THE PARTY’S OVER

The energy of live theatre is indescribable. You are just in the moment for an hour and a half.

Adrianne Palacki

And just like that my hour and a half is over.

What a great night. We had a full house. The director was pleased as this was the first time in their five year history.

Being new to this theatre I had no idea how they did things. It hadn’t been discussed. Makeup? Costumes? Do they get ready at the theatre? Do they do opening night cards or gifts? I had no idea. Since there were so many various members cast for different performances I opted not to do the cards/gifts. Good decision. No one did. My costume was at the theatre so that was easy. (Although I noticed that many of the cast members arrived at the theatre in costume.) Makeup? I decided to apply mine at home. That gave me the option to experiment as I had to make due with the limited products I brought with me. (Again most arrived in makeup.)

This is something I never do but Richard convinced me to allow him to take photos of me in my stage makeup. Remember I’m no makeup expert.

One last time going over the lines with Richard’s help. But I did stand in front of the bathroom window a few times rehearsing the last soliloquy. One thing I detest about aging is how much harder it is to memorize. Never was an issue previously. It came so quickly. Not now. I got it but it wasn’t easy. The sad part is that it wasn’t even that long. Ugh!

Packed my bag: water, lozenges, script, shoes, jewelry, and makeup. Then off to the theatre.

The call time was 6:30 for a 7:30 show. But I love to walk the silent stage before everyone arrives. It grounds me. Relaxes me. Gives me a sense of peace and oneness with everything. So I went early. I enjoy that moment of solitude. Even when directing a show I followed that ritual.

Show went well. I was happy. I’m just a lowly amateur but I try my best. One blip as I mistakenly turned two pages at one time and walked to the music stand at the wrong time. Oops. But quickly averted. Whew. And several times another character stood at my stand leaving me to go to the third one. Not a huge deal except he was now between the character I had most of my interaction with and me. That left us constantly looking around him plus making some on the spot blocking changes. Awkward but not the end of the world. Been in worse situations.

Show over. Now in any show I’ve been involved with it was always a given that you did not go out to see people in your costume. You changed and then went out to see your friends and family. Not here. I went to the dressing room but no one else was there. Apparently the cast had a meet and greet in the lobby. Oh well. Just a little lack of communication. They were used to this ritual and never thought to relay that to the newbie. Just as well. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing that in my costume.

One giant plus from tonight was a lot more cast members spoke to me. Maybe they got used to seeing me. Maybe it was the excitement of opening night. Maybe I was more comfortable with instigating conversations. Whatever the reason it felt better tonight. Some of the onus is on me. When I’m in a new place, not knowing anyone, I’m very quiet. I realize that can come off as standoffish. But it’s not. It’s just my introverted self. Eventually I open up.

I especially send a big thank you to one of the actors who’s also the costume mistress. Tatyana, you are wonderful person. You were so helpful and so generous in trying to make me feel comfortable. I sincerely thank you.

Richard and a couple we know from Minnesota attended the show. And how sweet was that. They invited us back to their condo and had drinks and appetizers for us. Numerous appetizers. Caroline had spent the day preparing as she said it was my special day and wanted to do this for me. Super sweet and I really appreciated it. This was a perfect way to wind down. It’s hard to just go home after a show. At least it is for me.

I always find myself at loose ends after a show closes. I spend so much time preparing and then it’s over. Takes a bit of time to re-adjust. (And how awful am I for thinking maybe I’d get a last minute call that they needed me to stand in for one of the other Norma’s? I know. Really awful aren’t I.)

So…

Today at around 11:00 am we headed off to the Seafood Festival & Car Show at The Wharf in Orange Beach. https://www.orangebeachal.gov/428/Seafood-Fest

We weren’t interested in the car show or the seafood but were interested in exploring the arts and crafts vendors. We’d been in previous years and throughly enjoyed ourselves. We really hadn’t done many days out together lately so this would be nice. Richard was hoping to find art work for his bathroom. And you never know what other delights you’ll find. And as I had been forgoing any treats the past few weeks I looked forward to this excursion with great anticipation. My special treat? An ice cream cone. To be exact, a Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream.

Best laid plans.

Our first clue to a disaster was the line of traffic headed in that direction. Then? No parking. Now they have multiple massive parking lots. Why you ask did this happen? Because of Richard’s soccer game. His hometown team, Nottingham Forest, had a game being broadcast here at 9:00 am. To top it off he tried and tried but he couldn’t get it on his computer. Great. (Note the sarcasm.) To add insult to injury he found out they lost 4-0.

So no festival for us.

And I must admit I was a bit sulky about the whole thing. Well, honestly, I was a bit more than sulky. maybe even b_ t _ h _ y. When I’ve been looking forward to something for a long time I’m not very receptive to it not happening.

In previous posts I mentioned making pluses out of minuses. Here goes.

1. We went to Bad Ass Coffee and I had a delicious Chai Latte. For me, they make the best ones down here.

2. When we got home I did laundry. I know that doesn’t seem like a plus but it saved me from doing it tomorrow when we’re going out to brunch with the Minnesota friends and then having our other close friends over for supper as they leave this coming week.

3. I enjoyed the beautiful sunny day sitting on the deck reading.

4. What did I read? This is where Richard’s guilt kicked in. From the library he had checked out the book The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith. It’s his latest book in the Cormoran Strike series. We both have enjoyed the author’s previous books and the TV series. Richard was to read it first but to soothe my irritated spirit he offered it to me. And I took it. Yup. I’m ok with that.

The Party’s Over – Shirley Bassey

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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