The Theatre Gene - How a love of the craft is passed on generation to generation
Yesterday was my father’s birthday. I miss him. I miss the way he laughed and gave me big bear hugs. I miss how he looked at me when he was proud or how he talked about ancient history and the bible. I miss how sweet he was and how easy he was to please. All you needed was a little ice cream, or a cinnamon bun, a cup of coffee, an old western, a good book, or beautiful piece of classical music. I know he would have been pleased with my latest artistic offering. He loved musical theatre. Before opening night of the play I’ve directed, Lucky Stiff, I invited him to come. I closed my eyes and pictured him and said, “Dad, I want you there in the audience tonight. Please come see my show.” And I know he did. And I know he’s proud. Ten years ago, I directed “Hello, Dolly” at a local high school, the show I had starred in as a senior in high school. At curtain call, we got an uproarious standing ovation. It was a huge success and when Dad hugged me at the end, he had tears in his eyes, “You d...
