Page 31 of Until Now
Dominique
Community theater has been my thing since I was a kid. But only as an audience member. There are zero acting chops in my DNA. I prefer to be entertained than to entertain. My mouth goes dry whenever I have to speak publicly, and I can only imagine what would happen if I was on a stage, a spotlight illuminating my crippling fear.
Finding out Maxen has only seen professional touring productions, and those could be counted on one hand, gave me a great idea. Let’s have a night at the theater. And we’ll bring Hunter and Bing. I really want to show them how accessible and professional community theater can be.
Finding a play we could take the boys to was the hard part. Not so much because of content. But because picking something thirteen-year-old boys would be interested in took some digging.
They’re too old for the children’s theater choices and too young for Virginia Wolfe. Not that they would not love the swearing. So, we settled on something that would shock them enough to hold their interest, but not so adult that they’d be scarred for life.
Smyrna Community Theater’s offering for August was limited but doable. We decided onVictor/Victoria. I’m the only one who has seen it, so it falls to me to be the judge. Yes, there are adult themes. Yes, there is naughty behavior. But this will be the perfect opportunity to address those issues as they pertain to real life. I’m hoping it will open conversations.
I need to talk to Bing about those issues. A funny musical is an ideal vehicle. Maxen suggested we take the boys for an after-theater dessert. That’s where we can get their take on what they saw and guide them to a mature response. I can hardly wait to hear what the boys have to say.
We considered inviting July’s oldest boy, but it was quickly rejected. First of all, I don’t want to talk to someone else’s child about cross-dressing or any other hot button topic. That’s a parent’s prerogative and job. Secondly, too many boys in one place could ruin the experience. They would be laughing through the entire thing. A man in women’s clothes? A cockroach planted in a lady’s salad? Oh God, it would be a shitshow. We will have enough to handle with Bing and Hunter.
“All right, you two, make sure you’ve used the bathroom before we sit down. There won’t be any chances to leave your seats after the play begins. Not till the break.”
They look like lambs before the slaughter. Uncomfortable in their clothes and dress shoes for sure. It’s been a summer of bare feet and swim trunks. That has been the norm. Tonight, as we stand in the theater lobby, Hunter and Bing want the time to fly.
I catch them checking out the huge poster of Victor/Victoria in drag. Something is said under Bing’s breath, and it makes Hunter push him away. Then they laugh. Lord. I don’t even want to know. The tinkling sound of bells tells us it’s time.
“Come on, boys, let's get our seats,” Maxen says.
Once inside, it is obvious the magic of the theater is already making an impression. There’s a buzz of anticipation and conversations in the audience as everyone finds their place. Both boys are looking over the playbills and reading about the actors. I am too.
“Oh, look! The lead is one of my clients. Brittney Baker. She’s a pistol,” I say, showing the smiling photo to the boys and then to Maxen.
The lights dim.
* * *
Two and a half hours are eaten up in minutes. At least that’s what it has seemed like. I feel a notch in the win column because the boys love every minute of the musical. Of course, they are. Maxen and I are too.
I’ve got to hand it to Brittney. She can sing and dance, and she has comedic timing. She can even portray a humble character. That’s acting. When the curtain closes on the final scene, the applause rises. It’s heartwarming to see the boys respond so enthusiastically. They will not forget this.
“The actors are going to be in the lobby, mingling with the audience. You guys want to say hello to Victor/Victoria?” Maxen asks.
“Yeah!” Hunter says with more energy than I have ever seen him have.
“Let’s go get a drink, and we’ll wait for her. You can see how different her personality is from the character she portrayed.”
That was about the kindest way I could say that.
Walking out of the theater into the lobby shows we aren’t the only ones who have chosen to wait for the meet and greet. I’m not sure anyone has left the building.
“I’m going to get us drinks. Hunter, come with me.”
They leave, and Bing and I find a good spot to hang out by the cast and crew entry. I motion to Maxen so that he sees where we are sitting. It takes at least ten minutes for them to return. I’m handed a white wine, and Bing gets his Coke with a cherry floating inside.
“Here they come,” I say, eyeing the actors entering the room. “There she is.”
She starts to pass by us when I say, “Hello, Brittney.”
She turns, and for one second, before she settles on my gaze, she looks at Maxen and smiles.
Oh, hell no.
“Dr. Grant! Hi! I’m so happy you came to see me!”
