Theater People: Lesli Margherita

Patrick and Vonia never disappoint, and this week's episode goes above and beyond any preconceived notions of what the show will be! This week's guest is the fabulous, hilarious, amazingly talented actress, the Queen, Lesli Margherita! She is currently Mrs.Wormwood in Matilda, and she won an Olivier award for her work in the West End's Zorro.

  

Raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California, she was a total tomboy.  After seeing Annie at the age of  8, she attended an open call for a production of the show in the Bay area, and she got the part. From then on she would do shows, took voice lessons and continued dance.  She came to New York City for the first time to do a camp at Hofstede Universtiy for teens and in high school she began working at various theme parks, Great America, Disney, etc. She attended UCLA for Dance so that she could work/perform outside of school (as a theater major one could not work outside of the program), she still however did musical theater and worked with an amazing professor John Hall.  She gives great advice about college and finding your path as an actor especially as a young person trying to make it as an actor.  One of her greatest nuggets of wisdom was to make acting something that you do, but have a life outside of it as well.

Her first major television gig was Fame L.A. directed by Kenny Ortega.  She had gotten Rent in LA as the Maureen cover, but at the same time she had gotten a manager who was sending her out on TV auditions. She got a series part in Fame L.A. so she didn't do Rent and she stayed in LA to do theater, but not for trying.  She flew back and forth to NY for auditions a lot, and was next in line so many times.  LA has a great theater scene which led her to do Zorro on the West End.  Her friend called and said he was doing a workshop for Zorro and they were coming to LA to do auditions and she should try out.

She did the reading and kept workshopping the show over the course of two years.  The show was finally going to tour England and then hoping to head to the West End.  They got her paperwork straight with equity, and she was the only American they brought in.  She did the tour but was getting married on the last day of the tour so she stopped early and went home to get married.  The day before her wedding, she got a call that the show was going to the West End.

She discusses her experience at the Olivier Awards.  Only a few Americans have won Olivier awards, the supporting character category is both male and female in one category, and her show's table was in the very back of the theater were a few reasons that she didn't expect to win and her experience of winning the award is one of the most fantastic stories (and I don't mean in this podcast, I mean ever)!



She owes her part in Matilda to Eden Espinosa.  Eden had an appointment for Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda and called Lesli to tell her that she had the call for this part that wasn't right for her but screamed Lesli which is the most amazing thing any actress could do (if you didn't already love Eden more than life)! She only knew about the appointments because of Eden , and was able to get an appointment. Through the auditions she got the part and made her Broadway debut!

Her experiences in Matilda are awesome stories! The way the kids are so amazing, but still real, true kids, her opening night experience, and many more.   She also discusses her show All Hail the Queen! and not sitting around and waiting for someone else to write your perfect role which is a phenomenal sentiment and goes back to her earlier advice about having a life outside of your work.

Her twitter questions touch on differences across the pond, across the country, her Star Wars wedding, and how one can become queen-like.

Lesli Margherita is a fantastic person! She's grateful, talented, hilarious, and who among us doesn't want to have a drink with her? Do yourself a favor and go see her in Matilda at Shubert Theatre!

Lesli Margherita: Website | Twitter
Theater People: Website | iTunes | Twitter

Movie Review: Begin Again

John Carney, director of Indie sensation Once, tries to duplicate the magic of music in his latest film Begin Again.  The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival a year ago under the title Can a Song Save Your Life?.  The film shares many similarities to the film Once including: a man and woman make music together, the music is a powerful force, and their love and connection to the city.

Begin Again tells the story of a songstress, Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her writing partner and boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) as they move to New York City after Dave has been signed by a major record label. Dave climbs to success on Gretta's songs, cheats on her, subsequently dumps her, and becomes an overnight musical sensation.  Gretta leaves their aparment with her bike and a suitcase to find her street musician friend Steve (James Corden) so that she may stay at his apartment until she can get out of the city and home to London.

Of course, Steve can't let Gretta leave the city without accompanying him to a performance at a bar that same night.  She goes with him to the show where he makes her get onstage and play a song.  A recently fired, and drunk, record executive, Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo), sees her perform and is in awe of her raw talent.  He approaches her after the show, convinces her she is amazingly talented and for the remainder of the movie they make a CD in various locations around the city to convince his old record label that she deserves a record deal.

Throughout the process they highlight various things around the city, convince talented musicians to play for free, enlist the help of CeeLo Green (who is playing a hip hop/pop star in the movie), outrun the cops, and eventually make a full CD that the record label finds worthy of a deal.  While the movie is mostly filled with cliché and often unbelievable plot points, the movie goes for a sincere approach to music and relationships. 

Mark Ruffalo played his character with an obvious passion which would have been nice to see in all of the characters.  There were also many funny moments specifically from James Corden and Mark Ruffalo's characters.  The sincere approach to life and music of the film made it's cliched story more realistic and enjoyable in the way that jokes were able to land and the story didn't center on the main characters falling in love and living happily ever after.  

The film is very watchable and you'll find yourself laughing out loud more than once in the theater, but it probably won't make you believe that music is a magical force that will one day change your life forever.

Theater People: Anthony Rapp

Patrick brings us another phenomenal episode! This week’s guest is the amazing Anthony Rapp! Aside from being a phenomenally successful Broadway star, Anthony has starred in many well-known movies (Adventures in Babysitting, Dazed and Confused) and had numerous TV spots (Psych the Musical, Law and Order: SVU).  He is also one of a small number of actors who was able to successfully transition from child star to adult.

One of the best things about this interview is the way that it begins.  Patrick’s passion for theatre is apparent in every interview, but the way he tells the story at the beginning of the podcast, a story of the first time he saw Rent on Broadway and what it meant to him, was moving.  It is such an iconic musical and the way he describes every detail of that night, it is simply phenomenal!

Patrick delves right into the interview, asking Anthony about his current starring role as Lucas in the musical If/Then.  He stars alongside his former Rent co-star Idina Menzel in a musical which he says “can be very moving for people, and it’s also very entertaining.  It is unusual in so many ways, and one of the ways in which it is unusual is the way it feels very personal and relevant to people’s real lives that they really live in the real world in ways that you don’t always feel when you go to see a musical theatre piece.”  They also discuss the ambitious nature of the musical as an original piece and the form it takes in terms of jumping between timelines, and the talented and hardworking creative team and crew who have worked to make it a success. And of course there was discussion of the talent and powerhouse that is Idina Menzel.

A great question posed by Patrick was how the New York presented in each show (Rent and If/Then) felt different to Anthony.  He answers by discussing how New York has changed and evolved from the city that took center stage in Rent to the place that is alive today and serves as the setting of If/Then.

Getting back to basics, Patrick and Anthony discuss how a kid from Joliet, IL was able to make his Broadway debut at ten years old.  His work in community theatre eventually led to his Broadway debut in a show that never officially opened, and then a part in the tour of The King and I.  He did eight shows a week as a kid and even became emancipated in high school so that he could continue to work.

Anthony discusses his experience of doing John Guare’s Six Degrees of Separation as an eighteen year old.  He goes on to discuss the shows and movies he completed in his career between Six Degrees and Rent which includes many wonderful productions, some with impressively big names attached to them.

Rent was a huge success and changed the lives of all of the cast members.  Its reputation as a phenomenal piece has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans.  As such, Anthony has been asked a multitude of questions over the years about his experience in the show, but Patrick asks a new one: where would Mark be now? Anthony says he hopes that Mark’s film would have been good and that he would have continued to make meaningful pieces.  Further discussion about Rent includes: the formation of the show in the workshop and working with Jonathan Larson, his first encounters with some the songs from the show, his process of writing his book Without You. 

Make the 44 minutes to listen to the podcast; you won’t regret it! It is great and Anthony is a great actor with an amazing career and story!

Go see Anthony (and Idina) in If/Then at the Richard Rogers Theatre!

Follow Anthony on Twitter and Tumblr.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Theater People on iTunes, and check out their Twitter and Facebook!

The 2014 Tony Awards, Hosted by Hugh Jackman

It's that time of year again, as theatre fans watch the Antoinette Perry, or Tony, Awards!  While past years have been exceptional, this year the nominees, productions, and guests are extraordinary.  After all, Audra McDonald could possibly break a record by being the first performer to win six Tonys for active performance, the category for Leading Actress in a Musical is filled with iconic Broadway performers (and no matter who wins, the award will be well-deserved), the performances that are about to come will be show-stopping, Neil Patrick Harris will not be able to resist getting up on stage in an attempt to host, attendees will look drop-dead gorgeous on the red carpet, and someone will make the one-millionth reference to Adele Dazeem.

Here we go!

This year, the awards were hosted by Hugh Jackman, having taken to the stage for the fourth time.  My only question...why the hopping?  It's impressive that you can get dressed and move around while doing so, but there is a point when it needs to stop. 

The interaction between Neil and Hugh in the elevator was awkward but expected, but the hopping continued once he left the elevator.  However, the use of different characters from the nominated shows was well-done.  Not much singing though, which is a stark contrast to the opening numbers of previous years.  The cast of After Midnight was joined by Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Fantasia for a great performance.  At the end of the performance, Hugh joined them onstage to finish the dance routine, coming back to give his opening monologue.

The award for Featured Actor in a Play went to Mark Rylance for Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which is the actor's third Tony.

Emmy Rossum, Christine Daae in the film adaptation of Phantom of the Opera, introduced former Phantom Ramin Karimloo and the revival cast of Les Miserables.  I'm sure most everyone on tumblr was disappointed that Ramin didn't show off his famous abs.

The award for Featured Actress in a Musical went to Lena Hall for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, marking her first Tony win.  Neil and the rest of the Hedwig family could not have been any more happy for her as she accepted the win.

Lucy Liu introduced the show-stopping performance from Disney's Alladin.  James Monroe Iglehart, playing the role of Genie, performed some iconic numbers from Disney during his dance break in "Friend Like Me."

Jonathan Groff introduced Idina Menzel's performance "Always Starting Over" from If/Then, having starred with her in Disney's Frozen.  He brought back the moment from the Oscars, when he quoted John Travolta by calling her "the Wicked-ly talented, one and only IDINA MENZEL."  Her performance was incredible, and fans are proud of her success and support her faithfully.  

Clint Eastwood, director of Jersey Boys the movie (which, who else is excited?), presented the awards for Direction of a Musical and Direction of a Play.  The award for Musical went to Darko Tresnjak for A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, which is also his directoral debut. Direction of a Play went to Kenny Leon for Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.  

Samuel L. Jackson introduced the performance of Rocky.  Andy Karl and company brought the iconic film to life, with snapshots of "Eye of the Tiger" and the fight scene.  Of course, the performance would not have been complete without the famous yell for "Adrian!"

Fran Drescher and Zachary Levi presented the awards for Featured Role in a Musical, which went to James Monroe Iglehart for Aladdin.  As he accepted, he channelled his former Memphis character Bobby with a praise shout. 

Alan Cumming and the company of Cabaret gave a brilliant rendition of "Wilkommen."  The performance was a big flashback to Alan's previous runs in the show.  He even performed the opening number ("Wilkommen") at the Tonys in 1998, when he won the Tony for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret.

Vera Farmiga and Ethan Hawke presented the award for Featured Actress in a Play, which went to Sophie Okenedo for her performance in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.  

Jefferson Mays came out in full costume(s) to introduce the performance from A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, showing off some of his characters that he brings to life on stage eight times a week.  Their performance of "I've Decided to Marry You" was spot-on!  

Audra McDonald made Tony history when she won the award for Leading Actress in a Play for Lady Day. She now has the record for winning six Tonys for active performances. 

Bryan Cranston won the award for Leading Actor in a Play for his performance in All the Way.  

RuPaul, of course, introduced the exciting and long-awaited performance of Neil Patrick Harris and Lena Hall in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  "Sugar Daddy" was electrifying.  There are some attendees in the audience who are probably scarred for life, having been visited by Hedwig during the performance. (Aside: "Sugar Daddy" is now available for purchase on iTunes).

The nominees for Best Play were presented by their authors, followed by short clips of each production.  The award went to All the Way.  

Wayne Brady introduced the performance from the revival of Violet.  Sutton Foster, Joshua Henry and company performed a medley of "On My Way" and "Raise Me Up," demonstrating the many talents within the company.  

The Last Ship, a new musical by Sting, was introduced by the Estefans.  The musical is inspired by Sting's experiences, and the composer performed the title track.

Judith Light and Patrick Wilson presented the award for Best Revival of a Play, which went to Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.  

Hugh Jackman introduced the performance of Wicked, celebrating ten years on Broadway.  Jenni Barber and Christine Dwyer were brilliant!  "For Good" was a fitting choice to honor the ongoing legacy and impact that Wicked has had.  The only thing that would have made the performance more special? Idina and Kristin joining the current Galinda and Elphaba duo on stage.  But that fantasy will have to remain in our hearts and minds.

Hugh Jackman, LL Cool J and TI performed a rap song.  The catch? It was the opening number from The Music Man.  I don't know whether to cringe or be impressed...  However, James Monroe Iglehart seemed excited by the performance.

Audra McDonald returned to the stage to present the award for Leading Actor in a Musical.  The award went to former Tony host Neil Patrick Harris for his role as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  As Neil said, "This is crazy pants!"

Carole King introduced Beautiful, the show that has brought her early life to audiences.  Jessie Mueller and cast performed the "before and after" versions of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?"  Jessie and company were incredible!  However, Jessie's performance of "I Feel the Earth Move," during which Carole King joined her, was spectacular!

Kevin Bacon and Kate Mara presented the award for Best Revival of a Musical.  The award went to Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Zach Braff introduced Bullets Over Broadway, which is the show in which Zach made his Broadway debut.  The company showed off their incredible choreography and the show really gave tribute to its creators, Woody Allen and Susan Stroman.

The award for Leading Actress in a Musical was presented by Hugh Jackman by a wonderful song and dance number.  He introduced each nominee and serenaded each individually.  The long-awaited and much anticipated award went to Jessie Mueller for her portrayal of Carole King in Beautiful.  

Tina Fey introduced the upcoming musical Finding Neverland, with a debut performance of "Neverland" by Jennifer Hudson.  And OH MY GOODNESS, it was amazing!

Rosie O'Donnell, who won the Isabelle Stephenson award for humanitarian efforts earlier tonight, presented the award for Best Musical.  The award, which has been center of speculation, went to A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.

The show ended with a riveting performance of "On Broadway," with all the winners returning to the stage to dance and sing along.  Whether winners or not, everyone that was nominated deserved recognition for their hard work and dedication to the theatre.

Red Carpet
Full Winners List

Photos courtesy of Broadway.com, tumblr and the official Tony Award twitter. 

CMT Awards 2014

The CMT Awards brought together the best artists in country music, and some surprising guests, to honor the best music videos of the year! There were myriad performances and eight big awards were handed out.

The show opened with a performance by ZZ Top, Florida Georgia Line, and Luke Bryan who were joined by Jason Derulo to segue from "La Grange" to "This is How We Roll" to "Talk Dirty."  Highlights of the night's performances included: Kacey Musgraves and Lee Ann Womack paying homage to Alan Jackson with "Livin' On Love" before Carrie Underwood presented him with the first ever CMT Impact Award, Keith Urban singing "Cop Car" in a recreation of the Bluebird Cafe, Little Big Town's performance of "Day Drinkin'" in which the band was doused in paint, and Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood bringing the house down at the end of the show with "Somethin' Bad". Watch the night's performances here.

Underwood and Lambert sing "Somethin' Bad" | Getty Images

The night's big winner was Carrie Underwood who took home Video of the Year for the third year in a row for her "See You Again" video.  Florida Georgia line took home Duo of the Year and Collaborative video of the year for "Round Here"and "This is How We Roll" respectively. Miranda Lambert won Female Video of the Year for "Automatic" and Blake Shelton won Male Video of the Year for "Doin' What She Likes".  See a full list of winners here.

Fashion

Getty Images

Carrie Underwood looked stunning in an floral keyhole Roberto Cavalli gown.  Her duet with Miranda Lambert was "Somethin' Bad", but her red carpet look was something very good! 

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The night's host, Kristen Bell, sparkled in a beaded Zuhair Murad gown and Brian Atwood heels. 

Getty Images

Mirana Lambert showed off her gorgeous figure in a Celia Kritharioti sequined mini dress with a plunging neckline.  

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Nicole Kidman, Oscar winning actress and wife of country crooner Keith Urban, graced the carpet in a Giambattista Valli embroidered silk dress.

Theater People: Eden Espinosa

Theater People Podcast has given their listeners another great episode! This week, Patrick is joined by the amazing Eden Espinosa.  Eden is most known for her time spent on Broadway in the award-winning and legendary show Wicked, which happened to be her Broadway debut.  She also joined the final Broadway company of Rent and can be seen in the live film version of the show as Maureen Johnson.  She also is known for originating the title role in Brooklyn.

          

Patrick, like most people would be, was thrilled to sit down with Eden and discuss her life and career.  The duo began by discussing the show that Eden brought to life: Brooklyn.  One thing about the show is that Eden's voice was showcased perfectly, allowing her to show off her powerhouse vocals. Patrick, taking a moment from discussion of Brooklyn, rerouted the conversation to how Eden got started with singing.

The one thing that Patrick was dying to know: how Eden discovered her ridiculous talent.  She said that she grew up singing, but was particularly inspired by Mariah Carey.  She would scream along to the music until she could sing it.  She also didn't start getting truly involved in theatre and music until high school.

Before you read any more of this post, check out this video of Eden singing "Once Upon a Time" from Brooklyn.  You will never be the same again, trust me! (Thanks to the amazing human being that posted this video on youtube!)

When she was old enough, she was able to start working at Disneyland.  She told Patrick that she was able to figure out her musical identity while working at the theme park, as opposed to studying theatre and music at a university or conservatory.  She doesn't have a "back-up plan" like other performers do, as she told Patrick, she focuses on performing.  Also, please be aware that you guys can check out youtube videos of Eden performing in the shows at Disney and Universal Studios!

She tells about her transition from working at Disneyland and Universal Studios to auditioning for and performing in Brooklyn.  However, she had made her debut on Broadway in Wicked before she took on Brooklyn.  She was able to audition for the stand-by for Elphaba, while Idina Menzel was still in the show, and got the part.  Thus, she was able to sit in the audience and see the show from a different perspective, while waiting for word that she was needed on stage.  Strangely enough, her debut was not for Elphaba - spoilers! - it was for Nessarose.  Eventually, though, Eden was able to perform as Elphaba before she left the show to be in Brooklyn.

Patrick and Eden also discussed Eden's return to Wicked, taking the role of Elphaba after Shoshana Bean.  She continued to play the role on Broadway, before taking the show to LA with costar and friend, Megan Hilty.

After her long stint in Wicked, she joined the final company of Rent.  She played the role of Maureen, which was originated by Idina Menzel (who also originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked).  She pointed out to Patrick that the final performance was professionally filmed, while former and original cast members of Rent sat in the audience and stood in the wings.  She also noted that Rent was her dream show that she wanted to be in, especially wanting to play the role Maureen.

Eden also shared some stories about her solo shows, one of which was directed by Billy Porter.  She, of course, talks about her 2012 album, Look Around.  Her goal for the album?  Well, you will have to listen to Theater People to find out!

      

For more information about Theater People, follow them on twitter, like them on Facebook, and listen to episodes and subscribe on iTunes.

Also, be sure to follow Eden Espinosa on twitter! And please, check out her album on iTunes and Amazon.

Photos courtesy of edenespinosa.com!

Heart of an Empire - ConCarolinas 2014

In the mid-1990s, one man's idea launched a group that has become an international force for good in the community. At Cons, charity events and public events, stormtroopers, Darth Vaders, and other imperial officers can be seen in full costume - seeming to have come directly from the movies.

Fans of Star Wars have been collecting props, action figures, comics and other paraphernalia for many decades.  Albin Johnson, as mentioned in the film Heart of an Empire, had an idea that he wanted to dress up as a stormtrooper.  With support of his friends and fellow Star Wars fans, Albin's dream has become a reality.  Chapters of the 501st Legion can be found all over the world, which is more than Albin could have dreamed of.  

                                               

                       

This past weekend, Albin's dream-turned-reality made its way into my line of sight.  At ConCarolinas in Charlotte, North Carolina, I was formally introduced to the Carolina Garrison of the 501st and the whole 501st through Jay Thompson's documentary, Heart of an Empire.  Don't get me wrong, I had heard of the group before, but I had no idea just how big and well-known the group is.  

And let me tell you, as a life-long fan of the Star Wars trilogies and EU (Expanded Universe), the fact that the 501st group exists excites me.

Not only are these groups active fans of the franchise, they are also active in their communities as individuals that want to have a positive influence on the people around them.  In fact, Heart of an Empire focuses on the influence these men and women have had on other people.  

                                       

I refuse to give anything away...so, PLEASE watch the film! It will change your life with its beautiful story.

   

In addition to seeing the film, I was able to sit in on an interesting panel on Saturday morning at ConCarolinas: Star Wars.

      

One thing that I knew would be discussed is the fact that Disney now owns LucasFilm and what that will entail for the upcoming sequel trilogies.  Just among the four panelists, the tension was running high.  They even went into the lengthy argument over the prequel trilogies and whether or not they are good or necessary for the Star Wars saga.

Now, say what you will, but I loved the prequel trilogy, but because I was a kid and saw the appeal.  I was a member of the generation that saw the release of these films, and that is part of my individual experience with Star Wars.  I, now, believe that the original films (without the additional edits that were made in the 1990s and 2000s) are far superior (Am I getting the Star Wars stamp of approval, now?)

However, I believe that the most important point from the panel is that the upcoming trilogy should not be judged harshly before it is released.  I believe fans of the saga should take the "innocent until proven guilty" approach.  Be excited for the films! Be hopeful that the stories will be great! Have faith that JJ Abrams and the entire cast and crew will do well with the films!

Now, if the films come out and are a success, YAY!!!! You had faith and you are being rewarded accordingly.   If the films are terrible, well that's okay too. Once that happens, go to town criticizing and analyzing and complaining - you deserve to.  But we should not set ourselves up with great expectations of what the films will be when we have no true idea of what is coming! That's just my simple opinion.

For more info on Star Wars, check them out on twitter, Facebook, tumblr and the official website.

For more information about the amazing Con that is ConCarolinas, check out their website!

Photos courtesy of the official websites of the 501st Legion, Star Wars, and ConCarolinas. 

Questions Answered: George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin was the guest of honor at  Con Carolinas in Charlotte, NC.  He met many adoring fans, read from his upcoming book The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros, and answered many stirring questions.

George R.R. Martin has been a full-time writer for more than 30 years and has worked in television as a Story Editor, Executive Story Consultant, Producer, and Co-Supervising Producer among other roles.  He is a New York Times Bestselling author and his work has garnered a multitude of awards and honors.  With all his success, one may think he would take to being reclusive and distant from his fans, but quite the opposite is true.  In the autograph signings he was personable and funny, on one instance a family set their child on the table to keep from having to hold him and jokingly Martin responded "Whoa, I don't sign babies!"


In the reading he was able to bring the story to life and hold the audience's attention for a full hour and a half which is doubly impressive considering that he was reading from a history book, albeit a fictional one, as opposed to a novel.  You can read the sample chapter from his upcoming book, The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros, here.

As a part of the question and answer event, Martin answered fan questions which ranged from why he wrote a character the way he did to what we can expect in the future. Many questions he could not fully answer because he can't give away anything that is in the books or will be in future books, but the questions he did answer gave insight into his process, writing decisions, and other aspects of the world of Westeros.

When asked about the way we are supposed to view or feel about Elia Martell (is there more to her than we have seen so far), Martin responded "One of the things I learned from Jack Vance, he made his secondary and tertiary characters come to life and actual people of realm, I try to keep that in mind when writing my character.  I try to give all of my characters an internal life even if they only appear in a few scenes, and try to see the world through their eyes for that period of time." He also tried to explain that he cannot control what happens on the television show, and therefore cannot explain what will come next as it often differs, at least partially, from what is in the books.

He was asked why he chooses to use songs and bards so prominently in his books, and if we can expect to see more of them in the future.  His answer was that Tolkien used songs and bards in his works, and he enjoyed the way that they fit the story.  He also added that "they don't have television in Westeros... and bards fulfilled a function in society.  They are the source of legends and myths.  They spread tales from castle to castle and realm to realm, and they help to unite people together." He also spoke to his poor treatement of bards in the book and the power they carry in their role as bards and singers.  He goes on to mention that he enjoys hearing the words that we wrote set to music and sung in the television show and at conventions because having only written the lyrics it would be possible that they would not work set to music.

Some of the questions were more comical including one from a teenage girl asking why he made Joffrey "such a hateable character" to which he responded "He's a thirteen year old boy! Do you know any thirteen year old boys?"

A very interesting question was how he is able to keep track of his world building, as they are very extensive and ever expanding worlds that he has created.  In response he said: "I use my brain.  My brain is rapidly being filled though.  I do have to refresh myself from time to time if I am away from it for awhile... The hardest thing to keep track of is that by now every character is separate and has their own cast of secondary and tertiary characters.  A lot of it I know and sometimes I think there's something wrong with me because what I don't know is all of your names.  I'm using brain synapses that other people use for real people for made up people."

He is an eloquent and entertaining speaker, and as such an accomplished writer he has a lot to offer.  If you ever have the chance to see him speak or meet him you should not hesitate to take the opportunity.

George R.R. Martin's Website | Blog

Update: Another example of Martin's dedication to his fans, and to causes that he cares about, is his recent Prizeo campaign which fans flocked to in droves! You can donate today and get a reward for your donation while also entering to win a trip to go with George RR Martin to a wolf sanctuary! Check out the campaign here.