Closing Night

So, are you glad you did this?”

The question came from Jerry, the director of my one act play Mercy Road, as we sat in the lobby of the Chain Theatre on Wednesday night.

It had been one hell of a ride—fear, panic, joy, and ultimately, a ton of gratitude. Jerry was the backbone of this project, taking time out of his schedule to find the actors and bring this show to life.

And it’s all rather amazing, considering this production came very close to not happening.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I never thought I’d get this far. I sent my play to the Chain in May and promptly forgot all about it.

So of course I had a massive conniption fit when the theater accepted the damn thing.

I was inches away from turning them down, convinced I’d never be able to find actors, get a director, and have everyone ready to take the stage by July 12—the first of three engagements.

But Jerry talked me out of it, strongly advising me not to pass up such a wonderful opportunity.

So I listened to him, and I wound up having one hell of a time. And now, this was our final night.

I met terrific people—the cast of my show, as well as writers, directors, and actors from the other three plays on the same bill. I learned so much about directing just from watching Jerry work with John and Eric, the two leads in our show.

May the Dragon Never Be My Guide

The early days were rough, and I wondered if we’d ever be ready. But Jerry brought out the best in the actors—and in me—until he finally declared, “Gentlemen, we have a play.”

I discovered St. Genesius of Rome, the patron saint of theater and actors, whom I inundated with an unending stream of shamelessly hysterical pleas, begging that nothing go wrong with the play.

And he delivered without fail.

I got tremendous support from friends and family. My aunt attended the premiere with my sister, who came to all three performances (!) and even got several of her friends to attend. She later treated me to a delicious Thai dinner.

My aunt and cousin in Los Angeles watched the livestream, which included an interview with me, Eric, and John. My writing instructor and several of my classmates attended the performances, too.

I reconnected with people I hadn’t seen in years. It was incredible. And so many friends expressed their support on Facebook.

If nothing else comes of this, my experience with the Chain Theatre has shown me just how lucky I am to have all these fabulous folks in my life.

Before our final show, John handed out medals honoring St. Benedict, meant to ward off bad energy, evil, and harmful influences. Far too often, I am the source of my own bad energy, so I was grateful for the gift.

“May the holy cross be my light," The St. Benedict Medal Protection Prayer reads. "May the dragon never be my guide! Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!”

And in answer to Jerry’s question—yes, I am very glad I did this.