Robert Falls
@robertfalls
Former director of Chicago’s Goodman Theatre; opinionated cultural commentator; husband of fab novelist Kat Falls. Often posts pet pics to boost followers.
BOTD: Pina Bausch, artist extraordinaire. I can’t think of a theatre or opera director I admire who hasn’t been influenced by—or stolen from—her masterworks, The Rite of Spring and Café Müller. One of the most radical and influential artists of our time.
When I was fifteen, my father knew I was obsessed with Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now” and the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” He surprised me with this Bing Crosby album, containing both songs, and a turtleneck dickie. I remain touched by the gift and fascinated by the pairing.
“I have ten commandments. The first nine are: don’t bore. The tenth is: thou shalt have right of final cut.” —Billy Wilder BOTD 1906
Today would have been Gena Rowlands’ birthday. I love watching Criterion Closet Picks, where actors and filmmakers choose the films that shaped them. Again and again, someone reaches for A Woman Under the Influence and speaks of Gena Rowlands’ influence. One of cinema’s greatest actors.
I’ve never actually read The Odyssey. I read the Classics Illustrated comic, and at seven, considered the matter settled.
The Rolling Stones have a genuinely inspired new album, and somehow it made me think of Verdi. (Yes, I realize how absurdly pretentious that sounds.) Verdi was 79 when he wrote Falstaff. The best artists never really get old. They just keep surprising us.
I’d been directing for many years before I read Mike Alfreds’ Different Every Night. I thought rehearsal was repetition in search of the appearance of spontaneity. Mike taught me to make room for true spontaneity. He’s 92, still teaching. I’m still learning.
Birthday posts are little doors back to unforgettable performances. On Fred Gwynne’s 100th, I remember not Herman Munster, but the wonderful stage actor who gave the best Big Daddy I’ve ever seen—and I’ve seen a great many of them.
2) Brian’s greatness onstage is part of his legacy. My good fortune was knowing the man in the rehearsal room. Fiercely intelligent. Ferociously curious. Wickedly funny. Always searching for something deeper and truer. He made me a better director.
Born this day in 1938: my friend and collaborator, Brian Dennehy. The quintessential interpreter of O’Neill and Miller, yet equally compelling in Beckett, Pinter, Shakespeare, and Brecht. Fortunate to work with him for more than 30 years. Photos: Salesman, Long Day’s Journey, Iceman, Desire
Congratulations to the great Nick Offerman on his two Emmy nominations. Then come see what he and Megan Mullally are up to onstage this summer in Iceman! The hilarious new musical at @goodmantheatre.bsky.social
On Barbara Loden’s birthday, I’m thinking about Wanda—a film that’s haunted me since I first saw it. Her only feature as a director, yet it feels like the work of a fully realized artist. Few American films have ever seemed so honest or so quietly radical.
Remembering Shirley Knight on her birthday. Her performance in John Guare’s Landscape of the Body is still among the greatest I’ve ever seen. Years later, I was lucky enough to direct her in Horton Foote’s The Young Man from Atlanta. A remarkable artist—fearless, truthful, and unforgettable.
Just finished Patrick Radden Keefe’s London Falling, read by the author. What begins as a mysterious death becomes a fascinating portrait of wealth, class, power, and modern London. Keefe is one of our finest nonfiction storytellers. I was sorry when it ended.
I understand the Kennedy Center removal crew may soon be available for freelance work. Asking for a city on the Chicago River.
Happy 75th birthday to the ageless Richard Thomas At a time when fewer stars are willing to hit the road, he’s spent years bringing great theater to audiences across the country. Always superb onstage, always a mensch off it. Here’s to Richard Thomas.
Sammy and Hazel enjoying a beautiful Chicago morning. Apparently I'm about 20 followers shy of 3,000. This means absolutely nothing, which is why I'm mentioning it. Feel free to repost for anyone who appreciates dogs more than social-media milestones. The dogs, naturally, remain indifferent.
Authorities say the dog had no prior criminal record, though neighbors described him as ‘intense around fireworks.’
On this day in 1962, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened on Broadway. A decade later, I saw the legendary revival with Phil Silvers. Still, without question, one of the funniest performances I’ve ever seen on a stage.
If Hazel in a sweater can’t get me to 3,000 followers, then frankly I’ve misunderstood the internet.
Celebrating Orson Welles today with one of his most underrated films,
Happy Birthday Elaine May. The best. If you only know her comedies, do yourself a favor and watch this harrowing masterpiece.