So they posted notice, as it’s called. Closings are generally referred to as “bittersweet,” implying that there are better days and better gigs ahead, and we’ll meet again, don’t know where don’t know when. …Oh yeah, and “I’ll really miss you…Honestly.’’ And it is a kick when you unexpectedly discover an old mate at the first rehearsal. It’s always the people. And while I appreciate the gift of being able to work at a craft which I love, and to work with imaginative, entertaining, generally enlightened, mostly amusing, oftentimes brilliant people, it’s still work. You do have to show up eight times a week.
Sometimes I suspect the universe is giving me just what I asked for; time off in the summer. It’s always such a drag to be out of work in January, when the weather’s crappy….or May, for that matter if you’re a Chicago actor. Closings always make me wonder, at least briefly, when my luck will run out. Tho’ something always comes up and it always seems better, more hopeful than whatever just closed. Optimism. Ya gotta love optimism. Or is that redundant? These days, mostly, I look forward to seeing what comes next. As a younger man, I used to always think, “Well, that’s it. I’m finished. Washed up.” So far that’s never been the case and so I’ve come around to the idea of something much more like, “Yahoo! What great adventure does the universe have up its sleeve this time??”
This particular one, for me has some extra disappointment attached because I love the material, and because of my politics. It seems so particularly important these days to honor work and the people who actually perform work. The people who actually make the world go ‘round. Sadly, the Rex Winships of the world seem to be on the ascendant recently. And that’s a real problem for all of us. We need, perhaps more than ever to be reminded that there is more than dignity in work; that, “History is a lot of little people, men and women just like you and me, getting together and deciding that they want a better life.”
So thanx for allowing me the opportunity to share with you some thoughts about this project. Perhaps you and I will meet again. In any case, I’ve enjoyed the ride. To quote Mr. Schwartz, I do believe I have been changed for the better.
For those who were simply playing another show…good for them and I hope they find another gig. For those who have put their heart and soul into making the production the best it could be, I give them my greatest respect. For those who have built relationships throughout the journey, I know they will treasure that gift.
Thank you for bringing Working our way and sharing the experience.
Hey Darlin,
This feeling you describe comes at the end of creative projects of all kinds. For me, when I finish a quilt commission, tradition has me sleep under it for one night before passing it on to its true owner. Those nights are always a bit melancholy. Its the end of an intimate journey, shared in love. Wish I could have seen you in this show. Big Hugs, La
Doll! What a great story! This show has brought us into contact with so many people whose work and lives would have remained unknown to us. Stories like yours, about what “really” goes into one’s work; the passion, the heart, the care, are what make the world go ’round, and what the right never seems to understand about work. And are what this show honors. As one of our characters says, “Everybody works.”
Thanx for the reply, and hope I see you soon. best to all your boys.
xoxo
Gene,
Thank you for your extraordinary contribution to this show. You are exceptionally talented. The same goes for your fellow cast members and the creative and technical teams. This show has been a thrilling adventure for me and I am so proud to be a part of it. I do hope we will meet again, maybe even in a future production of WORKING. To quote Mr. Schwartz again; I have been changed for good.
Dianne Fraser
Thanx, Dianne. It’s been such a great experience. I’ve loved this book since I was a student, and I’m so proud to have been part of this production. Working with Stephen and Alex again was such a rare and remarkable treat. Lots of us go thru our entire careers without ever having that kind of experience. It’s just been a pleasure collaborating with the entire “Working” team, and I’m sorry to see it come to an end. But here’s hoping our paths cross again soon.
xo,
g