I was priviliged to be a part of this wonderful cast.
Click on photo to enlarge
My baby turns forty this year. I am old enough to be
mother to most of my fellow cast members, yet I feel like we are all sisters.
Rehearsing with the women from
Listen to Your Mother St. Louis 2013, an Ann Imig Production, made me feel like an
expectant and new mother all over again. My hormones took a hike years ago, but
the mood swings over the past weeks brought it all back. My chin broke out and
I also got a blemish above my lip; admittedly, that may have been from dry shaving
my mustache, I don't know, but it was a red honker for a week. I worried the entire time and had to
buy extra strength antiperspirant!
When I first received the email that my story was
selected, I screeched with joy, felt
as excited as when the positive
lines on the pee stick show up blue, (only in my time I think the rabbit died,)
sorry.
I was nervous
at the audition, unsure of myself
amongst a group of younger professional women, apprehensive sharing my life story with strangers, afraid I'd trip over my tongue or my own feet in my gorgeous, new heels
provided by sponsor, Bronx Diba Shoe Outlet. I was hopeful that my sinuses (spring in St. Louis!) would stop
draining so I wouldn't have to clear my throat, snuffle snot, or hawk up a hair
ball during rehearsals.
I was relieved
after we read our stories to one another, so happy to discover that we were ALL more the same than different. I
could relate to every single story, although I do not have as much jewelry as
some. We laughed and cried together.
Then, came the big day, May 11, 2013. As I sat in the green room
watching the cast toast and sip mimosas, I was envious of those who can
drink alcohol and not suffer from my malady: running off at the bowels and
mouth. My husband can attest, when I have even one drink, I talk endlessly and
end up in the john, so I knew better than to start sipping the bubbly. Instead, I
noshed on Jilly's miniature cupcakes. Thank You, Jilly's! Before we exited the
green room, Alana Flowers led us in prayer. We did an all hands in salute, then
we headed out the door to take our places.
Sitting backstage with all of the women in the
hallway, waiting my turn to "go on" reminded me of waiting in the
OB's office many years ago. I felt special knowing that we all shared a
unique bond. I was SO EXCITED when
the moment finally arrived. I pranced proudly
onto that stage and made the delivery look easy, while inside I was quaking.
When we returned to the stage and joined hands and
took a bow, I felt a sense of unity,
a connection beyond explanation. Afterwards, as we mingled in the hall, I felt
that sense of euphoria that every
new mom feels after she gives birth. Each of us had done something so special
that no other person had ever done, delivered our own babies. The
"birth announcements" rolled off our tongues, came from our hearts,
and souls, and funny bones right through the microphone. The gifts came in the
form of compliments from friends, family, and perfect strangers who appreciated
hearing our life stories.
Every single cast member made me feel special, accepted, appreciated and
loved. Getting to know each woman has been so much fun. Listen
to Your Mother St. Louis has been a truly remarkable experience. "Thank
you" does not seem to be sufficient. Ellie Grossman, Laura Edwards-Ray,
Naomi Francis, Suzanne Tucker, and Virginia Kerr did an outstanding job and
YES, we did receive TWO standing ovations! Thank you and praises to one and
all.
