Mom - I didn't forget the words this time. Just to come in! Period!

So what does an entire cast do when the crazy lady not only isn't screaming, but just isn't there?

So yeah! The scene is where everyone is celebrating and Ruth is having a nervous breakdown - screaming like Medea and running into the midst of them like Cap'n Jack Sparrow! So what is Ruth doing? Helping the Police Sergeant with his eyeliner in the makeup room! What? Can she not hear the monitor? Oh yes, yes she can. She's just a dork and thinks there's more time than there is... you know how when you're waiting for your cue in the wings and it just seems to take forever?? Well, it's NOT forever when you're not in the wings!!! "That last 1/4 mile comes really fast!" So I hear the part where I need to be running out on.... "Oh, crap! Oh shoot shoot shoot!" is what is heard as the crazy lady is racing down the hall! I arrive in the wings - and do I come flying out? Still no!!! Fried Ruth brain is thinking "ah well! I just missed it, they'll just have to go on without me!" Aye me! But Ruth is forgetting that um....well? That whole next segment is conversing with Frederick with the Pirates all in echo of each person's line!" Fortunately, Lindsay - our fearless stage hand is doing the panic whisper of "go Go GO!!!!" I don't think the scream was fake this time, nor has she ran so in all the days of Ruth! The orchestra had already played my notes, plus a few.... luckily a cappella recitative is acceptable. And rushing it and getting it all out fast is truly just a characterized moment! Oi Oi Oi!!!!

Luckily the Major General knows how to extemporaneously jibber jabber and the cast knows how to dance and revel while waiting!!!! Oh, how grateful I am for the talent and kindness these kids possess! And the directors were kind enough to even worry for my health and safety first (were you all right??!!) and even to believe it may have been a technological error with the feeds not working. Alas, twas not so. Just Moi. We can't escape 8 performances without at least one major feaux pas from Lisa, can we?

Ah, the joys of performance! But truly it has been an absolutely fabulous experience! All of the people are wonderful that I am working with! The play/Operetta is everything I'd ever hoped it would be!

And tonight we got to have a "Questions from the Audience" night. It was great! One of the first questions was asked to me... Was I a Comedienne? How cool is that? I just said "just in my own head!" I have had a few people report that some of the little kids' favorite character was the "Crazy Lady" and some others compliment me how I stay in character the whole time. But gee! When else to I get to use the rubber facial expressions I've been gifted with for 1.5 hrs every night? Be wacky and have it applauded? Just my cup of tea!