I was so fortunate to do the Porchlight benefit, last week. It was a wonderful experience on so many levels. First, I got to work with the production team of Rob Lindley and Doug Peck. These guys are so talented. Rob is a fine performer in his own right, but his ability to get such a wonderful cast together was no small feat. Oh sure, the benefit was for a truly up and coming theatre that produces commercially successful non-equity work here in Chicago, but most of us came to work because of Rob and Doug.
Doug is a passionate music director and a joy to work with. It was an honor for me that they choose me to perform such a difficult number that night. I don’t really even know these guys. I haven’t worked with anyone in the musical theatre world here yet and to be included with the top of the ladder folks was such a treat.
I must say the highlight for me was Ms. Peggy Roeder. Have you seen her? She has been around forever. One of those actresses who has tread the boards here in Chicago for a lifetime, it seems.
I have been an admirer of her work since I first saw her in the early 90’s. She was wonderful then…but on Monday night I got a glimpse of her mastery.
She was singing a Maury Yeston tune from Nine. “My husband makes movies,” she sang. It was a fabulous monologue about a woman who had put her life on hold to support and care for a man-child genius. Half way through the song was a musical interlude. Nothing more that a few bars, really. Most of us would have stared into space or looked at the pianist, biding our time till we were called upon to sing again. But, Peggy let her mind wander to her husband. I saw on her face a happy memory. The memory even made her laugh. Then, in an instant, the thought had changed to one of hurt and sadness. People her face was breathtakingly intimate. I felt like I had witnessed something so personal and private. It was just fabulous. An amazing moment in the theatre.
I wish you all could have been there.
