Shy and retiring

Make that retired. I retired from the rat race some years ago, a bit early, but it was necessary. (Why is another story for another day.) So of course I spend my time here on the beach, Margarita pitcher at my side, faithful dog chasing gulls or sneaking sips, and admiring the wandering wonders that pass my chair.

Oh. That was in my last novel. Never mind.

So what I am really doing is hitting rehearsals for three hours a night with the first performance of Bye Bye Birdie two days away. Maybe we will get through the whole thing tonight.

It's really fun to work with a house full of amateur singers, dancers, actors, stage handlers, managers, and musicians like me. In theory we all build our parts individually, then bring them together in ten days or so of rehearsal with cast and orchestra. In practice, that really seems to happen, but it's a little hard on the nerves when the cast is reblocking with two days to go. Or when we add a piece -- same schedule. Fortunately, Fairbanks is well endowed with musicians and artists who are capable of pulling this off, amazingly so for a town in this location and of this size. These things are always a hassle, so much so that I swear off after every one. I seem to swear back on each fall. Too old to learn, I guess, and I enjoy the challenge. After all, what else is retirement for?

Tomorrow night is the goes-on-forever til done final dress rehearsal. One show Friday, two on Sunday. Then a similar schedule next weekend and we've done it again. Fun -- at least in retrospect. Beats practicing scales.

Bones