It’s after 1:30 AM and as I, a humble freelance writer and Hartford-based blogger, sit here wading in and out while in the throes of insomnia and Malbec, I’m reflecting on my time blogging about the behind-the-scenes experiences of HartBeat Ensemble and the Flipside actors… I can, with the utmost frankness one could muster,  honestly say that amidst the frustrations, eye-rolling, sudden neck rashes (no lie), me cussing some folks out in my head, and the privilege of this opportunity; that I enjoy and like everyone involved in this project… which is rare, because I don’t “Like” a lot of things, people, or situations (I’m grumpy and disagreeable like that). These people have challenged my sanity and intestinal fortitude as a writer and their blog post demands have almost brought me to the brink of frustrated tears when I’m alone and grappling with writer’s block- (the first time I’m admitting this because my ducts don’t usually generate liquid) and  resignation …

En-route home, I ran into stage-manager Hannah Simms and chatted with her while she killed some time waiting for some delicious food from Aladdin on Allyn Street, and it dawned on me how very excited and antsy I am for everyone involved… the actors, the meticulous stylings of Director Gregory “Tate” Tate, Julia Rosenblatt, Lead Writer, Chinaza, Cindy, Brian, and Taneisha, the actors… everyone … and it’s almost as if I myself, am acting in this play or have an even greater vested interest in this production.  These people are passionate about what they’re doing and it has prompted me to browbeat family, friends, and frenemies into seeing this production. It’s just that cut-and-dry.  This is undoubtedly a project the troupe seems particularly proud of… I mean, it’s evident in the videos… and you can see it  in Week 12′s latest installment as filmed by Helder Mira of Rabbit Ears Media…  It all culminates to the long-awaited opening tomorrow evening at 7:30pm, at The Hollander Building at Asylum Street, downtown Hartford. Please observe….