Call
it a wake, call it a send off, call it whatever you wish to, but last
night's opening night of Boeing Boeing at Wayside Theatre was, even with
all of the emotions surrounding my departure, one that those who were
there, in body or in spirit, will remember for some time to come.
It was indeed a night filled with emotions. Long time Wayside Theatre stalwart Cephe Place received recognition for
her amazing service to the organization by being honored with a Leo
Award. Saying that honor was well deserved is an understatement to end
all understatements. Before the show the many friends who came to the
see my last opening night at Wayside Theatre brought treasured memories
with them to this special night.
But, most importantly, the amazing cast of Boeing Boeing, (Leslie Putnam, Don Denton, Dan Westbrook, Shirley Proctor, Theresa McQuirk, and Karen O'Connell,) took the stage, whipped the audience into a frenzy of laughter, and brought the focus right back to where it should be: on the show and the amazing work within.
If the show biz maxim, "always leave 'em laughing" is true, that cast certainly took that to a new level last night. I have to tell you watching them perform this insane farce with such amazing skill and polish was a great "final opening" for me to remember. I'll treasure it always.
Quite a few folks remarked that it was one of the best shows I've directed at Wayside in quite some time. My response was, well, when all you have to do is focus on the directing of a show, instead of the many gazillion other things that my previous job entailed, well... you get the picture. Maybe that should be a lesson for someone. Hmm?
Thomasin and I were delighted to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and great colleagues who have helped make our life at Wayside Theatre worthwhile these past years. Seeing each one before or after the show brought back such a rush of memories it almost became overwhelming. Those who made it last night and those who couldn't (because many of them are working! Yea!) please know that you have left an indelible mark on that tiny stage and also with me. We'll do it again sometime, on some other stage, but, in the meantime, we all share the specialness that were those years at Wayside Theatre.
So many words, so many memories came flooding out in the after parties (I think one may still be going on someplace). Vaughn Irving, who has his own show going up in the DC Fringe fest touched Thomasin and I tremendously with his words. But, then what would you expect from someone who is playing Disco Jesus. But Vaughn wasn't and isn't alone. This Wayside Family that did amazing things in some of the most challenging circumstances anyone can face is spread all over this biz. They are all doing what they were born to do, which is, for a few brief moments, brighten the lives of others with their artistry and talent.
Lord knows, they certainly have brightened mine. For that I will always be grateful for all we have shared.
Onward.
But, most importantly, the amazing cast of Boeing Boeing, (Leslie Putnam, Don Denton, Dan Westbrook, Shirley Proctor, Theresa McQuirk, and Karen O'Connell,) took the stage, whipped the audience into a frenzy of laughter, and brought the focus right back to where it should be: on the show and the amazing work within.
If the show biz maxim, "always leave 'em laughing" is true, that cast certainly took that to a new level last night. I have to tell you watching them perform this insane farce with such amazing skill and polish was a great "final opening" for me to remember. I'll treasure it always.
Quite a few folks remarked that it was one of the best shows I've directed at Wayside in quite some time. My response was, well, when all you have to do is focus on the directing of a show, instead of the many gazillion other things that my previous job entailed, well... you get the picture. Maybe that should be a lesson for someone. Hmm?
Thomasin and I were delighted to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and great colleagues who have helped make our life at Wayside Theatre worthwhile these past years. Seeing each one before or after the show brought back such a rush of memories it almost became overwhelming. Those who made it last night and those who couldn't (because many of them are working! Yea!) please know that you have left an indelible mark on that tiny stage and also with me. We'll do it again sometime, on some other stage, but, in the meantime, we all share the specialness that were those years at Wayside Theatre.
So many words, so many memories came flooding out in the after parties (I think one may still be going on someplace). Vaughn Irving, who has his own show going up in the DC Fringe fest touched Thomasin and I tremendously with his words. But, then what would you expect from someone who is playing Disco Jesus. But Vaughn wasn't and isn't alone. This Wayside Family that did amazing things in some of the most challenging circumstances anyone can face is spread all over this biz. They are all doing what they were born to do, which is, for a few brief moments, brighten the lives of others with their artistry and talent.
Lord knows, they certainly have brightened mine. For that I will always be grateful for all we have shared.
Onward.
