My good friend, Alan Bean, has spent the last seven years composing, recording and ultimately producing an original musical play entitled The Bus Stop Atheist. I was asked very early on if I would be willing to play the part of a street juggler in one scene. The play was produced at Portland's Merrill Auditorium last weekend, our state's best venue for the performing arts, and here are some assorted memories of my involvement in this very professional production. (Another blog about lessons learned in the process will follow soon.)
Arriving frazzled to my first rehearsal at the large Catholic Church in Portland. I got lost repeatedly trying to get there, then couldn't find parking. Additionally, I was an outsider joining the cast who had worked together for months before my part was added, but everyone made me feel welcome.
Realizing that the lead male dancer was someone we saw perform several winters ago on a New Year's Eve program at the Center of Movement studio in Gorham.
Jesse James. This is a real person and a student at the University of Southern Maine. I knew I recognized him the moment I saw him, but it wasn't until I saw his very distinct name in the program that I remembered why. He had been a camper two summers ago at the camp I direct in northern Maine.
Great music.
Going back stage at Merrill for the first time and seeing all the autographed pictures of those who have performed there: Tim Conway, Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Bill Cosby, BB King, Earth Wind and Fire, Garrison Keillor, Bruce Cockburn and so many more!
Lexy, the adorable nine year old who was on stage with me. She hula hooped while I juggled. After backing into her, she would steal one of my juggling balls and run off stage with it. I chased her shaking my fist. Very cute shtick.
Alan's elation when our final dress rehearsal was perfect.
A team of youth dancers from southern Maine. They were middle schoolers, and they were excellent. They were only in two scenes as well, so we were in the green room together a lot. One girl was very impressed that an old guy like me would be reading Divergent, and we compared the movie to the novel. One of the dancers was actually a "little person" (what we used to call a midget), but she had a BIG personality.
Discovering a practice hall so I could spend some of my off stage time juggling.
Wearing make-up (other than clown make up) for the first time ever.
Meeting a lot of cool people, like a professional opera singer from New Hampshire, a former missionary to Hungary, a voice over artist, dance mom's, and an acrobat who has worked in both Las Vegas and China.
Closing night when my family came. After the show my girls gave me a bouquet of flowers, like I've done for them after dozens of their dance recitals.