Sukanya Sarkar, Maureen Williams, and Lisa Carlson in "The House of Blue Leaves" at the Role Players Ensemble Theater, Danville, CA. Photo by Daniel del Solar.
This is the kind of night an actress always remembers, in all its joy - including the support and encouragement of friends and family, and in its irony and disappointment - including the deafening silence of those fair-weather friends who resent one's potential success, or ignore what it means to an actress to have her first theatrical opening night.
Among caring opening-night well wishers I'll always remember: my fabulous hairdresser, Matine, showed up, looking exquisite, even though she knew the hair would certainly not be seen on the Head Nun til after the show. It was a kick to have her there at the gala, with champagne flowing.
The Role Players Ensemble Theater artistic director, Sue Trigg, thanked us all and introduced each actor and crew member to the audience at the reception. A good friend surprised me with a treasured gift, and he covered the soiree by photo.
A reporter introduced himself, and said I was wonderful in my role. Great to hear. I wonder if we'll be reviewed in the Contra Costa Times? We are listed there, and they also ran a short piece about the theater renovation. Sue said we'll also be in the San Francisco Chronicle weekend supplement
By all accounts, we were great. The show went smoothly. Now, to do it all over again tonight!
As Betty Davis said in her 1962 memoir, The Lonely Life, "It has been my experience that one cannot, in any shape or form, depend on human relations for lasting reward. It is only the work that truly satisfies."
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