A view of Bryant Park on Tuesday. They already have their temporary shops up for the holidays. Seems a bit soon…
I have to tell you: we had the best time with our longtime friend, Kandis, on Tuesday. It was one of those events that surpassed expectations. Three friends reuniting and talking for hours. Don and Kandis both grew up in San Diego and have known each other since Don was 19. Kandis started out doing props for the Old Globe and eventually started acting there. She is a superb actress. Don and Kandis share a history – they started working there when the Old Globe was only Equity from May to September for the Shakespeare Festival. Then it was a community theater the rest of the year. It was an excellent community theater – run by Craig Noel, Don’s mentor and our friend, who also ran the Equity theater in the summer. Don and Kandis have seen it all. But what is most wonderful? The memories they share. I share a lot of memories with them, too, but I came along later. I’ve coached Kandis many times at the Globe, as well as at Hartford Stage. Darko loves her.
Anyway, the three of us have so many friends and colleagues in common, so many shared experiences, that we never stopped talking and laughing and remembering. Kandis and I were working together on Romeo and Julier at Hartford when Scout died. She remembered every bit of that time and teared up when she was talking about it.
Don said he ‘remembered who he was’ after our day together. Sometimes, in the midst of a long time without work, you need someone to confirm you’re good at what you do. He is an actor. Kandis saw him act in his very first role at the Old Globe. He saw Kandis in her very first role there. They aren’t stars, but they have been consistently working actors for over 50 years.
It’s hard to convey how much our time with Kandis on Tuesday meant to us. It was a blessing.
For me, I worked in NYC at the Roundabout Theater with Darko and his cast for 3 days and we saw Kandis the next day. It’s been an intense week full of what I love: theater, directors, actors, and my theater ‘family.’ There is nothing better.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Claudia, it sounds like a wonderful reunion with your friend! It’s fun, and important, to reminisce…and to hold on to those memories.
So important!
Thank you, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Remembering who you were is such a gift at our age. We get so caught up in our day to day things that you sometimes forget your truth. Love to Don and you.
Eileen
Exactly.
Thank you, dear Eileen.
Stay safe.
New friends are great…but old friends are the best. All those shared memories….and suddenly, we are right back there with them. Glad you had such a great time with Kandis.
Enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you so much, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time catching up and it’s given you and Don a good boost!
Happy Friday
Yes, indeed!
Thank you, Dee Dee.
Stay safe.
Lovely to enjoy good memories with old friends. You’ve had a red-letter week! Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much, Elaine. It was a good week.
Stay safe.
It’s wonderful you and Don were able to reconnect with an old friend. Old friends are so special…so much shared history.
And, you must be exhausted after all the work and excitement. Take care.
I am definitely tired, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
sounds like a very nice visit for you, don and kandis … fun, relaxing, needed, important. and it tops off a good work week for you! i’m glad for all three of you. :)
a neighbor now has up a lighted Christmas tree. the colorful lights are beautiful when my sister and i go walking in near-darkness, i want to always hold Christmas in my heart all year long, and understand why retailers do it, but feel as you do … too soon for me on decorations and the push for gift-buying. i’d like to enjoy each holiday and each regular day as they come and not feel rushed (not that anyone needs my permission to decorate how and when they want)!
happy, safe weekend to everyone.
kathy
As much as I’d like some Christmas cheer, it’s too early. We need a little November first.
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe.
This week sounds like it was “good medicine” for both of you in so many ways. And yes, you’re exhausted. And yes, it was worth it.
Boy, what you wrote here resonated: “Don said he ‘remembered who he was’ after our day together. Sometimes, in the midst of a long time without work, you need someone to confirm you’re good at what you do.”
I’ve had that feeling many times since I retired, regarding the work I did at the TV station, but even longer in terms of theatre, after my voice began to go and between breathing, coughing and other issues, I really can’t sing like I used to, do musicals anymore. What makes me especially sad is that this happened prior to meeting Rick, so he never saw that part of me (the theatre part). So now and then, if we happen to gather with people from that time, start talking about the theatre part of our lives and recalling some specifics, he is learning this part of me — from other people — that said, “Yes, she was very good.” He always knew the public “face” of me (couldn’t avoid it when we went out) but he never knew that person who could belt out a song, on key, and hold a note forever. I miss that person he never got to know.
I’m so glad Don got that moment. It’s precious.
Same here. Don never knew me as an actress, though he’s had a glimpse or two. And I was a singer as well. Every once in a while he hears me belt out something and it stops him in his tracks. Or he’ll hear me singing to myself and say “You have the most beautiful voice.” Parts of us that aren’t always on view. I completely understand, Jeanie.
Stay safe.