Random Thought 34

Fashion Before Comfort!

Random Thought 33

If you can't do, don't do it!

Random Thought 32

Shut up, and do it!

Random Thought 31

If you want a straight answer, ask a gay man.

Random Thought 29

It's good to find comfort with one's discomforts.

Random Thought 30

It's good to be secure with one's insecurities.

Random Thought 28

What I lack in self-esteem, I make up in self-respect.

Random Thought 27

I make no promises.

Random Thought 26

Writing a book is a novel idea.

Random Thought 25

Something has to be "good" before it can be "better."

Random Thought 24

Sometimes good enough isn't good enough.

Random Thought 23

If you got it--flaunt it!
If you don't--fake it!

Random Thought 22

This is the human race....lower your standards.

Random Thought 20

I want it all, and I want it all now, and I'm not gonna stop until I get it all!

Then one I have it all, I'm gonna get some more!

Random Thought 21

A half-relationship is a good start.

Random Thought 19

If you're gonna do, overdo it! - Al Ragone

Random Thought 18

I am now as old as you was! - Karen Hinds

Random Thought 17

If you don't make a deal out of it,
then a big deal won't be made out of it.

Part Four

Boring days of snow-filled skies
Deceiving mouths of truthful lies
Paisley clothes and cardboard boxes
Keying in and charms and lockses
Innocence, kite-flying, broken glass
Icicles, paper cups, and purple brass
Signs on windows with reflecting sights
Passing by with blinking lights

Forget the present, and live for now
Riding horses that look like cows
Technical handprints that think of me
Spray the ceiling with what will be
Let that flow, and take the plunge
Unbelievable soaking sponge
It’s wild, and I can’t believe it’s like that
But they don’t mind; the good-looking hat

Glad either way; we’d all fit in
Isn’t it wild? It feels like a sin
Thank the Lord for all the ways
Thank the Lord; He knows we pray
No kidding, and we like it this way
It’ll be like that if you live every day
Smoke-filled walls that rage with fire
Letters are scattered all over the wire

It’s so cute; the way you think
Fragrant grass that looks so pink
Singing songs of inspiration
Writing words that become creation
Relax and look, but don’t be worried
Snow-filled skies full of flurries
Flowing glass that shines the sky
Holding hands that make us fly

Clouds and stars and pieces of moon
Store some in your velvet spoon
Plastic worries in your wallet
Say the word so I can call it
Rosy bottles filled with sand
Hold them close, and rule the land
Painted silver reminds me of
The day that we discovered love.


Copyright 1988 Scott C. Forrest

Random Thought 16

Keep your mouth shut and your nose clean!

Spent Days

by Paul McCarthy


When a day is done

One less tomorrow to spend

And more yesterdays




Copyright 2005 Paul McCarthy

Random Thought 15

Trust your gut instincts--you'll be right.

Random Thought 14

Don't live each day as if it were you last;
live it as if it were your first.

Random Thought 13

Something has to be good before it can be better.

Random Thought 12

Something is better than nothing.

Random Thought 11

Don't tell people how to run their lives, and they won't tell you how to run your life, and all will be right with the world!

Random Thought 10

Readers need writers, and writers need readers.

Random Thought 9

Do it now before you wished you had!

Random Thought 8

If you're not going to own the room, don't enter it! - Andrea Fusco

JOURNEY -- not just raised on radio!

Devoting the first set to the pre-Escape days was both a bold and intelligent move on the band's part. After all, this is a 30year Anniversary Show, so this was a better choice than peppering the concert with songs from the past. It was good for long-time fans to hear songs they thought they never would. It was great for the everyone to be introduced to how it all began. When Steve and the boys returned for the second set, they proved that they know how to rock and party! This was truly one of the most professional and enjoyable concerts that there has been in a long, long time. Steve was a fantastic, energetic frontman, and all of the guys were genuinely having fun. It was great to see Steve blending in well with his bandmates, celebrating new songs as well as the long-standing favorites. Three hours later, Journey fans would not stop believing!! A+

Random Thought 7

You're not paranoid; you're experienced!

Random Thought 6

Even if someone is joking, they still said it.

Random Thought 5

Try not to be a person who "means well."

Fame Lives On At NSMT!

When “Fame, The Musical” debuted in the 1990’s, many loyal fans of the movie grumbled because the title track was abbreviated, and all of the songs, including “Out Here On My Own” and “I Sing The Body Electric,” were omitted.

Well, if you want to see the movie, see the movie.

To give credit to Book Writer Jose Fernandez and Lyricist Jacques Levy, they have created an original musical, rather than recycling the film onto a stage (a common and unfortunate trend today on Broadway).

While the book may not reach the intended dramatic tension and the songs are more pop than grit, the final result is an honest reflection of the pains and angst of high school sung in realistic words.

Director/Choreographer Richard Stafford, whose credits include North Shore Music Theatre’s Cats and Swing!, has proven that he can handle large casts with ease and create dancing that is stylish as well as energetic. This is proven in the second number “Hard Work” which has both students and audience members exploding out of their seats.

While there are no weak links in the cast, attention must be given to Eric Anthony whose Tyrone is his own creation instead of a carbon copy the movie or the TV show. The same is said for Lynnette N. Pyram’s Carmen. Her facial expressions alone demonstrate the actor’s maturity and comprehension of the character.

Thank you, Mr. Stafford, for hiring actors to play the music students who can actually play their instruments! It is very frustrating to see actors pretend to play a piano while someone in the pit does it for them.

Inga Ballard as English Teacher Miss Sherman has her own moment as she admits her feelings about her students in the painfully sincere “These Are My Children.”

With clever lighting and excellent use of a mini stairway/hallway, Richard Stafford’s hard work has definitely paid off.

The Winners

BEST PLAY-Doubt, John Patrick Shanley
REVIVAL/PLAY-Glengarry Glen Ross
DIRECTOR-Doug Hughes, Doubt
LEADING ACTOR-Bill Irwin, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
FEATURED ACTOR-Liev Schreiber, Glengarry Glen Ross
LEADING ACTRESS-Cherry Jones, Doubt
FEATURED ACTRESS-Adrianne Lenox, Doubt
SCENIC DESIGN-The Pillowman, Scott Pask
LIGHTING DESIGN-The Pillowman, Brian MacDevitt
COSTUME DESIGN-The Rivals, Jess Goldstein

BEST MUSICAL-Monty Python's Spamalot
REVIVAL/MUSICAL-La Cage Aux Folles
DIRECTOR-Mike Nichols, Monty Python's Spamalot
LEADING ACTOR-Norbert Leo Butz-Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
FEATURED ACTOR-Dan Fogler, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
LEADING ACTRESS-Victoria Clark, The Light in the Piazza
FEATURED ACTRESS-Sara Ramirez, Monty Python's Spamalot
BOOK-The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Rachel Sheinkin
SCORE-The Light in the Piazza, Adam Guettel
ORCHESTRATIONS-The Light in the Piazza, Ted Sperling, Adam Guettel, & Bruce Coughlin
CHOREOGRAPHY-La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry Mitchell
SCENIC DESIGN-The Light in the Piazza, Michael Yeargan
LIGHTING DESIGN-The Light in the Piazza, Christopher Akerlind
COSTUME DESIGN-The Light in the Piazza, Catherine Zuber

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT-700 Sundays

The Nominations

BEST PLAY
Democracy
Doubt
Gem of the Ocean
The Pillowman

BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY
Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Glengarry Glen Ross
On Golden Pond
Twelve Angry Men

BEST MUSICAL
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
The Light in the Piazza
Monty Python's Spamalot
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
La Cage Aux Folles
Pacific Overtures
Sweet Charity

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
Dame Edna-Back With A Vengeance!
Laugh Whore
700 Sundays
Whoopi, the 20th Anniversary Show

Broadway From The Balcony

Q. Hi Skot, my friends and I enjoy going to the movies after the Oscars are announced, but we don't have the time or money to go to New York to check out the nominated plays and musicals. Any suggestions on how we can get familiar with what's happening on Broadway so we can better enjoy the Tony Awards?

A. Read on!
1. If a soundtrack exists for a musical, buy it! Of course, you cannot see the choreography, but you will become familiar with the score and book by listening to the songs and reading the synopsis that will be provided, hopefully.

2. If a paperback version exists for the play, buy it! Again, nothing beats a live performance, but think of how proud you will be when someone asks "What is this play about?"

3. Watch THEATRE TALK on PBS. You might have to search your TV Guide for this. Some local stations air the New York-based discussion show that includes interviews with actors, directors, producers, and playrights.

4. We now have the Internet! Check out the following sites -- www.playbill.com ( this gives you a link to THEATER TALK. ), www.theatermania.com, www.broadway.com, and www.tonyawards.com.

5. Subscribe to PLAYBILL MAGAZINE. This monthly publication offers lists of the plays and musicals currently being performed in addition to articles and interviews with everyone you need to know about. If you cannot find it in your bookstore, go to playbill.com. The magazine ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY also provides a section called "Stage" once a month with reviews of plays and musicals. I will also be talking about possible nominees in the near future.


5/4--Final date for Tony eligibility.

5/10--Tony Nominations announced!!


Copyright 2005 Scott C. Forrest

The Plays

DOUBT
John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer-Prize winning drama stars Cherry Jones as a nun making accusations against a priest portrayed by Tony-Winner Brian F. O'Byrne.

DEMOCRACY
Michael Frayn's latest political piece has James Naughton portraying Willy Brandt, West German chancellor in the 1960's.

GEM OF THE OCEAN
Phylicia Rashad plays 287-year old Aunt Ester in August Wilson's newest installment.

BROOKLYN BOY
Adam Arkins headlines Adam Arkin's dramactic comedy about a writer finally making it big
while his personal life suffers.

THE PILLOWMAN
Billy Crudup is in Martin McDonagh's Olivier-Award winner focusing on an author and the coincidental murders in his small town.


WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Edward Albee's masterpiece is revived with Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin as George & Martha, one of theatre's most infamous couples.

TWELVE ANGRY MEN
This intense revival of what happens behind closed doors when jurors have it out is directed by Scott Ellis.

ON GOLDEN POND
James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams revive this drama dealing with a retired couple's views on the past, present, and future.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Delta Burke and Marsha Moore head an all-star cast reviving the Southern Belles and their relationships.

The Special Events

DAME EDNA: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!
Yes, she is! Barry Humpries entertains her Possums yet again during her command performance.

700 SUNDAYS
Billy Crystal stars in this highly acclaimed autobiography.

WHOOPI
Oscar Winner Whoopi returns to Broadway as she celebrates the 20th Anniversary of her first visit!

THE GOOD BODY
Eve Ensler's follow up to her enormously successful The Vagina Monologues.

LAUGH WHORE
Mario Cantone brings his brand of humor to the Great White Way as he offers his own unique perspective on life.

JACKIE MASON: FRESHLY SQUEEZED
Also returning to NYC is this very popular comic.

The Musicals

BROOKLYN, THE MUSICAL
Arguably, this is the season's most original new musical. The story of a woman in search of her father is told almost entirely by song by street performers. (soundtrack available now at www.amazon.com)

SPAMALOT
This new musical boasts broad, bawdy humor. Based on one of Monty Python's most successful movies, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pearce, Christopher Sieber, and Sara Ramirez are making audiences laugh, sing, and cheer. (visit www.deccabroadway.com)

LITTLE WOMEN
Tony winner Sutton Foster & Maureen McGovern star in this adaption of Louisa May Alcott's novel. (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)

ALL SHOOK UP
The Bard meets Elvis in this new musical starring Cheyenne Jackson. Handsome Chad rides his motorcycle into town and shows everyone how to rock! (visit www.amazon.com)

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Based on the movie of the same name, John Lithgow & Norbert Leo Butz star as con men swindling a young woman out of $50,000.00. (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
William Finn (Falsettos) is bringing his Off-Broadway h-i-t to The Great White Way. Six word obsessed contestants compete for the grand prize! (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
Another original new musical deals with a mother's disapproval of her daughter's attractive boyfriend. (visit www.amazon.com)

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
The car soars over the audience in this retelling of the popular 1968 movie. (London cast soundtrack available.)

DRACULA
The sun came up and the cutrain went down much too soon on this musical based on Bram Stoker's famous novel.

GOOD VIBRATIONS
More than 30 songs tell the tale of freezing New Englanders getting help from Rhonda and her car as they drive cross country to sunny California.


PACIFIC OVERTURES
B.D. Wong starred in this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece about America's influence on Japan circa 1850. (visit www.psclassics.com)

THE FROGS
Another Sondheim musical starred Tony winners Nathan Lane & Roger Bart in this remake of the comedy originally written in 405 BC. (visit www.psclassics.com)

SWEET CHARITY
Christina Applegate will finally dream her dream when she dances her way into the role of Charity Hope Valentine. (soundtrack being discussed; no official release date yet)

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
The remake of 1983's Tony Winner for Best New Musical challenges contemporay audiences with their views on real family values. (no soundtrack information)

Sweet Charlotte

Ah, whores with hearts of gold, and how Broadway loves them. Before there was Best Little Whorehouse in Texas & Miss Saigon, there was Sweet Charity, the sweetheart with the big heart.

As the curtain rose in the Colonial Theatre in Boston during its pre-Broadway run, one could not help but embrace Charlotte d'Amboise, who is so talented it's ridiculous. One could also not help but wonder what Christiana Applegate would have done in the role. Even during the curtain call, it was difficult not to think that this should have been Ms. Applegate up there.

But, we have Charlotte whose credible innocense is warm and welcoming. The role is anything but easy, but Charlotte never tired and always remained in character.

Denis O'Hare as Oscar adds some refreshing physicality to his role. He is a pleasure to watch.

Charity's girlfriends are spot-on with their singing, dancing, and acting, and the chemistry between the trio works beautifully. They might consider working on their synchronization during "Some Life Better than This," however.

The fact the Rich Man's Frug is the best number in the show is slightly problematic because it is near the beginning, but the drumstick routine during the penultimate "Brass Band" provides relief. Dedicated fans of Fosse might snub this original choreography, but it is Fosse-inspirerd, and the Frug is deliciously sensual.

The book has always been slightly problematic. While its lack of direction might arguably reflect that of Charity's life, audiences have always yearned for more closure. Fortunately, this revival provides just that with a rewritten finale including some self-affirmation for our heroine.

It should be included that both the costumes and sets are visually stunning and pleasingly colorful.

Big Daddy has the strong precense the number requires, but the ensemble needs to dance a bit more during it. Vocally, they might want to be strong instead of loud.

While her girlfriends are dreaming the dream, Charity is out fighting for it. Hopefully, Christina Applegate will be able to fulfill her dream soon. B+

THE BEST OF 2004

5. Movin’ Out, Colonial Theatre. Initially I had predicted this to be a glamorized dance recital utilizing Billy Joel’s greatest hits. What a pleasure it was to be wrong. Twyla Tharp’s ingenious choreography was more than deserving of the Tony as she effectively brought Joel’s songs to new life. Powerful dancing and intelligent storytelling introduced a special genre of theatre to its audiences. A-

4. Urinetown, Colonial Theatre. With a name like this, how can we go wrong? Robbed of the Tony for Best Musical, this sassy, smart tale was original from the ground up. The book is clever and the songs unique. This is good theatre. A

3. Company, Speakeasy Stage Company. A revival of the landmark 1970 Stephen Sondheim showcase, its messages are more relevant today than ever. The new space was used beautifully to intimately portray the pros and cons, ups and downs of both the single and married lives. A

2. Beauty and the Beast, North Shore Music Theatre. When one reads the director’s notes, and he mentions that we will be transported to another land, it is so easy to nod and smile but be all too aware of the fact that we are just watching great actors with wonderful costumes, magnificent sets, and a charming score. This is not one of those shows. The director truly did make us forget we were in a theatre; we really were in an enchanted place. And it was a pleasure to be there. A+

1. Big River, The Wang Center. This is what theatre is all about. This retelling of the 1983 masterpiece is a reinvention of the wheel. The sign language was not just a fluid part of the show; it actually enhanced it. There is not one bad thing to say about this – this was a rare and distinct honor to be a part of this landmark in entertainment. A+

Random Thought 4

I've always wanted to be wanted.

Keep Marcy Out of the Kitchen!!

Review for It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown

One of the unusual aspects of this Holiday Special is that it rarely focuses on Charlie Brown. Rather, Pepperment Patty is the central figure, as she takes on the challenge of teaching her friend, Marcy, how to color eggs.

The other aspect of this program is that it relies on visual gags and surreal humor to welcome Spring rather than delivering a message as most Peanuts programs do. It seems appropriate, though, given the feelings evoked by Easter.

As with all Peanuts specials, the color pallette and score of the cartoon beautifully represent the time of year.

Trivia Question-what day of the year is it? Hint-Look at the sign that tells you how many days are left to Christmas!! A-

Singin', Surfin', and Dreamin' with Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson has always provided us with rich vocals and soothing harmonies, and his new release IN BETWEEN DREAMS is all of that plus more. One can picture him sitting on a beach in Hawaii as he effortlessly strums his acoustic guitar which is blended beautifully with the bass. This time around, he also turns the Fun up a bit. Not that he hasn't had fun before, but now his music feels even more relaxed and upbeat. The tunes are just as sunny as the album artwork. Even though his photos shade his good looks, this allows us to focus soley on the music. His lyrics are as personal and relevant ever, and fans have much to sing about. A

Oscar by the Numbers

1 - number of snubs for Paul Giamatti.

2 - number of Best Picture Nominess focusing on a struggling writer.

3 - Best Picture Nominees with one character with a broken nose.

4 - Best Actor Nominees from a Best Picture Nominee.

4 - Best Actress Nominees not from a Best Picture Nominee.

60 - average age of the Best Director Nominees.

Get It

Have you ever gone to the theatre and thought to yourself, "I wish I looked like him/her," or "I wished I lived like that?"

Well, STOP IT!

This is the theatre. This is not reality. Playwrights get paid to create delicious fantasies for us to enjoy for a couple of hours.

However, that should not stop you from getting the life that you want. Who else is stopping you?

First of all, stop saying "If I had done _____, I'd be happy," or "If I had money..." because once you realize that "if" is one of the saddest words in the English language, you will be happy. Stop wishing for the life that you want. Get it.

Do you have a friend that you wish you were more like? We all do. We find people that we want to be with so that maybe their good fortune will rub off on us. "I want to look like my friend." "I want to make more money than my friend."

Well, guess what. Your friend isn't all that.

I know.

I've met your friend.

Right now you're wishing you were more like your friend while your friend is wishing he/she were more like you.

The time to do something about your life is Now.

Here is a comforting thought.

It is always Now.

Get It.

Random Thought 3

Theatre is permanently temporary and temporarily permanent.

Random Thought 2

In theatre, it is always Now.

The Record

And the record spins around on the table
The needle releases the sound of each fable
Every scratch and pop are meaningful to me
As I dance in the arms of society

The waltz, the fox trot, the tango, the jitterbug
I dream and I dance away all my bitter luck
The men and the women are as beautiful as able
As the record spins around on the table

He is tall
He is strong
He is handsome
He is mine

I am short
I am fair
I am graceful
I am shy

And we twirl, and we spin, and we go around the hall
With diamonds, with gold, with crystal-mirrored walls
We dance and we leap and we laugh to the crescendo
Eventually it all comes to and end, so . . .

To the Victrolla I slowly return
And I shed a tear with each crank I turn
To be so happy I am unable
Unless the record spins around on the table.


Copyright 1998 Scott C. Forrest

Random Thought 1

In theatre, questions will be answered; answers will be questioned.

My Favorite Memories

This essay has also been recently published in a North Shore Music Theatre e-mail newsletter.

Dear NSMT Staff,

I remember one Saturday matinee in 1996 running into my good friend Ann with whom I was working at the time. We had seen many shows in Boston together, but had had no idea that we were both subscribers to the North Shore Music Theatre! Not only that, but our tickets were for the same day/same time! It was that day that we both agreed to continue subscribing, but together.

Looking forward to seeing the shows and attending them with Ann will always be some of my favorite memories of NSMT.

This past Wednesday, Ann passed away after a long, brutal battle with breast cancer.

I don't wish to depress anyone, but I do want to thank everyone at North Shore Music Theatre for providing Ann with many wonderful productions and for providing me with many enjoyable afternoons together with her. During this past fall, Ann did not have the strength to applaud or to participate in the standing ovations, but she still managed to attend every production, despite her illness.

I will continue to be a member of the NSMT community so I will keep remembering my good friend.

Ann thanks you.

Sincerely,
Scott C. Forrest
North Shore Music Theatre Subscriber since 1993

Copyright 2005 Scott C. Forrest

Oscar Predictions

Predictions for Best Picture Nods -

The Aviator
Finding Neverland
Sideways
Ray
Million Dollar Baby

I Know A Man

I know a man who will stand up with you
Yes, I know a man who knows what to do
Oh, my darling, I promise you true
That I know a man who will stand up for you.

I know a woman who will pray for you
This is a woman who will heal your wounds new
Oh, my child, the pain you go through
But, I know a woman who is praying for you

Rest, my dear, please rest
Blessed, my dear, you’re blessed

I know the moon will light up dark nights
Yes, I know the moon will guide your sore eyes
Oh, my friend, this life is not right
But, I know the moon will glow in the night.


Copyright 2004 Scott C. Forrest

Reflections on Opening Night

It is late Friday afternoon. It is on the edge of evening. I am driving on I-93 North as the falling snow mixes with ice. This is typical weather for both a Theatre II Opening Night and springtime in New England.
I am listening to Stevie Nicks’s “Stand Back” for the second time. After that, I will play her song “Beauty and the Beast” once. I do not call this a superstition. Rather, it is an inspirational process I’ve done for many auditions, swim meets, and opening nights. Stevie herself has admitted the energy source comes from somewhere unknown. I am grateful it has found me.
I am concerned the weather will keep away many audience members, especially since there has been a winter weather advisory in effect since this afternoon.
I think about what has brought me to this point. This particular rehearsal process has been unlike many Theatre II experiences. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was difficult to cast. We had an unprecidented second round of audtions due to a low turnout the first weekend. This was followed by emergency auditions when several cast members quit. The remaining cast, some now in multiple roles, grew anxious and confused.
Because of the numerous conflicts, tonight will be the first time the entire cast is together to run the show. No big deal. It’s only Opening Night.
When I arrive, I will find Jason’s opening night tradition ruined because the flower shop gave away his purchase to someone else. Male lead dancer Kai hurt his back the night before and will be unable to do the big Aggie number. Choreographer Bill will fill in at the last minute. Normal first-night nervousness will be replaced by legitimate concern. The atmosphere will be somber. But that's OK - it's Opening Night!
I will remember later that Mike asked me to add one more to his group who will be attending the performance Saturday night. I frantically find Phyllis. She will tell me I need to secure this with a credit card. I will nervously look at my watch. It will be 7:26 PM. This will give me four minutes to run back to the dressing room, find my credit card, race back to Phyllis, fill out the form, call Mike to tell him he is all set, and make a final return to the dressing room - all before the House opens. I will remember that Wendi called me earlier. My paranoia will convince me there is a problem. There will no time or way to call her back.
Eventually, the show will begin at exactly 8:00 PM Theatre Time. This means we will start at 8:15. As the band enters the stage, I will look around in the darkness to see everyone freeze. This will be it. No time to turn back. No time to ask for a line. No time to go over a dance step. There is only time to make our cues, have our costumes on, say the lines, act, react, make Director Cathy pleased, make Bill happy, make Music Director Dorothy satisfied, make members in the audience witnessing Theatre II for the first time impressed, and, oh, yes, have fun.
I will manage to find time for one bad pun. I am infamous for these. When a fellow cast member complains about his body mic, I will point to the wire and ask “Wire we doing this?” Despite the ill-timed joke, I find this is a question most of us ask ourselves often.


Two hours and thirty-five minutes later, the show is a success, largely due to the part of the very receptive audience. Either they missed or forgave us for the minor glitches that had occurred, or maybe they just did not care. Faces from Theatre II’s past greet us with hugs, smiles, sincere compliments, and wishes that they had been a part of this experience. The opening night hysteria is behind us, and we can begin having fun with both the show, and each other.
It happened. Despite it all, it happened. And Jason will find out that the wrong person went to the wrong flower shop to pick up the wrong flowers for the wrong group. Kai will feel better and well enough to perform the remaining performances. I will find out Wendi simply wanted to make arrangements to pay me for the tickets.
As Stage Manager Patti clears the stage and cast members ask for directions to the Ground Round for a celebretory feast, I find my heart is pounding again, and I recall the last five minutes of the performance.
This is when Debi, our Miss Mona, sings the tragically depressing song “Bus From Amarillo.” I say “depressing” because it is about taking a risk but being afraid to follow through with it. Debi, however, has found a way to perform the song with the hopeful optimism that it deserves. The last line of the song is the last line of the show - “Anything was possible for me.”
In addition to having fun, one of my goals when doing a show is to learn something. As I clear out of the theatre with my cast, it finally hits me.
In life, it is not only necessary to take risks, but it is mandatory to follow through with them. The process might not be smooth, but the final result is worth it. I promise you.
With all due respect to lyricist Carol Hall, I would like to slightly alter the final line -
“Anything IS possible for me.”

Copyright 2003 Scott C. Forrest