Monday night was opening, and it all came together beautifully. I am deeply aware that I am representing cats everywhere and hope that people will consider that cats are not just lazy animals; they are talented divas – with personality!
I felt as if I was speaking for my peeps and more so for cat-tresses the world over the moment I was carried on as “the Cat” at Shakespeare Theatre. Pinter very specifically had a beautiful white kitten in mind for his play The Collection. And they found me!
The entire organizational army had looked high and wide for what Michael Kahn, the director, insisted was “a must.” I have Michael to thank that I have now joined the many iconic females Pinter created.[ezcol_1third]
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The Lover and The Collection
closes October 22, 2017
Details and tickets
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For the role, it has been important to be prepared physically, emotionally and even spiritually for such a momentous opening.
Physically – I try to fit a little cross training (swat the mouse, jump up-and-down on the table, and suitable leg stretches.)
Emotionally – I try to pitch at least one low-warning moan before I go on and vocalize a few pitiful cries of distress (I am satisfied I am really feeling these now and know I keep my fellow actors and even the audience in suspense this way.)
Spiritually – Sunday, I took the opportunity to head up to the Washington National Cathedral and received a special St. Francis Day blessing from Canon Rose Duncan. She wishes me many more happy openings and a stage career.
I always try to chill before a show. Here I am meditating.
But I am not above socializing. Sometimes the offstage “Green Room” is where the true drama or at least affectionate bonding, especially hanging out with the guys (actor Jack Koenig, backstage comrades-in-crew Christian Campbell and Reggie Fortune, and actor Patrick Ball.)
I get good girl time with Dori Beau Seigneur and Stephanie Goad who are dying to do a little make-over extra on me with wig and wardrobe.
I look back with fondness on the entire process, especially the private conferencing with Michael Kahn, as he rolled his chair over to whisper a few essential direction notes he wanted me to take.
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Sweet Bea has been blogging her experience in The Collection.
Here is her official trailer.
As long-time fellow cat lovers and theatre lovers, we are absolutely floored by Sweet Bea’s presence on the stage. The mind boggles at the dedication, resolution, discipline, and sheer fearlessness of this feline. She is a wonder! She is living proof that talent is innate. No amount of training could have prepared her for this role of a lifetime. This could be the start of something BIG.