Exeunt All Pursued by Cocktails

It's over, well and over by now. I had wanted to post this final farewell to our Richard III production right after it ended but that next morning I and Amaya had a 4am flight to Puerto Vallarta scheduled (a trip for critical margharita research) so I had no time to sleep let alone reflect.

If you happen to read this blog this long after the shows closing you are I suspect either a true appreciater of that play or my mother. Or both.

It was a great last performance actually - very satisfying for the actors and audience (got a 70 to 80% standing "ov") and that sort of thing's a rarity at least for me. I have an unconscious need to invest the last performance of any play (particularly one I like so much, such as this) with an unfair expectation of catharsis. Somehow, since it's the last one I think it should encapsulate and even outshine the entire experience. It's an impossibility really, but it's based on an emotional need a little bit like the last day of camp. And yet, all this said, I swear this last show was really fun. Mark Rucker was there (a last minute surprise and the often sweltering 2pm matinee weather was balmy and forgiving. Reg was as always spectacular and improved and altered his stuff even to the last moment. Everyone was superbly balanced and inspired at the same time.

After the show we all gathered on the woodchips in front of the theatre and did the required (and appreciated) toast. Jon Moscone gave a speech that summarized and congratulated the whole production that was actually deeply sweet and moving. Some of the cast spoke and thanked everyone, particularly Mark and Reg; there was a feeling amongst us all, I think, of luckiness and gratitude that these two particular artists had let us be in their show. Catherine got a little teary and more than a few other actors looked a little misty with their champagne.

Finally the cast (expect for Blake, Tomas and Elvy since each had to head out directly after the show) adjourned to Andrew (Stanley) Hurteau's home for barbecue and cocktails with his lovely family. Everyone stayed late and got silly; drinks and hugs were plentiful and freely given. It was a fitting and satisfying way to end this wonderful experience.

For myself I am brushing up on my Yiddish for the Traveling Jewish Theatre's mounting of "2 x Malamud" which includes the dramatized version of the short story "The Magic Barrel" (it was my first job in the bay area) but before that please join me in seeing some of Richard's crossover actors (Suzannah, Eddie and Dan) sling some Shaw in the next CalShakes production which I have taken to calling "Mensch und SuperMensch".

Thanks for your time. See you all later!