Okay, so I'm not the first to note there's a potful of gold to be made by the first person who discovers a way to bottle the enthusiasm, vitality and energy of youth. But what I've realized the past few weeks is that while it may be impossible to reclaim the pizzazz of a twenty-year old, the next best thing is to get to hang out with a bunch of them. At least if they're like the talented, thoughtful, funny and highly motivated actors and technicians in this year's company at the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham.
Alan Rust is the Theatre's Artistic Director and back in May when he asked if I would consider taking a role in the opening production of MY FAIR LADY, I didn't hesitate for a nano-second. Although it's been 27 years since I acted at the Monomoy, the idea of being part of the Theatre's 50th Anniversary Season and of working with the show's director, my old pal, MichaelJohn McGann, were all the incentives I needed. Before you could say "Pick up your script. Rehearsals start on Monday," I was on board. Not that I needed much of a script for my cameo as the Queen of Transylvania. I have one line. Actually, one word: "Charming." Though I do get to say it twice. With an accent worthy of Zsa Zsa Gabor.
New York equity actors Holly Holcomb and Terry Caza are stunning as the leads. Ditto Rust as Alfred E. Doolittle and Richard Mangan, on from England this summer to act and direct, as Pickering. The rest of the company are twenty-something acting students, all possessed of equal measures of ebullience, talent and charm. (Although the Theatre is the summer home of the Ohio University Players, founded 50 years ago by Elizabeth Baker, the wife of then President John Baker, students audition at colleges around the country.)
It's been a joy to be with them - back stage and on stage - and worth the late nights and lost sleep. Every minute.
Tonight's my last night as a queen. At eleven PM I hand in my tiara. It's been a terrific two-week run.
Comments (3)
heavens. i just re-read your blog and notice that you were the queen of transylvania! that was my bit role in "My Fair Lady" in high school (best friend, of course, was Eliza). Gosh, I still have a picture somewhere. What were the lines? I remember walking down a staircase and wearing a tiara and a white dress and gloves. I've got to find that shot.
Posted by Kelly | July 4, 2007 9:57 AM
Posted on July 4, 2007 09:57
I just went to see My Fair Lady at Monomoy...I almost fell off my chair when I saw you on the Stage....since I was reading the Lavender Hour (which by the way is a stellar of a book!). The Play was Great..and so were you! Congrats!
Posted by Cheri Davis | July 4, 2007 5:45 PM
Posted on July 4, 2007 17:45
I am so glad that you enjoyed being in My Fair Lady. I loved sitting next to you in the dressing room, and talking with you. I bought one of your books- it has been such a treat to read a book then later that day perform on stage with the author. Monomoy has been a wonderful experience for me, and a major reason it has been wonderful is because you, and so many of the other patrons, have been so welcoming to us. So thank you very much! Hope you are feeling better and see you soon.
Posted by Chelsea Farthing | August 10, 2007 6:52 PM
Posted on August 10, 2007 18:52