The first couple of years I was doing this I went to shows all the time. Fifty-plus shows a year for at least a couple of years there. So I figure it's okay to slack off a bit. This one actor who I respect immensely once remarked that he hates going to theater so he hardly ever does it. What a liberating feeling that must be. Because, frankly, more often that not I go out of obligation, not desire.
The theater just isn't in my blood. I wasn't a theater major. Most of my life I went to a show or two a year, typically of the Evita and Miss Saigon variety. But I do like to go see friends' shows, even if I don't always care much for the show itself. And I do reciprocate when someone goes to the trouble of seeing my shows.
All that being said, last night I went to see Steep's new production (In Arabia We'd Be Kings) and really, really enjoyed it. There was no real obligation to see it. I haven't worked with them in years. But they're a good group of people and usually do very good work. But I haven't enjoyed a show like last night's in quite a long while. I don't think I checked my camera-clock once, which is saying a LOT.
A couple of scenes, especially, I was just so into it I didn't even stop to analyze them. One of the actors, it turns out, just started performing a couple of years ago in a mid-life career change. That kinda struck me, because that was my story. Or, at least, what I wanted my story to be. But there he was, in a very good role, in a very good show, with a very good ensemble, doing better at it than I've ever done on stage.
So yeah -- a poignant moment.
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