[Gn2Dlnd]

Hey GC! Some shows are like that, you just show up, be pleasant and helpful backstage, and do the job they hired you for onstage. The worst thing I can do as an actor is spread my discontent amongst the cast. Take The Sound of Music, for instance. We have a lackluster cast in many of the roles, a director who fusses about details of costumes and hair, but leaves entire scenes unblocked, and a Frau Zeller who needs to double-check with the director everytime I put in some bit of business not specifically blocked (which is ALL of my business). When the show opens on Wednesday, and the house is full of happy oldsters enjoying a favorite show, all these things will cease to matter. We're not going for a Tony (tony, tony, tony), we're providing a service. I try to keep that as my main focus backstage as well. I know the producer wanted me in this show because not only will I bring my best performance onstage, but, as an experienced actor, I can be a friction reducer backstage. I get to provide an example to the kids, and some of the less experienced cast members, of how to behave, how to help each other with quick changes, etc., how to have fun, and, most of all, how to leave my ego at the door.

Have fun tonight, Mr. DePinna! Get to know your new closest friends for the next couple months. You get to be, if you so choose, the actor that the director doesn't have to worry about.