Lisa Wollney - Los Angeles, CA, "Hughie"
Lori Fennell - Los Angeles, CA, "Hughie"

Lisa Wollney at "Hughie" in L.A.

Hello! I'm back!!!

I'm so excited to finally be able to write this up for all of you!! I read Lori's update posts the last few days to see what you already know, so now I'll fill in the details. I'll go step by step with my "Al encounters", to give you the most detailed report.

We arrived in LA Friday afternoon, and immediately headed down to the Mark Taper Forum to scope the place out. This theater is right in the middle of three theaters, so you have access to the entire building. We walked around, found the stage entrance and tried to figure out how Al would come and go. We set a time to come back to the theater to see if we could see him arrive for the evening, but as we later found out, we were too late. This guy is so dedicated that he had been arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 each evening for an 8:00 show! Anyway, by the time 7:45 arrived, we knew he must have already arrived, so we went into the theater to get seated.

The Mark Taper Forum is really a nice place! It is very small, with seats in a half circle around the stage. Our seats for Friday's show were in row L, which is about half way back, and a little off to the left. We had a perfect view of the stage. The stage itself was set up very simply, with a "V" shaped desk, which was for the night clerk, at the back of the stage, a clock suspended from the ceiling, two chairs closer to the audience (one on each side of the stage), and two brass pots next to each chair. (The brass pots are for Al to flick his MANY cigarettes in. Hopefully he's still just smoking the herbal kind!)

As 8:00 approached I started to get really anxious! At 8:10, the lights dimmed, and when they came back on, Paul Benedict was sitting at the desk. Then, you hear a door open and footsteps. My heart was racing because I knew it was Al!!! I wanted to jump up and down and clap or something, with excitement, but no one else did, so I just kept it to myself. The play is wonderful. Al is wonderful. How much can I possibly say about the acting talents of this man? For those of you that have read the play, which I highly recommend doing if you are going to see it, (and even for those of you who aren't) I never imagined the character Al plays as being so emotional. Al played it beautifully. And he looks great. (Gush alert!) As Lori mentioned, Al got rid of the beard, which I was sorry to see. But since Al's character is a down and out sort of guy, he has some facial growth. In fact, it looked as though Al hadn't shaved in 4 or 5 days. And the poor baby's beard is really gray. But he still looks wonderful. His hair is still the same style as in Pat's picture, pretty short. In Hughie, Al wears a terrible looking tan suit and tie, and has a hat, which does a number on his hair. But you don't really care how he looks, because you know it's Al Pacino!

Anyway, Lori also mentioned that I met the man! Well, I did! After the performance, we hightailed it out of the theater to the stage entrance, where there were things set up for us the line up against. But there was really no one there, so I thought that maybe they were set up to throw us off. One woman was standing there who looked like she knew something, so I asked her if she knew whether Al was going to be coming out this door, and she said "Yes! At about 9:30!" We didn't budge. I still found it very unusual that there was really no one there. I mean, I think that there were only maybe 5 or 6 of us waiting! But, at 9:35, Al Pacino himself walked out of the theater and right up to me! I stuck out my hand and I think told him it was a pleasure to meet him (I was pretty nervous), he shook my hand and said "Oh, thank you!" And then he signed my program. I spent the next few minutes (seconds??) taking pictures and I got some good ones too! (I'll put them up in the vault as soon as I get a chance to get them scanned.)

Then it was over, just like that. But I really wanted a picture with him, so I guess I sort of chased him down. When I reached him, (I still can't believe I did this) I said, "Al, I know you are anxious to get out of here, but could we please take another picture?" In the picture, I have my hand on Al's shoulder and he has his hand on my arm! What a thrill! I still just look at the pictures and can't believe it actually happened.

Onto Tuesday. I really didn't have much to do that day, so I again tried to scope out Al coming into the theater, and went down there at about 5:00 in the evening. At 6:15, I was standing there with a lady who wanted him to sign, and I actually had to point him out to her! Imagine! Anyway, he was all smiles, looking beautiful in a black suit and a black silk shirt. I took a few pictures, smiled, and said "See you tonight!" He just smiled.

Tuesday night's show was wonderful also. Since I had already seen that play, I spent this viewing complete focused on Al. I don't think I gave poor Paul Benedict a second glance. I looked at his hands, watching as he ran them through his hair, which he does a LOT! Here is an interesting thing (maybe gross!) I noticed. Al spits a whole lot when he talks! I mean, we are talking a lot and long range! I wouldn't want to be Paul Benedict in some of those scenes! But he is so intense that I am sure that's just what happens!

After the play, there there were a lot more people waiting at the stage entrance. They must have beefed up security in the few days since we had been there, because there was this big guy telling people where to stand if they wanted autographs. I told him that I didn't want an autograph, just pictures, and asked if it was okay for me to stand closer to the door. He said okay, figuring that I wasn't going to present a big threat to Al. Imagine little 5 foot me harming Al! Even Al is bigger than me! Same time, Al comes out, and I got some more pictures before the big guy pushed me out of the way.

Well, that's it. End of story. Back to reality now. I'm depressed that this trip is over. Having spend 4 months looking forward to it, it sure did go by fast. I'm sure there is something else I have forgotten, so feel free to ask any questions!

Ciao!

Lisa

 

 

Lori Fennell at "Hughie" in L.A.

Ok you Pacino fanatics, I have finally settled down enough to write out my long version of my Al encounter and the review of Hughie as requested. I loved reading both Lisa's and Ricky's accounts, so I guess it is now my turn. You're next Susan :)

All I can say is "WOW" !!! Al just left me breathless! When he first walked on the stage, I thought I was going to die.

I was sitting in row C (3rd row) and Al was facing me almost the entire play. It was perfect. My eyes never left him for a second. I'm glad I read the play before I saw it now. I knew what to expect and I saw what a fantastic stage actor Al really was. Not that I doubted his acting ability, what with 8 academy award nominations, 2 in one year, 1 win, Obies and 2 Tony awards etc. I was completely captivated by his performance, as always.

I knew I couldn't take pictures during the performance (but when has that ever stopped me ;) I wanted a photo of Al "on the stage" really bad, so I waited for his final bow and I pulled out my camera and took the picture.

Mine was the only flash going off in the theater (yes that was me Ricky), but I would have wrestled anyone to the ground who tried to take my camera away. When it comes to Al Pacino.... what I want...is what I WANT!! Yes Lisa, we are self-indulgent ...you betcha!!

My sister and I arrived Tuesday afternoon. (Lisa: the friend I was going with couldn't go, so Teri, who you met with me at Coppola's went with me) She wasn't a big Pacino fan, but she sure is now. We had a blast.

We also stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel. We walked over to the theater and scoped out the stage door entrance. My anticipation level was going straight through the roof.

There was this great bar & restaurant under the Dorothy Candler Pavilion called "Otto's". It was serving the most fantastic alcohol beverages with the names of Pacino's movies. I especially liked the taste of "Sea of Love" and "Scent of a Woman". I must confess to stealing a copy of the drinks menu. My passion for Pacino has driven me to a life of crime! LOL! Michael Corleone would be so proud :)

The nice thing about the menu was it told you what was in the drinks and how to make them. You could have also ordered a "Godfather", Hughie, "Scarface", "Dog Day Afternoon" as well as "Sea of Love" and "Scent of a Woman". (aaahhhh ...the taste of Al.... huh you Phd's ;)

Needless to say, I was in a great mood for the play!!!

When the play was over they announced there was going to be a discussion about the show and possibly "Mr Benedict or Mr Pacino" would appear. I didn't know what to do. Stay in the theater and possible hear Al speak or go outside to the stage door. I was afraid I was going to miss him either way. The artistic director was the one to speak and after about 15 minutes, I was getting anxious. "Something" told me to go outside, so we got up and left. There was about 10 people waiting and we got at the back of the line. Within 2 minutes... Al walks out! whew!!!!

He had changed and was dressed all in black (just like a recent dream I had) He was all tanned and his hair was stunning. He was very attractive and taller then I thought he would be. Taller than me :) I couldn't believe how hot that man looked. He doesn't look his age at all. Of course he had the unshaven beard for the part of Hughie but that even *did it* for me.

As Al was approaching me I was taking pictures. I then took out an 8 x 10 picture of him in "Frankie & Johnny". I handed it to him and he smiled and signed it. I said thank you and he said "You're Welcome". I about peed my pants. That voice....so sexy..... Groooowl......!!

He then turned and started to run off to the stairs. I started to follow but the bodyguard said stay back. It all happened very fast. He looked adorable running off.

I was "floating". I got pictures AND an autograph! I was pumped. I'm sure you can imagine! I just knew I would be back the next night. I had the 'scent of Al' and I definitely wanted more.

Teri and I did the Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu stuff the next day. We went and took more pictures of Al's handprints at Mann's Chinese Theater. I realized I only brought one picture of Al with me in hopes of an autograph, so I bought another 8x10 in Hollywood. Since Al loved Scarface, I bought a picture of him as Tony Montana.

I couldn't wait to get back to the theater that night. A few more "Sea of Love's" to drink and we were ready :)

This time I couldn't believe how many more people were waiting then the night before. I also noticed a lot more security around as well and the same big bodyguard (but not Lou his usual bodyguard). We figured we were lucky the night before so we stayed near the end of the line again.

First, Paul Benedict came out and my sister got his autograph but my mind was only on one track-- the Al track.

My heart was racing. It seemed like forever. Finally Al came out and everyone applauded. The night before everyone seemed stunned and very quiet. The two nights seemed very different.

Because there were a lot more people Wednesday night, I noticed people starting to crowd around Al, but he was smiling and seemed very up. His bodyguard and the security seemed up tight though. I was fumbling around with my camera but I decided to cross the barrier and hand him the Scarface picture, which he signed. I was practically in his face. I was standing so close to him that my arm was brushing up against his arm while he was signing. *sigh*

I had an overwhelming urge to touch his face or hair but I restrained myself. I guess my immense respect for him out-weighed my desire to *do him* DAMN !!!

Anyway, he scooted away towards the stairs again. For some unexplained reason :) I walked right after him. He was like a magnet. It was probably the same reason you ran after him Lisa. My sister said I was the only one following him, but I wasn't paying attention. Tunnel vision again.

When I got to the top of the stairs, I started clicking away with my camera. Then about half way down the stairs, Al stopped & turned around. (probably to see who the crazy person was, who taking pictures in the dark) At that very moment, he flashed the most gorgeous smile at me and waved. I just lowered my camera, smiled, waved back and said "bye". For that one moment in time it was only *me & Al and a personal exchange*. I could have melted. I know that sounds a bit melodramatic, but that was just the way it was. He then got into the back of a dark jeep cherokee or something and was gone....

Well, if I was in heaven the night before, this night really had me going. The whole adventure was worth every penny.

Joan: If I thought finally seeing Al would get him out of my system, I was sadly mistaken- I am more hooked now then ever before. Oh well, I might as well just sit back and enjoy the ride :)

My last day in LA, I spent picking up Pacino (and Mel Gibson, my other passion) memorabilia and did some shopping. Before we left LA we stopped for one more "Sea of Love" and we were off. It was sad leaving but I had a very satisfied feeling. And for you PhD's- it was a great and orgasmic adventure ;)

So that's the whole story..... my pictures came out fairly decent. I wish I had gotten more. As soon as I can fix my scanner & printer, I'll put them up in the vault. I've been having some techno problems the last 2 weeks :(

I am glad we have TWO (not one) new Pacino movie coming out this fall. It will make this transition back to reality easier.

TTYL,
Lori F.

 

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