News
Ms In The Biz
The amazing Helenna Santos-Levy has created a fabulous blog that has of 70 women in the industry contributing stories, and Paula's first article is up now. Check out Artist's Issues #1 - Survival Jobs and while you're there read all the other stellar articles ladies are posting. New content daily!
Neverwhere Opens!
From Paula's facbook: "Last night I felt my pulse quicken as the lights went out and the intro music started. That unique rush of pure magic that is live theater in front of a packed house. I played in a mysterious world under London with an insanely talented group of new friends and emerged flying into the arms of old ones. Thank you Sacred Fools for the opportunity. Best compliment I could ever get was heard: "Watching you made me want to do another play so badly." I love what I do and I love sharing it with you. Now to do it again in a few hours... ;)"
Check out the first review that came in - A+ from SciFiPulse.net !!! :
Sacred Fools Theater, 660 N. Heliotrope, Hollywood, CA.
April 5 – May 11, 2013. Fridays & Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 7PM.
Tickets are $25, at www.sacredfools.org, or by calling 310-281-8337.
The Press Release: “When Richard Mayhew stops to cared for an injured girl on the street, he is drawn into a nightmare world beneath the city of London. His journey to ‘London Below’ is fraught with a rogues’ gallery of liars, outcasts and assassins. Richard must brave countless trials, uncover the truth behind a dark conspiracy, and face the indomitable Great Beast. Can Mayhew survive this treacherous voyage to awaken the hero within and return to his normal life?” This is a summary of an atypical urban fantasy. The novel was written byNeil Gaiman, who knows a thing or two about engaging stories, and as a live production my expectations were high at the premiere. Overall grade: A
The set: As you enter the lobby at Sacred Fools you find yourself in a tube entrance, complete with maps on the walls and warnings painted on the ground. Inside the theater you are greeted to the work ofMichael James Schneider. The floor is a spiral mish-mash of wood. To the audience’s right is a large column sitting atop a dias wide enough for an actor to walk upon. In the back center is a split platform with the bottom half being two small arched holes, as one would expect to find in a sewer, just big enough for someone to crawl through. The top of the platform is a large oval opening, where many scenes, such as the protagonist’s office, can occur. To the left is a raised platform with stairs before and to the right of it. The platform is big enough to serve as an apartment, library or residence for a supernatural character. Between the oval opening and the “apartment” platform is a projection screen that enhances where the characters are, as well as animations to highlight emotional scenes. There is a ladder on the extreme left for one sequence where the characters go into the rafters. It is a perfect set for the many settings that this play contains. In additon to the brilliant layout is the selection of the design in the set: it is seemingly composed of yellow, tan and brown fabrics stitched together as if they were wood panels. It evoked artist, and frequent Gaiman collaborator, Dave McKean. I enjoyed soaking in the look of this set before the play began. That are also several doors that are hidden in the set due to the patterns. Mr. Schneider is to be congratulated for creating such a work of beauty. Overall grade: A+
Projection FX: Having enjoyed the set before the show even began, my eyes fell frighteningly upon the projection screen. I’m not a fan of film projections during a live performance, just never have been. When the performance began I was so pleased with what Anthony Blackman and Ben Rock have done with their choices in visuals and just a few animations (my favorite being the “moment” in the library with no doors), that I’m going to have to consider my previous dislikes of projections during productions as wholly wrong. Both men’s contributions significantly enhanced the production. Overall grade: A
The story: I will now commit blaspheme in this review: I’ve never read Neverwhere, nor have I seen the BBC production. I’ve read Gaiman’s comics (for my pleasure) and his children’s books (to my daughters), but I’ve never read one of his novels. I know, I know…But I’m coming into this production in the best way: it’s all new to me–I have nothing to base it on. When I think of what I saw in this show, this had to have been a nightmare for Robert Kauzlaric to adapt. There were so many different settings, characters, action sequences, and there’s even the Giant Beast under London that’s essential to the story–and it’s all in this play! You get drama, action, fantasy, and a wonderful sense of humor, often from characters Richard Mayhew or the Marquis de Carabas. Joining these men on stage were two of the strongest women you’ll ever see, Door and Hunter. The two initial villains of the piece, Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar, were amazingly wicked, scary and fun. All of these characters would be amazing in a book, but to see their story before you was a marvel. Overall grade: A+
The costumes: You can’t have a fantasy without some theatrical costumes, and does Martin Morse deliver the goods! The simplest was Richard’s upworlder garb: slacks and a white shirt. I had assumed since this was set in the sewers its denizens would be in drab and dreary attire, but this was not so. Door is gorgeous in her bright, harlequin-ish costume befitting someone of her station. The Marquis was a rogue decked as a dandy in brown leather that evoked the look of a classical hero. Hunter was a strong woman in brown leather and stockings creating a look of any woman of power from Xena: Warrior Princess. And then there was Islington, whose Ziggy Stardust look demanded you focused on him–and you will never forget his eyes! And I would be terribly remiss if I didn’t say how much I loved Richard’s friend Gary who was dressed like Michael Caine! Every costume was unique and wonderful. Overall grade: A
The sounds: There was an original score accompanying this performance created by Ryan Johnson. It was the perfect match for the action, tension and hopes of those on stage. During the suspensful scenes, I found myself sinking into my seat when there was no score, much as you would in a horror movie knowing something bad was coming since the enjoyable music has been silenced. Mark McCain Wilson was the sound designer and he has been a very busy man. I now know that I should be afraid of the sounds of a subway and welcoming when I hear the squeak of a rat. Overall grade: A
The lighting: I find myself wary of the following, thanks to Matt Richter: the blinding light used in office cubicles, old cameras’ flashbulbs and crossing Knight’s Bridge. Richter’s strobes are amazingly effective in the slow motion scenes (trust me, you’ll understand this when you see the show). Overall grade: A+
The fight coreography: Wow–Was this unexpected! I’ve been to many plays featuring fighting, but when Hunter appeared on the stage the battles became amazing! A body flip in a bodyguard auditioning sequence was incredible! Major kuddos to Andrew Amani! Overall grade: A+
The puppets: I know! All that’s missing from this production was the kitchen sink! Garbed in theater black, Donnelle Fuller and Julia Griswold brought bird and beast to life, but their crowning achievement was a rat, whose slow sarcastic turn made the audience roar. Overall grade: A
The actors: Bryan Bellomo was protagonist Richard Mayhew the night I went and he was spectacular. He captured the worried, lost look of a man who simply wants to go home and confronts many fears to do so. He was the perfect everyman, and I loved his comedic timing and asides. Paula Rhodes (whose picture accompanies this review) was the perfect reason for Richard to begin his adventures. Rhodes began her character as a fragile waif and blossoms into a strong woman. The Marquis de Cabaras was played by Jonathan Kells Phillips who was the type of rogue that any boy or man wishes he was. Every woman in the audience perked up when he appeared because he was so dashing and handsome, and I’ll thank Mr. Phillips to stay away from my wife. Hunter was portrayed by Devereau Chumrau brought heroic strength and nobility to the play. When she is giving her monologue on her intentions, it’s stunning. I believed every word she said. She was a powerhouse in this production. Jessica, Richard’s fiancee, was played by Cassandra Vincent who effortlessly brings glamor and style to her role, with enough undercurrent of a type A personality to frighten every man in the theater, yet create compassion when she encounters Richard later in the play. Mr. Coop was played by Guy Picot at my showing and he made his character a classical wordsmith of a villain who wonderful words are only a precursor to the pain he will inflict. He was the type of charcter you longed to see more of, because he was so deliciously evil, but feared for you knew someone was going to get hurt. He was a highpoint of the show. Mr. Vandemar, Coop’s associate, was another highlight thanks to actor Bryan Krasner. His strength his appropriately overwhelming and where Coop was a knife, Vandemar was a sledgehammer. His fight scenes were amazing! Islington was a scene stealer, played by Carlos Larkin. You could not look away as he stared into the audience. I hung on his every word. His voice was beautifully hypnotic. Incredible performance! Old Bailey was a fun beacon of information acted by Marz Richards, who obviously enjoys his character. He was also a humorous character on a train, and his final robed character rivals Islington for taking the stage, though he was much more humorous. Richards was just fun to watch. A perfect cast. Overall grade: A+
The director: A show can have minor successes and suffer in some ways: great cast, poor staging or great set, terrible lighting. Scott Leggett has pulled every element of this production together to create magical perfection. This was a quickly paced show, mirroring the characters’ haste, and I felt pulled in with them in their races through the tunnels and sewers. To juggle this many locations and characters with this much energy shows the work of a master. Overall grade: A+
The final line: We should be thankful this has crossed the pond and opened its doors in California. If you love Neil Gaiman, you’ll love this show. If you love dark fantasy, you’ll love this show. If you love the theater, you’ll love this show. This production of Neverwhere should be performed everywhere, everyday, because it will not disappoint. Mind the gap. Overall grade: A+
April's Nobody's Fool - She Means Business ;)
Whew! Just got back from Wondercon where Wendy Pini, Stephanie Thorpe and Paula had a fun (and packed!) ElfQuest panel in one of the bigger rooms and tons of fun meetings :)
To top off the weekend, last night the zombietastic series 8:13 that Paula was in won Best Ensemble, Best VFX, and Best Producing at LAWeb Fest!
As if that wouldn't be tough to beat on it's own, Paula is also looking forward to the opening of Neverwhere this next weekend (Opening Night is sold out and tix are going quickly YAY!). It runs every Fri/Sat/Sun thru at least May 11th. AND the author (one of her all time favorites who also happens to have a new show in the pipes at HBO - American Gods) Neil Gaiman replied to her tweet and it looks like he may come see it (*Fan Girl Faint*) :)
Neverwhere Tickets!
It's the Ides of March and that means tickest are finally on sale for the West Coast Premiere of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere! Get yours here !
They're already going quickly and there's some amazing fun being plotted for Opening Night :)
If you're press/a big time blogger, reach out to Paula on twitter (@paula_rhodes) and let her know - she'll get you the press packet and put you in touch with the powers that comp ;)
And just for inspiration, here's what she pictures in her head when Lamia takes them across the rickety rope bridge: 
Be sure and check out http://neverwherela.tumblr.com to hear music from the show and read all about the cast and rehearsal process :) Cheers!
Neverwhere
Paula is LOVING every second of playing in London Below. Read the tumbler here or:
“Starting right now, you can be whatever you want to be: a man or a monster, a hero or a god.”
I’m a big fan of following your dreams, and as it turns out, my dreams have most often come true when I’ve followed my fandom.
After the success I’ve been lucky enough to see with ElfQuest (my producing partner, Stephanie Thorpe and I created a fan trailer for this 35 yr old global comic we’ve loved since we were wee that garnered tons of press, the first red carpet at the SAG building, a number of packed comic con panels, and now even the film/TV rights), I wouldn’t have been surprised if that was my one golden ticket.
So when I saw Michael (our Richard’s) posting online about auditions for a production of Neverwhere, 99% of me thought I didn’t stand a chance. I’d loved this story for years, but I wasn’t a company member, plays take so much time when I was overextend a bit as it is, and how lucky would I have to be to play another of my top 5 fandom roles. Nightfall and Door? No, too much to hope for.
And yet… to be crazy enough to pursue acting as a career for any extended amount of time, one must love the journey as much as the goal, and even the auditions offer a chance to play in other worlds. I couldn’t pass it by.
Imagine being the guy next to me in an aisle in Target when Scott, our director, called to offer me the chance to play Lady Door. That alone might make a funny short film.
So now I find myself with the amazing opportunity to play nightly in London Below. To slink into the skin of a girl I’ve loved for years. Door’s world is one full of danger that she had, up until recently, felt she had an edge over. Her cunning, charm, position and powers held the dark at bay, coloring it instead with wonder and adventure, but now that her family has been taken from her and the only truly safe place she’s ever known has been rendered “un,” she’s struggling to make sense of it all, to define herself, and to survive. Friendship, possibly love, and even hope might be found within the struggle. Or not. Part of that is left up to you.
Now surround her with a menagerie of some of the most amazing characters brought to life by actors who nightly make my jaw drop, pepper in a heap of adventure, danger and thrills, oodles of heart, and a rather healthy dose of humor and it is just DELICIOUS!
Thank you, beyond words, for this opportunity, Sacred Fools, Scott Leggett, all of our producers, Neil Gaiman and Robert Kauzlaric.
And yes, Universe, I’ve learned my lesson. I will let my fandom be my compass (I’m winking at you, JJ Abrams!) ; )
How about you… man, monster, hero or god, what shall you choose to be?
EQ Tees and NPR!
Very exciting weekend!
An ElfQuest team up with We Love Fine (and the resulting T-shirts) exploded onto the scene up at Emerald City Con this Friday, selling out by the morning of the 2nd day and going like hot cakes online. New designs will be going up all the time :) Get yours here!
Paula also teamed up with Brea Grant and Cathy Baron over their shared NPR obession to creat this NPR Cliffnotes video for the week:
Neverwhere rehearsals continue and things are really shaping up! Can't wait to share London Below with you :)
Adventures!
This week has been Voiceover-tastic! More (longer!) eps of Barbie got recorded and Paula booked a really fun character on a stellar Disney Jr. cartoon! Stay tuned for which one ;) On top of that a fun interview on Sara Fletcher's Meaty Grind:
was posted and an ep of the webseries 8:13
was released featuring a creepy version of a certain tiny redhead. Beyond that, daily rehearsals for Neverwhere have made for a busy busy busy (and amazing) week!
Fan Girl Living the Dream!
It's kinda like living the ultimate fan girl fantasy - after bringing ElfQuest to life and then acquiring the film/TV rights to that beloved comic, Paula now has a callback to play Door in the West Coast premiere of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere (a story she's loved for years as well) at Sacred Fools! Fingers and toes Xed, but regardless, it will be fun to play in that world at the callback :)
2013 in Full Swing!
Such a stellar start to the year! Paula was announced as one of the 9 finalists for the coveted role of Cadet Bradbury in the Space Command films (a project she's been dreaming about for the last 7 months)! She's honored to have made it this far among the other talented actors and looks forward to showing the SC team what she can bring to the role at the callback (she'd make a decidedly more Kaylee from Firefly than Wesley from Next Gen Cadet, but be honest - who would you rather be on a ship with ;) )! She's also been asked to play a role in a big and exciting game/film IP's web series and looks forward to announcing it when she can! ElfQuest plottings are in the works with opportunities to meet with potential team members abounding and one particular team up that's been decided on that shall be shouted from the rooftops soon. She's recording some ADR for Love in the Time of Monsters this week and can't wait to peek at that uber fun film. Later this month she'll be picking up the award for Best Directing in a Web Series along with Stephanie Thorpe at the IFQ Awards show and will be back in the booth recording more episodes of Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse (over 100 million hits on season 1 and they're recording season 3 now!). Sleep is for cats!
ElfQuest!!!
On this epic election day, Paula & her producing partner, Stephanie Thorpe are beyond THRILLED to finally announce that they've teamed up with ElfQuest and will be working to bring the whole story to a screen near you. Read the Variety article here. Today their childhood dream took one more step toward becoming a reality :)
Space Command!!!
After months of anticipation they've announced the finalists (21 down from 1200plus!) for the role of Cadet JN Bradbury in Space Command, an amazing new project that involves so many well-loved scifi regulars (including Paula's amazing Love in the Time of Monsters costar, Doug Jones), and now might involve Paula! She ran accross the project this summer and became enamoured. After meeting the talented Marc Zicree at the Space Command panel at San Diego Comic Con this year she uploaded an audition video and prayed to the casting gods. This week the backers who funded the project are voting and next week the public will be able to weigh in online as well. Fingers Xed that Paula gets to head off into space!
Barbie Season 2
Season 1 saw over 100 million hits worldwide and Season 2 is off to an even more stellar start! Check out Paula as Skipper & Stacie (the middle 2 of Barbie's 3 sisters) in this week's episode and tune in every Friday for more fun:
Lance Crackers is Up & Running!
See Paula in a commercial for Lance Crackers!
Word just came down that the booking is official. The spot will run in regional markets and online at first, then possibly expand in 2013 :) Initially, Paula was called in to read for "Soccer Mom." When the other ladies auditioning were moslty in the 40+ category she felt a tad out of place, but still went in and had fun. When she got the callback, she was sent a different script that had her playing a Southern Belle mom on a porch, but when she arrived that spot had been scrapped. Instead, they had her look down the barrel of the camera ala music videos and give her impression of a hard core rapper. It's days like that that make this industry so fun :) Apparently she missed a calling as a rap star....
Abduction, COMPLETE!
An amazing time was had on set, both weekends, and now Abduction is in the hands of its editor :) Stay tuned!
SHUFFLE screening in LA!
Get your tix now :)
They sold out quickly when we premiered in the Hollywood Film Fest, now after a year on the fest circuit we're coming home before going to DVD. Come out Aug 14th at 7:30 at the Sunset Leammle to celebrate this lovely film!
Get your tix in advance please:
See you there!
See Shuffle in Theaters!
"Shuffle" is now available from the groundbreaking GATHR Films, a service that allows you to bring the movies you want to a theatre near you. They call it "THEATRICAL ON DEMAND" or TOD℠.
How it works:
1. Request a screening of the film in your town.
2. Spread the word.
3. When enough people RSVP, the screening "tips" and...
4. Enjoy the movie in the theatre with an audience!
For those of you out there who have been asking me, "When will 'Shuffle' play in a theatre near me?", the power is now in your hands. Request a screening, tell your friends and make it happen!
Simply:
1. Go to www.shufflethemovie.com and click on the BIG GREEN BUTTON that says "GATHR IT!" (That will take you to SHUFFLE's GATHR page.)
2. Click "Request A New Screening."
3. Follow the prompts.
4. Tell your friends and make it happen!
For those of you on Facebook, the "GATHR IT!" icon can also be found on the top right-hand side of the "Shuffle" Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shufflethemovie
Paula's Getting Abducted!
Paula will be joining the cast of Abduction (Not the Taylor Lautner film) in early July. It's got a fun premise and a has a great cast/crew. Check out the kickstarter page for all the details here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1336875269/abduction/posts
Countdown to Shuffle!
Paula's very first lead in a feature film was in the lovely twilight-zone-esque Shuffle, directed by Kurt Kuenne of Dear Zachary fame, and op TJ Thyne from Bones. She also got to work with Oscar Winner Barny Burman, who aged some of the cast from 21-92. The film has had a most amazing festival run over the last year and has gotten distribution via Screen Media. Watch the trailer here to get excited for August when you can watch the whole film anywhere: