I’m back and my work on the show is finished.
I’m really tired. But the experience of working with Darko and this wonderful cast of actors was so satisfying. Gems – all of them. Saturday was the first preview performance and the house was full. Oh my goodness, what a reaction! They got everything – every bit of humor, every bit of mystery (there were several audible gasps.) It was so exciting. I was sitting next to Darko and what happiness to see the joy on his face. This is his baby. As he says, he is wearing two hats – playwright/adapter and director. I think both were very proud.
There’s still work to be done as is normal in the theater. There will be preview performances at night through next Thursday. During the day, they’ll be rehearsing, fixing things, adding things, playing with lights, etc. Though Darko does sometimes ‘freeze’ a show a couple of days early. It just depends. Opening night is next Friday.
I’ve loved coaching again; working with actors, watching, noting, communicating. I love my work.
The exhausting part came from the logistics, the insane drive in New Jersey, trying to eat as cheaply as I could while staying in a hotel, that kind of thing. I’ve driven over 700 miles commuting back and forth, much of it on the Garden State Parkway, a road I will studiously avoid in the future. I have several more gray hairs because of that parkway.
So I’m tired.
But when I said goodbye to Darko, I thanked him for bringing me on board and he said “Until the next time.” So I know he’ll use me again. That makes me happy. When Darko discovers that he likes and respects you and wants to work with you again, you are gathered into his circle, his family. He is very loyal.
I don’t need to work a lot. But I do need to work.
And I can still do it.
After a year and a half of no work, I cannot tell you how satisfying this experience was.
this post fills me with joy, Claudia. Joy for you, your return to work and knowing how you felt, you well you regarded, how beautifully it worked out; joy for Darko that his personal project has come to fruition in a wonderful production and joy for the audience, who is clearly delighted with it. I hope it has long legs, perhaps even a Broadway run?
Still thinking good thoughts for Don, too. Now rest!
Broadway doesn’t usually go for an Agatha Christie, Jeanie. I think for Darko, the great thing would be other regional theaters wanting to produce it.
Thank you, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
Congratulations! Sounds like a successful experience. Now it’s time for you to relax!
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Bravo Claudia!!! I am so glad you got to work on this show! And it sounds like a really joyful connection all around and that kind of thing is so nurturing. The logistics of “getting around” in our world do not seem to get easier… speed is a real problem… they all think they need to go 85mph when the limit is 65… and the cops know how dangerous it is to try to slow anyone down in a 3 or 4 lane highway jammed packed… it is insane. (I deal with this same thing on 128 (I-95) in Boston). And hotel “living” is not what it is touted to be unless you have an unlimited budget… you are basically a sitting duck and everything is pay as you go or don’t go! But enough of that… you got the gig and you got it done and Bravo!!! Enjoy your Autumn rest!
Thank you so much, Betsy.
Stay safe.
Claudia I am so happy you were able to work with Darko again and do more of your life’s work. I hope the chance comes again. Feeling the satisfaction of a job well done is so important. Congrats my friend.
Thank you so much, Linda.
Stay safe.
Great job! I’m so happy for you!
Thank you, Darlene.
Stay safe.
I am so happy to hear you had an enjoyable experience….doing what you love. And nice to hear Darko is loyal to his people. Let’s hope you don’t have such a long wait to get the next call into action.
You’ve earned a rest from all that driving. Enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Oh Claudia, I’m so glad the job worked out well for you! I live in NJ and we try to avoid the Garden State Parkway at all times. The last time my husband drove on it he was sideswiped in rush hour traffic and the car sped off. He couldn’t even safely get off the road. Relax and rest up!
Oh no! That is scary. Yes, avoiding it is the key.
Thanks, Judy.
Stay safe.
i’m glad for you to have had that wonderful work experience! and that the travel hassles are done for now, and you are home. :)
may “the next time” be exactly when you want it to be.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
So happy you had such a memorable and happy experience. Time for you and Don to relax a bit. Hugs, Elaine
Thank you, Elaine.
Stay safe.
It’s wonderful to hear/see the happiness in your words. Have a lovely week!
Thank you, Cathy.
Stay safe.
So pleased that there are potential, fresh opportunities arising for you and Don. You’re both so talented and deserve no less.
The Theatre looks great and the mystery as to which play it is, has been solved!
I have a paperback copy from the early 1970s of Murder on the Links, although I can’t remember the plot!
It’s one of Agatha Christie’s early publications from 1923.
Happy Monday
I wish you could see how Darko has staged it. It’s amazing!
Stay safe, Dee Dee.
So glad you got to do this work…in spite of the Garden State Parkway (ugh)!
I’ve been in Strike and Robin land. (1200 e-pages) Couldn’t put it down, but hated to see it end. Hurry up Robert Galbraith (JKR) with the next one, please.
Just picked that book up from my library. But I have to finish another one first.
Thanks, Shanna.
Stay safe.
Claudia,Your joyful post made my day!Thank you for taking time to share with us. xo
You’re most welcome, Annette.
Thank you.
Stay safe.
Very happy for you!
Ah, the GSP. It’s part of my drive to visit family in NJ.
Take care!
Thank you, Polly.
Stay safe.