Fenz was bursting with Fulton Theatre subscribers, staffers, and actors on Thursday night after our opening night performance--great food, champagne cocktails, and company. The show itself went really well--we all had a lot of fun--and while we were sad to say good-bye to our fearless leader, director Bill Roudebush, we were very excited to begin our run. I still can't believe I get to wear those beautiful clothes everyday for the next two weeks, get to work with such interesting and smart actors day in and day out, get to go to work at such a beautiful theatre eight times a week. It really is extraordinary.
As our first week of performances comes to an end, I've been struck by how very good a play Dial M is--not that the idea hadn't occurred to me before but as I get to know it better and better it really stands out as a well written piece of theatre. In his obituary, the NY Times describes Frederick Knott, the author of our play as "notoriously unprolific." Knott was born in China to Quaker missionaries, was educated at Cambridge, and served in the Royal Artillery. He wrote Dial M for Murder while holed up at his parent's Sussex home for 18 months, and had, reportedly, such a hard time attracting any interest to this, his first play, that he very nearly gave up. In his obit, his widow is recorded as saying that he had imagined two unpenned plays, and had turned down countless commissions for new work--so it seems we're quite lucky to have this script to begin with. And I can't wait to hear how you find it--Dave T., your silence is deafening!
I've already experienced a working actor's rite of passage--that of being recognized about town: once at the Tanger outlets, where the woman helping mw find some (silk) stockings suddenly said "are you in the theatre?! I saw you last night--I knew I knew you!" and the several people at the Marriott this weekend--a heartfelt thank you to the gentleman who sent me a much needed glass of wine as I waited for my dinner. It's neat to be in a community where so many of the people around you have seen the work you're doing on any given day!
COMMENTS (4)
I, too, loved opening night with all its excitement. The show was fabulous!!!!
Deb
Posted by: Deb Bielek | October 29, 2009, 12:41 pm
Just a wonderful show with great performances by each and every one of the cast. The set design, as usual, was creative and stylish. Congratulations to everyone involved. I plan on seeing it at least one more time! Grace Kelly may have been the star of the movie, but you, Margaret, are the Queen of the Fulton.
Posted by: Dave T. | October 29, 2009, 3:15 pm
What a charming, delightful way to spend several hours. Thank you. You & your castmates were pitch perfect! The set was stunning. Since I know this piece via Hitchcock, I didn't expect all the laughs. Now I shall rent the movie, since I haven't seen it in decades, so I can compare. I learned on Thursday that we have the same hair stylist! Even before I learned this, I was fascinated with your hair. I expected something very buttoned up and French-twist-y. It was a surprise, and I didn't know it was in style at the time. One can't help but learn something every day! I think Lisa is very talented, so good choice on your part!BTW, I have asked to be friends with you on Facebook. Hope this is okay. I already follow Jane Ridley & Michael Frederic, just to see what they're doing and when they might come back. You should have seen Jane in 'Doubt.' Outstanding! Thanks again for the blog. It's excellent. I hope you come back to our Fulton very soon. And thanks for 'M.'
Posted by: Jane L Miller | October 31, 2009, 7:15 am
Happy Birthday Margaret! So glad to have finally met YOU. I 'met' Margot (and all of 'the guys') from my seat in row G. I have read all the cast bios and am following the blog so I feel as though we are all best friends. Forgive me, I am such a groupie. Thank you. You are all WONDERFUL! Looking forward to seeing you again in future Fulton works.
Posted by: Eva | November 2, 2009, 10:12 am
