Thanks to a dear friend’s generosity, I attended last night’s Broadway opening of “Ann,” the play about Ann Richards, the former Texas governor. Actress Holland Taylor is both the playwright and star of this one-woman show, and since I share those roles in “How to Draw a Nekkid Man” (formerly “I Will Be Good”), I was very eager to see her performance.
Ms. Taylor was not only a powerhouse and but also the spit of Gov. Richards, who’s story was new to me and remarkable — I had no idea she was a recovering alcoholic, complete with a stay in rehab after an intervention; no idea that her first elected position (county commissioner) was first offered to her husband and when he declined to run, the powers that be then asked Ann (her husband encouraged her to run, and she did, knowing it would be the end of her marriage, which it was); no idea that she started as a contented housewife, making a difference in her immediate community, and ended up a very powerful woman, making a difference throughout our country and the world. No matter your politics, Ann Richards’ story is very inspiring.
As a playwright and performer, I find Holland Taylor’s story very inspiring too. She’s been developing the show for at least four years, culminating in last night’s fantastic opening night. A great example for me of perseverance paying off. Four years since I first debuted the show, I now have a terrific new director on board and a theater lab scheduled for this summer. Hopefully, “How to Draw a Nekkid Man” will be coming soon to a theater near you!
In the meantime, here’s an interview with Holland Taylor, which features some clips from the show as well. Enjoy!
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