December 31, 2005 : In love with a 'Dangerous' role
By John Black, contributing writer
Boston - Like a lot of actors, Michael T. Weiss got his start on a soap opera, playing Dr. Michael Horton on "Days of Our Lives" for five years. Unlike a lot of actors, Weiss has been able to make the leap from soaps to prime time, with more than a few stops on the big screen along the way.
"I'm a lucky guy because I've had the chance to switch from one medium to the other fairly regularly, and it wasn't so long ago that you couldn't," Weiss said. "If you did TV you didn't do movies, and if you did daytime TV that's all you could do. I don't miss doing daytime TV, but it was a great experience for me. I learned so much. It's like doing a different play five days a week."
"That was the great thing about playing Jarod on 'The Pretender," he continued, referring to the NBC show (1996-2000) on which he played a person with the ability to slide into somebody else's personality. "I got to be a different character every week, so I never became bored or got pigeonholed by other people. That was the best character on television, in my opinion, at the time. Every day he was in a different world. I would step out of my trailer and be on a different planet each week, as opposed to being on 'ER' where you're standing there holding a scalpel week after week."
Playing such a broad range of characters in the past, Weiss said, is what gives him the ability to tackle his latest role, playing the Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" at Boston University Theatre.
"It's a classic that transcends time," Weiss said of the play, written by Christopher Hampton, as well as the original book written by Choderlos de Laclos. "It's all about human relationships and how we tend to manipulate each other for our own personal gains and how all that can come and bite us in the tuchis. The novel is so genius. It's written as a series of letters written between these various lovers and it's a great read. It was banned in Paris as being completely scandalous, so of course everybody read it because it was so deliciously sexy and dirty."
Along with being a smash hit on Broadway, "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" - or "Dangerous Liaisons" as it is translated - also has been made into several successful movies, including the Oscar-winning 1988 film directed by Stephen Frears and starring John Malkovich in the role of Valmont.
"He's such a fantastic character to play. He's an angel on the outside and a devil on the inside," Weiss said. "He's manipulative, he's charming, he's funny, he's twisted and tortured. Anybody who sets out to break someone's heart as a game, something's going on there that isn't quite right."
Just how he planned to make his Valmont different from the other interpretations was something Weiss wasn't sure how to answer when this interview was conducted, since he'd been in rehearsals for only a few days and, in his words, "hadn't even begun to scratch the surface" of the part.
"The only thing I've learned so far is that this is far and away the most difficult role I've ever played," he said with a smile. "The demands of playing Valmont are huge. I tend to be drawn to playing characters that have different layers and who go on a journey, and Valmont's arc is incredible. He starts out believing that love and relationships are a game, and he ends up being ensnared by his own manipulations. He has a lot of regrets by the end of this play. Plus he's sexy and interesting."

"Les Liaisons Dangereuses"
Written by: Christopher Hampton
Directed by: Daniel Goldstein
Presented by: Huntington Theatre Company
Where: Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave.
When: Friday through Feb. 5 (daily schedule varies; for specific showtimes, call 617-266-0800 or visit www.huntingtontheatre.org)
Tickets: $15-$70

Tracked down: Cohasset homegal Kate Bosworth rushing to the ladies loo at Davio's "about five times" during dinner with her hunky Hollywood honey Orlando Bloom ... "The Pretender" aka Michael T. Weiss, in town for a gig at the Huntington Theatre Company, leaving the Shops at the Prudential Center with a bag from See's Candies ...
Drop dimes to trackgals@bostonherald.com or 617-619-6488.
Copyright 2005 Boston Herald

The Huntington Theatre has released the first two photos of Michael T. Weiss as the Vicomte de Valmont and Louisa Krauss as Cécile.
Very large versions of these yummy photos by Derek Kouyoumjian can be downloaded here.

The Boston Herald; 12/21/2005; Gayle Fee, Laura Raposa with Erin Hayes
A lust for theater: Michael Weiss, who will always be 'The Pretender' to us, begins rehearsals today for the Huntington Theatre Company's production of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses,' the sexually charged look at love and lust in 18th century France. The play opens Jan. 6 at the Boston University Theatre. Weiss, who stars as the dangerous Vicomte Valmont, last performed at the Huntington in last year's production of 'Burn This.'
Copyright 2005 Boston Herald

Games of love and lust in 18th century Paris play out on a stunningly stylized, mirrored stage as the Huntington Theatre Company presents Christopher Hampton's award-winning play "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" from Jan. 6 to Feb. 5, 2006 at the Boston University (B.U.) Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston.

In this seductive and fiercely witty drama, the beautiful and cunning La Marquise de Merteuil (played by Tasha Lawrence) enlists her partner-in-crime Le Vicomte de Valmont, (TV and movie star Michael T. Weiss), to seduce her former lover's bride-to-be in this adaptation of the original novel by Choderlos de Laclos.
Director Daniel Goldstein has opted for a stylish, non-classical approach to what he calls "a massive production." But the production will be true to the original intent of the text. The multi-layered set, designed by Drama Desk Award-winner James Noone, is a dizzying array of mirrors, staircases, and spirals that Goldstein describes as "a cyclone swirling around Valmont that makes the play move like lightning."
Goldstein says the costumes, by newcomer Erin Chainani, are inspired by contemporary fashion "with the silhouette of period clothes, but not the traditional fabrics. Some of Valmont's clothes in this show are inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's personal style. And one of Madame de Volanges' gowns is an 18th Century version of Hillary Clinton's inaugural dress.
An original score, created by composer Loren Toolajian is inspired by a modern jazz harpsichord composition. "Loren broke the rules for period music - the score has a pounding, pulsing feel to it," Goldstein says.

This production contains nudity and adult situations.

Approximate running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes; including 1 intermission

The cast of the Huntington's Les Liaisons Dangereuses includes (in alphabetical order):
Jeff Barry - Le Chevalier Danceny ; James Bodge - Major-Domo ; Alice Duffy - Madame de Rosemonde ; Seth Fisher - Azolon ; Jennie Israel - §«milie ; Louisa Krause - Cécile ; Tasha Lawrence - La Marquise de Merteuil ; Ann Talman - Madame de Volanges ; Michael T. Weiss - Le Vicomte de Valmont ; Yvonne Woods - La Présidente de Tourvel

Calendar - Related Events:
Jan. 10 Sneak Preview: Presentation by a member of the Huntington's artistic staff, featuring contextual background and production-related information, 6:30pm in the theatre. Free with ticket purchase; call 617-266-0800.
Jan. 11 Press Night: Media only. 7:30pm
Jan. 12 Night Club: For theatregoers 35 and under to mingle with staff, artists, and each other. Pre-show reception at 6pm and post-show backstage tour included. Free with ticket purchase; call 617-266-0800.
Jan. 19 College Night: For college students to mingle with staff, artists and each other. Post-show party and backstage tour included. Free with ticket purchase; call 617-266-0800.
Jan. 22 Humanities Forum is a lively discussion about the issues and ideas presented in the production, featuring M.I.T. professor and French historian Jeffrey Ravel. After 2pm show. Free with ticket purchase; call 617-266-0800.
Jan. 25 Out & About Club: For members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities to mingle with staff, artists and each other. Pre-show reception at 6pm at Top of the Hub Restaurant and a post-show backstage tour included. Free with ticket purchase; call 617-266-0800.
Jan. 27 ASL-Interpreted Performance: For audience members who are deaf, this 2pm performance will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY 617-424-0694.
Jan. 19 and Feb. 1 Actors Forum: Participating members of the Les Liaisons Dangereuses cast will appear after the 2pm performance to answer audience questions. Free with ticket purchase; call 617-266-0800.

For more information read the Huntington press release.

The release of the 3rd season of The Pretender on DVD in the US is announced for February 14, 2006. Here is the first look of the cover.

I just learned today, that Michael is 'no longer a client' of Untitled Entertainment. Unfortunately I don't have a new address to send fanmail for him to yet. :((

I'm a fan of Jamie, so no complaints about this addition:
James Denton, known also as Mr. Lyle or Mike Delfino (all desperate housewives favorite plumber), and future host of the Miss America Pageant, will be participating in a reading being done for a screenplay for a baseball related feature film by the preliminary title of "Out At Short" in February 2006.
Some of the other celebs who will likely be involved (schedules permitting) are: Ron Glass (Barney Miller, Firefly, Serenity), Jon Polito (Threshold, The Honeymooners, Venus and Vegas), Doug Savant (Melrose Place, Godzilla, Desperate Housewives) and Amy Pietz (Caroline In The City, The Whole Ten Yards, Rodney).
The reading will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 8pm in 'The Regency Room' at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, CA. There will be a cocktail reception following the reading, where you can rub elbows with the cast. Hors d¡¯oeuvres will be served and there will be an open bar.
Tickets for each seat are $150.00. Each ticket includes one seat for the reading, a spot at the cocktail reception that follows the reading, trips to the open bar and a donation to the Cure Autism Now foundation.
During this special pre-sale period, there are no limits on how many seats each person can purchase. If you pay for your seats prior to the end of the year, a receipt that can be used with your 2005 US tax return, for your tax-deductible donation to Cure Autism Now, will be sent to you via the U.S. Postal Service. The tax-deduction is only eligible for guests living in the US though.
For detailed information and how to order your tickets see James Denton's official website.
As far as I know, Michael T. Weiss won't be part of this reading :(

On November 1, Michael attended the US premiere of Richard Gere and Juliette Binoche's latest movie "Bee Season" in New York. The after party was held at the IFC Center in the historic Waverly Theater at 323 Avenue of the Americas. That's where photographers caught him, sporting a beard that looks like he'll audition for a part in 'The Fiddler on the Roof' any time soon. Enjoy the smile though!
Big thanks to Kelly for taking time out from her extremely hectic schedule to make these photos available.
Bee Season synopsis: Richard Gere, who plays a Talmudic scholar and Juliette Binoche as a couple whose marriage goes into meltdown when their 11-year-old daughter Eliza's (Flora Cross) unexpected success at a spelling bee throws her family into turmoil. Also starring are Orlando Bloom 's girlfriend Kate Bosworth and Max Minghella (son of director Anthony Minghella).

I received the following email from FOX, Date: Wed, Nov 2 2005, 9:34:38am :
Hello,
We have a release date of February 14, 2005 (Season 3). Thank you for contacting us!
Thank you,
Fox Consumer Services

You can tell when sales of a show are good, the studio keeps cranking the sets out: February 14, 2006 will mark the 3rd Pretender season set FOX has released in less than a year. The first set came out in March 2005.
For a list of the episodes and eventual extras see: TV Shows on DVD from 11/03/05.

Jill Sorensen just informed me, that her movie Marmalade won three Slate Awards at the 2005 California Independent Film Festival this weekend, more than any of the other movies this year:
Best Picture - Marmalade
Best Director - Kim Dempster for Marmalade
Best Actress - Jill Sorensen in Marmalade
The other awards went to:
Best Student Film - Chaos Theory ; Best Short - Bad Blood ; Best Foreign Short - What's Love Doing in the Mountains? ; Best Music Video - United ; Best Mini Short - Broken ; Best Animation - Emelia ; Best Documentary - Colorblind ; Best Editing - Be Very Quiet ; Best Cinematography - Dry Whiskey ; Best Score - Max & Grace ; Martin Landau Award for Acting Excellence - David Krumholtz in Max & Grace ; Screenplay Contest Winner - Road to Y ; 2005 Audience Award - Taking Your Life
Special awards went to:
2005 Lifetime Achievement Award - Rita Moreno ; 2005 Golden Slate Award - director John Badham ; Spirit Award - Robert Hays (Airplane)

Sledge, a hilarious mockumentary about the meteoric rise and brutal fall of a Chippendale dancer turned action star (in which Michael T. Weiss play a swinging and swaying 'druglord' with a huge handlebar moustache) is screening at the 2005 American Film Market, held in Santa Monica, CA from Nov. 2 - 9, 2005 on
Wednesday 11/2, 1:00pm - Fairmont
Sunday 11/6, 11:00am - Fairmont
It seems that these are screenings only for industry people and film buyers, not for fans. But good luck trying to get in.

Weekend in Chicago, seeing "The Pretender"
We just got back from my cousin-in-law's wedding in Chicago. The most notable thing was that, as we were waiting for a cab from O'Hare to our hotel, my wife pointed out to me that right behind us in line was Michael T. Weiss, who starred as supergenius Jarod in "The Pretender," one of my favorite shows from the 1990s (kind of like "The Fugitive" crossed with "Real Genius," with healthy doses of an "The X-Files"-like conspiracy backdrop involving "The Centre").
I waited until he was in a lull in his conversation with his friend/assistant/bodyguard? and then told him that I loved his show. He smiled and said, "Thank you."
Having spent much of my life in Los Angeles, I can't help but have seen numerous celebrities in person. It makes you a little less star-struck, perhaps, and in any event, I can see how celebrities might feel hassled if they're constantly asked for autographs, pictures, etc. Hopefully, a polite acknowledgment of how much I enjoyed his work on "The Pretender" was appreciated.
Posted by Tung Yin on October 31, 2005 at 12:38 PM on The Yin Blog.

From an email from Anthony Stagliano:
... We have just finished a marathon editing session that was about eight weeks. The film should be completely finished by the middle of autumn (I shall not put a more specific timeframe than that, for fear of embarrassing myself when I break it).
Abelard and Heloise are featured in the film, both in person and in spirit. I am, as usual, reluctant to be more specific than that.
As for casting, we were fortunate to get the actors we asked for in the roles that we wanted them. Everyone involved was consummately professional and of the highest level of talent, which reflects in the final film. I couldn't be happier with the performances. ...

So Paul Washburn, 1st AD on FADE, creator of its official web site, and an artist in his own rights in his other life, kindly gave permission that I use the description of the movie from his site:
FADE:
A sleepless man's body won't give out, and he chooses pain to overcome his maddening condition. Caught up in his disturbing exit plan is his wife who succumbs to the madness that drives them to resort to shocking tactics trying to put an end to the unrest.
The narrative cross-cuts between the rattled world of Arthur, and the confused existence of his wife Anna, both trying to make sense of a world in which a condition can overtake and destroy their lives so completely. The story charts their respective descents; his into physical ruin and death and hers into mental disruption and anguish.
This is horror we know, disease ruptured by violence and death we tremble to know exists. A story that is terrifying and complex, Fade is visually provocative with a distinctive voice that doesn't fail to disturb.
Written and Directed by Anthony Stagliano.

When I asked Mr Washburn about the broad vertical stripes in various colors, which is all that is on the 2nd page, he answered:
Hi Evi~ ... I began designing the web site but have yet to finish due to involvement in other projects. ... Once you see FADE you'll know why the bars are there (director's request). Hope to have it running soon ... Good luck with your work!
Best, Paul Washburn

For more on FADE see also news from 6-29-05, 6-20-05, and 6-6-05.

The wealth of TV on DVD releases continues to astound. From cult favorites like ‘The Pretender,’ ‘Kolchak: The Night Stalker’ and 'The X-Files Mythology' to intriguing near-misses like ‘Millennium’ and bona fide classics like ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’ the number of worthwhile TV on DVD releases is enough to make the collector ecstatic!

"The Pretender" – Season Two
After the mostly light-hearted first season, things began to get really dark on ‘The Pretender.’ True, Jarod [Michael T. Weiss] still went on ‘pretends’ and righted wrongs, usually in the most ironic manner possible, and continued to discover the delights he had been forbidden in The Centre – but the stakes were raised by the addition of the charming homicidal maniac, Mr. Lyle [‘Desperate Housewives’’ James Denton, then going by Jamie] and the duplicitous Brigitte [Pamela Gidley].
Among the season’s many highlights were changes for the manufactured idiot savant, Angelo [Paul Dillon], the return of Jarod’s brother, Kyle [Jeffrey Donovan] and the engagement of Miss Parker’s [Andrea Parker] father [Harve Presnell] to the aforementioned Brigitte. We learned that Broots [Jon Gries] has a daughter [and were treated to the glorious experience of seeing Miss Parker babysit!] and that she came to idolize Miss Parker [her Mini-Parker was a twisted visual treat].
Despite occasional factual errors that could have been cleared up with a phone call, or a few moments research, the second season continued to build an intriguing, multi-layered mythology that still feels as fresh as when it originally aired, seven years ago. Strong characters, unusual plotting and an engrossing ‘Big Picture’ made ‘The Pretender’ an addictive pleasure.
The season two DVD set has three featurettes on the making of season two – a look at the show’s growing mythology and how it ties into identity and family; commentaries on ‘Red Rock Jarod’ [co-creators Craig Van Sickle and Steven Mitchell, and director/producer Fred Keller], and the two-part season finale, ‘Bloodlines’ [with Van Sickle, Mitchell, Keller, Michael T. Weiss and Andrea Parker – and their camaraderie makes for a fun experience]. Besides the usual behind-the-scenes technical stuff, and anecdotes, we learn some amazing stuff from the commentaries – like which cast member married Brigitte Bardot’s sister, for example – and which cast member has had lead roles in films in six different languages.

Grade: The Pretender – Season Two: A-
Grade: Features: B
Final Grade: B+
Posted by Sheldon A. Wiebe on 2005/10/13, 18:23:15

See some screen caps [Password = Pretender] of the interview with Michael T. Weiss from this DVD set.

Michael's agency Untitled Entertainment has moved to a new location!
From now on fan mail should be sent to:

Michael T. Weiss
c/o Untitled Entertainment
331 North Maple Drive, 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
USA

If you ask for an autograph, and write from within the US, you should add a self-addressed and stamped envelope to your short letter. If you write from outside the US also add a self-addressed envelope, and one or two International Reply Coupons for postage as a courtesy to the agency.

1) 09-05-2005, Spotlight Spectacular! Auction:
Michael was the host of the Spotlight Spectacular! Auction [Password = Pretender] to benefit the youth education program of Boston's Huntington Theatre. The scans are from recent print issue of their newsletter. A big 'Thank you' to Mercy for them!

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2) Nov. 2004, Burn This:
Some photos [Password = Pretender] of Michael T. Weiss and his fellow cast members of 'Burn This' taken during a rehearsal, waving at the audience at the end of a performance, and Michael with two happy fans.

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3) 10-04-2004, Sweet Home Chicago:
Michael and his sister Jamie Weiss (the make-up artist) were guests at the "Home Sweet Chicago" gala of the Illinois Film Office, held on October 04, 2004 in Los Angeles, CA.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to find out the venue of the event yet.
For a photo of them, together with Media Arts Chair Fred Schill, click here. Thanks to Sandy for it.
Michael seemed to expressed a wish to talk to the students of the Chicago Academy for the Arts, but the office of the organisation kindly informed me on this: He was an attendee at the event but did not speak. We hope he will speak to our students but will need to coordinate that when he is planning a trip to Chicago. ... We haven't yet found a time to have Michael come to the school. We'll continue to work on that because it would be a great experience for our students.

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4) June 2004, CineVegas:
Some more photos of Michael and fellow cast members of 'Marmalade' appeared recently on various pages of the official site of the 'CineVegas 2004' film festival, held at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV.
More photos: Marmalade group (l.t.r.: Michael Panes, writer Jennifer Kusner, producer Ron Kastner, Michael T. Weiss, Grant Show, Jill Sorensen) and Michael solo.

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5) 02-23-2003, Mike on a Bike:
Some of these photos were used in an article in the French magazine Voici, #799, from March 2, 2003, but to see Michael in his *natural habitat* is quite a sight. ;)
He must have either given permission to shoot these candids [Password = Pretender] of him riding a bike, and on the way to and from a Yoga studio in Santa Monica, or someone was seriously stalking him.

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6) Sometime in 2002, Voicing Tarzan:
Michael T. Weiss and Olivia d'Abo [Password = Pretender] in a recording studio, voicing their characters of Tarzan and Jane for the animated series "Disney's The Legend of Tarzan".

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7) 09-09-1996, A Tribute to Style:
Michael and an unidentified female companion attended the "A Tribute to Style" gala on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to benefit the Inner City Arts Education. If one of you knows who this lady is, please let me know. [Password = Pretender]

Capsule reviews of recently released movies, by Matt Brunson, published 09.21.05
"Just Like Heaven" : A pastiche of Ghost, Ghostbusters, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and seemingly every other ghost story this side of Bill Cosby's disastrous Ghost Dad, Just Like Heaven is the latest Reese Witherspoon vehicle that makes ample use of her winsome movie star appeal while largely ignoring the deeper acting chops employed in earlier pics like Election and Freeway. Yet as far as these things go, audiences can do worse, as a clever concept and ideally cast roles make this more bearable than it has any right to be. [...]

A review: 'Iowa' the movie
The movie "Iowa" is not for the faint hearted. It depicts what is supposed to be a typical young couple in a small farm community and their torturous decline into methamphetamine addition. It's not a pretty picture. It's fun starting out. Like a crowd at a Fourth of July fireworks display doing "ah-h-h-hs" and "ooh-h-hs" in unison to the more spectacular displays, the audience will be going, "I know where that is" and "Hey, look, there's the Courthouse."
But soon the story line begins demanding your attention. Matt Farnsworth's Esper Harte is played very low key. Dianne Foster's Donna Huffman, with her one cute dimple as deep as can be without going completely through her cheek, makes a convincing Midwestern girl-next-door.
What led me first to believe the film was going to be campy in a darkly humorous way was Michael T. Weiss' (from the TV show The Pretender) Larry Clarkson - a probation officer gone bad. Too nasty and mean, in fact, to be believable. I kept expecting him to twirl his moustache like the cartoon meanie, Snively Whiplash.
Espry's mother played by Rosanna Arquette comes right out of "Mommy Dearest."Her most memorable line was something to the effect of, "I was willing to kill my son for you and now you're leaving me?"
It didn't help that the film's promo for the Tribeca Film Festival in New York read, "Forget 4-H, the kids are not alright in Iowa. A harrowing account of the methamphetamine addiction ravaging the sons and daughters of the heartland, who should be out working in the local Wal-Mart or milking cows on the family farm but instead have turned into hallucinating tweakers and depraved crank monsters."
It sounded like Dr. Hunter Thompson meets Hee Haw.
But there is little humor in the movie. I found myself as a viewer moving from a growing uneasiness into outright tension. The scenes that will make you especially uncomfortable are where the couple and their friends slip into the feverish world of delusions and paranoia. It's not easy watching two likeable characters ruin their lives.
A surprise was how well Sioux City-born David Backus played Espry's best friend, Nick Slavens. A born loser, I found him to be the most sympathetic character in the movie.
And I was especially impressed with our own Louie Johnson's performance as a shotgun-wielding farmer discovering the theft of his anhydrous ammonia.
There's sex and violence in the movie, so leave the kids at home - though nothing worse than you will see on late night Cinemax.
One of the more annoying aspects of the film won't even register with audiences from outside area. To promote the bleak mood of Espry's and Donna's crumbling lives, much of the scenery is not that pleasant. Junky farm houses and the Square's back alleys are used as backdrops. Even the jail scene was not filmed at the Law Center, but in the dungeon-like cells of the Appanoose County Museum's old sheriff's building.
Anyone proud of their community would wish for more flattering film footage, but the movie is not meant as a Chamber of Commerce promotional tool. Centerville leaders expressed their hesitancy when first approached about the film, fearing the impressions it would create of the community with national viewers. Farnsworth proved true to his promise and Centerville is not mentioned through the flick, though a side view of the water tower exposed "Cent." I guess the town could have been Centralia. The camera operators did make good use of the old steam engine water tower that clearly reads "Mystic."
What was fun were Farnsworth's quick tributes to past films, from a corn scene reminiscent of "Field of Dreams," to a derby from "Clockwork Orange" and a cryptic dying utterance worthy of "Rosebud' in Citizen Cane.
The first principle of enjoying any fiction is to suspend belief. Every movie has scenes that are not quite believable when taken in the context of "the real world." So even if a violent shootout at the Mystic gas station doesn't draw out even one curious neighbor, I let it go. After all, I did warn Weiss during the filming of that scene that this was Mystic and when he fired off his blanks, half the hillside might return fire - and a friend up the street didn't even pull out a squirrel gun.
The movie does have a professional feel to it and I liked the music. Since the Majestic received only a DVD of the movie and not 35 mm film, the quality is not as good as what would show if it finds a distributor.
So I recommend to adults who can stand film violence and aren't overly offended by nudity and sex. It is too bad that the ones who really need to see the film with its graphic portrayal of destructive crank addiction, young teens, won't be viewing it in the theaters. I guess they'll just have to wait until its on Cinemax.
©Daily Iowegian, September 19, 2005

See also: News from 9-19-05, 8-26-05, 7-1-05, 5-23-05 and 3-29-05

After Dr. Mike Horton left Salem's Universitiy Hospital and Days of our Lives, and before he was captured by The Centre to become Jarod in The Pretender, he switched back and forth between the 20th century and the 18th century as Joe Haskell and Peter Bradford, respectively, in Collinsport's Dark Shadows.
Intrigued?
The 12 episodes of the Dark Shadows Revival Series will be released on DVD in the US on October 18, 2005. Michael T. Weiss is in all episodes, however brief. 3 discs, widescreen, but no bonus material.
For outtakes, bloopers, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage etc. you still have to rely on the Dark Shadows Resurrected video, released in 1997.

Little trivia about the costumes: For the 1790's period clothing, the costumes were a mix of Rosalie Wallace's custom designs and costumes borrowed from other productions, notably the 1988 movies Dangerous Liaisons (with John Malkovich as Valmont) and Valmont (with Colin Firth in that part).
This wouldn't be of much interest, if Michael T. Weiss would not play the Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the play on which both movies are based on, early next year.

'Iowa' set to open tonight in Centerville
By: Jeff Hutton, Courier associate editor - 09/15/2005
Centerville: Matt Farnsworth admits he's "high maintenance" when it comes to filmmaking.
But the actor/director/producer of "Iowa," the newly-release movie filmed in Centerville and other parts of Appanoose County two years ago, said he has taken his time in making the sure the film is just right.
Audiences will get the chance to see the final product at 7 p.m. tonight when it premieres at the Majestic Theater in Centerville.
In an interview with The Courier, Farnsworth said the film has been a real labor of love.
"We're really excited about the release of the film there [in Centerville]," he said. "[The film] is what I envisioned because I was in control of this particular project."
The film is described as a "cautionary tale of love, crime, fantasy and addiction that follows two young Iowa lovers who decide to go into the 'batch' business - cooking their own methamphetamine - only to watch it burn a searing hole in their lives."
Farnsworth shot the independent film in Appanoose County in May and June of 2003. He and fiancee Diane Foster co-starred in the film, along with actors Michael T. Weiss, Rosanna Arquette and John Savage.
Farnsworth said he was compelled to tell the story of how meth has ravaged rural parts of the country, including southern Iowa and Centerville, which was home to his grandparents, the late Beryl and Thelma Farnsworth.
And filming in Iowa meant working with Iowa natives and local and area residents.
"They were great ... they were much better than the people in Los Angeles," Farnsworth said. "They had open arms for us."
"Everybody there really does work hard," he said, citing the Iowa work ethic.
Although tonight's showing is a first for Iowa, it's not the first time the movie has been shown.
The film opened at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, an event founded in part by Academy Award-winning actor Robert DeNiro.
And at Tribeca, the film received several rave reviews.
Farnsworth said while the film has entertainment value, "Iowa" is a serious and harrowing look at the effects of methamphetamine use.
"I hope it will spark [an anti-meth message] on what's going on," he said.
Jeff Hutton can be reached at (641) 683-5380 or via e-mail at jeff@ottumwacourier.com.
©Ottumwa Courier 2005

See also: News from 8-26-05, 7-1-05, 5-23-05 and 3-29-05

Marmalade will be screened on Sunday, October 30 at the Steven Kent Winery, 5443 Tesla Road, Livermore in the 2-5pm time slot. It will be preceeded by the short film "Intermission". Sunday pass is $20.
The California Independent Film Festival runs from October 26th thru 30th, 2005 in Livermore, CA.

The official site from FOX has added more clips from episodes of the 2nd season of "The Pretender", probably taken from the 'Making-Ofs' featurettes:
"Construction" - with bits of comments by director/producer Fred Keller and producer Craig W. Van Sickle
Windows Media
Quick Time
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"Daddy" - with bits of comments by Andrea Parker and writer/co-producer Juan Carlos Coto
Windows Media
Quick Time
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"Deer in Headlights" - with bits of comments by Michael T. Weiss
Windows Media
Quick Time
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"Family" - with bits of comments by director/producer Fred Keller and writer/co-producer Juan Carlos Coto
Windows Media
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"Great to Be Back"
Windows Media
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"Growing Show" - with bits of comments by director/producer Fred Keller, writer/co-producer Juan Carlos Coto, Andrea Parker and Richard Marcus
Windows Media
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"Identity" - with bits of comments by producer Craig W. Van Sickle
Windows Media
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"I Have a Brother" - with bits of comments by producer Craig W. Van Sickle, Richard Marcus, Andrea Parker and Paul Dillon
Windows Media
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"Jarod's Father Figure" - with bits of comments by Patrick Bauchau
Windows Media
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If you order your copy of the DVD at amazon.com now, you'll get access to a bonus clip, where co-creator/executive producer Steven Mitchell talks about the episode where Jarod gets amnesia.
But: If you placed an order before this promotion began, you are not eligible to receive the promotional content. Also: At this time, international customers are not eligible for this offer due to license regulations.

by Rick Bentley / The Fresno Bee:
"Written in Blood" (Buena Vista) Grade: B-
The intensity that Michael T. Weiss brings to this role elevates what could have been a rather ordinary crime drama. Weiss plays a detective who must find the truth when his partner (Peter Coyote) is convicted for murders he did not commit.
DVD has no bonus material.

Actors Forum - Post-show discussions with members of the cast. Follows select Thursday evening and select Wednesday matinee performances.
Dates for Les Liaisons Dangereuses:
Thursday, January 19
Wednesday, February 1

Les Liaisons Dangereuses
by Christopher Hampton
Directed by Daniel Goldstein
1/6/2006 – 2/5/2006
BU Theatre - Mainstage

Box office Main: (617) 266-0800 ; Fax: (617) 421-9674 ; TTY: (617) 424-0694 ; 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115-4606.

Ms Jill Sorensen, writer and leading actress of Marmalade has informed me that her movie will screen October 29-30th in the California Independent Film Festival in Livermore, CA. Michael T. Weiss plays Peter, the reluctant boyfriend of her character Kim.
Livermore is located in the scenic Livermore Yalley Wine Country in the Oakland area, in case you haven't heard about it before, and the festival is "A Venue for the True Independent Filmmaker", October 26th thru 30th, 2005, and it is screening independent films from around the world. So far, only the preliminary schedule is up. The year 2005 CIFF screenings will be announced and posted on their website next week.

The official site from FOX has clips from 3 episodes of the 2nd season of "The Pretender", probably taken from the 'Making-Ofs' featurettes:
"Bank" - with bits of comments by director Michael Lange, Andrea Parker and producer Craig W. Van Sickle
Windows Media
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"Bloodlines" - with bits of comments by producer Steven Long Mitchell
Windows Media
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"Bringing in Mr. Lyle" - with bits of comments by the producers Steven Long Mitchell and Craig W. Van Sickle
Windows Media
Quick Time

Movie "Iowa" comes to Centerville
By: Dan Ehl, Managing Editor - August 25, 2005

The locally filmed independent movie "Iowa" will be shown at the Majestic Theater for at least one week, beginning Sept. 17.
Matt Farnsworth shot the independent film in Appanoose County in May and June of 2003. He and fiancee Diane Foster costarred in the film, along with well-known Hollywood actors Michael T. Weiss, Rosanna Arquette and John Savage. The story line is described as a "cautionary tale of love, crime, fantasy and addiction that follows two young Iowa lovers who decide to go into the 'batch' business - cooking their own methamphetamine - only to watch it burn a searing hole in their lives."
Used as backdrops for the film are the Square, streets and alleys of Centerville, as well as the city reservoir, Rathbun Lake and Mystic. Local residents were also used as extras.
Matt Farnsworth, is the son of a former Centerville resident and graduate of the Centerville High School Class of 1966, Neil Farnsworth. Farnsworth said he chose Centerville for the filming because he spent his younger summers here with his grandparents, the late Beryl and Thelma Farnsworth.
A half dozen years ago, Farnsworth said, he was surprised to hear about the meth scourge afflicting the scenic rural countryside that the rest of America still thinks of as peaceful and rustic.
The Centerville opening will be the first for the movie, except its showings in New York City as part of the TriBeCa Film Festival.
The festival's promotional material described the movie as "an account of the methamphetamine addiction ravaging the sons and daughters of the heartland, who should be out working in the local Wal-Mart or milking cows on the family farm but instead have turned into hallucinating tweakers and depraved crank monsters."
©Daily Iowegian 2005

See also: News from 7-1-05, 5-23-05 and 3-29-05

"Written In Blood" coming Sept. 6
By M&C News Aug 25, 2005, 00:11 GMT

Dimension Home Video announced "Written in Blood", a crime thriller starring Michael T. Weiss and Peter Coyote, would arrive on DVD shelves on Sept. 6.
When John Traveller (Coyote) is convicted of murder, his partner Detective Matthew Ransom (Weiss), begins to try and find out what really happened. As he investigates the murder further, the only clues he uncovers are baffling – including a name that is written in blood.
Ransom also finds himself drawn to Traveller’s daughter Jude (played by Maureen Flannigan). As more murders occur, Ransom finds that he must include Jude as a possible suspect.
The DVD will be released in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, and is rated R for language, violence and some sexuality.
Written In Blood is available for pre-order at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the film’s database for more information.

Q: Where did Michael Weiss, the superb actor from "The Pretender", disappear to? -- V.A., Eustis
A: Michael T. Weiss has stayed busy, churning out two or three movies a year. Unfortunately, their titles include "Sledge: The Untold Story", "Marmalade", "Iowa" and "Written in Blood"*, which is why he might be a little difficult to find.

*Written in Blood will be released in the USA on DVD on September 6, 2005. See also the announcement in Entertainment Weekly. Cover (and probably even bonus material) is different from the Asian DVD that was released back in 2003. [Password = Pretender]

Les Liaisons Dangereuses
by Christopher Hampton
Directed by Daniel Goldstein
1/6/2006 – 2/5/2006
BU Theatre - Mainstage

Nicholas Martin [Artistic director of the Huntington]: "I have always loved this brilliant, sensuous play, and Michael T. Weiss starring as the dangerous Vicomte Valmont, hot on the heels of his remarkable performance in Burn This, is a coup for the Huntington."
Desire and deceit have powerful consequences in this seductive and fiercely witty look at games of love and lust in 18th century France. The beautiful and cunning La Marquise de Merteuil enlists her partner-in-crime Valmont, played by Michael T. Weiss (last season's "Burn This"), to seduce a former lover's young bride-to-be in this thrilling adaptation of the classic novel by Choderlos de Laclos.
Christopher Hampton's plays, musicals, and translations have garnered three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, an Academy Award, two BAFTAs, and a Special Jury Prize at Cannes. His screenplays include "Dangerous Liaisons", "The Quiet American", and "Mary Reilly".

Single tickets will go on sale Sunday, August 14 at noon ET.
Please contact the box office for more details. Main: (617) 266-0800 ; Fax: (617) 421-9674 ; TTY: (617) 424-0694 ; 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115-4606.
Box office hours:
Monday to Friday: 12pm – 6pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
They either open their boxoffice at unusual hours for this ocassion, or it is a typo on their web site, or they refer to ordering the tickets on-line.

Sledge : The Untold Story will be screened at the Chicago Indie Fest, Independent Film Festival & Market, held from July 29 - August 7, 2005.
Screenings:
- July 30, 7pm at the Le Meridien, 521 N. Rush at Michigan Ave.
- August 2, 8pm at the Landmark Century Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St.
- August 3, 6pm at the Landmark Century Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St.
From info@indiefestchicago.com: Tickets are $10. You can purchase advance tickets to our screening room, main theatre is box office only.

From the Sledge team: We're still figuring out if anyone will be free to make the screenings, at current, we're all in Los Angeles working on various movies and prepping SLEDGE for it's release.

Star Sightings: Michael T. Weiss (The Pretender, Days of Our Lives) lunching with friends at the Navigator restaurant in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard.

According to Fox, the release of the second season of "The Pretender" will be delayed one week. The set will be released on September 20 instead of September 13.

"Iowa" scheduled for local premier
The movie "Iowa," filmed in Centerville and the surrounding area, will have one of its first showings at the Majestic Theatre or the under-construction Sunshine Mine Drive-In.
Theater owners Nina Finch and Phil Radosevich said they had planned to have the debut in July, but director and star of the film, Matt Farnsworth, is beginning a seven-week stint acting for another movie.
According to Radosevich, Farnsworth definitely wants to be present for the opening of the movie in Centerville.
The first public showing of the film was at the New York Tribeca Film Festival in April. Webpages dealing with movie reviews by the audience were very positive.
Farnsworth is still looking for a distributor. In December, he said, "At the very least, this movie will be rentable and buyable on video in the next 12 months. We are more likely to push (for), at a minimum, a regional theatrical release of the film in the Midwestern United States." ...
The movie is a story of damaged love due to methamphetamine abuse - and he and Diane Foster both starred in the film, as well as co-directing it. Appearing in the film are well-known actors Roseanna Arquette, John Savage and Michael T. Weiss. ...
© Daily Iowegian 2005 ; June 30, 2005
Full article at Daily Iowegian.

Thanks to Mr Anthony Stagliano, writer and director of Fade, who kindly gave me permission to use the information, here are some updates on the movie, right from the source:
First, I am afraid I might be inclined to withholding specific details about the plot and the characters (it's a surprise, I hope). But, I can tell you that it is a drama with many elements borrowed from the horror and thriller genres. Michael T. Weiss plays a doctor, and a crucial role in the story. Sarah Lassez and David Connolly are the leads. They are married in the film and David's character has a rare illness. I hope that is enough info on the plot.
We wrapped our principal photography on Wednesday, June 22, and I will begin post-production here in the next week or two.
As for the relationship to San Diego, I am currently based here and it is fairly easy to bring people from Los Angeles to work here (it is maybe 180km). Otherwise, the city itself is not an element. I hope that we have a film that could have taken place anywhere.
That seems to cover most of your questions, and I hope that these answers are sufficient and satisfying.
Let me know if there is anything else I can answer for you.
Sincerely,
Anthony Stagliano

From Sarah Lassez' offical website:
Filming just wrapped on "Fade" starring Sarah Lassez and David Connolly. Also appearing are Michael T. Weiss, Devon Odessa, Steven Petrarca and Andrea Morris.

Finally good news for the British fans of "The Pretender":
On August Bank Holiday weekend SCI FI will debut the two full-length movies featuring the further adventures of Jarod (Michael T Weiss), and his battles with the simply awe-inspiring Miss Parker (played by Andrea Parker). Fans of The Pretender will know these are much-sought adventures that help to round off the series episodes that preceded the
"The Pretender 2001", screening on Saturday 27 August at 8.00pm, sees Jarod reunited with two old friends, and unleashing some startling revelations about 'The Centre'. Picking up from the cliff-hanger ending of the finale series, "The Pretender 2001" closes the door on a few puzzles, while posing some tantalising new ones.
Meanwhile, in "The Pretender: Island of The Hauted", screening on Sunday 28 August at 8.00pm, we have a series of bizarre circumstances leading to Jarod and Miss Parker finding themselves trapped together on a strange island in a situation that could turn into life-or-death. This follow-up to the first Pretender movie reveals more about the mysterious pasts of Jarod and Miss Parker ... and throws fresh light on the shadowy beginnings of 'The Centre' where Jarod spent his youth.
But that's not all! To celebrate these premieres, SCI FI has decided to block out their normal schedules from Noon until 8.00pm each day, when these movies debut, to showcase the best episodes of this addictive show. It's an instant crash course in becoming familiar with this terrific series.
Full article at Pretender Party!

The IMDb is currently updating its page for Fade. Anthony Stagliano is not only directing it, but has also written the screenplay. The movie is produced by David Taylor (NOT the one who did "WWF Raw is War" and "WWF Smackdown"), the production company is 'Klondike 5 Productions', cinematography is by Kenneth Wilson, and music is composed by Jeanette Bonds and Cameron Presley. It was filmed in Super 16mm, and "Fade" is categorized as Drama / Horror. Michael T. Weiss will play the part of a 'Dr. McCabe', but the actors and their characters are not yet listed. So check the IMDb from time to time for updates on "Fade".

Todays "Boston Globe" has an article 'It was a big year, but it could have been even more' by Ed Siegel about the theatre scene in Boston, reviewing the past season and comparing it with the upcoming one:
...The Huntington and the Wimberly
If the ART is a showcase for world-class directors, the Huntington has turned into a mecca for the excellent actors, directors, and designers whom Martin [Nicholas Martin, artistic director of the Huntington] has attracted to Boston, such as Michael T. Weiss, the star of "Burn This," and Alexander Dodge, the set designer of "The Rivals." ...
Full article at Boston Globe.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced the second season of "The Pretender" for release on September 13. This 4 disc set will contain all 22 episodes (1078 mins) on double-sided discs. A/V specs include a widescreen (1.78:1) video transfer, and English, Spanish and French Dolby Surround audio tracks, with English and Spanish subtitles.

Here's a breakdown of the set, along with bonus features:
Disc 1 side 1:
Back From the Dead Again; Scott Free; Over the Edge; Exposed.

Disc 1 side 2:
Nip and Tuck; Past Sim; & Making of Featurette Part One.

Disc 2 side 1:
Collateral Damage; Hazards; FX; Indy Show.

Disc 2 side 2:
Gigolo Jarod; Toy Surprise; & Making of Featurette Part Two.

Disc 3 side 1:
A Stand Up Guy; Unforgotten; Bulletproof; Silence.

Disc 3 side 2:
Crash; Red Rock Jarod w/commentary by: Craig W. Van Sickle, Steve Long Mitchell, and Fred K. Keller; & Making of Featurette Part Three.

Disc 4 side 1:
Stolen; Bank.

Disc 4 side 2:
Bloodlines 1 & 2 w/commentary by: Craig W. Van Sickle, Steve Long Mitchell, Fred K. Keller, Andrea Parker, and Michael Weiss.


Also, even if it is not mentioned on that site, James (Jamie) Denton's [once the thumbless Mr. Lyle, now the plumber Mike Delfino from "Desperate Housewives"] people added the following information: ... remember him saying that he had "done his part" with regard to comments, etc. several months ago. I don't know how much they gave him to say or how much of what he said that they didn't cut, for that matter, but I know that Jamie did (and said) what they asked him to, so it should be on there ...

For the artwork of the cover click here.

Amazon.com has announced the release of the 2nd season of The Pretender on DVD region 1 (US & Canada), for September 13, 2005. 4 discs, wide screen, dolby, dubbed, subtitled. No word on extras or bonus material yet. Price: $27.99, pre-order is already possible.

According to the webbo of The Unoffical Sarah Lassez Website, Michael will play the part of a 'Dr. McCabe' in a movie called "Fade" which will start shooting sometime this month in San Diego. It is by first-time director (Anthony) Tony Stagliano and will star Sarah Lassez (also known from "Until the Night") and David Connolly (as 'Arthur') as the main characters. Devon Odessa also has a small part in it.
Sarah's offical website also has a bit on the movie, but doesn't mention Michael.

On May 26, Craig's List, a film service for crews from San Diego had posted the following information about the movie:
"Fade", a film by Anthony Stagliano, starring Sarah Lassez and David Connelly. Principal photography begins June 2nd and runs until June 24th.

From the Press Release of the Huntington Theatre, announcing their 2005-06 season:
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
by Christopher Hampton
Directed by Daniel Goldstein
January 6 - February 5, 2006 at the Boston University Theatre, Main Stage
Desire and deceit have powerful consequences in this seductive and fiercely witty look at games of love and lust in 18th century France. Seeking revenge on a former lover, the beautiful and cunning La Marquise de Merteuil enlists her partner-in-crime Valmont to seduce the lover's young bride in this thrilling adaptation of the classic novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Chodleros de Laclos. As Valmont carries out their cruel plan, he is unexpectedly stricken with remorse and real feeling for one of his victims.
Television and stage star Michael T. Weiss, who appeared in the Huntington's production of Burn This last fall, will star.

Subscription and ticket information:
Subscriptions packages of four, five, six or seven plays for the Huntington season are now on sale. Tickets for individual performances go on sale on Sunday, August 14 at noon, ET. Ticket buyers can subscribe online at the Huntington Theatre, by phone at 617-266-0800 or by mail. For more information, call the Huntington Theatre Company box office at 617-266-0800.

Michael will again voice a character in Cartoon Network's Justice League Unlimited: Comics Continuum reports that Susan Sullivan reprises her voice role of Hippolyta in the upcoming episode "The Balance" (ep.#4.6), which will air on Saturday, May 28 at 9pm e/p, alongside Robert England as Felix Faust, Bob Joles as Hades, Juliet Landau as Tala, Jason Bateman as Hermes, Wayne Knight as Abnegazar and Michael T. Weiss as Jason Blood. Stan Berkowitz wrote the story and Dwayne McDuffie wrote the teleplay, which was then directed by Dan Riba. They also have a look at Captain Marvel from the episode "Clash."

The official website is still not online, there are still no new photos from the film, but at least there was an official press release for the TriBeCa Film Festival, provided by Rogers & Cowan, who handle press for "Iowa", the New York Times has a plot description and there are two good reviews:

A review of 'Iowa' - the movie
By Bill Matkovich Jr., Edited by Lisa Fleishman ; April 29, 2005
I arrived at the Regal Battery Park Theater an hour and a half early for the Tribeca Film Festival showing of Iowa. Like many New Yorkers I have mastered the art of "minding my business" so it's not until the 2nd or 3rd person calls my name that I realize the small crowd I am walking through consists of native Centervillians.
Brad and Brenden McConville, Eric Weber and I, all from Centerville, found ourselves standing in line next to David "Ramrod" Basila, who plays the character that cuts off the offending dealer's finger in Adam's Bowl.
The meeting was a unique experience. He relates his Centerville experience as, "Ya, it was really cool out there until the 'townies' tried to beat me up. I was hanging out after the shoot, buying them shots of Jack Daniels, and by the seventh round everyone starts to get violent."
His story is amusing, in a New York kind of way. I realize, not for the first time, how my hometown is perceived through the filter of someone who has never visited before.
Director Matt Farnsworth's notes for the movie states, "Forget 4-H, the kids are not alright in Iowa. A harrowing account of the methamphetamine addiction ravaging the sons and daughters of the heartland, who should be out working in the local Wal-Mart or milking cows on the family farm but instead have turned into hallucinating tweakers and depraved crank monsters."
Naturally, dairy farms are a bit less common in Southern Iowa than our director thinks, but I let the detail slide. As the show time drew, near we learned that our diligence had paid off as only the first 10 people were let in. Iowa is obviously a very popular show.
True to form, the Rubbermaid-trash-can-sized popcorn and silo of Coke cost more than the ticket itself, but we settled in for a sold out show. After a brief introduction by the director, Matt Farnsworth, we get treated to a movie short titled "Resurrection" by Mitchell Lichtenstein.
"Iowa" is not exactly something one might take their kids to see, that is, unless ones "kids" are young adults, in which case one might argue that it should be required viewing. Iowa is the most accurate portrayal of the downward spiral that methamphetamine addiction can lead to that I have seen to date.
The film details the initial meth attraction as the characters realize by becoming distributors they could quit their jobs.
One character makes the comment, "What's better than going in at 5 a.m. to provide the world with garbage bags?!" The hazards of being severely burnt by anhydrous ammonia are graphically portrayed along with the negative outcomes for family and friend relationship degradation, people becoming delusional, mutilated or even killed.
All in all I would say the movie was a complete success. Seeing the Centerville Square, the block I grew up on and the town I grew up in on the big screen in New York City was worth the price of admission alone. And with great Iowa lines like, "Nobody in Iowa has AIDS." I thoroughly enjoyed myself.


Another movie review of 'Iowa' by a Centerville native
By Michael Radosevich ; May 03, 2005
"Iowa", the movie, premiered in New York City at the TriBeCa Film Festival on Monday night. The movie addresses the scourge of the methamphetamine (aka crystal meth, crank, speed) plague that is ravaging Iowa and many rural states; however, in no way does the movie glamorize crystal meth or its users, abusers, addicts, or manufacturers. Iowa graphically shows the horrors of the dead-end street named crystal meth.
"Iowa" should be mandatory viewing for all high school seniors, who would certainly be "scared straight". At the same time, Iowa makes a powerful statement against the so-called War on Drugs, where Draconian punishments have only fostered the growth of a fungal industry of private prisons, drug-testing companies, and other parasites.
Iowa was filmed on location in Centerville and environs. In his youth, Farnsworth visited Centerville to see his grandparents, the late Beryl and Thelma Farnsworth, and was stunned witnessing the hellish degradation crystal meth had wrought on the bucolic community.
The movie features many scenes from the Centerville Square ("the world's largest square"), the streets and alleys of Centerville, the reservoir, Lake Rathbun, Mystic, and the countryside, as well as the appearance of many local denizens as extras.
The TriBeCa Film Festival was created by Robert Di Nero and associates in 2002, primarily to bring life back to lower Manhattan after 9/11. "TriBeCa" refers to the triangle below Canal Street, and lies near the southern tip of Manhattan. The movie theatre sits catty-corner from the old World Trade Center site.
Yet no bracer in the world could prepare a viewer for the full-bore assault that is Iowa, the movie. Quentin Tarantino, move over; there's a new sheriff in town. Matt Farnsworth, the writer, director, and star of Iowa, makes Quentin Tarantino look like a little girl dressed in pink ribbons and bows with frilly ruffles on her underpants.
The comparison most often heard after the movie was to Tarantino, director of "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction" and the "Kill Bill" flicks, but there is far more depth to Farnsworth's work, and this makes it soar high above Tarantino's.
While comparisons were also made to David Lynch, especially in his symbolism and his ability to frame pictures of idyllic small-town life interspersed with scenes of dystopian debauchery and depravity, Farnsworth's closest similarities lie with a New Yorker.
Farnsworth is something of a Plains Woody Allen, both in his multifaceted roles (multitasking, in the current lingo) and in his abilities to capture the zeitgeist of a certain place and time and to delineate characters of the moment-but only if Allen had testosterone oozing from every pore, snorted a quarter-ounce of crank up his nose and sported the handsome visage of wholesome milk ad model.
Farnsworth stars in the movie as Esper Harte, a young Iowa man struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over his head. Esper, whose father has died recently, is the beneficiary of a $200,000 life insurance policy that he will receive if his father was not on drugs at the time of his death. Esper is dating Donna (Diane Foster), whose father is the insurance agent responsible for investigating Esper's father's death.
Esper hopes to take the money, marry Donna and together leave Iowa to find greener pastures. Esper's and Donna's labors to protect their love form the core of the plot of the movie.
Farnsworth, who may be known to some viewers from his TV work on "7th Heaven," gives a performance that is tour de force; he clearly is the "next big thing" to come from Hollywood.
Foster shows a luminous presence that captures a viewer's full attention whenever she's on the screen, yet she is not just a pretty face, and displays the full gamut of emotions through her facial expressions.
Michael T. Weiss is outstandingly evil as Larry Clarkson, a corrupt and sadistic parole officer.
Amanda Tepe is a bewitching drug-and-sex fiend.
Other notable performances include those of Rosanna Arquette as Esper's mother and John Savage as Donna's father. Andrew Parke, the director of photography, deserves special mention for his loving pictures of southern Iowa.
The audience in New York City, a "tough" audience if any ever were, audibly gasped at the movie's shocking denouement, and then applauded enthusiastically at the movie's conclusion. As the lights went up, we saw that Farnsworth and Foster were in the audience, and they were soon swarmed with well-wishers and glad-handers.
Iowa is a movie that will haunt your daydreams and nightmares for years to come. Every scene, every word, every note, rings true. Iowa is a movie you must see.

From: The Boston Herald; 5/16/2005; Dana Bisbee
In the Spotlight: Real estate developer Ron Druker was center-stage last Monday night at the Huntington Theatre Company's "Spotlight Spectacular" at the Westin Hotel.
Druker received the company's Wimberly Award for his role in constructing the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, the first new theater built in Boston in 75 years.
Actor Michael T. Weiss of television's "The Pretender" and last year's Huntington production of "Burn This," was emcee. The program included appearances by actors Victor Garber of "Alias," Andrea Martin of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," Will LeBow of "Sonia Flew," the play that opened the Calderwood Pavilion, and that play's author, Melinda Lopez.
Judi and Douglas Krupp of Wellesley co-chaired the gala tribute to Druker.
For the third straight year this evening raised record revenue, bringing in more than $625,000 to help support the Huntington’s productions and programs.
Thanks to Pfyre for access to the article.

More about this event can be found on the Huntington Theatre's official website.

Anyone who watched "The Pretender" knows that Michael T. Weiss is a versatile actor. (His character on the NBC drama was a "human simulator," so Weiss played dozens of different parts.) Tonight, he'll tackle the role of MC as he hosts the Huntington Theatre's annual Spotlight Spectacular. "Really, the theater is my favorite place in the world to be," said Weiss, who won raves for his performance last year in Lanford Wilson's "Burn This" at the Huntington. "And this theater is a treasure, respected in Hollywood and on Broadway."
The studly good guy on "The Pretender" shows his dark side in a gritty new film ["Iowa"] costarring Rosanna Arquette and John Savage. "It's a primer on why not to abuse crystal meth," said Weiss. "It should be mandatory viewing for every teenage kid."
Other notables expected to attend include "Alias" costar Victor Garber, and actresses Andrea Martin and Debra Monk.

From: The Boston Herald; 4/28/2005; Laura Raposa
Eavesdropping
We hear:
... that Michael T. Weiss from "The Pretender" will emcee the Huntington Theatre's "Spotlight Spectacular" Monday at the Westin, but everyone will be buzzing around Jennifer Garner's "Alias" dad, Victor Garber, for the dish on her impending nups.
Drop dimes to the Inside Track at trackgals@bostonherald.com or call 617-619-6488.
Thanks to Pfyre for access to the article.

Curious person that I am, I've contacted the Huntington Theatre to find out if Michael will really attend the auction, and here is their answer:

Hi,
Michael is actually hosting the evening program of the event. He will definitely be there.
We may include a signed "Burn This" poster as part of the auction.
And as you probably saw - I'm the contact person if folks would like to purchase tickets to attend the event. Tickets are $500 a person.
Thanks!
Amanda Hennessey, Special Events Manager
Huntington Theatre Company
Phone: 617-273-1522
Fax: 617-353-8300
Email: ahennessey(at)huntingtontheatre.bu.edu

The online portion of the auction will close on May 5th, 6:00pm EST, just days before the Spotlight Spectacular! event on May 9. New items are added daily, so check back often.

The Huntington Theatre Company Presents: The Spotlight Spectacular! Online Auction and Benefit.
To purchase tickets or tables at this exciting benefit event on Monday, May 9, 2005 or for other information, please contact our special events manager Amanda Hennessey: ahennessey(at)huntingtontheatre.bu.edu or at (617) 273-1522.
This year the Huntington Theatre Company has brought its annual auction event online! The online portion of the auction will close on May 5th, 6:00pm EST, just days before our annual Spotlight Spectacular! event.
The proceeds of this auction and benefit event will help support the Huntington's programs including our award-winning Youth, Education, and Community Outreach initiatives.

Scheduled to appear at the Spotlight Spectacular! on May 9th at the Westin Copley Place Hotel:
We're very excited that Michael T. Weiss, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin,and Deb Monk have agreed to join us at the 2005 Spotlight Spectacular!, the Huntington's annual benefit event.

The motto for Earth Day 2005 is "Protect Our Children and Our Future". For activities in your area and world wide check Earthday Networks Homepage.
Also, Americans can join the 1st virtual Earth Day March, to urge their senators to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge forever. On the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million Americans called for a cleaner, healthier environment. Their activism helped secure the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Now, 35 years later, with the Senate's recent vote to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, that activism is needed to counter a growing threat to all hard-won environmental protections.
Help to save the earth! Remember, it's the only planet with chocolate ...

On March 23, Michael attended Jerry Penacoli's exhibition of his paintings at the Decor Art Galleries at 12149 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, CA. Jerry Penacoli is an Emmy Award Winner and a correspondent for "Extra". The show was one night only, as a benefit for an animal rescue organization run by actress Shannon Elizabeth called Animal Avengers.
Thanks to Mr Penacoli for this information.
Photographers were on hand to cover the event, so enjoy the photos.
Edit May 2007: Thumbnails might lead to one and the same photo, server has a hick-up :(

From: Chicago Tribune, [RedEye Edition]; Celebrities play ball - Liz Crokin. Apr 11, 2005. pg. 36:
Former Bears star Dan Hampton recently lunched at the 'Naperville Rosebud' with Naperville Mayor George Pradel. ... "Il Mare" stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves hung out at the 'Cubby Bear' together last week. ... Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams and David Terrell had a romantic dinner at 'Japonais' last week, as did Michael T. Weiss of "The Pretender."...

A friendly review with some clips from the 'Making-Of' featurettes from UnderGroundOnline.

Iowa will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in New York, NY on Monday, April 25 at 5:45pm at the Regal Cinemas Battery Park Stadium #11, 102 North End Ave. (Vesey & West St.), and will be screened again on Wednesday, April 27 at 5:30pm at Regal Cinemas Battery Park #3, and on Friday, April 29 at 12:30pm at Regal Cinemas Battery Park #2.
Tickets are $10.00.
Iowa is in competition for 'Narrative Features'.
It is preceded by the short film "Resurrection", directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein, U.S.A., 2004, 10 min.

IOWA
Director: Matt Farnsworth
U.S.A., 2004
108 min, Color
World Premiere
Forget 4-H, the kids are not alright in Iowa. A harrowing account of the methamphetamine addiction ravaging the sons and daughters of the heartland, who should be out working in the local Wal-Mart or milking cows on the family farm but instead have turned into hallucinating tweakers and depraved crank monsters. Iowa focuses on Esper Harte (Matt Farnsworth, the young actor who also wrote and directed the film), who sees the death of his ex-con/junkie father as an opportunity to score an insurance windfall that will finance his marriage to beautiful blonde Donna (Diane Foster), a wide-eyed cutie-pie who does not quite know the difference between an 'antithesis' and an 'atheist.' But Esper's junkie mother, Effie (Rosanna Arquette, as a decade-older rendition of the same over-amped doper chick she played in "Pulp Fiction"), has other ideas. She wants the money for herself and schemes with the local corrupt cop and parole officer (played by Michael T. Weiss) to do away with her son, or at least put him behind bars. "Iowa" may look like Middle America, with its corn fields and country music, its good ol' boys and cowboys roaring down two-lane highways in El Caminos, Chevy pick-ups and GTOs, but it's closer in spirit to "The Salton Sea", "Spun", and all those other drug-culture indie movies that make snorting, shooting and smoking speed about as attractive as putting a loaded gun in your mouth and pulling the trigger.
(See also: News Archive, 12-22-2004)

"Alchemy", the movie to which the name Michael T. Weiss was attached for a while back in 2002 (Tom Cavanagh, best known from "Urinetown" and TV's "Ed" has taken over) will also have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Fest, and will take part in the 'Feature Competition'. Screenings are on Mon, April 25 at 7:00pm at Regal Battery Park #5, on Thu, April 28 at 6:30pm at Regal Battery Park #2, and on Sat, April 30 at 3:45pm at Regal Battery Park #9. All sold out, only return tickets left.

I've received an email from the producer of "Sledge : The Untold Story" with some updates on the movie:
Evi,
We have updated the website with some clips from the film ... we'll post the next festival screening time as it comes closer.
Take care,
Todd Grossman

The clips 'Multiple Personalities' and 'Unconscious' feature Lee Arensberg, a.k.a. Pintel from "Pirates of the Caribbean", and I think I saw Jon Gries a.k.a. Broots from "The Pretender" in some scenes, but no Michael.

In case you still haven't ordered the DVD set of the 1st season of The Pretender, maybe this great review with descriptions of what you can find on the DVDs, several clips from the DVDs, like 'Casting Jarod', 'Establishing Jarod', and 'Wish Fulfillment', and also this teaser with bits from the interviews will help you make up your mind. But be aware that the teaser is not dial-up friendly - if you can get it to work!
For fun and mayhem join The Pretender Official Online Team, or visit FOX's The Pretender Season 1 site.

Compiled from FOX's official site The Pretender Season 1 as well as from other sources:

DVD Special Features:
THE PRETENDER Season One DVD set unravels some of the mystery of the series with fascinating behind-the-scenes extras including episode commentaries, "Making Of" featurettes and original TV spots. The DVD is presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio in full screen and English, French and Spanish Dolby Surround. The following is the breakdown for each disc:

Disc One, Side One, Episodes:
Pilot - Commentary by Craig Van Sickle, Stephen Long Mitchell, Fred Keller and John Gries
Every Picture Tells a Story
Flyer
Curious Jarod

Disc One, Side Two, Episodes:
The Paper Clock
To Server to Protect
Special Features: Making of Featurette Part One

Disc Two, Side One, Episodes:
A Virus Among Us
Not Even a Mouse
Mirage
Better Part of Valor

Disc Two, Side Two, Episodes:
Bomb Squad
Prison Story
Special Features: Making of Featurette Part Two

Disc Three, Side One, Episodes:
Bazooka Jarod
Ranger Jarod
Jaroldo
Under the Reds

Disc Three, Side Two, Episodes:
Keys
Unhappy Landings
Special Features: Making of Featurette Part Three

Disc Four, Side One, Episodes:
Jarod's Honor
Baby Love
Special Features: TV Spots: 1963, Who Are, 3 Weeks, Ms Parker, Preview

Disc Four, Side Two, Episodes:
Dragon House (part 1 and 2) - Commentary by Craig Van Sickle, Stephen Long Mitchell, Fred Keller, and Jon Gries

Unfortunately no contributions from Michael T. Weiss, Andrea Parker or Patrick Baucheau on the audiocomments:(( But at least Michael [Password = Pretender], Patrick, Jon Gries, and Richard Marcus are featured with interview bits in the 'Making-Of' featurettes.

If you want to join 'The Pretender Official Online Team' for contests, or win prizes, or post at the messageboard to show FOX that you are also interested in having the rest of the series and both movies on DVD, click on TPOOT.

I've never stopped writing to TNT about a 3rd movie, and about the release of the whole series and both movies on DVD, and - whoa - this weekend they've answered:
We do appreciate hearing your thoughts and suggestions regarding The Pretender. Our programmers have been advised of your request regarding movies and DVD releases. Thanks for your interest in TNT and thanks for watching!

Season 4 finally premiered last Wednesday, Feb. 9 in the UK. It airs every weeknight at 7pm on the Sci-Fi Channel, and is repeated at 1pm the following day, Monday - Friday (Monday 7pm; Tuesday - Friday 1pm & 7pm). No word on the movies yet, but Sci-Fi might show both after the run of the series, as they advertise the show a lot.
Thanks to Crash for the info.

From Pathfinder Pictures:
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in UNTIL THE NIGHT.
The DVD special features will include interviews, audio commentary, deleted scenes and biographies.
Sincerely,
Norith Soth, Pathfinder Pictures

"Until the Night" will be released on DVD in the US (region 1) on April 26, 2005. You can already see the cover and also pre-order it at Barnes & Noble for $19.98, or at amazon.com for $22.48, and at pretty much every other US and Canadian entertainment on-line store.

Michael turns 43 today. Have a wonderful day!

For quite a while, Michael was listed as a guest for the breakfast and the autograph signing at the Richard Biggs Memorial Show on Saturday, March 19 at the Beverly Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave, N Hollywood, CA 91602, along with the names of Jerry Doyle (Babylon 5), Mira Furlan (Babylon 5, Lost), Melissa Gilbert (Little House on the Prairie), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Babylon 5), Matthew Ashford (Days of our Lives), Ricardo Antonio Chavira (Desperate Housewives), Melinda Clarke (The OC, Days of our Lives), Andreas Katsulas (Star Trek, Babylon 5), Stephen Nichols (Days of our Lives) and many more, but both his name and photo were removed from the Richard Biggs website during its last update on 1/30/05. It seems, he won't attend :(
For more information, and the full guest list (appearance depending on their work schedule), please click here.

From the press release of this year's San Francisco Independent Film Festival:
These movies may never hit the multiplex, but at least you can say you saw them first.
The 7th Annual San Francisco Independent Film Festival (IndieFest), a world-wide blend of more than 100 independent films and videos, unspools February 3-15, 2005 at three San Francisco venues: Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street; the Roxie Cinemas, 3117 Sixteenth Street; and The Women's Building, 3543 Eighteenth Street.
Tickets are $9 for each screening; $7 for matinees; and $20 for Opening Night. For tickets or more information, telephone (415)820-3907 or click on Tickets.

IndieFest also offers a few more films exploring the darker side of humanity. Included are James Erskine and Danny McCullough's "EMR" and Gregory Hatanaka's "Until the Night". ..... A kind of anti-'Big Chill', "Until the Night" unspools a smoldering story of a group of self-loathing youngsters - a marginal writer, an addict, a failed actor, and a successful businesswoman.
Until The Night will be screened on Sunday, Feb. 6 at 7pm, at the Women's Building, 3543 18th St in San Francisco ; on Friday, Feb. 11 at 4:30 pm, at the Roxie Cinema, 3117 16th St in San Francisco ; and on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 4:45pm at the Mama Buzz Cafe / Ego Park Gallery, 2318 Telegraph/23rd St in Oakland.

-----

"Until the Night" will be released on DVD in the US (region 1) on April 26, 2005. You can already pre-order it at Barnes & Noble for $19.98, or at amazon.com for $22.48, and at pretty much every other US and Canadian entertainment on-line store.

Sledge : The Untold Story will be screened in the 'Midnight Series' at the Slamdance Fesitval on Sunday, Jan 23 at 10:00am at 608 Screening Room, 608 Main St., Park City, UT, and again on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 11:30pm at Main Screening Room (TMI), 255 Main St., Park City, UT.

From an email from the office of "Sledge": The cast and crew will be at the screening in Park City! Including, Dave Leitch, Brad Martin, Todd Grossman, Zachary Kahn, Nina Yang, and some of our actors *named* and *un-named*.
Michael's name is not mentioned, but in case someone who lives close to Park City, or is vacationing there at the time, might attend the festival, and check things out for the rest of the fans.

The release date of the 1st season of "The Pretender" on DVD in the US has changed from March 15th to March 22nd, 2005.

You can already pre-order the DVD set at amazon.com for $27.99 ; at amazon.ca for CDN$ 34.75 ; at DVDPlanet for $27.97 ; and probably now thru every on-line store worldwide.

The official website of Sledge : The Untold Story is now online. It has kind of a trailer, synopsis, several cool movie stills (but none of Michael), and the cast is listed as follows: *We regret to inform you that due to contractual restrictions with various A-List actors as well as a favored nations agreement with the Screen Actors Guild we are unable to list any cast members at this time.*
The movie is based on the short film by the same creative team, "Sledge: A Documentary". Enjoy some screencaps of Michael from it.

"Sledge : The Untold Story" will be screened in the 'Midnight Series' at the Slamdance Fesitval on Sunday, Jan 23 at 10:00am at 608 Screening Room, 608 Main St., Park City, UT, and again on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 11:30pm at Main Screening Room (TMI), 255 Main St., Park City, UT.

Until The Night next shows in the San Francisco Independent Film Festival on February 11, 13 & 16.
Full schedule, times and location should be online on their site pretty soon.

From an email from Marmalade's writer and star Jill Sorensen from December: Thanks for your interest in Marmalade. We're currently in the midst of a sales process for the film. No set release date or distribution deal as of yet. There might be some screenings in NY or LA if you're close to those areas.
Jill Sorensen