In the past, I have always had a period of time in between shows. I’ve never been this busy with shows. Ever.
I seem to have a pattern. For approximately the two weeks after closing a show, I tend to fall into a slight depression from the sadness of not seeing this make shift “family” we’ve created over the past few months. We spend a lot of our time rehearsing and, as of late, getting together outside of theatre and hanging out. I truly regret not spending this much time with the amazing and incredible cast of “Promises, Promises.”
Well, these last few months have been so tied together that I haven’t had any time to mourn the finale of not only “Promises” but also “Knickers.” Once “Sugar” gets dissolved on Easter Sunday, I have several weeks before I begin working on “9-5” that I am dreading because it’s gonna hit me all at once. The sadness of knowing that there are some people you may never get the chance to work with again. That feeling of “it’s okay if you are totally bonkers, we like you anyway” gets pushed aside for the real world that frowns on anything other than the social norms. Some of your inside jokes won’t get shared anymore. And some of those amazing people won’t be there with hugs or smiles or laughs or all three when you’ve had a bad day. And speaking of bad days, there is no place for you to run away to for just a few hours to forget that day so you can think about it with a clearer head later on.
I’ve become friends with at least 60 new people over these last few months and I’ve had the chance to reconnect with at least 20 more. In the age of social media, there is nothing better than meeting wonderful people in person rather than on a website. I find there is something so invaluable when it comes to that personal interaction because it lightly ties you emotionally together through memory.
There has been a beautiful Maya Angelou quote floating around on the old F B:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
And I feel so blessed and grateful for meeting every single one of them.
I am honored that I get to call them Friends.
If you don’t hear from me after Easter for a while, now you know why…
Now that I have a free moment, I’d like to say… Benjamin Burton Daniel Ovington?!
Kidding!
I know it’s going to sound unbelievably unoriginal and uninspired, but I have thoroughly enjoyed working along side each and every one of you. I’ve only been in one show where I’ve laughed as much as I have in this one, so I cannot thank you enough for the tremendous hilarity you have infused the entire rehearsal process and production run with. I actually looked forward to rehearsals, a little less so when it was hot outside. But still, I looked forward to seeing all of you wonderful people. That’s why every night when I left, I said “goodbye all you wonderful, beautiful people.” For you truly are. There’s a small part of me that is a little sad that I won’t be seeing you all this coming weekend.
Now, while the previous words weren’t super original, please know that they are extremely heartfelt. I do however want to tell you the following:
Andrea – I have absolutely loved watching you on stage. Your commitment to your character choices is always 100% and makes me want to be that focused. I still want to do a project that features you! I don’t know what, but just a head’s up!
Brett – You have brought jack-assery (that’s a Brett Carlson term) to another level. There were subtleties in your performance that were genius and I take my hat off to you sir! It’s been an honor sharing the stage with you once more.
Sean – Thank you for being stuck with me once more and allowing me to interact with you. It’s always a riot when you come up with an unexpected remark. Enjoy your break, but don’t stay off-stage too long.
Greg – You, sir were so well prepared and only because you told me, I would never have guessed that this is only one in a small handful of performances. I look forward to some good things from you. Thanks for the laughs!
John – It was a pleasure sharing the stage with you. You have great energy and your so charming on stage! Keep up the good work!
Doug – It was great to do another show with you. I loved the new energy you brought to Act 2 every night. I hope it’s not another 6 years before we share the stage again.
Mike – This show, I’m sure, will have specific memories tied to it. For me, your incredible heart and friendship and kindness will be something that will always be thought of when I think of H2$.
Roberta – Gurl, you are all kinds of fierce. Your calmness always helped me focus right before we had to go on stage. I love that you also delve into your character’s past and see what you can use. It’s inspiring.
Stephanie – I really only got to watch you dance during Yo-Ho-Ho, and every time, you were fabulous in it! Those doubles! Bam! Every time. You are without question one of the nicest people I have the privilege of knowing.
Kim – You have some of the best reactionary expressions in the show! So much fun to watch you each show during Cinderella Darling (I was all stalkery and watching from the lobby)
Elizabeth – You took funny to a whole other level! I could see you doing very well in a stand up comic situation. You have a wonderful way of telling stories and finding the funny in them. You definitely were one of the wickedly funny people in the cast. Your drawings were adorable, and I will always remember the humpy camel.
Lydia – FLAWLESS!! You brainy chica! Your interpretation of Hedy was brilliant! Nuff said!
Ronnie – I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity to work with you. You humor was completely unexpected but totally gut busting! I am forever going to think of you as a closeted smarmy fella!
Cindy – I am shocked that you haven’t done more musicals! You’ve got such a great voice! So sultry, or should I say slinky?! You are an absolute joy!
Sven – I am in awe of how dedicated you practiced the Chipmunk Cheer every night. Your applause were honestly well deserved! Chip-Chip-Chip-Chip-Chipmunk! Hmph! Keep up the great work!
Karl – You are so devilishly funny! I love how much thought you put into your character. My favorite moment is when you leave the stage after “Coffee Break.” I am SO glad you are back in theatre, you’re so natural there.
Frank – Once again, you are a delight to work with. You’re always such a consistent actor, and it’s a great comfort to work with someone so dependable.
Lea – Diva, my diva! You have THE best expression the first time we see Hedy! I love that you always have strong characters. Even, if they aren’t written as such. You always give them an immense dignity that makes your characters so likable.
Chris – Another fabulous job. You’re song was always one that I really enjoyed watching from the wings. You’ll have to keep me posted on your next show.
April – Hello, Ms. Fabulous! Getting to know you and to perform with you was an absolute joy! My regret is that we didn’t get to gabbing sooner in the rehearsal process.
Samantha – Gurl, I love you! I just think the world of you. Your work at the conservatory is super evident. Every night, I loved watching you storm out angry then change your tactic and rush back in 5 seconds later. So incredible to see that transformation backstage.
Robert – Davis!! You were a rock, solid! Thank you for all your help when I missed stuff! It’s been a honor to work with you again. I can’t remember how long it’s been since the last show, but it better not happen again!
Jeff – To my “Fraternity” brother, it was a blast dancing with you. Thank you for your help during the set up of Act 2 scene 4, I appreciate it.
Melissa – Okay, you were the one I was not expecting to hear such wicked yet frackin’ funny things from. Not only that, you are so quick with the funny! I wanna be able to sing like you when I grow up. Such a fabulous voice. I am going to miss helping you down from a table.
Jen – You are a wonderful dance partner. Thanks for trusting that I wouldn’t drop you! Thank you for helping me figure out all the things that I missed during “Coffee Break” due to work. Also thanks, for the info on how to help my shoulder.
All of you have a place in my heart, and I would happily work with any and all of you again anytime! I wish you all nothing but the best in your future endeavors and incredible success in 2012!!
I love you and cannot thank you enough for the laughs and the wonderful memories and friendships that you’ve shared with me over the last 3 months.
After doing 6 shows this weekend, I am SO glad that Monday is right around the corner!
With the major bulk of the play performances now over, I am starting to feel both a little sad and a little relieved. Sad because I know that a lot of the wonderful people that I am now surrounded with will move on to the next thing, as will I. Relieved because I am just a wee bit tired.
Now that I have been talking more to the crew, I am kind of wishing for just a little longer of a run. I always feel bad that I hardly ever get to learn about the crew people the way, I learn about the cast. Since we only have a 3 person crew, it’s a little easier, but because we were so focused on getting the show right and tightening up the shifts, there wasn’t much time to chat. As things come together, I have really enjoyed truly meeting Hugo, Rodrigo, and Hilda. Hilda was in the booth, while the boys worked the fly rail and move the sets.
At first, I was a little hesitant because they spoke in such rapid spanish with not only one another, but with other members of the cast, that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. However, I’ve picked up some stuff from them as well as a whole lot of laughs that I am grateful for. I still have to ask for A LOT of translation. Luckily, there are many people in the cast who take pity on me and help me out.
The Actorvist 