Yesterday was a long day, but a lovely one. Traffic was crazy on the Interstate and what is normally a 2 hour journey took 3. On the way home, we drove through torrential rains, low visibility, and fog. Needless to say, when we walked in the house at about 11:30 pm, we were beat.

But, the purpose of the journey was to honor my friend, Darko, as he leaves his position as Artistic Director of Hartford Stage after 8 years in that role. And not being there was unthinkable.

I love this man. From the day I flew out to San Diego to coach the Summer Shakespeare Festival after being away for 7 years, and met Darko for the first time, we clicked. Our styles of working are much the same. I’m not needy when I coach. I just quietly work behind the scenes, doing everything I can to both help the actor be the best he can be and help the director realize his/her vision. That, fortunately, is exactly what Darko was looking for. We worked together for another summer after that and when he moved on from San Diego, he told me he would use me again.

And he did. Little did I know that time in San Diego would lead to work at Hartford Stage for 8 years as well as work with Darko both off-Broadway and on. I am so grateful. I always said that Hartford Stage became a second home to me and last night I said goodbye to that home.

It was wonderful watching everyone celebrate Darko. He deserves it. Like me, many people there were also dealing with a future that most likely does not include more work in Hartford. A change in Artistic Directorship always involves a change in the creatives who come in to work there. As it should be. Last night, several designers whom I have worked with on Darko’s shows were there. They’d come up to Hartford from the city. I will miss working with them. It’s not that they won’t work with him in the future, they will. It’s simply that their time at HS has most likely ended.

A changing of the guard.

He is loved and adored, our Darko, and deservedly so. Brilliant, loyal, funny, kind, he is a true gentleman. I’m in awe of the way his creative brain works. I’m in awe of his passion for what he does. And I’m in awe of his playfulness; he creates a safe atmosphere in rehearsals where actors feel free to play, where laughter is always just around the corner, and where we all want to be the best we can be. He trusts us.

I know I’ll work with him again. He told me so last night. It might not be for a while, but it will happen. I’m thankful for that.

Don got to talk with a lot of people that I’ve worked with in Hartford. Some he already knew, others were people he had heard me speak of, but had never met. We had a great time.

Circulating around the party was a cardboard cut-out of Darko and one of his beloved dog, Hector. People were having their picture taken with “Darko.”

My friends and colleagues – Jane Shaw, sound designer, and Alexander Dodge, set designer – and I are certainly fans of all things Darko. And many is the time I’ve had the real, live Hector in my lap at rehearsal. Don took this picture and I love it.

Thank you, Darko, for EVERYTHING. The list is too long and, besides, you know what I’m talking about.

Happy Tuesday.