Off

In tonight's "Firstborn" rehearsal adventure, Tiffany's cast and crew again worked upstairs while lots of loud goings on took place in the theater below. No paint fumes this time, just a mild odor of tuna fish. After a good warm-up lead by Dee Dee Hilgersen, we went straight into Act 3. I was unprepared for my doctor scene. For some reason, I had been thinking, there was a bit more time before my moment and I had that awful surge of nerves you never want to have during the performance itself. Always most embarrassing for those of us with small parts!

I recovered and was also enlisted to play the seductress, Sister Rachelle, as the actress playing her is out of town. Well - I read some of her lines, then wasn't quite up to date on all her blocking, which includes a bit of business with vestments and band-aids. Still, Andre dos Santos, who portrays the Pastor, complimented me on what a good Rachelle I played. The Pastor and Sister R have a nice intimate connection. My character, Sister Jackie and Sister Rachelle actually are in scenes together...so, all in all, a disconcerting time for me.

Everyone had an off moment tonight, and I hope it wasn't because I started it! Sometimes it's just that way, though.

A fat rat crossed the street in front of me as I drove away from the theater. Hadn't seen one since I did cat sitting in the Hills, near the Canyon, when white rats ravenously attacked the bird feeders. But this was a scurrying city rat, not a country rat. Strange.

As I drove home tonight, and as I cooked dinner, and when I took my shower, and forevermore til opening night, I will be saying my lines, like a mantra.