Happy Performance Weekend.
I have had so much time to reflect and think about the time I did have with my actors and my crew. I can't possibly dwell on the bad news for too long when I know in my heart that we weren't just working on the production for the applause at the end of it all. I can't speak for everyone of course, but I feel as though the students who had signed up to be involved with a play I wrote and rehearsals I was leading have taken away something from this process, even if it was cut short. I am so lucky for every second I had during this production. And I think the best part of it all is that those seconds are never truly going to stop. I have so many memories that I can think back to that instantly put a smile on my face and cherish each one so much since not everyone is allowed an opportunity like the one I was given.
Even now, a little over a month after our last rehearsal that included every member of my production, I am receiving comments or reminders from others or just random flashbacks that remind me how much of an impact this process has made on my life. Sometimes it's something I hear that reminds me of a certain quote from the show or sometimes it's my actor reaching out to me to just ask me how I am doing or even just looking back at old photos or blog posts. I hope I never lose this feeling of pure joy that I get whenever I think back to the rehearsal days when we still had no idea what was heading our way. I've been told that I have been handling the news well or that I am so strong for not getting too upset about never having an opening night, but the truth is, I can never be sad for too long. I don't want to act like it didn't hurt when I first heard the finality and unavoidable truth that the performances had to be canceled because that is another feeling I will never forget. That pain in my chest, that lump in my stomach, that tightness of my throat. Everything just kind of sat there, but as I've said, I can't let it get to me. There was and still is so much good that comes from The Love Star. So, with that being said, happy performance weekend!
Earlier today I encouraged my cast to join me in a zoom call just for an hour or so to talk. I have been talking to each of them here and there, but it's been too long since the last full cast meet-up. I was smiling throughout because I was able to reconnect with these 8 that I had spent so much of my time and energy earlier this year to bond with. It didn't take long for them to start talking like the good old days. We all had the same mindset of feeling sad, but also thankful for what we had and how friendships like these don't just go away. As you might have assumed, there is no video recording of the play, but the full script is available so please do take a look at that if you have any interest! Thank you for reading and I will be happy to post again if anything related to The Love Star does come up, but until then, I leave you with the quote of the week.
"I am happy with my past, my present, and my future. All three are miraculous building blocking of my beloved, wonderful life." ~ Robert Muller