Why I don't wanna go to Broadway

Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Current mood: inspired

I have nothing profound to say today, except that I love theatre! I watched this movie about the Portland Community Theatre today and I loved it. John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Northern Exposure) played a very talented actor, Michael, who had the opportunity to go pro, but decided against it and there's all sorts of mystery as to why someone so remarkable hangs around a community theatre. Blah blah. Anyway.

The director is freaking out cause it's getting close to opening night and the lead isn't ready. Michael says: "Edwina, it's just community theatre...who cares?!" I sympathized with Corbett's character and recalled myself saying that countless times. 'It's just amateur theatre' or 'It's just community theatre' or 'It's just high school theatre'. What's the BIG DEAL!?! Edwina glared at Michael for a moment then icily replied: "It's theatre Michael. I thought you of all people would understand that." (More on the last half of that in a second) But isn't that so true? I don't mean to be melodramatic--but isn't that just so true!? No matter where your venue or how much you get paid (or pay out)--it's still art. If you work hard and give it your best and be truthful and open--it's THEATRE!

Okay. Next 'profound' realization. This Portland Community Theatre had a mentor of sorts. He was a professional director who'd worked all over the country and had chosen to retire early to Portland and give of his time and energy to this community theatre. No one really new why, except Michael. At a critically emotional moment, the audience discovers that Michael was once hired with a professional company, but turned them down because he didn't like the thought of acting becoming work: losing the art of it in the fact that he would always be worried about finding the next job or getting a raise or getting replaced for someone younger and hotter. He wanted to do theatre because he loved it. So, he stayed in Portland. Worried about his decision, he called Kippy, the resident professional director/local mentor, and asked him if he thought he'd made the wrong decision. This is what Kippy told Michael:"Michael, if you wanna be an actor--go to New York, go to Chicago. If you wanna be an ARTIST--stay here in Portland."

So, Michael stayed. And he was happy. I think there is a great beauty in local theatre that maybe an elitist eye will smirk at. I think there are great blessings to be had in the sweat and blood and tears behind local theatre companies--semi-professional or community--that the big time theatres miss out on. The common, middleclass American is not going to pay $60-$300 to see a show. They will, however, go see their neighbor perform at the high school. They will look in the newspaper and see that 3 miles down the road something called "Sweeney Todd" is being performed and a member of their church congregation is in it. They'll support a struggling local business fundraising to put on plays because of pride in their community. Why does Joe Blow go to Starlight Mountain Theatre (my theatre of choice in Boise)? Not because he's looking for the art--for the thrill of the intricate musical passages or a stirring rendition of Shakespeare he's never seen before--he goes because he has fun and he can relax and get away for a while.

As an actor on the stage who would pay $60-$300 to see a show or who would attend a production for it's artistic value I love to have an audience appreciate how hard I've worked or whatever--tell me I have a beautiful voice blah blah blah. But what I've come to love best is when they tell me they had a great time and the want to come see other plays. Then I know that not only did I entertain them, I educated them, and that is just so important for me. I want them to come again and again for the magic of live theatre and I want them to bring their kids and encourage cultural literacy that you just don't get from the movies. So, why don't I wanna go to Broadway or Hollywood? I like being able to hear my patrons sneeze or listen to them gasp or clap or hear their babies cry. I like feeling connected to them and feeling their struggle right along with mine. I may not have what it takes to be in the big time, but as long as there's a willingness and a way, I will do what it takes to support my local theatre family. And love every second of it. After all "IT'S THEATRE!"