There are two openings: Last night was the Presentation House fund raiser and tickets were twice their normal price. Tonight is the papered house opening; tonight, for me, is the real opening but the scary part is missing because of last night. Tonight will simply feel like a party to me. Steve is coming again, with friends, and we are taking a Diplomat cake from the Bon Ton and champagne for afterwards.
Last night was a rich, rich experience. I blew a cue right off the top, and missed
one in the second act but the audience has no idea I don’t think. The audience definitely adds an element of suspense
to the experience.
But I feel it went well. Of course my
impression is based on the feedback I get and who’s going to go out of there
way to come to me to say what a piece of shit it is? No one. But I could sense
the heart-felt sincerity of many very kind comments.
Steve very kindly arrived early with
gorgeous red roses, champagne and (my favourite) watermelon. He knows me like
no one else. My dear Mary-Lou brought a bag of licorice because she knows what
I love.
There were plenty of laughs, a few gasps
and people welcomed the insight into the history and the process of making public
programming work.
In the program, Kim has written: “I think
this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship. We trust and like
each other.” I think this is code and further evidence of his acceptance of the
idea of me becoming a kind of playwright in residence. I lost confidence in the
plan, but it is coming back because of the confidence and encouragement of
others. So a re-write of Harridan is next.
Whooppee, I am back on track. I can hardly
wait to start the process all over again. Harridan can be saved and make it to
the stage.
And one thing is clear: I am fine am in
performance. My “elaborate storytelling” is accepted and, not only that,
appreciated. People like the speed of my deliver, my choices of anecdotes and
my delivery. In the prologue I say: Oh, and I should dispel and misconceptions
you have that I cast some spell, ‘cause I ain’t no actor, I’ve just stories to
tell.”
I function as proof of the story. I also
say: “…. These stories are true—true, at least, from my point of view….”
So I am officially taking on this title/concept for my productions—it's a joke: The Loranger & Associates Elaborate Storytelling Theatre Company. My associates so far are already many: Shawn Macdonald, John Mitchell, Warren Kimmel, Susan Anderson, Kim Selody, Lois Anderson and David Warburton.
This is fun. As I say, I am excited again about Harridan, but first, a rest.
