So there's been a bit of drama down here in Mayberry...in every sense of the word. I've been involved in this production of "Little Shop of Horrors", playing a couple small roles and helping out backstage. I didn't know about it in time to actually audition. But I've been having a blast. For the first time since I've been down here I'm out doing stuff, hanging with friends, enjoying myslef.
Well...seems the guy who was playing Seymour and the gal who was playing Audrey - both married, but not to each other - worked very well together. To well, actually. Getting a little out of hand, a lot in your face. But we got through the first weekend and it really came out okay. But they were really making the entire cast and crew uncomfortable.
Not as uncomfortable, however, as guy playing Seymour and gal play Audrey were when they went to what they thought was an out of the way restaurant, all snuggly and nuzzly and obviously enjoying each other, and who should walk in to the same restaurant with her co-workers? Guy who played Seymour's wife! She actually got so mad she threw the table over on them. (Audrey actually has a bruise now, which works well with her character!)
Anyway, the long and short of it is that Guy who played Seymour had to make a decision: the show or his family. He chose his family. So Todd the director calls me at noon this past Thursday. "Damien, can you play Seymour?" Crikey. And he meant like the next day! Well, I told him I'm the guy that would do anything he could to make it work, but I didn't know the part. But if he thought we could pull it off... They've invested thousands of dollars in this thing, so the show must go on!
And we did it! My script was on the table on stage the whole time. I had cheat notes strategically placed around so the audience couldn't see them. The first two nights I actually had to carry the script for a couple of scenes. But an announcement was made and the audience knew what was up and I came out looking like the hero. And today, at the matinee, I didn't have to carry the script!
Funny thing is, it's always been my desire to play Seymour. Cool thing is, I was wondering when I would get my chance to show the folks at the Star Theater what I was capable of.
One more weekend...