Well, my friends, we’re back home after a 12+ hour day/night in NYC. Yesterday was all about basking in the glow of everything that happened – and napping in the afternoon.
We left home around 2:30 in the afternoon and arrived in Manhattan around 4ish. After locating the parking structure that we chose because of its proximity to the afterparty we would be attending, we grabbed some pizza at a nearby restaurant.
Don took this picture of me in our booth. (I am my mother’s daughter. The smile you’re seeing is courtesy of Shirley Hill.)
And then he persuaded the waitress to take a picture of us.
We grabbed an Uber and arrived at the theater a bit too early, so we had to wait outside for a while. Lots of people watching. The whole thing was fascinating: a lot of the audience consisted of people who had worked on the movie in some capacity – and family and friends, of course. But a lot of it was comprised of social media “influencers” – a term I detest – and people on “Tik Tok.” This is clearly part of movie publicity these days. They want to reach out to those who have a big following and, hopefully, have them share their experience.
(Bill Irwin, Sally, Jim, and Ben.)
We were sitting with Jim and Todd’s production company staff. We had great seats.
The head honcho of Focus Pictures came out on the stage and spoke about the movie, then he introduced the director, Michael Showalter, who introduced Michael Ausiello – the author, Ben Aldridge (the man I coached,) Bill Irwin, Jim Parsons, and Sally Field. (Sally had just come from filming a late night talk show and I don’t think she stayed to watch the film.)
Then, the film. It’s wonderful. Seeing the final cut was so powerful. I was taken on a ‘remembrance tour’ of all the scenes and locations; places where I traveled all over NYC and beyond, scenes I’d watched being filmed, sets on the soundstage. So many memories! Such joy in seeing the entire movie, edited and assembled in the best possible way. Some bits were missing; they had been cut on the editing room floor, but most everything that I remembered was there. The cast is delicious. Jim and Ben have wonderful chemistry, which we witnessed during the filming but boy does that chemistry pop on screen! Sally and Bill are wonderful. The supporting cast is excellent. And it all comes together beautifully. Don was leaning forward in his seat the whole time and I caught him crying.
I can’t say enough about how much I love this movie.
On the way into the city, I reminded Don that I only had two lines in the hospital room scene. When we were filming it, I initially had more dialogue and I think we filmed a couple of takes where I spoke all the lines. But then, Michael asked me to cut part of them, which I was fine about. The majority of takes were with the new, edited version. I was just trying to get through the filming without disgracing myself!
So when the time came for my scene, Don grabbed my hand. I watched myself say the first line, and then, lo and behold, the lines that were cut were back in the scene! I actually missed some of the scene because I was still processing the fact that I was saying something up on that screen that I barely remembered saying. And the camera stayed on me the whole time – no cut aways, no coverage from another actor. There we all were: Jim, Ben, me, Sally, and Bill. What a gift!
Don kept pumping my hand the whole time. He was so excited!
So my scene is a wee bit longer than I thought it would be. It was a lovely surprise. I think I did well. Don was over the moon – remember, I had stopped acting by the time I met him, so he’s never really seen me act. Given the fact that I had more screen time (and lines) than I had expected, the messages I had been receiving from Michael Ausiello and Jim saying I was “wonderful!” in the scene made more sense. Oh my heavens. What an honor to be sharing the screen with those wonderful people. My cup runneth over.
But we want to see it again when it hits the theaters. I need to see the scene again knowing what’s coming and Don is crazy about the movie, as am I, so we’ll hit a daytime matinee soon.
Jim and Ben are so darned wonderful in this movie.
Of course, I was hired to coach Ben and half-way through, Don whispered to me, “I forgot that Ben is British! He sounds completely American!” That makes me happy.
This movie is funny and quirky and touching and heartbreaking. But it’s really about love. I’m so proud to have been a part of it. Truly, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cheers from the audience at the end, and unlike most audiences, thank God, they watched all the credits. I have two credits under two names: Dialect Coach – Claudia Hill-Sparks, and Nurse Claudia – Claudia Hill. Whoo hoo!
I’m so thankful for my husband who is my biggest supporter and fan. And for Jim, who, 24 years after I first met him and auditioned him for the MFA program, is my friend and colleague.
We went to the afterparty which was at the top of a hotel with spectacular views on all sides of various parts of the skyline. It was a clear night, so we saw it at its best. Lots and lots of people there but my heavens, the music was so loud it was hard to hear anyone. I felt like I was yelling all night long. No one was dancing, so why the loud music? It would have been so much better with jazz playing quietly so we could have real conversations.
It was too dark for any good quality pictures (I’ve edited the heck out of this one and I’m sure not as tall as I used to be) but here I am with Jim and Brian Hutchison, who is another former student from my time at the Old Globe. He and Jim are close friends and it was great to see him and meet his husband. I’m looking a little tired at this point, which I was, as well as exhausted from yelling. Brian has had a wonderful career as an actor and he’s currently in rehearsal to take over a role in a production on Broadway.
Quick story: When I suddenly had to take on the role of the nurse, I was told by the producers that I had to keep it quiet; which is typical for any production. And I did. I didn’t even share it with you until I was sure I was still in the movie and that was several months later. But, on the day I filmed it, I got a message from Brian on IG saying “Hey! I heard you’re in the movie!” Jim had obviously immediately shared the news with Brian, which made me laugh. So much for secrecy!
We left around 12:30 because we had a two hour drive ahead of us. I think we pulled into the drive around 2:15 am.
What a day and night!
I am so grateful, enormously grateful.
Don and I are still basking in the glow of the whole thing.
Oh, and Don was watching Kelly and Ryan yesterday morning to see Jim, and Jim mentioned me again!
And my birthday copy of the new Louise Penny arrived while we were away.
Today, we shop for a Christmas tree.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Claudia, I smiled the whole time reading this post. I’m so glad you had such a lovely evening! I absolutely loved the book, Spoiler Alert, and can’t wait to see the movie. It will be in our theatres next week.
Life is good! What a wonderful experience, and we get to live it through you.
Thank you,
Anne
Lovely couple. I love Sally and always have. Not familiar with Jim, Ben etc. Bill Irwin on Law and Order SVU and once on Blue bloods I think. Glad you had a wonderful time. Glad you liked your part in the movie. I have been sick but still reading your blog. Missed tgiving totally.
great write-up about and photos from a very special night! thank you for sharing and thanks to don and the server for some photos, too.
you and don look wonderful … and that necklace was a pretty and excellent choice with your dress, too.
and that jim spoke about you on another tv show and a sure-to-be-good book/present arrived is like frosting on a cake.
well-done and well-deserved, claudia!
i am very happy for you!
hope you and don have an opportunity to see the movie again soon and enjoy it all over again.
hopefully i can see it, too. if i do, i will take photos of you on the big screen and send them to you.
again, very happy for you!
happy, safe thursday to you, don and everyone else.
kathy
Wow! It all sounds very exciting! Glad you had such a nice time and that you got to act in the movie. Lovely, unforgettable memories for you!
So glad you and Don had a fabulous night out! You both deserve it and looked beautiful and handsome. <3 I can't wait to see the movie!
What a night! I’m so happy for you. It must be a high light of your career.
I’m looking forward to seeing this movie.
Hope you find the perfect tree today.
Take care
How much fun! My family always stays to read all the credits–we want to acknowledge all the people who work on a movie, and there are always interesting little bits you discover. Now I will have to tell my family that I “know” one of those names! And now I have to read the book and go see the movie. Congratulations!
Oh, how exciting for you both!!!
I would love to see the movie.
It is an experience you will never forget. I am envious.
Marion
One of those red-letter days and nights! So glad your had such a nice time, no bad weather to drive in, etc. You looked great, Claudia; Don, too.
I couldn’t wait to read your story this morning. It all seems very exciting to this small town Kansas girl…driving into the big city and viewing the city lights from an upper level celebration! I visited Jersey City several times as a small child to visit my grandparents and was enamored that we could see the Statue of LIberty from their third story bedroom. That memory still feels very large! Sounds like the experience was lovely…thank you for sharing…
So happy for you both!! Congrats on screen credits and the respect of cast and crew. Wonderful memories!
Your day couldn’t have been any more perfect, Claudia. Talk about a terrific Tuesday. It will be such a good memory for you and Don. You both looked great. Sally was on Late Night with Stephen Colbert Tuesday night to discuss the movie. She was so funny at times. I think she has a spark for Stephen. They were kissing, yes, they were, lol, all very innocent. Hope you find the perfect tree. I’d be curious to know how much they cost in your neck of the woods. Here they start around $65 and go up from there. Hugs, Elaine
Oh what a glorious evening for you! I couldn’t help smiling all the way through your post. And, a great surprise that your part was extended, too. So happy for you! An unprecedented evening I’m sure you will treasure, and not soon to forget.
Good luck with the tree shopping! ;)
Oh Claudia, I knew it would it would be wonderful, but your description and the expression of joy and gratitude made my heart full. Blessings to you and Don as you continue celebrating this achievement. By the way you looked lovely! Sherry B.
Claudia: Huge congratulations! Next stop . . . Grauman’s Chinese for your feet in cement! :-) So happy for my friend I’ve never met. Chris
How wonderful the entire day sounded! I can’t wait to see you up on the silver screen! Bravo, bravo to Jim for making such a great film. This posting has filled me with so much love. I can feel my heart rejoicing for you and Don!
Claudia, I’m very pleased that you and Don had such a once-in-a-lifetime evening. Relive often the entire experience from coaching to connecting with new friends and reconnecting with old to voicing your lines to the premiere. The memories are sure to put a grin on your face.
Claudia thank you so much for sharing your wonderful evening and memories.
Joy
That sounds absolutely wonderful, thank you for sharing and congratulations on the movie,
Congratulations on such a wonderful evening! Loved reading about it.
What a magical night you had. Thank you very much for sharing the joy and love with your readers. Hoping you find the perfect tree to add more sparkle to your home. What a gracious person you are to have such loving friends …kept through the years. May the start of Advent bring even more lobe and joy into your life.
Thank you for sharing your joyous evening with us.
Oh my Gosh! I’m so happy for you! I haven’t been to the movies in years but I’m going to your movie! Can’t wait to see it!
Well done and well deserved, Claudia! I can’t wait to see the movie.
I’ve reserved the newest Louise Penny at my library and am 504th in line for 43 available copies. It will be a lengthy wait, but a nice surprise when the library finally notifies me that I can have it.
I think I will buy it when it comes out in DVD. Would love to see such a movie with you in it.
Thank you for taking us on journey through the Premiere. Absolutely thrilling. Great photo of you and Don taken by the Waitress!
What a wonderful evening for you and Don! Great pictures, glad you enjoyed it so much.
Such a fantastic night for you and Don. What a wonderful surprise for you to have your extended scene in the movie! Congratulations on a lovely evening. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
I looked forward to your post today. So happy you had a wonderful time and are in the movie. I hope I will get to see it. Since I have been reading your posts I feel like I know you and Don and now I know a movie star waitress!!! Enjoy the limelight you so deserve it, God Bless you and keep you and Don happy and safe.
Wonderful post, Claudia! And my New Louise Penny came today!
I’m so excited for you. Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes to town. Sounds like the evening was magical.
What a wonderful experience! So much fun to read about it. You and Don look fabulous. I’m very happy for you!!
So excited to hear of your fabulous night…what an experience! I can’t wait to see the movie and see your name in the credits!
Sounds like a perfect afternoon/evening! It will be fun watching Nurse Claudia on the big screen! I especially love how Jim has treated you through this process … so generous in his acknowledgement of you❤
P.S. Both you, and Don, looked amazing!
I am so thrilled for you. The excitement is in every word of this post and I so happy it went well and you had more lines and screen time then you thought. I will be going to see this movie for sure. What a night. Congrats my friend.
What Joy! Thank you for sharing this wonderful life you have!
You look beautiful and Don looks handsome.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience ! I actually had chills while reading this! I hope this movie becomes such a big hit that your name shows up one day in NYT crossword puzzles!
Claudia, what a magical last day of November you and Don had! Thank you for sharing! You will replay both the filming and yesterday over and over and I know you will be smiling from ear to ear.
And congratulations on being named in the credits twice! Enjoy the glow!!
What an exciting day all around! It must have been a bit surreal to see yourself in the movie. I’m so glad that you shared your experience, and I can’t wait to see the movie too. I will be anxiously waiting for NURSE Claudia to appear. So thrilled for you!
I’ve been seeing the trailers for the movie playing in our area of Texas over the last ten days or so. I am anxious to see it, but with Evusheld losing its effectiveness, I’ll probably have to wait until it’s available to me at home. Congratulations, Claudia!
Yay, all great!
Now go rest :)
This is just terrific, Claudia. I’m so glad it lived up to/exceeded expectations and extra fun to have the extended scene in the final cut! I’ve been seeing previews often on TV/hearing on NPR. It’s getting lots of buzz. The event sounds terrific but what really warms my heart is hearing your excitement and happiness in your words. I love it all!
Thanks so much, Jeanie.
Stay safe.