Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all
the men and women merely players…” It seems as if everything I do these days is
theatre oriented whether it is attending or participating or just dreaming. Let’s
go ahead and take a look at theatre in northern Indiana!
A few weeks ago, I had a call from Carolyn. She had an
extra ticket to go to the Honeywell Center in Wabash to see “The Princess Bride”
with Elten’s daughter and son-in-law. “Sure,” I said. She added that there were
a few other events on that night, but she wasn’t sure what, but it would be
great fun. I rarely turn down an adventure with Carolyn! The offer included a
night at the Charlie Creek Inn in Wabash. Of course, Wabash has been my go-to
for the past few years as I have painstakingly researched, written and
performed the stories of the Charlie Creek Inn and the Eagles Theatre right
across the street. As we pulled into the parking lot, I remembered all the stories!
We quickly made our way to our room, and barely got settled when it was time to
meet Carrie and Dave in the lobby for the short walk to the Honeywell Center.
I have spent many happy hours in the Honeywell for concerts
and once for the Madrigal Dinner at Christmas. This was, however, the first
time I was able to see a film in the huge auditorium. We had really great seats
in the third row and there must have been almost a thousand seats in that
auditorium, and all of them were full! It was great fun seeing “The Princess
Bride” so such a huge screen with a big crowd. There were lots of cheers when
the movie ended. I thought our night was over, but oh no, I was wrong. In a few
moments (to an even bigger cheer) Cary Elwes, Westley, came out from behind a
curtain with a moderator and gave a lovely chat about filming the movie and answering
audience questions. His stories were just wonderful. I always love to hear the
behind-the-scenes stories, and he had many of those! Finally, at 11:00, this
was over, and I started to put on my coat, but the evening was not over, no,
not yet. The moderator asked everyone to leave unless they had a VIP ticket
which included the 300 or so of us in the front several rows. When we were the
only ones left, the moderator asked us to leave everything in our seats when
our row was called to have our photo taken with Cary and receive an autographed
copy of his book, “As You Wish.” What? I asked Carolyn if she knew about this,
but she didn’t. Within the hour, our row was called.
Now I do like meeting actors and movie stars, I do! I was
greatly surprised by Cary. First of all, he looked really great after all these
years, and I did tell him so. He asked all of our names, shook hands, and we
smiled for our photo. Each of us received his autographed book, and we were
finally on our way back to the Charlie Creek Inn. It was a marvelous evening
full of surprises.
More theatre was in the works for me as I attended “Yazoo
Mississippi” written by Jean Ciami at the Tibbits Opera House. Again, a fun
evening with friends and a wonderful show put on by the Branch County Community
Theatre. The following night I traveled to Kendallville to the attend Neil
Simon’s “Rumors” put on by Gaslight Playhouse. This also was just wonderful. I
loved each of these shows, and it was so fun for me to know cast members.
As if all of that was enough, it definitely was not. Each
night I gather my playbook and head over to The Furth for rehearsal on our “Matchmaker.”
This is a delightfully funny show written by Thornton Wilder. I love working
with these students…usually! Of course, there are fraternity and sorority
meetings, choir, band, sports and all of the delightful activities by college
students. I have learned over the past two years to work around their schedules.
I guess what I love most is the enthusiasm and the fun they all bring to the theatre.
Directing these shows has fulfilled a life-long dream for me.
Theatre. Shakespeare said it best, “They have their exits
and their entrances: and one man in his time plays many parts.”
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