Well … “The Full Monty” is now done … dead … finished … over. It’s gonna go down in the neck of the woods as one of the (pun intended) balls-iest shows ever done. I really don’t look for any of the other local theater group to ever attempt it. But we did … and we rock!
Some of you might have heard about our “barn burner” of a final performance yesterday … if not, you will now.
Saturday night, the fella playing Malcolm (Rod) had family from out of town coming to the show. Well, his sister showed up with an infant. That really isn’t the right thing to do when going to the theater. Apparently the baby was crying and the person in line in front of her turned around and said something about how “you’re not gonna bring that baby into the show are you?” She got up to the ticket window and our box office manager (Libba) also questioned her bringing a baby in. Our executive director (Steve) also told her it wasn’t a good idea. She explained she had come from out of town and was seeing her brother in the show. Steve told her she could come in but that she needed to be prepared to leave the auditorium if the baby started crying. Well, she apparently got upset about all this and just left. During the show, Rod requested that her ticket money be refunded and it was. Now, I heard about all this after the show was over.
Well, yesterday about an hour and half before the show was supposed to go up Rod called our music director. He had apparently stewed about the incident with his sister all night and was really pissed off. He was demanding that he receive three letters of apology from Steve and Libba (one for him, one for his sister, one for his entire family that was there) and a full refund of all the tickets his family purchased (which I think was 5 minus the sister’s ticket) or he wasn’t going to do the show. I called Steve and told him what was up and he became royally pissed off and basically said “Fuck Rod.” I then talked to Rod who said that he was on his way to the theater and was going to do the show anyway but was still going to talk to Steve/Libba and demand the afore mentioned items. I headed out to the theater and by the time I got there Rod was pulling out of the parking lot. From what I understand he got there and talked to Steve. Apparently the conversation got nasty and Rod was sent packing.
How nice! One hour to curtain and we were down an actor.
I will now take this opportunity to say just how awesome Mark Jones is. He was playing Ethan in the show … but with Rod gone, he totally switched gears from Ethan to Malcolm and went on stage yesterday with only about 45 minutes to prepare.
Well, then … who played Ethan you might ask. I jumped into the role and the show went on as planned. I must say that it was quite a thrill. I had always wanted to be IN the show instead of in charge of the show … and yesterday I got my wish (although the circumstances where really shitty).
The rest of the cast and crew were so great … cheering Mark and me on as we ran around doing the roles, learning last minute dances, winging our way through various parts of the show. The energy was high. The audience rocked. And I, your humble host, got to go “The Full Monty” on stage. It rocked!
DAMN!! Wish I had been there to see you. I’m sure the show was fantastic……….hopefully that was the one that got taped for posterity. I guess Rod won’t be performing at HART again. Good riddance, says I!!
PS – you DID sign me up for one of the calendars, didn’t you?
That one ranks right up there with crazed husbands beating up reporters outside the theatre causing wild ripples through the entire place. Of course that was in rehearsals not the final show. Ah, the fun of it all….
For those of you who have never seen Charles onstage or Mark for that matter – We (the cast) never had any doubts they would pull it off. they both give themselves to the character, not just new lines, songs and steps. No hesitation, no stumbling, wonderful energy. It was a good karma treat to see them act together. I was in awe. thank you
Thanks for the wonderful comments from Chaz and Franke…it was a pleasure doing it and finally getting to work with you, Chaz…in a role where we actually were opposite each other. The show must go on. And I told you it was a rush to take your clothes off in front of that many people…LOL.
Hell yeah, Mark … it was an awesome rush. I am ready to do it again! Heh. Also was very nice to get to be opposite you onstage even if it was just for one day (this time around).
Chas, your account had me glued to the screen. I’ve never heard of such “theatrics” — even in community theater. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but… isn’t Rod the “professional” experienced actor?
Yeah … he is supposedly the “professional.” It’s been crazy. He’s contacted all the Board members now and is trying to get Steve fired from what I have heard. Sheesh.
I hope the Board members tell him the same thing Steve did on Sunday……….basically go away and leave us alone!!
on another note…LOL…I have been Mispelling your name…what kind of friend am I?? YIKES!! sorry 🙁