Smoke in Ashland
…the play must go on. Or at least that has been the situation in Ashland thus far. We all have suffered slight sore throats and headaches – most noticeable last night after seeing “Antony and Cleopatra” in the Elizabethan (outdoor) theater.
Nyel and I rendezvoused here with son Charlie Monday night. Fires are still raging in Northern California, ‘just over the mountain’ and the smoke drifts (or rushes, depending on the wind) in a northeasterly direction straight to Ashland. At yesterday’s matinee of “Guys and Dolls” (in the Bowmer Theater) an announcement was made that they were ‘monitoring the situation’ for the evening performance of “Antony and Cleopatra.” Those of us with tickets were to check online or at the box office after 6:30 for further information. As in, would the performance be cancelled?
Guys and Dolls”
Though it is Nyel and my leventy-leventh time at Oregon Shakespeare Festival – I actually have attended most years since 1957 or so – it is Charlie’s maiden voyage. Four tickets (three plays and a backstage tour) were in his Christmas stocking last year and Santa does so want it to be a perfect experience!
So far… so good! The play opened on schedule last night with the announcement that audience members could leave within the first hour if necessary and receive full compensation. They would continue to monitor throughout the evening and if the situation got too much for (first concern) actors or (second consideration) audience, the show would be discontinued. But all went off without a hitch and only minor discomfort, at least for us.
“Anthony and Cleopatra”
This morning we take the Backstage Tour and this afternoon see “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” at the Thomas Theater. Presumably, the smoky conditions will not be a problem. I hope not. If all goes according to plan, we will have introduced Charlie to all three theaters here in Ashland. The only thing better than making it an annual event would be the possibility of Charlie appearing here himself one day – probably only a devoted mother’s fantasy. But, as we know, theater is all smoke and mirrors, anyway. And he’s been here for the smoke.
What a wonderful dream of spending a day or two with Charlie in Ashland every year! Have fun this year!
We still have two smoke tickets from last years “Into the Woods” when we were smoked out with forest fire. The singers voices were in danger so it was called at intermission. We got to see the “happy” of the play. Ashland has been a family destination for many years. It’s such a wonderful treasure for our area. Our one trip to Stratford on Avon was barely better. Glad you are having time with Charlie. Time with family is so special.