On Sunny Lane: Now I Get to Play

Many years ago, when I was a junior in high school, I auditioned for and got the lead part in the class play.

Sadly, I never got to play the part.

You see, my mother and I lived in a rural area and neither one of us drove a car. Our house was 12 miles from the school, so it was too far for me to walk home after practice. My brother had a car, but neither he nor the car was dependable and he let me know that in no uncertain terms.

Actually, I knew that would be the case before I auditioned, but I had unrealistic expectations. I was just hoping my brother would want to help me out. So, when the play was put on for the student body, I had to watch another person play the part I had got. She did a great job.

Through the years, I still had a desire to act in a play. There were plenty of volunteer troupes in the neighborhood where I could have signed up, but work and motherhood used up my time and precluded me doing that. When the children had all graduated from high school and were on their own, I thought about it again. That was when I was heavily involved in church work and didn’t have extra time after my house work and work outside the home. Besides, at that point I had reached the age where I didn’t know if I could memorize the lines I would need for the script.

When I was in elementary school, our teachers would give us a poem to memorize from time to time. I could read it over twice and be ready to recite it. How times have changed!

Yet, a couple of months ago, I saw an article in the newspaper advertising auditions for a comedy at the local playhouse. The old deterrents were gone. The only drawback was my memory. So, I auditioned and-lo and behold! – I got one.

The part was made just for me--or me for it! I’m supposed to be a little old lady and I only have two lines. And, I don’t need to be at rehearsal every night, like the rest of the cast.

My heart goes out to the cast members who have hundreds of lines to learn. I am amazed that they are learning them. Even though I am only on stage for two brief appearances, my character’s name comes up often in the dialogue. So, my character plays an integral part of the story even though it is behind the scenes.

I think there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in public and private life that gets done for us in everyday lives, too. Sometimes, all we see is the results. There are people working every day to make our lives better in the market place and in our well being. Isn’t that great?

I will be performing in “The Velvet Cake War” at the New Castle Playhouse Annex on Long Avenue at 7:30 p.m. March 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and at 2:00 p.m. March 15 and 22. Hope to see you there.

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Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com