The Show Must Go On!

Ever have one of those "moments" on stage where something goes wrong and there is nothing you can do about it? Of course you have! That's what makes live theatre so great!

I performed in an version of M*A*S*H* in high school as Colonel Blake. In one scene I accompany "Hot Lips" to a dance. As I was waiting backstage, I realized that our cue was coming up and "Hot Lips" was not there.

Frantically I began looking around, and saw her still in the dressing room. I ran back there to inquire what was going on, and was informed that the back of her party dress would not zip up.

Well, time was up. I said "We have to go on now!" and propelled her on stage. As the scene progressed, I was running our blocking fast forward in my head and realized we were supposed to dance, center stage, momentarily. Casually I leaned over to her and whispered- "When we dance, we won't move." A slight nod of her head indicated she was with me.

As we took center stage, I faced upstage and our "dance" consisted of us swaying back and forth in one spot. All was well until I noticed those of the cast behind us, who were also dancing, suddenly faced with a wide open dress back.

Their "dances" consisted of heads buried in partners shoulders as they shook in barely suppressed laughter.

Later, I thought it was funny - "Hot Lips" did not. I bet she does today!

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