Hello Beautiful People,
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Off-Broadway Alliance Awards.
Now, you don’t have to ask me twice to spend an afternoon in Sardi’s with some of the finest minds and brightest souls in theatre.
Truly.
It’s always a pleasure.
Hell, it’s always an honor.
And this was no different.
And I’m in awe of the work of the OBA.
And I’m humbled to be in the same room as Oskar Eustis. And Neil Pepe. And Brad Burgess. And Austin Pendleton. And everyone in that room.
But, let’s get back to Austin Pendleton.
Austin accepted his award with grace and class, the expereience of all he’s seen and all he’s done just…radiating off of him.
And then he proceeded to tell a story about the first show he did in New York City. The year was 1962. The play was “Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feeling So Sad”. The director? Jerome Robbins.
Right off the bus I was, doing this show, and just…getting worse by the day. In front of an audience.
Austin told us how he was going to quit – he had that option in his contract. But the stage manager urged him to speak to Jerome before he did.
And so Austin went on to tell the entire audience about his conversation with Jerome, (Jerry to him). There were laughs. There were jokes. But perhaps the greatest thing that came out of this speech was the moment where Jerry told Austin – I hope you don’t quit. Cause if you quit, you’ll never act again because you’ll be too scared. So, I hope you stay.
Stay.
Stay.
Stay.
Stay.
For me, that echoed in Sardi’s that afternoon. I hope you stay.
I hope you stay.
See, there is no doubt in my mind how much that applies to theatre and the business. Stay. Stick it out. Wait for the big moment, remember to enjoy the tiny victories. But please, just stay. Stay if you want your voice to be heard. Stay if you want your story to be shared. Stay if you believe that art can change the world.
Stay.
So yes, it applies to theatre and show business.
But I think it was just another clear example of how theatre and art teach us about life.
Stay.
Stay in the situations that place you outside of your comfort zone. Stay in the moments that make you want to turn away from another and just…hide. Stay. Stay and fight for what you want. Stay and fight for what’s right.
We’re so quick to walk away lately – I hope remember how to stay.
Thank you Austin.
And thank you to the OBA – I cannot wait until next year!
Live, Love, Learn,