Sunday, March 24, 2013

Chance of a Lifetime - The Scarlet Pimpernel


Sometimes we are given opportunities which are once in a lifetime. The question is, do we have the courage to grab those chances with both hands and run!

I was offered the opportunity to play Ozzie in The Scarlet Pimpernel.

1.       I haven’t had time to do any theater for 10 years!

2.       I don’t let things interfere with teaching (ask my family)

3.       Ozzie is a man—one of Percy’s Bounders.

Did they want me to play it as a woman, playing a man (in disguise)? Or just as a guy? A guy.

How often does someone get to swordfight? Leap on and off stages, play with muskets, sing some of the best music and work with some amazing people?

The sets were amazing. (The guillotine terrifying.) The costumes some of the best in the Valley. The direction fantastic. My “wife” who helped with lightning changes was so kind, dependable and thoughtful. The other actors were generous, loving and committed.  The experience exhilarating!

Life lesson: don’t be afraid. Just GO for it!
And Liz, thanks for reminding me why the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd is so utterly intoxicating.