The Trials of Dolly

As some of you will know, Hello Dolly opened last week for the Stirling Players. I am Dolly. OK, so I'm not new to the theatre - years of ballet classes created a prima donna at a very early age! I have, however, had a very long hiatus from any stagework, starting up again only last year. To be cast as Dolly under less than perfect circumstances, I was exceptionally stoked(!!) but fairly scared too - there's not too much of the show where Dolly gets to just sit back and watch the action! So, opening night. I've been rehearsing for (I think) 7 weeks, and things have come together to the point where we are actually ready to start. That first night, scene 2 - I lose my petticoat. There I was just strolling along the stage and plop!! off it fell. The audience thought it was great - I neatly stepped out of it, and kept right on going!! Eventually it was picked up by another cast member and thrown aside (which gave the audience another go at laughing at it) Apart from wardrobe malfunctions, I think the first night went kind of well. Second night - the unthinkable happens. I completely forget my line. I mean - COMPLETELY. To the point where there was silence, giggles from the audience, and a whisper in my ear from another cast member to get me back on track - thank god for teamwork!! But it's like I've been saying all along - people go to Community Theatre to watch people cock it up. It's part of the fun! Anyway, tonite we are up to the 5th performance, and things all seem to be settling down. Will certainly keep u all posted on any other untoward things that happen!! Many thanks to all the cast & crew at Stirling, who have together created this awesome show - which really is very very good. I'm proud to be a part of it.