Waiter? I'll have the drama please, but can I have the guilt and sobbing on the side? Thanks.

So... I don't even know where to start... This week has been interesting to say the least...

As you know, I'm doing a community theater production of Arthur Miller's "All My Sons". I'm playing Lydia, a secondary role written more for comedic relief than anything. She's really fun to play; not a whole lot of lines or depth, really a no brainer role.

Let me take a moment to lay out the cast so you'll know who I'm talking about...

Mel: director
Barbara: his wife, playing the lead role "Kate (mother)"
Laura: playing the other female lead, "Ann"
Heather: secondary female lead, "Sue"
Myself: "Lydia"
John: Male lead "Keller (father)"
Todd: Second male lead, "Chris"

Now, John has been in several productions of AMS, both as an actor and director. Mel, not being a very proactive director, let John express his opinion during rehearsal, which ended up being a bad thing. After 4 weeks of rehearsal, the show isn't entirely blocked yet. (Blocking is stage movement). If you're not appalled, you should be. Usually blocking takes 3 rehearsals, not 4 weeks. Granted, we've only been rehearsing 2 days a week (act appalled again). Really, these last 4 weeks have been a complete waste of everyones time and I was frustrated enough to call out of rehearsal last Monday night (something I never do) because I couldn't stand being in the room, wasting my time, knowing I'd sit there pretty much all night and do hardly anything. (I was pretty tired from camping, anyway...) I'm not the only one, either. Some members of the cast have become increasingly frustrated, either with Mel or their fellow actors.

Well, Tuesday night, I got a phone call from John telling me that Mel quit because of "artistic differences". John is now, unwillingly, the director of this beast and had some changes in mind.

Originally John (being the producer) had a cast list in mind, but other people went around him and cast who they wanted. Heather (Sue) was originally set for the role of Kate and I was originally considered for the role of Ann (neither of which happened, obviously).

Well, when Mel resigned on Tuesday, I was told that Barbara basically gave John an out to take her out of the show. She asked if she was "still needed" and our stage manager, Brian, was told to inform her, thank you, but no. So, Barbara is out and now Heather is going to step up and perform the role she deserves.

Laura was a whole other kettle of fish. John spoke with me about stepping into the role and (while my head shouted "I want it!!!") I told him that I would perform either role he needed me to perform (knowing that he'd originally cast Laura and I opposite of what we are; she as Lydia and myself in the role of Ann). As far as what went down, all I really know is that Brian, John and Todd all spoke with her at different times Wednesday evening, and she was very unwilling to step down from the role (in a hysterical sobbing, begging sort of way that is rather embarrassing for everyone involved). I was informed later in the evening that rehearsal was canceled and the role of Ann was mine, if I was still willing to accept it. I spoke with both John and Todd about it for a long time; they both agreed that I was better suited for the role. I left the decision to them, saying again that I would happily perform either role.

So, I have accepted the role of Ann. It was a really rough night, a tough decision to make for the guys but when the dust settles, I think the show will be in a much better place than what it was. Of course, we are increasing the rehearsal load to 4 days a week, Sunday thru Wed, which means I now work 10 days a week, with my only time off being Saturday morning and afternoon (I'm still working as a leasing consultant m-f 830-5 and Millie is still in production Wed thru Sun.)

Now, all that is left is to fill the roles of Sue and Lydia, re-block the entire show, build the set, find costumes, design and print playbills... We open May 8... oy.

Good times.