I once sang with a big, semi-pro chorale that did all-bells- and- whistles productions of light opera and Broadway stuff complete with elaborate sets, lots of flys, fancy lighting, Malabar costumes and a gazzilion set changes. Now, Murphy says that, "If something can go wrong, it will". Evans says, "Murphy was an optimist.
Music Man is a neat show. In our opening to a full house, all went well until Marion was to appear on a porch set, this to be wheeled on with her aboard to sing her soulful Goodnight, My Someone to the stars above.
The porch appeared. The gels dimmed and the spotlight went on. No Marion. Panic in the orchestra pit. Conductor suffered severe anal clenching.
Meanwhile, in the wings Marion appeared on time to climb through the back end of the porch set and pose becomingly for her entrance. Betty, who played Marion was a pro. She noted the problem with aplomb, having sung leads with Doily Carte and other noted groups. She smiled sweetly at the dithering stagehands and inquired gently, "When does the next porch leave?".
She then strolled on stage, posed before the empty porch, looked skyward and when the conductor got the orchestra back to watching the stick she delivered a shivering fine aria to 2,000 happy folks in the audience.
Moral of this tale? Murphy's worst fears often pale in the face of experience, goodwill and a bit of old fashioned guts. Betty is a heroine of mine.
How is that for being preachy?
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