D (Enters stage right. Looks around, startled. It’s empty and quite dark): Hello? Hello, A? Where are you?
A: (Offstage, left): You’ll have to go on without me, D!
D: But I can’t – I don’t know how to make it out there on my own. It’s so dark, and and there’s set pieces I have to put out.
A: Welcome to my world, D.
D: Your world is kind of scary.
A: You’re telling me! At least there’s glow tape.
D: Glow tape?
A: Yeah, it’s this tape that glows in the dark. Oh my god, best thing ever in the whole entire world I could marry it.
D: I’m not sure that would be the most fulfilling of relationships, but . . .
A: I was speaking in hyperbole.
D: Ah, so in the midst of all this “play stuff” you do remember your writerly roots.
A: I never – oh forget it. I managed to finish major re-writes and edits this weekend, D. One final read-through and it’s heading into the hands of those who can really read.
D: Writing, working and managing to become a valued member of the backstage crew – how do you find the time?
A: I think I may have given up cooking actual meals, and there hasn’t been a whole lot of sleeping either. Oh, that and I had to give up blogging for a few weeks.
D: At least the post you left as your last was an cover preview for Charles Yallowitz’s new book, Legends of Windemere: Allure of the Gypsies. Did you know that it debuted on December 1?
A: I did know that. I was feverishly editing and finalizing props at the time, but I was sending him good thoughts.
D: Well, all the same, you should congratulate Charles.
A&D: Congratulations, Charles!
D: So that’s it then – you’re just going to wander off stage left and leave me here?
A: No, you can come if you want. We’ll just close the curtain until the 16th when the show run is over. Besides, I kind of like hearing your voice when I’m reading. Your snark helps me not want to cry when you’re being your epic but wounded self in the book. Need a little perspective, you know?
D: (Eye-roll) Gee, A.
A: I’m sorry, what was that? You need to enunciate more, D – remember, diction and volume!
D: The 16th can’t come soon enough!
A: You’re telling me – that set has some ridiculously heavy pieces!
So that’s it, folks! My son has the part of “Young George” in a local production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Being the helpful sort, I volunteered for props and ended up ensuring all the set pieces from the left side of the stage go out on cue, in their proper order without killing myself or others. At least I get a headset!
This, plus working in semi-retail in the weeks leading up to the holidays, is why I am a very bad blogger. Yet, I’m not too terribly broken up about it – I’ve rediscovered the ease of a quick post on Facebook, as well as the joys of being completely unavailable for hours at a time during the 3 and 4 hour evening rehearsals! So, I miss you all, but the trade-off of time with my son is priceless. Thank heavens the Mukwonago Village Players are a fabulous group of people. Working with them has been a lot of fun. We did two shows today for local school kids and everyone did a fantastic job. Can’t wait to see what the next two weeks brings!
Now, if you will excuse me, I intend to enjoy my first evening home in several days with some pizza, a glass of wine, a fuzzy blanket and some Torchwood! Good night all – thank you for reading!
The D/A Dialogues 
My sister and I used to watch that movie with my parents and drive them nuts as we spent the whole movie making fun of Jimmy Stewart’s ridiculous voice, and re-spinning him as an abusive misogynist whose family is terrified of him.
Suffice to say, my mother, much like Queen Victoria, was not amused. But, then again, that was kind of the point.
Good to see you, darling.
LikeLike
I love the movie, but i cant help but think that George was a miserable SOB who had a few rage/frustrated dreamer issues! Rspecially now that ive seen/heard it at least 10 times in the last 2 weeks!
LikeLike
Have fun, Katie! Glad to hear of your time with your son and the play.
LikeLike
I’ve been following all your exploits on Facebook, the play sounds super exciting! I love how you’ve put in all the little details that no one ever would notice unless they are really looking. You should work as a set designer on something like The Hobbit, I could see you doing really well at that. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! I would, to not-dirtily quote Woody Allen – plotz if i were allowed anywhere near The Hobbit set (only 7 more days!)
LikeLike
Awesome mention for Charles, good show! And speaking of show, congrats to your son for landing the part in the play of all plays. Did I ever mention how much I love the movie A Wonderful Life? Such a great movie and so timely for this time of year, of course. BTW, love your new profile pic on facebook. You look absolutely great, Katie! Anyhoo, just wanted you to know! Enjoy your evening! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Jack – a well-timed shot like that is priceless 🙂 Tom is very excited & loving the show. He’s trying out for Fiddler on the Roof next week (young George was his firdt tryout ever), so i think this may just be the beginning!
LikeLike
Ps: its one of our absolute favorites too! So wonderful.
LikeLike
Thanks for the shout out. Good luck to your son and I’m sure he’ll have a lot of fun.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Hoping your son’s play goes smoothly. We miss you too, but I think it is D who may be lonliest. he hasn’t been in the spotlight of late, and i don’t think he has Facebook.
LikeLike
No, no he doesn’t – and considering what I get up to on Facebook, it’s a very good thing! 🙂 I did let him tag along while I finished the rewrite on the second half of the book – that went better than I expected and he even got a scene or two of his own out of it. Found out he’s kind of a crafty old guy! 🙂
LikeLike