Sitting in my apartment with CNN giving us updates on Superstorm “Sandy,” I’m still in a haze over how incredible this “Allegiance” experience has been. Our company wasn’t just cast and crew, but a family, and I shall take all those memories wherever I go.
A cast doesn’t always get along so nicely that a family atmosphere is achieved. I usually consider myself fortunate if everyone merely got along. It does happen that the chemistry goes completely awry despite everyone’s best intentions. I’ve seen this happen; it’s more sad than anything.
For instance, one company member spreads ill will by gossiping or complaining about another, out of spite or envy. Or two company members launch World War III simply by slamming their dressing room doors, leaving everyone else in such a state of stress.
Backstage drama
Or a few members start to feel they’re so talented and amazing, that they can get away with anything, including showing up late (five minutes is acceptable; 50 is not) and giving a half-ass performance.
Backstage drama can be far more interesting and riveting than what goes on onstage. I’d take a drama-free backstage anytime. And that’s what we achieved here in San Diego.
This is what family meant to the “Allegiance” cast and crew: Every Sunday, one of our sound technicians made gluten-free waffle mix for a do-it-yourself waffle station. There was a weekly football pool open to ardent sports followers. There was always playful ribbing backstage and a pre-Act II dance party with music provided by our prop master.
More: One actor fist-pumps each and every actor before every single performance. “Shoving with love” when a swing was on. Game nights at one actor’s apartment. Food outings (and there were quite a few of them). Birthday surprises. One actor bringing out a handheld for another actor’s solo.
And some more: Invading the costume racks backstage and taking funny photos. Parking a makeshift dust bunny stuffed animal under shelves just to make a stage manager laugh. Many pots of coffee, and many departments offering some to a person in need of caffeine. (It’s a full belly laugh when you’re so tired you can barely walk three steps.)
It was three months’ worth of bonding, hand-holding, kisses and hugs; of pushing toward making the show the best that it can be; back rubs when you just happen to pass by a pair of healing hands; friendships renewed after years of absence; a brand-new romance that everyone has a say in (it’s good, no worries there).
It was watching from backstage to make sure your friends were okay, knowing that the person next to you had your back, and you had his. We saw one another at our most brilliant and our most exhausted.
Although I am sad that I’ve had to say goodbye to everyone, I’m hopeful that we’ll all get to see each other again. I’m confident that “Allegiance” will cross over to the next rung up the ladder—Broadway.
Our family could, and probably will, grow to include more actors, singers and dancers, and backstage crew members—brought together to tell another incredible story.
I’m on my way to join yet another family in Singapore, for “God of Carnage.” I’m eagerly awaiting this reunion. To Adrian, Menchu, Art, Bobby, and Bernice, and everyone at Singapore Repertory Theater, I’ll see you all later.