankins' Dora, a giddy Southern belle whose integrity is revealed through adversity; Tryphena Wade's capable slave Dido; and Justin Stevens' teenage Paul, irreverent toward both races and Boucicault's forward-looking embodiment of the first generation of free blacks. And as the plantation's head slave, Old Pete, bent over his cane but still commanding respect through his wisdom, humor, and spiritual strength, Lee Dobson creates a memorable, richly nuanced portrait. When Old Pete climbs onto the table in the disturbing slave-auction scene, insisting he can work despite his age and saying, "See, I can still dance," as he hops about pathetically, he drives home the utter degradation and dehumanization of slavery.

Equally engaging are Ray McDavitt's well-meaning Southern gentleman; Arthur Acuna's intensely physical Native American; John Rengstorff's slave auctioneer; Andrew Clateman's captain; and David Lamb's quintessential 19th-century villain, Jacob M'Closky. Roe's only directorial misstep is having Lamb deliver internal monologues directly to the audience. And given the play's considerable length, the scenes in which a terrified, guilt-ridden M'Closky barrels through swamps could be considerably tightened. Roe himself (replacing Mike Durkin) made an attractive, understated Salem Scudder, a conflicted businessman whose financial missteps push the plantation toward ruin, though his delivery was sometimes unintelligible.

Melissa Estro's colorful costumes perfectly evoke antebellum Louisiana -- from Paul's knickers with suspenders to Dora's stunning, many-layered belle-of-the-ball gown.

My new favorite line:

Harriet to Matthew during their latest fight:

"I have a very active imagination, Matthew. I am paid a lot of money for it"

oooo. So good. Actress defends her personality so well. why can't I think of comebacks that fast under pressure? (Of course, Harriet has the best writer - aaron sorkin).

AND she was right about what she imagined!!

I think I am going to get addicted to this one as well. West Wing and Sports Night were obviously not enough for me. And so many of my fave actors are on here...Harry from Sex and the City, Danny...

Looking for apartments on craigslist in NYC has been an education. Somehow, the sheer volume of humanity makes it actually possible for people to do this sort of stuff and get people to rent an apartment with them anyway. It boggles my mind. These are my two favorites from my search tonight. They are both for places in Manhattan - where someone has to die for you to get an apartment. A fellow cast member told me today that Manhattan has a 1% available housing rate. Which, of course, is why I am sticking to the affordable charming neighborhoods in Queens.

Btw, I am still searching. So if anyone knows someone looking for a roommate (besides the idiots below), please let me know! I am looking for something starting 10/15, because I have to be out of my sublet by 10/22. Earlier is okay too.. I am hoping to move to a new permanent home, preferably in Queens, but a sublet might just tide over anyways...

Also, I am dreadfully sick...please forgive me if i have written in a while! :)

Anyway, enjoy the ads below.!

A apartment of Ph.D candidates and adjunct professors seeks a new roommate to occupy large (12' x 9'), sunny, private room in the East Village. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person, but you must commit for at least 6 months.

This is a highly intellectual setting, so while a career in academia is not a prerequisite, devotion to original scholarship in the humanities is strongly preferred. We ask that all applicants cut and paste a 2000-5000 word original work in the body of the email. Essays can be on the following topics and should adhere to MLA standards of citation and style:

1. Western intellectual history - origins and polemics
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We are looking to fill this space A.S.A.P. We look forward to meeting you

$100 SPECIAL OFFER FOR WOMEN ONLY (East Village)
Date: 2006-09-17, 7:17PM EDT

I got this idea from an article in Time Out New York that I read a few months ago. I live in a 2 bedroom apartment that I inherited 3 months ago. I live alone in the East Village, and have an empty bedroom and a lot of space-it is a co-op. I am offering the empty room w/private bathroom for only $100 a month. Here is the catch...of course there is a catch. I'm a white 27 year old that works in finance. I work A LOT. My social life has become nonexistent and every woman I date can not deal with my work schedule. I would like a woman to live here. You would occasionally walk around or hang out in your underwear (thong, bra, whatever). It would be harmless and I would not take it any further. I WOULD NEED THE ARRANGEMENT TO BE 100% CONFIDENTIAL.I am looking for a female 18-29 who is pretty, slim, and open minded. If you are interested please send me your pic. It does not have to be a provocative pic. But a body pic would help. I have attached my pics. I know some of you reading this are gasping with disgust. Keep in mind that while you might find this degrading and horrible, there are many people who view this differently. No negative e-mails please. The apartment is huge-on St Marks. The kitchen is big...very bright living area. The room for rent is very big too AND HAS ITS OWN BATHROOM. Thanks

So. Tomorrow is my first day of rehearsal for my first NYC production. I have to admit I am very nervous! I feel like it is the first day of school! I have to admit, I have my outfit picked out (i think...) and am about to pack my bag...making sure everything is all there. I tend to get too distracted in the mornings to really take everything that I want to bring with me. Me? Distracted? Nooooo...Not Sarah! :)

I know it is a great role for me. And that I could do a lovely job. Dora is very complex and fun. I think living in her skin will be freeing for me. She will bring forward a lot of the parts of myself that I like and enjoy exhibiting. She is flirtatious and funny and catty and vulnerable and loyal to her family and friends...and in love with the wrong guy -- sounds very familiar to my life at MANY moments! ;) I think some of you would agree. Oh my!

I just want to be satisfied with myself and my work when this is all said and done. And that is a very hard thing for me to achieve sometimes, simply because I tend to set impossibly high standards for myself. I think this time, I am going to try to be generous with my process and allow myself to enjoy my first NYC show.

Thanks to all of you for sending your love my way -- it has been a warm blanket to wrap around myself before I go into scary auditions. I am having fun. I even hit the Met (gorgeousness...divine and intense colors) and Bloomingdales today before meeting my bud KT for relaxing dinner. NYC is so enormous...too much to do and see!

Anyway...off to read and get ready!!! ACK!!!

Much love to all of you from the Hankins

I have had a great bday...thanks to all that made it possible....

y'all have been awesome about the phone calls and and the comments and the love!! (I admit my 3 appletinis may be having some affect on this conversation)

Thanks for the very loving statements and gifts. I feel very loved, or as my TYC students say I feel very birthday.

I had a great free massage (my massage therapist gives them to you for your bday), Thai food (a Hankins fave), and plenty of cold beverages. Yea! I also began a little bday present shrine inteh living room of the apartment under KT's instigation. We had fun laying my new sword (courtesy of TYC) next to the organic cleaning book that Ryguy gave me...very silly stuff ensued.

I hope I can continue the fun with bday-like meeting with my loves throughout this weekend. With no major oblgations until I leave, I think it is time to relish in my orlando friends before my big move to NYC... I hope I will have time to spend with all of you and I hope that I will be happy with my decision come the very scary August 14th when I move into my sublet.

I am very happy to be here and to be me in this moment. It has been a day full of existential angst and questioning, so that is a great acheivement! Way to go gang!

More re me, the move, TYC and such later...

but thank you, thank you all for a grand bday.

I figured it was time I finally posted something about all this moving stuff...I keep forgetting to tell people "officially" and so everyone is finding out second hand. So sorry to everyone....So here is the bulletin I just put out... feel free to call me with NYC ideas or to catch up about it all! :)

(Side Note: Man, I am sleepy! I drove to St. Pete today for an audition, which went okay - just okay...But I saw Clement Valentine! We had lunch and caught up. He is so cool. THose of you who don't know ole Clem, he was Caius Ligarius in Caesar. One of the pool regulars...sigh. I miss my fun nights at SPortstown. Anyway - back to the topic at hand -- my immanent departure!)

Yes, my sweet friends, the rumors are true. I am indeed leaving OSF for the grand wild, scary world of NYC. After 5 seasons as internship coordinator, and graduating 29 interns (OMG), it felt like time. I had a wonderful last season, playing Louka in Arms and the Man and Portia in Julius Caesar. And not to leave anyone out (!), I had a lovely time doing Codes again this time with Darren (Dare Bear!) instead of the incorrigible Mr. Hissom. But it is definitely time to go off and try to mentor my own career. Most of you know I would much rather take care of others than think about my own stuff, so this will be a BIG transition time for me. I will probably be calling on you all a lot for love and counsel and fun phone conversations on the way home from my day job!

The timeline:
I am staying in Orlando in June to direct my third year of The Young Company - the Festivals teen acting program. This year we are doing Richard III.good gracious. I am going to need a lot of strength to get through this one!
After TYC, I will celebrate my birthday (hint, hint) and then I will be leaving Orlando for the Hankins Family Farm after July 4th.

In July, I will travel a bit seeing relatives and such, help out at the family-run bookstore (bought this past December), and sort through my mountains of crap! Damn me for being such a pack-rat!

I head to the big city hopefully by August 15th! Whoo- hoo! Hankins loose in the city watch out NYCers!

How you can help:
Got any leads on a sublet? I would love to sublet for the first few months until I figure out what neighborhood is good for me. Let me know if you have any suggestions or contacts! :) Otherwise, money is always a good gift. Just kidding! Or clown school tuition. Really.

Please come visit me in NYC I will miss all my loves and Orlando darlingsIt has been lovely. And, dont you worry, I will be back to Orlando someday!

Hey guys ---

Little did you know that my sister is a professional old-time singer! "Old-time" is a style of music that originates in the hills of Applachia, where our family is from...It is pretty wild and similar to what you would hear on the O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack.

SO! My big sis has just released her first EP on CD! She produced it with her musical partner, Billy Kemp. She is quite a lyricist.... Please check it out....and buy many copies! :)

Here's the link to purchase listen to and purchase CDs:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jhbk

Her website:

http://www.jenihankins.com/

I am very proud of her...She has a myspace too, so go over and say hi to her!

Off to make some much needed dinner.

Much love to you all!

Sarah

Hello my lovelies! Exciting news! My webcam movies at the Festival are now online...so please go and view! They were so fun to shoot, even if I was exhausted and was stressing over my lines. Eric and I had a blast shooting ours (Removing the Ring). Sadly it is the only acting we wil do together this season...Sigh! It is very funny, though and very quirky. The second one is one I wrote (oh, god the shame) which was more awkward to shoot. We were borrowing one of my teen student's houses and he walked by just as I started to unbutton my sweater for the shoot! How horrifyingly embarassing!!! Holz-y and I look hysterical though. His facial expresssions are perfect. It's called study Abroad if you are looking for it. The last one (I don't even remember the name) stars Paula Rossman. Eric and I make cameos as background voices and running bodies. And the famous shakespearean Scream Queen makes a vocal appearance...of course! Jules - my superfabulous roomie - is in Heaven's Matchmakers. you MUST watch this. Her accent is so totally worth it.... Here's the link: http://www.shakespearefest.org/WebCamPlays.htm Hearts and love to you all -- it's been a stressful week and relying on my gerneous friends has gotten me through a lot of it all. Sarah - the cleavage star of the webcam plays