The big message.

So the big message came on the final night of Pericles. There we were, getting ready in a typical closing night energy; no one wanting it to be over, but resigned to do our show one more time, go have a drink, kiss and cry and scatter to the four winds. The make-up went on as usual. Getting dressed was usual...then the call came at five minutes. The Artisitic Director gethered us together in the green room. I expected the usual, "thank you for a great season" speech which is heartfelt and earnest. It came and was sincere. We started to disperse for out final prep and he said, "oh, and Bill and Hillary Clinton are here." There were the unusual gasps and expressions of disbelief then "No, no, no I'm serious" with a large gesture from his mitt like hands, "they are sitting front and center and if you see them I don't want you to freeze like dear in the headlights. There are secret service around the tent so be aware of that and...that being said, it's just another show."
The energy in the tent was now anything but usual. Every one's pace quickened, lines were run, every snap and button was done up, postures straightened and we could all feel that we were going to have and amazing night. For myself, the exercise was to simply be in the moment and accept it. Live in it and walk hand in hand with it. When we hit the stage it was exciting and edgy. We had a blast with the show and it went very well. The text work by just about everyone was as good as it's ever been. A tight, crisp show. The dance number brought down the house and when I glanced at our guests of honor they were beaming.
At curtain call, the former President of the United States and the Secretary of state lead a standing ovation. Think of that...and I have ever since.
What's next? Command performance?
I finally went to sleep at around six the next morning after the usual goodbyes after a most unusual night.