The old cliché is, "All good things must come to an end." True in a sense, but farthest thing from it, in another. Peter Pan came to a close, for me, on Jukeslie 13th. Bill Jukes is not dead, by the way, he is simply resting (until 5pm, then back to business with Drood)!
Peter Pan was reported as the second most successful production in the Playhouse's 67 year history. I am honored to be a part of that. According to Andrew Gall (Artistic Producing Director) not only was the cast represented by a diverse group, but there was also a very wide variety of representation with the viewing audience at this production as well. The show had people as far away as Hawaii come be part of the viewing audience.
To be a part of this is such a blessing and I am grateful for the experience. I am grateful to have support from the family and friends that I have. Not everyone knows or understands what it's like to be able to appreciate a wonderful support group. I had an uncle from the California Bay Area, an aunt from Nevada, cousins from DC, an aunt from the Greensboro Triad Area, and friends that I haven't seen since high school and some newer, but very special friends come to support me. I love you all. But getting flowers from my kids, and having my baby girl bring me congratulatory candy was one of the greatest gifts/compliments that I could have ever received. I love you guys!
My writing is not that of a man, or an actor that feels he has obtained celebrity status from his first play in years, rather it is a writing of great gratitude! A humble thank you to a great number of people that have made a significant impact on my life!
I sat backstage in various places and felt the hearts and souls of a lot of good people. People that are now my stage siblings. The Lost Boys! Those young ones were, and will always be awesome to me. I pray that their love and dedication remains steadfast for the arts! My only word of advice to them would be this:
Take your time, think things through, love your loved ones through the years, don't sweat the small stuff, and when you come of age to vote, vote for leaders that will help you pursue your dreams. You and all Americans have the right to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. So a huge thanks to the Lost Boys for a wonderful experience. I know some of their parents very well, and love them all. I only pray that they don't ask them about any old stories that I might have shared with their parents, from our school days, and some after. (Smile) Hopefully they will, for now at least, reminisce with the story of Peter Pan. Kade Hoilman, I am especially speaking to you sir!
The braves were great, and end the end gave us (the cast) all a reason to smile. Perhaps it was just me, but Taylor Hutchinson, aka "Tiger Lily," actually looked the part of a true Indian Princess! Then the roar of Lily Polgar (Little Big Panther), "They fear me!" That's a line that I will not soon forget!
The Mermaids, smiled brightly, sang sweetly, and looked lovely. For such sweet group of creatures, they were almost as sinister as We The Pirates! Their desire to drown only a few Lost Boys is the only factor that places them in the backseat to being the most sinister characters in the play. They were as stunning as they were awesome, and I ask that they forgive us as we struggled to figure out when and who it was, that would carry them on stage, from time to time.
Sitting backstage, and behind the window, I was only allowed to witness certain things early on in the show, but the laughter that came from the house (audience) was invigorating on the hot nights. Myra McCourry I admired from the view of her shadow, and voice! Myra did a great job as Pan! "You come out of there and apologize to me!" said Ms. McCourry (Pan) in a very boisterous tone, speaking to Tinkerbell, as she shook Havens clock violently. That portion of the play always received a hearty laugh.
Izsie Hilbert I viewed and listened to through the set window. Iz, is a songbird! She is truly a talent and I look forward to being blessed with seeing her in many, many more productions!
I also viewed (on the opposite side of the set window with her husband) the eyes of Mrs. Darling (Anna Franklin-Bailey), and her stage voice! Sophistication, professionalism, and elegantly industrious all wrapped into one! She did a wonderful job.
There was a lot of good people, a lot of talented people, and a lot of generous people that made this a beautiful experience for me. Thank you all.
Speaking of generous people... a huge thanks to all donors, and volunteers that make things possible. Without them, the arts, and the life as we artist know it, is not the same. Thank you donors and volunteers for the personal inspiration to pay it forward, and to give back as I can. The unspoken lessons are usually the most inspiring ones.
I saw a few names on the bill that I know fairly well. Theresa Colletta... I remember delivering to at the Yancey library, and I am praying to deliver for her on stage now. She was one of the bright spots from my courier days! The Stella family, and I are even friends on Facebook now! (Smile) The Weinmeister's are in that same Facebook boat as well, it was a privilege to meet your families.
Last but certainly not least:
I am thankful to my brothers in sinister, theatrical crime. I never dreamed that I would be involved in a production with such a diverse, yet contradictorily similar band of brothers. What do you get when you take a Presbyterian pastor, a UMC pastor/school teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, an English teacher, an awesome student and son to the UMC minister and teacher, a couple of interns, and some crazy eyed brotha that has done it all, and put them in a play together? You get one bad band of PIRATE BROTHERS!
From the first fiasco in getting his Hook stuck in the wall, to the final plunge into the deep blue, and finally the last few moments after strike, and bidding each other farewell in the street, the good doctor was/is an awesome friend. Hopefully I'll see him down the road again at some point. Dr. Jeff Polgar, "I got to work with my daughter, that was pretty cool!" You sir are, "pretty cool!"
I am also hoping that my new and good friend Steven B, will be inspired to a Starkey and Jukes reunion often! I am having a short film flashback, and seeing him hoist that pistol like a periscope over our heads! I see the last signal and cue that he gave to me, and his smile! Steven Bailey is a good one!
Pastor Steve Elderbrock I'll be by to fellowship with I'm hoping very soon. He was an awesome Smee, and a true brother in Christ! "Rip!" Only Smee could unknowingly rattle Hook as he did!
Mac, "the ship is bewitched!" Mr. Pauley, your secret is safe with me, what happens near the shop entrance, stays at the shop entrance! I hope I am able to catch up on some Chappelle Show, and talk music again.
Ryan Robertson! This guy! Words do not do him justice! From the ghost of Nana to Mullins and the quarter wrapped bandana, he helped keep me sane. It's a small world. We realized that our mothers knew each other from the hospital. When he hits the top I may need a place to hangout one day, "right down by da de beach, boiee!"
Esquire Barry! Without him, we would have been... well in need of someone remembering his lines! I truly missed him at the final show, and I pray that he gets well soon, sir. It was an honor having him as a fellow pirate!
Caleb G... in the words of Montel Jordan, "every since I was a lowercase g!" I'll one day say that I've known him since he was a lowercase g, to the uppercase G! Caleb is the man! He always got me stoked before every performance! I'll see him in Hollywood one day I'm sure, but for now, I'll catch you around here!
Cecco, is my brotha from anotha motha! Thee Uppercase G! He shared show experience with me, as well as life experiences. I am blessed to have been embraced and as welcomed as I was by his family while we were on stage together. His baby girl an my baby girl admire each other, and I pray that we all will have many great years celebrating our friendship!
Thanks to everyone involved in this production. Come see me in Drood next! July 27th - August 10th
