The end of a 5 month tour is a new beginning

phwuuuu.... What a wonderful 5 month 4 city tour it has been and I thank each and everyone of you who have supported this show in anyway. Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Washington DC and New York. An extended run in New York is every actor's dream. It has been indescribable to be able to make people laugh and cry with a show that means so much for so many people. It's nice to put my feet up for a few days but that gets old quickly, so next week I'm off to the National NACA conference in Boston Feb 13-17 to further the message of the show. I'll meet new people who hopefully will be able to help spread the message of the show to college campus's around the country.

Meanwhile. I'm looking forward to getting back in the class room and on the stage and returning to Los Angeles.

Mr. Fry in New York

Freinds, Romans and New Yorkers,

I wanted to wish everybody a Merry Xmas with some ho, hoes, thrown in for good measure. I'm in New York as most of you know. I'm loving it here. I've had a very warm reception despite the winter storm that has left ice sickles, scarf venders, and snowmen happy. I have been extended through the end of January 31st. Shows will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 5pm. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST. Make sure to ask for the MR. FRY SPECIAL. Which is secret code that you can get a free ticket. Just pay a 2 drink minimum. It will save $25 on the ticket price.

I think I'm going to go to Boston for 36 hours, but I haven't made the final decision on that. It looks like I'll be on the New York One TV channel on January 6th. And I hope to get a copy of the CBS interview soon so I can put it on the website.

I would love to share some of the wonderful emails I have been getting on the show.

Thanks,

Merry Christmas

Jack, "Mr. Fry"

Jack

The show was great realized i never answered your question about what grade i teach, well anyway, i'm a preschool teacher at a daycare in the south bronx, i spread the word to my co-workers and i also made an announcement today in my graduate class and recommended that they all took the trip down to the city to see your play, i told them as teachers they need to see your play....Good luck
Fellow teacher
Jennifer

Hi Jack,

I put the red ads in each teacher's malilbox after giving the principal a glowing review of your show. It was a great night.

thanks,

Maggie

Thank you Jack.

The show was fantastic, I sent an email out to my whole school last night about it, and already put the flyers out. It must have been an enthusiastic email, because 5 people approached me about it within 5 minutes this morning! I just forwarded the colorful email you just sent as well. I am sure you'll see a few teachers from my school sometime soon, and I'd even like to come again if possible.

I'd love to keep in touch too, though I am not sure how free my schedule is for the rest of Dec. I've got to get my final papers in for Grad school! eek! Anyways, if you extend until Jan, please let me know~!

Sara

Saturday's Oct. 17th show SOLD OUT!!!

Hey there,

I just got back from a SOLD OUT Mr. Fry show here in Indy.  We had to pull out extra chairs so people could sit down.  I'm exhausted, but it's a good exhausted.  I just got a wonderful note from Doug Jennings, Park Tudors headmaster.    He's thinking of bringing me back in August.

The audience was superb.  We laughed and cried together.  It really was a special evening.   I hate to think that I only have one more show here in Indy.  In a way, I wish I didn't have any other place to go so I could stay here longer.  We've worked so hard to build this momentum, now we're going to have to let the air out of the balloon.

Life... hmmmm.... full of choices.  What to do, what to do...   

Mr. Fry in Indy

Hey Gang,

I'm in Indy now.  Closing the show this weekend after a 3 week dynamite run.  I could extend, but I have chosen not to because I NEED a week off before Washington and New York.  I've been working non stop since the Washington Fringe Festival in July. (I am still getting emails from angry artists who swear they'll never do that festival again after the festival's director Julianne Brienza decided to steal their button money)

So Indianapolis, Mister Fry will be back.  I will let you know.  I hope you can get as many people as possible to go this weekend.

I'm very much looking forward to going to DC for the "Command Performance" at the Department of Education.   Then it's off to New York City.

I'll keep you posted on the events as they unfold.  Thanks for your support.

Some emails and comments sent to Mister Fry

I started to get wonderful emails from patrons of the show and I thought I would post a few of them.  If you've seen the show, please post a comment.  Thanks.

Jack

From our show in June 7th 2009

 Jack,

We absolutely LOVED it. Marissa is an actress as well- we've both done a lot of theater and been to a lot of theater, and this is one of the best things we've seen in a long time.

The show is so funny (the loud cackle you heard every once in a while was Marissa's:)), very touching, and it has a wonderful, powerful message that stays with you- I found myself thinking about it even this morning.

We both feel this is something everyone should see, so we will definitely tell our friends, and we're going to especially encourage Marissa's dad to go because he teaches high school English at LA High, where there a lot of students that are similar to Anthony and Jasmine I'm sure.

So, when will you be doing it again here in LA?

Also, have you thought of writing the screenplay and turning Mr. Fry into a movie? I think it would make a great one...

Anyway, thank you for sharing your beautiful work...we loved it.

Talk soon,

Ben

Email on show 12/06/08

Dear Mr. Fry,

Thank you so much for allowing me to see your show.  I have been teaching for 15 years, both as a permanent and substitute teacher, exclusively for LAUSD. I have be tempted to leave many times because of the excessive and damaging encroachment of politics on the field of education.  Year are year, I see teachers and students at the mercy of those who govern education.  I got into teaching initially, and have remained in teaching solely to be apart of the students' lives.  I wish to always be at the heart of their daily issues, whether it be social, academic, or personal.  I want to struggle with them and help them sort things out.   Your play gave me a renewed sense of encouragement and hope.  What I do everyday is right, and where I belong in life.  Your play confirmed that for me, yesterday.  I wish you continued success as an actor and educator.  You have certainly made good use of the talent and gifts God has given you.

Gratefully yours,

Ralph Lopez, teacher LAUSD

Comments emailed to me for 12/06/08 show at Fanatic Salon

Your show was great.  I was very impressed with your story telling and acting ability.  My wife really enjoyed it, too.   We will tell our friends!

Yosh, Entertainment Research & Consultanting

Emailed comments on show 5/24/08 at the Fanatic Salon Theater

I just have to tell you, Mr. Fry, I have a lot of teachers in my life.  My husband's mother is a teacher, his sisters and best friend are teachers.  You really did them justice.  I am also finishing my credential right now and should be teaching in the fall.  I am terrified but I am so excited!  I truly and honestly enjoyed your show.  As a person who has a lot of experiences with "teacher stories", I actually see yours and my husband did too.  Thanks for a great performance and I truly wish you all the best in the future.  your story moved me so I thank you.

Amy Dunn, critic Valley Scene Magazine

Jack,

Congratulations on an excellent performance, Sat. 5/24/08.  We laugh, cried, cheered and jeered at an existing school system that should also emphasize "no teacher left behind" and "no more teacher abuse".  Looking forward to " They Call Me Mr. Fry II".   Another real life experience that will help solve the revolving door of the less privileged, and the high premature drop out rate of our dedicated, talented teachers.

Mark Stong, teacher LAUSD

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the invitation, thanks for the play, it was wonderful, full of emotions, and your work is so deep, like a map of what life is.

Julio Ballatore

Hollywood Income Tax

Jack, Mr. Fry

After I saw your show, I signed up to volunteer and mentor under priviledged kids!  You rock!!!

Solniska, Life Coach

Hi Tracy,

They Call Me Mister Fry is moving and inspirational.  Teachers should especially see this - as he learns compassion from his students.  He is an inspired story teller and even more inspired teacher.  Loved it!

Patty, patron

Hi Jack,

Great job!  Rick and I both really enjoyed the show.  We laughed, we cried -- your frustrations and your passions really came through.  I am going to pass you flyer along to some friends for the next performances ( a couple are teachers and might get a kick out of it.)

Take care and best of luck with the production.

Raleigh and Rick, PR consultant & magician

Comments on Show 6/28/08 in Sherman Oaks

Thanks, "Mr. Fry" for an excellent performance!  I especially cracked up at the kids hitting each other "by accident"... SO TRUE!  My retired teacher friends & I  all loved the play... despite the insane heat!  I gave your show a great review & here's one better than passins the flyer since school's out for the summer... I emailed all our faculty with details about your show... hope some can come for your Westside performance.

Sonya Neweissman

2nd grade "veteran" teacher

Hey there, Mr. Fry

I thought your performance was outstanding and I've already recommended your show to family and friends.  Infact, I'll be back with mom this Saturday-- she's looking forward to seeing the show as well.

I'll be sure to post a review on Goldstar, and congrats on New York!

Ali, patron

Jack,  

Hi, this is Karen.  I'm in the process of writing up my yearly submissions to be on the Ovation committee for 08/09.  I wanted to use your show as one of the best I've seen this year....

Always,

Karen Dick, ovation award voter

Email from George Albano, the nation's top principal

Jack,

It was great hearing from you.  If you are ever in the NY area, I would love to have you present "Mr. Fry" to my staff of 125 professionals.  I'm glad you enjoyed the DVD.  I will have a new one by early 2009

George Albano, 

Principal Lincoln School Elementary, Winner of the National Blue Ribbon for Academic Excellence.  Featured on 60 minutes and other national programs. 

Some comments from New York audiences emailed to Mr. Fry

"... one of the most insightful, inteligent, extremely touching, beautifully acted plays I have ever seen..."

 Daisy Jopling-Concert Violinist

"... I really enjoyed They Call Me Mister Fry as both a teacher in the inner city schools and as someone tryig to make my way on life's journey.  It was moving, funny, and well written.  The acting was also superb.  I truly felt like I could see each scene unfolding before me in the first person narrative..."

Tammie E. - Teacher, New York City

Jack, "Mr. Fry"

I will certainly tell my teacher friends.  I will alsotell them how much I enjoyed it.  Not only did it make me laugh, but your performance touched that area in my heart reserved for and preserved by my students.

Sara Michaels,  Teacher, nyc

Jack,

Your show is an extremely touching and funny play with full and colorful characters that you poignantly bring to life on stage.  It is never easy to hear about kids in very difficult life situations, but through this story one can see how strongly a teacher can positively influence a child and vice versa.  I was happy I got to see your show!   I really hope you get to take this show more places.  Good luck with your future shows and let me know if you're bringing the play back to New York.

Jenny Regan, patron

Jack,

Just wanted to write to tell you how much I enjoyed your show tonight!  What an amazing, powerful story.  It made me laugh and cry.  So glad I got to see it tonight!  Yay for the fringe!

Best

Aja, actress

Jack,

I'm very glad to have met you and seen your show.  I hope your final Fringe performance was well-attended and went well, and that the play continues to be performed and seen by new audience.  I look forward to hearing of it's future progress.

Best wishes, and continued success with Mr. Fry,

Bert S. , patron

Mr. Fry,

My family and I really enjoyed your performance.  We had to bribe my 16 year old sun to visit his younger brother at camp in upstate NY by promising him a trip to the city on the way back. You gave my husband, son and me a lot to talk about.  You managed to be both funny and moving.  Thank you.

I am related to quite a few current and retired teachers (including my mother) and have a lot of respect for what you do.  It ain't easy, and I am grateful to anyone who does it well and sticks to it.

Best wishes in your teaching and performing careers.

Marjie Letzter, mother of 3

Hi Jack,

   I spoke to you in the lobby following the performance on Monday afternoon.  You may recall that I told you that I am a teacher at Community College of Rhode Island and could relate to many of the issues raised in your play, notably the demands constantly being made by people in authority who are so convinced that they know how to make the educational system better, even though they've rarely if ever stood in front of a class of students.

   I returned home from New York yesterday and was telling my mother, a retired teacher, and my sister, a high school teacher about They Call Me Mister Fry.  Once again, thank you for a moving and stimulating testimony to the positive influences of teachers in the most challenging of circumstances.

Sincerely,

Bert Silverberg, college professor

Jack,

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your work.  I am an actor and have written a one-man show as well about growing up first generation Italian-American.  I am also an arts educator and have worked in many schools for bringing arts into the curriculum.  I can relate to your process both as a performer and as an educator.  I wish you well with your show and hope it brings you much success.

All the best,

Frank Ingrasciotta

(I'm the guy who watcher your balloon sword during last night's performance)

Comments on Show 10/22/08 emailed to Mr. Fry

Hi Mr. Fry!

I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your show and what a pleasure it was to meet you.  I went with Ms. Trisha from LAKids Act and I thought you did an incredible job!  It was amazing hou you could keep all your characters straight.  I will never think of "Yo" the same way again!

I wish you the Best of Luck!

Ariel Fournier, mother, patron

Comments on Show 11/22/08 emailed to Peter Travis (manager)

Thank you, Peter, for making the arrangements for my group.  The 14 of us really enjoyed the heartfelt production.  What an incredible amount of dialogue  he memorized.  Very touching story, we were surprised at the emotion we all felt.  Even my 17 years old son had his eyes filled with tears.

With much appreciation,

Diane Bockwoldt Goldstar patron

Comments on Show 12/06/08 emailed to me

Jill wrote on your wall.

"Again... great show yesterday!  You should be very proud!"

Jill, actress, dancer, singer

They Call Me Mister Fry's New York Opening!

I opened up MISTER FRY on August 13th before a sold-out New York audience for the New York International Fringe Festival, and I have to tell you, they were an incredible audience. They laughed so much they almost threw me off.  Despite some technical hurdles, such as no tech rehearsal or even a cue-to-cue before opening night, the show managed to receive a standing ovation.  I owe it all to the team around me and the great New York crowd.   I'm looking forward to coming back.  I know a lot of you have asked about a New York run, I will let you know as soon as I find out.

Coming back from NEW YORK!

Hey, I'm coming back at the end of this week and I'm very psyched about my New York Fringe experience.  I've got a website that my cousin Martin is helping me build.  Check it out and see the reviews!  I look forward to seeing you all when I get back, hopefully in a few days.

They Call Me Mister Fry

THEY CALL ME MISTER FRY was first performed January 2001 at the Lex Theater in Los Angeles California for a 4 month run.  It is based on Jack Freiberger's (Mr. Fry) first year teaching in South Central Los Angeles.   Since then, Jack has been performing the show on and off for the last 6 years, alternating between teaching full time and performing part time.   He started running it again in Los Angeles in November 2007.  It has been running in LA ever since.  He was accepted to perform at the New York International Fringe Festival in August where he performed it to rave reviews.  (theycallmemisterfry.com)

THEY CALL ME MISTER FRY is the true life story of a first-year teacher, Jack Freiberger, in South Central Los Angeles , teaching a 5th grade class.  They play powerfully represents the relationship between Mr. Fry and two challenging students. Packed with humor and drama, it's a coming of age story not only for the children, but for the teacher as well.

The performance chronicles Jack's (Mr. Fry's) journey from the interview process, through the journey of his first year, dealing with the challenges of family, a diverse student population, students distracted by the hurdles of contemporary urban life including poverty and gangs.  Mr. Fry must contend with the struggles of administration and interdepartmental support in order to reach his own potential and thus reach his students.