We had almost a full house last night at the beautiful Vineyard Theatre on East 15th Street for the public reading of my play July and Half of August.
It is rare in life to have moments of unadulterated triumph. It’s important to revel in them, and to be grateful for them. Because they are (by design) brief, and should only push you on to try to achieve more. Last night was a triumph. For me, certainly, my God, yes, but also for Kerry O’Malley (who was heartbreaking, sometimes-scary, hysterical and tragic in her role), and Aaron Mathias (who was hilarious, and sexy, and tender and unpredictable in his role), for Greg Santos, our stage manager who also read stage directions and just stepped up, for our amazing director, Jack Cummings III, for all of the people who helped bring this to fruition. It was overwhelming to look at that house full of people and hear the waves of laughter, the sudden bursts of laughter from one person over here, one person over there, and then of course there is nothing like the sound of an entire audience falling dead quiet as one.
Couldn’t have gone better.
I feel very blessed, very grateful, I haven’t slept a wink, and I’m still floating in outer space. I love my friends, my family, my acquaintances, and am so grateful for all of them showing up last night.
More to come. Thing’s got momentum of its own now.
Bravo, Sheila! The triumph was well-deserved. We all felt and shared in your triumph and it was just so wonderful to see you bask in the glow of your creation. It was a perfect evening and a phenomenal show. And damn, Kerry and Aaron were fanastic together! Congratulations!
When all is said and done though, one of my favorite memories of the night, is you transferring the contents of my battered purse to my new purse in the green room, with the director’s blessing. Brilliant.
I loved having you there, loved hearing your thoughts. Can’t wait to get together and have a true post-mortem!
xoxo
So glad it was all you hoped…For what it’s worth, I had opening night jitters in Florida!
How exciting–I’m just elated for you.
Sheila,
my husband, my good friend, and I were there at the reading last night, and we loved it! The actors were great, and we all agreed that the play is more fully realized than a lot of plays that we see in full productions. The “Baby on Board” sequence is especially inspired. Congratulations!
Anne – thank you so much for coming and I really appreciate you commenting!
I’m so glad the Baby on Board scene went well. It’s so important – and Kerry and Aaron did an incredible job of bringing that fight in all its ugliness and hilarity to life!
Thanks again!
WoooooooHooooooo Sheila!!!! So happy for you!
Are you ever bring your play to San Francisco?
Jenn – someday, hopefully!
Had you all in a pink bubble last night. Glad it worked. hahaha
As though that had anything to do with your success. Be happy and proud. You’ve earned it.
Thanks for thinking of us, Melissa!
YOU ARE A ROCK STAR. FULL STOP.
SO ARE YOU. END STOP.
Hooray!!!!!! Love and congrats to all.
So happy for you, Sheila! Just ….. many congratulations to you and all involved!!!
If anything would give me a good excuse to finally visit New York, this is it. Congratulations, Sheila, and keep us posted on What Happens Next.
That’s wonderful! Best wishes for the”momentum,” too.
Awesome.
I’m glad it was such a success! Keep it up! The best is yet to come, right? :)
Perhaps one day your play will travel all the way to Argentina, where I live.
You have readers in Argentina?!?!
Kate – actually, yes, a couple!
Yeah Dude! Way to go…. way to go. Way to go. (Beat.) (Beat) Now you’ve reveled enough. Start another one. Now!
You’re awesome.
xo
Cuz
hahaha. Love that you needed TWO beats. The timing would be off otherwise.
So much to tell you. Kerry and I had a long post-mortem last night on the phone. Things are moving ahead.
So wish you had been there, but there is more to come!
xoxo
Brava, Sheila! I was thinking of you all the way from Montreal and so glad to hear of your success. I was so disappointed to have missed the performance but I am glad that it went so well. I remember coming to see one of your early readings of this in NYC and these characters are ALIVE to me. I love that you are finding an audience for them. You are point blank one of my favorite writers and this piece is something special. I can’t wait to see what happens next. So excited for you!!
P.S. Does the setting of the play still sustain cantaloupes?
Therese – hahahahaha “sustain canteloupes”!! Yes, the setting is alive and well.
Your words really mean a lot – hopefully this is just the beginning! I’m riding the wave, but also trying to control it, and you know how that goes!
Hope you’re doing great!
To Bloomsday, 2013!!
I’m glad to hear your big night went so well! I’ll always be a fan of your work, Sheila.
Thanks, NF! Hope you’re doing well!
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So glad everything went.. well seems too weak of a word. I’m ecstatic for your happiness. Here’s to more (well deserved)!
Uber kudos! Very exciting!
Bill – thanks! Let’s talk soon!
i’m thrilled for you, sheila! will always be an admirer of yours. can’t wait to see your play in production, and your book(s) on the shelf!
It was a true pleasure to be a part of the amazing evening and your fantastic piece. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. To a LONG life. (by the by, my inner monologue the entire time on stage the was, ‘Eff me, this play is reeeeeally good.’) xxoo
Still laughing about you at the rehearsal beforehand: “Jacques and Neeve lie on the bed …”
You’re great, Greg – what a great experience!!