The General From America

Theatre of Western Springs

Directed by Tony Vezner

Yet another amazing experience to be a part of an incredible TWS production.  This time I thought it would be a great idea to volunteer for the ‘young woman’ role since her character required nudity.  (Especially since the Casting Committee would have had a really hard time precasting an active member…not knowing if they’d be ‘comfortable’ taking on a role that required taking off their costume!) I’m in the gorgeous photo above - look at that stage floor.  One funny memory was during final dress rehearsal.  We were standing around in between photos and Brian (the guy farthest left) says to all cast/crew “just in case you’re wondering..she has an inney”  Everyone busted out laughing and it broke the anxiety...it was a great stress reliever and I felt so much better.   In the photo below is a stage shot while still in rehearsal.

Through the help of our brilliant artistic director, Tony Vezner, I was able to overcome the fear of disrobing on stage.  I had no idea it would be as challenging as it was.  Below is a photo of our director Tony showing me how exaggerated of a pose he wanted.   It helped to lean that far back when someone is hold you!!

Anyway, so many hours were put into the design of my costumes.  Susan Remy and Peggy Carlson made my skirt (which had to be ripped off in a split second), and Mary O’Dowd designed the drawings for her idea of ’safely insuring that I could get the flag on in 3 seconds, and once on that the flag would not drop and reveal a really naked lady.’  Check out her designs:

After warm-ups we got a quick cast shot downstairs in the Lauren Wilson Room.

Here’s Lori, Sandy & Mary, my 3 very dear friends - running the show!

I loved my dressing room  -- need 2 stations...

I never seemed to have enough space! And look at my cute bear -

Trisha gave me that and it played “over the rainbow” my signature song. 

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