This is the problem with always playing parts where I wear a
wig/mask. I was thrilled to play Lotty in "Enchanted April," because not only was it a beautiful part, but I actually looked like myself!
And I also recognize that this is a self-centered post. But it's my blog, so...so there.
I had a rough day yesterday…no particular reason. A combination of
waking up from bad dreams, the weather being rainy, and spending all day
staring at a computer screen and completing the tedious task of writing cover
letter after cover letter for writing and graphic design gigs. And designing
something for a client, sending a draft, and receiving merely a cryptic “I’d
like it to be more ______” in reply. (Welcome to the world of graphic
designers.) I was just worn down and glum. But we went to BYU-Idaho’s production
of “The Mikado” last night, and it was cheering (especially Brant), except for the things in between
and afterwards. I can sort of laugh about these things today, coupled with a sigh. But they weren’t the kind
of things that made my night any better.
First, I say this not brag, but to let you know where I'm coming from. Let it be known that I was on Comic Frenzy for 2
semesters, and have been in roughly 15 productions/theatrical performances on
BYU-Idaho’s campus. But things like this always happen to me…
EXHIBIT A
Audience member sitting next to Jacob and I: (to Jacob) Hey,
you’re in Comic Frenzy, aren’t you?
Jacob: Yes! Well, I have been. I was. I haven’t been for a
while. But I’m hoping to do it again.
Audience member: Yeah, you were awesome. Are you in Academy
of Comedy, too?
Jacob: No.
Audience member: Oh, well, I thought I recognized you.
You are really funny.
Jacob: Thank you! I’ve done some plays too. So has my wife Liz.
Audience member: (to me) Yeah, I thought I recognized you.
What have you been in?
Me: Well, I was just in Enchanted April last semester…
Audience member: Oh. I wasn’t here. Anything else I might
have seen?
Me: We did a short version of the Tempest in the Fall, and I played
Caliban in that.
Audience member: Um, anything last summer?
Me: Uh, yeah, I was in Waiting for Godot. With Jacob.
Audience member: Maybe that was it.
Me: With my long, crazy wig?
1 hour later…
Audience member: Oh, I know where I know you from! You’re
the script librarian!
Me: Yeah.
Audience member: Yeah, you would always help me with stuff
for my acting class.
Me: Yeah. Jacob’s taking over that office in the Fall, actually.
Audience member: Cool. Yeah, I didn't see Waiting for Godot. I didn’t know you did theatre too.
Me: (sigh)
EXHIBIT B
Audience member: (to Jacob in the foyer) You are such a
great comedian!
Jacob: Thank you!
Audience member: I’m _____’s mom (friend in the show we just
watched), so I saw you in, what was it, “Life is a Dream”? And YOU. Are so so
so good. Now I mean it. Are you going to do another play? Because you are so
very talented. We would love to watch you again.
Jacob: Thank you so much.
Audience member: Really. You are such a talented comedian.
(continues with intermittent bragging about her son coupled with exorbitant
praise of Jacob for another 2 minutes)
Jacob: My wife actually does theatre too (indicates me).
This is my wife Liz.
Audience member: Oh, I saw a ring! I wasn’t sure though.
Congratulations. (continues with intermittent bragging about her son coupled with
exorbitant praise of Jacob for another 5 minutes, pretty much ignoring me)
Me: (sigh)
I don’t begrudge Jacob the praise. He definitely deserves it.
I love being married to such a talented person. And if I’m there while he's being praised, he always
mentions that I do theatre too. Even though people rarely recognize me. I am so
grateful that he does that...it’s not his fault no one ever recognizes me. I love
Jacob, and I love that other people love him too. And it certainly feels selfish to want to be validated as an actress. But…well, all in all, not a great
evening for my self-esteem.
I made some damn good brownies, though. I guess I’ll eat
those to comfort myself.