♦ We’ve had long talks about Jimmy Buffet, Escape to Margaritaville, and the effect that project had on Don’s life. It was truly the highlight of his career and he is extraordinarily grateful, Any disappointments with the shortened length of the run have long since faded away. Years ago, in fact. Now, Don simply has gratitude for an opportunity that came out of nowhere at an age where he thought that kind of thing couldn’t happen. Gratitude for Jimmy, of course. Gratitude for the cast and crew and musicians, and all of the people who came to see E2M when it played in La Jolla, New Orleans, Houston, Chicago, and on Broadway. Extraordinary and devoted fans who made every performance completely joyful. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years in the theater – and if I counted up how many productions I have seen, coached, and worked on, it would be in the thousands. I’ve never witnessed such happiness and joy in the theater.
Complete and utter joy.
Like these ladies, devoted Parrotheads from the Charleston chapter, who had seen the show several times and traveled to NYC for the closing performance. They were sitting next to me and we had a great conversation. When I finally said that Don (J.D.) was my husband, they were thrilled. He was their favorite. And during the last performance of He Went to Paris, when Don sang his wonderful solo and hit a very, very low note, I started to sob, and all three of them reached out to touch my shoulder and hold my hand. The spirit of these women was echoed in every fan who came to see the show. Good people, many of them chapter members who raised money for charities. I immediately thought of these women when we heard the news about Jimmy.
I was the recipient of lots of hugs from Jimmy on closing night and got to kiss him on the cheek. Lucky me!
And lucky, lucky Don for the gift of that incredible experience.
We miss you Jimmy. Rest in Peace.
♦ C’est fini.
There were lots of leaves on the ground in the photo of the Jardin du Luxembourg, and I added them, but I didn’t like what I’d done or how I’d painted them (not in my skill set, yet) so I painted over them. Now the promenade is leaf-free.
I’m not sure what I’m going to try next…I’ll be thinking about that today.
♦ Very, very hot and humid here. Truly dreadful. Grateful for working a/c and indoor pursuits.
♦ I had a great phone conversation yesterday with my friend Doug (the designer, costumer, and doll creator.) I just love him and I’ve felt that way since we first met when I was 17 years old. He’s just a fantastic human being. Yesterday, I got the lowdown on how he got involved with Gene Marshall dolls, as well as information on all the other dolls he created – at several points, having to travel to China to instruct the artists there on how to make the dolls and the clothing. He would sleep at the factory. It’s all so fascinating.
And finally, Olivia would like to point out that the limelight hydrangeas are turning pink and they match her dress!
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.