I’ve mentioned here before that a couple of times a year I am in a theater production at Center on the Square Dinner Theater in Searcy, Arkansas. I usually play a sassy or crotchety old lady, having been type-cast from the beginning. I also do other volunteer work for the theater, mostly as a hostess for the productions seating patrons. I was there in this capacity Saturday night when a man called me to his table and he and his wife told me how much they had enjoyed me in the most recent play. Now, this is definitely one of the perks of being a hostess — that of compliments and accolades by the adoring fans who recognize me.
The man went on to say, “You were so funny in your last play. We always enjoy you, but this one was particularly funny.” I smiled graciously, basking in the glow of their admiration. But I couldn’t help think to myself, Let’s see. The last play I was in was “The Women” in February. I had four small walk-on parts, none of them particularly funny, just slightly amusing. But, some people are easily entertained.
About an hour later it dawned on me that he had me confused with my friend, Ann Nieto, who was in the most recent play “Dearly Departed”, which was hilariously funny, especially Ann’s character. Now, Ann and I don’t really look alike, except we’re both about my age and have grey hair. And of course we’re both very funny on stage.
So, there’s another perk. I not only get praise for my work, but for Ann’s as well.
Oh, boy! How funny! But–I agree–we take our compliments wherever they come from, however they come. And bask for ages in the glow.