Writing on the Wall

The 'Gypsy' in me - award-winning story

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Shakespeare said that “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Easy for him to say. Actually, everything was easy for him to say.

Being big on community theater, Shakespeare would be proud of how the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts’ production of “Gypsy” is turning out. It’s a true work in progress.

Have you ever been involved in community theater? It’s kind of like having a baby: firs there’s the conception (“Let’s do ‘Gypsy’ this year — kids, singers, strippers — all the moms and dads will come!”). Then there’s the first trimester: auditions (“I hope I get it! I hope I get it!”). Then the phone call — how exciting! “Mary, this is Diane. We want you to be a part of our production! You’re in the chorus —without the singing ... or speaking ... congratulations!”

Then the rehearsals — in street clothes, with make-believe doors (mime comes in handy here: open door, close door...). There’s blocking, staging, learning parts, forgetting lines, cute kids and really talented people — and me.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been in a local production. I was in “The Music Man” a few years ago, along with two of my children, and I was in the Guild’s “Cabaret” in 2005. (The kids were so proud — imagine, their mom, playing a Nazi prostitute!) I’m not terribly talented. I can carry a tune and act a bit, I have trouble remembering lines — but I do it, and I enjoy it. It’s my own little bungeejump. It’s my dare, my chance, my adrenaline rush. All in the comfort of my own backyard. Or middle school stage.

I love theater people — they’re a different breed. A little quirky, very funny (but extremely serious and focused at times), just a bunch of fun bananas. We’re mothers, fathers, grandparents, students, accountants, editors and office workers. Some of us have been told unequivocally not to quit our day jobs. And some are so very, very talented. But off in the wings and behind the scenes, we all put on makeup, share dressing rooms, and get butterflies before the curtain goes up. Where else can you take a bow at the end for your efforts? Not in the office. Where else can you show off, act goofy, wear costumes and be yourself by not being yourself (other than at your last high school reunion)?

If you’ve got some talent, consider trying out for local theater. You can work behind the scenes, too — just being part of the process is rewarding. Or, if you’d just like to support your neighborhood thespians without the expense of a Broadway ticket and a trip into Manhattan, then go see one of the four performances of “Gypsy” this Oct. 23, 24, and 25. Call (516) 616- 3610 for tickets.

By the way, I eventually got a speaking part — I play Miss Cratchitt, the producer’s straight-laced secretary. They must have been afraid to give me tassels.

Comments about this story? Mmalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202