I’m sorry I couldn’t post before now. It’s been an interesting week here, working at a pace that I haven’t experienced for a year and a half. And the coaching itself is always intense. I’m heading home later today, after three more sessions this morning.
The drive down here from NY involved the Garden State Parkway, and that’s never a pleasant experience. I liken it to doing the luge in the Olympics – once you’re in the chute, you can’t stop. It’s even worse the further south you go. But I made it. The apartment I’ve been staying in is nice, but it’s on a busy street, so I have to keep the A/C on high to deaden the sounds of traffic. And I’ve nicknamed my upstairs neighbor “Thumper” because he or she or they walks around the apartment endlessly – and loudly.
These are the things I don’t miss about apartment living.
But the space itself is very nice. Although, as is standard in theater housing, the sofa is old and has no back support. You sink into it and can’t get up. I had to rig up something involving pillows and my heating pad on a chair that is also uncomfortable. I can’t wait to get back to my little chair in the den.
The cast and staff are lovely and it’s been very nice working with them this week.
I haven’t had any spare time to do anything other than work and we’ve also been dealing with the effects of Hurricane Erin – tons of rain, and wind.
My traveling companions on the porch, bracing themselves during the storm.
But it’s been fun to coach again. I love the one-on-one work, those times that we’re sitting around in the break room, chatting and getting to know each other, watching Darko direct, getting to know the staff. The theater is lovely. And theater is such a small world: the Artistic Director, Justin, used to work with a director that both Don and I knew from our days at the Old Globe. He was involved in the production of Pygmalion that Don was in several years ago. When the director fell ill as the production was transferring to Williamstown, Justin took over. And Justin used to work at the Old Globe, so he knew who I was and that I was married to Don. He’s such a lovely guy.
One of the staff members was the Company Manager when Don did Margaritaville in La Jolla. See? Small world.
Don seems to be very popular here. Ahem.
Campbell Scott (son of George C. Scott and Colleen Dewhurst) is playing Poirot and he is going to be perfect. It’s been an absolute joy working with him this week. Very kind, very smart, and very funny.
So that’s the update. More work this morning, a long drive home, and I’ll get to see my husband by late afternoon.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Wishing you safe travels home, Claudia. Glad the job has gone well.
Thank you, Ellen.
I’m home now.
Stay safe.
Thank you for the update, Claudia. Pleased you’re working and that, though hard work, your enjoyment is evident.
Thank you, Wendy!
Stay safe.
Your little girl needs a sweater. She looks cold. Glad you’ve enjoyed being back in the saddle, so to speak. Safe travels home. Enjoy your Sunday with Don. Hugs, Elaine
She had a sweater with her. It was very warm that day. Humid, hurricane weather – not a cold rain.
Thanks, Elaine.
Stay safe.
Glad you had such an interesting adventure! Hope you have safe travels and a restful weekend!
Thank you, Carlotta. I’m home now and I just finished unpacking everything.
Stay safe.
other than the uncomfortableness of the furniture, traffic noise and (especially) being away from don and home, it sounds like you’ve had a good week. i’m glad for you and that maybe right now (or soon) you’re on your way home!
hoping your presence, talents and help there will lead to more job opportunities for both you and don.
good luck with the weather and traffic.
thanks for taking the time to post.
kathy
Thanks so much, Kathy.
I got home about an hour ago, took a shower, and unpacked.
Stay safe.
It’s good to see a post from you and I’m so glad you are enjoying the work, the people, the environment (apart from the couch and chair!) Hurricane Erin, not so much. But the production sounds like it will be lovely and who knows? Maybe a longer run? You never know. I’m sure it feels good to be back in the saddle again.
Not a longer run at this theater, it’s the season opener and there’s another production right behind it.
It did feel good to be coaching again.
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
Good to hear from you Claudia. I knew you must be very busy and it sounds like it’s been a great experience being in the theater again. Home is always best though. Safe travels.
Home is indeed always best, Linda.
Stay safe.
Ah, you had me at Campbell Scott. I love a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie he did years ago with Jennifer Jason Leigh called “The Love Letter”. The wonderful Estelle Parson played his mother. I’m a big sucker for time-traveling romance movies. Another one of course being the wonderful “Somewhere in Time” with my first movie crush Christopher Plummer, Christomer Reeve, and Jane Seymour filmed on Mackinac Island.
Hes a great guy.
Thanks, Lucinda.
Stay safe.