“The Tempest” closed on Saturday, and now I’m starting the long recovery process. Ending the run of a show is like suffering a loss. Especially when we had such a fantastic closing night. We had houses of about 20 or so through most of the run. Closing night we had 78 in the audience. And they really got the show. They laughed in all the right places, and really got into the energy of the show. I am of the belief that no matter how big or small the audience the performance you give is the same. But it was interesting what a big difference a large responsive audience makes in a performance. Regardless of that fact, this was one of the best shows I’ve ever been in, and I will miss it terribly.
Playing Prospero was a really great experience and very rewarding. But what I will miss most are the actors that I worked with.
JJ Peeler, the phenomenal actress that played Miranda, was an absolute joy to work with. She was always right on, consistent and always wonderful.
Bijan Hosseini was a fantastic Caliban. Always focused and very deep into his character. He even changed my mind about the character of Caliban. I used to think if him as a pure villain, but, while he is not blameless, he is not the villain I thought he was. Bijan’s wonderful performance of the “music of the isle” speech was beautiful.
I will miss all the actors that from the show, but most of all the amazing JayC Stoddard. It was a joy throughout the rehearsal process and performances to watch him work. He is an amazing actor with an uncommon ability to convey emotion and intensity. One moment that I only discovered about half-way through the run was sitting off stage and watching him during a scene in our second act where Ariel, unseen, is taunting the drunkards. Watching him through that scene was incredible. I have the highest respect for him and hope that sometime very soon I can work with him again. Not to sound weird or anything, but there was an instant friendship that formed there and I hope to maintain that friendship for a very long time to come.
Now it is back to much more familiar territory with “Iolanthe” and “Trial by Jury/Suor Angelica” and then on to “Fidelio.” Music I am much more at home with than acting, as I’ve said. But I am so grateful for what I learned not only about myself, but from the experience of doing Shakespeare. I certainly hope, and am somewhat confident that it will not be my last. The other hope I have is that something will miraculously occur to help keep Around the Globe afloat. This little theater company is facing ruin (if it hasn’t already occurred) and that would be a real shame. They have produced thoughtful drama for several years and been a great addition to the theater scene in Salt Lake. Hopefully someone will see that and be able to offer the financial assistance and support that this great company needs. My love and friendship goes out to all my cast members from Tempest, the crew and staff. I love you all and already miss you terribly. That is the worst part of doing theater. Eventually the lights get turned off, the stage is cleared, the costumes are packed away and the friends that you have made that seem so much a part of your life are no longer there. If I wasn’t such a theater whore, I would have to stop this because each ending hurts so much. This show especially. I only wish more people had seen it and been able to participate in one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I normally end my posts with some witty quote about on thing or another, but this time I leave you with something from The Tempest.
“Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air;
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on; and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.”
1 comment:
What a lovely farewell.
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