Theatre, Family and Life.

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:11am

I'd like to tell you about something happening this weekend that has to do with theatre, and the impact it's had on my family and the community they live in. But I have have to go back a little, just so you can see how it all fits in the scheme of things.

About 20 years ago, my mother moved to Coloraado to start life over for herself. One of the main things she did was audition for a local theatre company's production of Barefoot in the Park (it's funny to me that they're all the same across the country - funny, and yet very sweet.) It's something she had always wanted to do, and this was like getting your first drink of water after a slow stroll through the Sahara. It was a good group - a joint effort between a local college and the general community - and she started doing many plays with them. Including, not too long after she started, The Odd Couple - in which Oscar was played by the widowed high school speech and drama teacher (I SWEAR I'm not making this up!) They got married soon after, and set about living their new lives together in this gorgeous spot in the Colorado Rockies.

My little brother was living with them, and they decided to get involved in a production of Brighton Beach Memoirs (they DID do many other plays besides Neil's work!) My brother played Eugene, our sister and step-dad played his sister and father and my mother stage managed it. A few years later, after she had started directing for the group, she decided to do Biloxi Blues. My brother had just gotten out of the military, and she thought it was a great tie-in to the other production years earlier. I happened to be living in the valley at that point, and played Toomey in that production. She always said that she wanted to do the third play someday to 'complete the cycle.'

Well, Friday night they're opening Broadway Bound and she is directing my brother again as Eugene (but this time our step-dad is playing the grandfather He had taken a job temporarily back in this town after having been gone for a few years, and she thought 'why not, the opportunity will never come again.'

Now, here's why I tell you this - besides the fact that I think it's interesting to have the same actor play this role in all three plays over the course of almost 20 years. As I said, my mother had found this outlet for herself after not being able to do it for most of her life - and through it she found and married the love of her life. And the fact is, she was good! She got to play many of the best roles for women, and became the local 'star' (I know, the Lunts of Blaine But the community LOVED her and her family, and they became a bit of a centerpoint for the whole group.

And now, this is pretty much the 'final curtain.' They're going to be moving away, and my brother has been so re-invigorated by this that he's ditching his computer career and going to live as a starving actor! It will be the last time my step-dad does a role, and the last time my mother directs a full show like this. And the best part is, the community is recognizing the event, and really pouring on the love and affection. I'm actually going to fly up for closing night, which is turning out to be a reunion of sorts for people who have worked over these many years with them. They're house is actually in a canyon, with the Colorado River running right in front of their door. This place has been 'party central' for almost every show - even if they weren't involved (sometimes even if they weren't in TOWN!)

So, think of them this weekend - this family that has gotten to play together, sharing one of their greatest passions and joys - not only with each other, but with the place in which they have lived their lives. They enriched the lives of so many people, and were absolutley at the center of what the REAL content of life should be - sharing, loving, helping, growing and caring. And be thankful that, in this world that has become so confusing to many, there are still places where theatre and love can change people's lives.

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:24am

Great story D -- And that is just what theater is supposed to do. It is as simple as that.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:28am

DG...as usual...I love reading anything you write. That was such a beautiful and uplifting story. It gave me a very warm feeling and made me smile. Your Mom and Step Dad were very lucky to find each other.I wish your little brother much success in his new endeavor. Maybe someday we'll see him in a Broadway production. It is sad when people move on, but at least your family are leaving fond memories for the community. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:36am

Also, for those who might remember, this is the same mother and brother (I only have one set!) that flew in to see Hugh in their first Broadway experience.

[joeyjoe]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:38am

DGrant, you and your stories are inspirations!!! Updated On: 9/8/04 at 08:38 AM

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:41am

joeyjoe - i was wondering if redhot will see this - because of the reference to my brother. He's only turning thirty, but it's kind of the same situation.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:44am

This story is why I love this board so very much, and adore the always inspirational D Grant!

Thanks for, as they say, sharing! All the Best!

Posted: 9/8/04 at 8:53am

Eddie - thanks for the nice thoughts. I wonder, sometimes, if I'm just being a little silly, but I DO love the opportunity to put in my two cents

Just a little more love for my mother. I'm so very happy and thrilled that she got to do what she always wanted to in life - and she didn't start until she was 42! (Once again, redhot, with you in the back of my mind - but at the front of my heart

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:02am

Wonderful story. I wish your family the best of luck with this production.

[showmethetony]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:13am

DGrant - What an inspiring story. Best wishes to your family and lots of prayers for your brother in his new endeavor!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:15am

Lovely. And I will be thinking of you the weekend of the 18th.

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:18am

NYadgal - now you know why I'll be blowing air-kisses to you somewhere over the Rockies

Showme - I think what I REALLY love is that it's not that unusual. There are groups all across the country, and they provide an enormous gift of community and service. As Tommyboy said, "Just what theatre is supposed to do."

[Pip]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:27am

What a wonderful story! It brought tears to my eyes to hear it compared to how disfunctional my own family can be!

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:27am

DGrant - yes I did see this message and loved your writing about your family - its all very inspiring. My family and friends in Florida have been trying to get me to come home for years and be a "big fish in a small pond" once again - but I haven't exhausted my desire to try and make something of myself here, yet. And besides - it would mean joeyjoe leaving his job and moving to Florida just for me, and I am not ready to ask him to do that, yet, either. I will do this cabaret act and see if it garners any positive attention or at least makes me feel better about my performing possibilities, and see what happens from there - but thank you again for your wonderful report on your very lucky family - the love you all feel for each other comes across in everything you write.

[Nina]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:33am

What a great story. As was already stated, this is what theater is all about. Small theater groups do become family in many cases but, this literallyw as a family. It's sad that it will eb ending for them but, hopefully, each will find themselves involved in other projects that will fulfill them in the future.

I'm very happy that you mention the fact that these theaters provide a gift to the community. So many people look down on or laugh at community theater and small theater groups. However, these groups are important. They provide an opportuity for people to be exposed to plays who might not have the opportuinty to travel to NYC. Thye also provide a place for people who want to be involved in theater but cannot be in NYC. In this case, it created a situation where a family could work together doing what they love to do.

[showmethetony]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:33am

DGrant - to me theater has always been about family - regardless of blood relations. I have been doing community theater in my hometown for about 8 years now and my "mentor", the person who has taught me so much about life and the stage and how those things intersect, is considering moving to NY in January and giving it a go. Him leaving will be something like I imagined about your folks - he has contributed so much to the group and to the community and had an incredible impact on many people. It is always hard to say goodbye to a family member, however, nothing could make me happier than to see this incredibly talented person be fulfilled personally and creatively.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 9:47am

DGrant, I loved your story.

To tie it in with what redhot is going through, and me to a much lesser extent, the one thing I miss living in NYC is community theater! Should I want to do non-professional theater, I would have to travel to Long Island or Brooklyn. The production I'm about to start rehearsing is in the city, and it's for amateurs, but it's a workshop and is costing me a pretty penny.

Community theater is an invaluable piece of culture for those "outside" the major theater cities. I envy your family while I admire them for their hard work and inspiration.

Thank you for that beautiful story. What a wonderful way to bond as a family. How many of us on this board would have loved to have had a family like yours? And clearly you cherish your experiences with them. Hats off to all of you.

Posted: 9/8/04 at 10:09am

I think that's ultimately my biggest pleasure through all of this. We are indeed a very close and loving family, and being able to share that with others who may not have that gift has been the greatest blessing. It was funny through the years, while I'd be off getting paid to do something somewhere, they were always having a much better time 'playing' back home. Given the choice, I would frequently have preferred just to feed my soul rather than my pocketbook. I'm very grateful for the few opportunities I had to pop in and have a good time with them

[judy_in_disguise]

Posted: 9/8/04 at 11:43am

DG, that really is a touching story!
I wish your family well, tell them all the break a leg!