The Show Must Go On

One of the most exhilarating things about doing live theater is the unpredictability. You can rehearse for weeks on end, but there’s a chance that during a performance someone will miss a cue, flub a line, or botch an entrance. For the most part, seasoned actors are prepared for anything and can handle most of the blunders that come their way without the audience having a clue that anything is amiss. But regardless of how much experience a performer has, no matter how many years they have under their belt, injury and re-casting is something that no actor is ready for.

For the past five weeks, I’ve been assistant stage managing “Stepping Out” at The Civic. My job has been to place props, document blocking, assist with line calls, take notes on what the actors need and make sure those notes reach the desks of the people who can take care of it. Once the show was up and running, I would find myself busily setting props during a black-out, and then occupying my time back stage with a skein of yarn and some needles. Plans changed on Monday. I received a phone call from the Director of Volunteers who informed me that one of the actresses in our show had broken her ankle. With three days before our first audience, a substitute had to be cast. The show must go on.

I was asked if I would take on the role… and there is only one answer to that question; “yes.” There are nine other performers who have been busting their asses night after night, thirteen crew members who are volunteering their time in the shadows without accolade. Tickets have been sold. There is no “no.” Too many people would be let down. I said “yes.”

Since Monday at 2:00pm, I have been tirelessly studying lines, walking through blocking, learning four tap routines, and trying my best to rise to the occasion. I don’t want to “pull it off.” I don’t want to “skate by.” Any less than 100% is letting the cast and crew down. There has been a lot of swearing. A lot.

82 hours after taking over this role I find myself facing opening night, and I have not lost sight of the fact that one person will not be on stage. After working so hard for so many weeks, Dee has to sit on the side lines, icing an ankle in an elevated cast, watching someone else perform in her stead. That can’t be easy. I think that’s been the hardest part for me, to be honest. I hope that I make her proud.

Dee! This one’s for you!

For tickets to “Stepping Out” call the box office at 343.1313. Mention the BOGO offer and get buy-one-get-one tickets for this weekend only!

Civic Theater/Fred Western Photography