004 On the transformative nature of theatrical productions

We are true believers - believers in the transformative power of theatre - to change the lives of the actors, musicians, technicians, dancers, etc - and especially to MOVE an audience, although, in the words of the great Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull,

"I may make you feel,
But I can't make you think."

So, feeling is what we do -- the message you receive, we have no control over - we are only transmitters. Here are my three shiningest, brightest, bestest ever theatre moments:

1. I am accompanying Boys Chorus on the stage at BCHS auditorium. I awake, and my fingers are playing notes on the piano. Where have I been? How did I end up here? What in the world am I playing? THIS, is VERY interesting.

2. I awake on the stage of Barrington Consolidated High School's auditorium, along with about 50 cast members of The Music Man. We are singing 76 Trombones. I was in character, in a way I've rarely been before. I actually invented my own character on the stage. And, in that precious moment, I was god-like - having just made Eve from the rib of a boy-man-child.

3. Pam Van Deventer Streator High School, Class of 1969 - her rememberance of our beloved friend, Randy spires, who, as so many of my Streator Class Mates have already, died, WAY too young.

Randy-I'll never forget when Doc Schiffbauer paired us together in 1968 for that cheesy revue at Engle Lane. We were a couple for about 5 scenes. We were more like oil and vinegar! The most memorable was when we had to sing Slow Boat to China. You had to hold me in your arms and were supposed to romantically gaze into my eyes, but you made the most awful faces to try and make me laugh in front of the audience! As soon as we got off stage, I would slug you in the arm-hard. Doc was not pleased. You know, to this day, I remember every word of that song and still think of you. Let me sing it to you one more time...

"I'd love to get you,on a slow boat to China, all to myself alone.

Get you and keep you in my arms ever more.
Leave all your lovers weepin on a far away shore.

Out on the briny with the moon big and shiny
Melting your heart of stone
I'd love to get you
On a slow boat to China all by myself alone"

I miss you Randy and wish I could slug you in the arm for old time's sake. Love...Pam