Adventures In Community Theater

The director of "The Merry Wives of Windsor," in her infinite directorial wisdom, cast two little kids to play fairies. They are brother and sister, and the have A Dad.

Once a show is cast, the director or her assistant gives everyone a list of contact information on the entire cast and crew. That way, if somebody needs to carpool, or is stuck in traffic and can't reach the director, or for any one of a lot of reasons, they can reach a person who might be able to help.

The function of the Contact Sheet is NOT, repeat, NOT, to be the personal Black Book of the newly-divorced father of two small children. He called CiCi. Several times. She asked him not to, and quit answering her phone when she could see it was him. The third phone message he left in a half-hour period sounded angry. Now I find out that he called Lisa, too, and heaven knows who else! I shall have to take a poll.

He has spoken to several of the actresses in a way that has made them uncomfortable, including references to lingerie.

Now, CiCi is almost 21, and one of the women he made uncomfortable is young-looking, in her mid-20's, but we have a lot of teenagers in the show, and quite a few very pretty girls. The backstage atmosphere was going downhill, fast.

Something Had To Be Done. I discussed the situation with the director, and with Jim, and he volunteered to speak to The Dad, and let him know that he was making people uncomfortable, specifically, CiCi.

Fine.

Today, The Dad showed up for rehearsal, and Jim said his piece, and The Dad said he understood. Jim went home. At the next intermission, CiCi told me he had been following her around, and calling her name. By that time, I was wondering what sort of comprehension problem I was dealing with.

I got firm, and told him in no uncertain terms that he was to stay away from CiCi. Starting NOW, not next rehearsal, not next intermission; NOW! He told me he had been staying away. I told him that he had been following CiCi. He denied it. I asked him if CiCi was lying to me. He said, "not exactly," or words to that effect. He apologized. He apologized again. I finally told him to drop it, just stay away from the girls and everything would be all right.

I think this is the first time he has been (periphally) involved in a play at the Old Depot Stage. I'm wondering if, because the play is a tad bawdy and risqué, maybe he thinks we are a bawdy and risqué theater company.

He couldn't be more wrong.