When HIGH SPIRITS was done in Australia in 1965 we had an alcoholic American revue artiste imported to play Elvira (they weren't LOOKING for an alcoholic, that was an added bonus.) In the production number "Faster Than Sound", the ghostly Elvira was supposed to fly thrillingly and effortlessly from one side of the stage to the other, with a set of scaffolding concealed in each wing for her to land on and regroup. But because the actress was frequently so stoned that she couldn't reach the rostra, they were gradually pushed further and further on until they were eventually in full view of the audience. One night the actress really tied one on, and couldn't reach the wings AT ALL with the result that she flew in ever decreasing circles until by the end of the number she was left hanging limply centerstage like some strange green chiffon lampshade. Needless to say, the production closed rather quickly and the actress was returned to the States and eternal obscurity.
Updated On: 2/20/05 at 06:58 AM
