Four shows down…

Tuesdays are the company day off.  I was so grateful for that today.  Things got a little harried for me last week.  I was in tech, working in the office, fighting a cold that has been attacking the company left and right, AND beginning rehearsals for the upcoming John Gabriel Borkman. It was my first stint at being a full-fledged artist/administrator.

I have to confess I’ve had apprehensions about this show.  Those feelings have ebbed and flowed ever since September.  Ultimately, I’m insanely proud of the work we’ve all put in.  I’m honored.  It’s been a long, long process and we’re doing the show in front of paying audience members.

There seems to be good buzz about the show.  I’ve talked to many people who loved how much there is to think about.  Some plan to come again.  Some have seen it twice already.

It’s humbling.

One guy came up to me and said he lost his wife when he was 29 (I’m going to guess he’s in his early 60s)  He was saying the same things the Ploughman says in his head.   He was grateful that we did this project. That’s exactly the kind of impression/effect we wanted to have on people.  I think it’s so important for an audience to share this experience of grieving in a highly unique and safe way that only theatre can provide.

I hope to put some production photos up soon–it’s my last-minute tease so you can catch one (or more) of the four remaining shows.

But I look at those photos in complete awe.  It’s hard for me to believe that I’m on stage amidst the beautiful lights and music and words.  It’s startling.  As an actor, you get so focused on making sure to be in the right spot on stage for the light cue, or caught up in the heat of the moment that it can be difficult to even acknowledge the whole.  Because that “whole,” this ephemeral experience, is what all of this is about.

Talking to audiences after the show reminds me of the whole, which, admittedly, hasn’t been at the forefront of my mind.

So thanks to any of you who came to the show.  It’s our hope that it was a meaningful experience for you.  Your attendance reaffirms and regrounds me more than you can imagine.

Gosh, this feels like a goodbye entry.  Those won’t be for another week.

We’ve still got work to do!

Maybe see you soon?

I hope so.

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