Regarding Opening Shrek....

I've seen something in the past few weeks that has really moved me.  The people close to the show may be sick of my praise, but this is on a much grander scale. It's blog fodder now!

You are always aware, as a performer, that people are really, earnestly (for the largest part) not in it for the cash. The pay's at about a year 2000 level, and hasn't really improved greatly since the most recent economic crisis.  We rally. We find that little joy within us that makes us get out of bed and go on. We discover whatever carries us through to the next rehearsal / tech day / double-double / media event and we clutch onto that little hope...and we proceed. We proceed to thrill a crowd, to make people think, to break some convention that makes the next big thing more special than the last.

For me, that's Shrek.

The atmosphere, the constant smiles and comments from servers, custodians, ticket agents, designers...who all acknowledge that this "isn't your typical dinner show."  The gasp from the audience (I heard it tonight) when they realize that this movie is coming to life in front of them.  The knowing smiles from my dear castmates when we connect in the smaller, more personal moments of the story.  I have an elf moment. I have a wolf moment. I have a three bears moment. I have a fairy godmother AND a Peter Pan moment. A countless pile of Donkey and Fiona moments.  It's all connected and anytime I shoot my gaze their way, they're in it. In it for real.

But here's the best part, people. It seems so obvious, but how has it eluded me until now? (You're gonna say: "You're playing Shrek, dumbass...of course you're having fun."  If it weren't for these people, it would just be hot, noisy, kooky work.)

The best part is that these people...these talented people...they carry me through it all night long, and then...when it's over? They're doubly grand off the stage. If you know me, you know I spend no little energy in saying this: I have already made lifelong friends in many of these people...whether they realize it or not.

Now's the best part. Having time free. Getting to know the people I haven't spent much time with even better. I know better than most that theatre can thrill you one moment and tear your heart out the next...but I'm telling you, these people are so special, so dear to me.

This silly thing. This fairy tale. This show that could easily just be a frilly little cupcake has turned into a four-course meal.

It's the best time every time.

Happy Opening.

More posts soon. I see we have a growing audience in Russia. That's amazing. Questions? Let me know what you're thinking. Topic ideas? Fire away. I'm here for all of you!

-c-