Force majeure
THE AUTHOR with Collabro (from left): Thomas Leak, Matt Pagan, Michael Auger and Jamie Lambert FACEBOOK PHOTO
DEFINITION: superior or irresistible force; an event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled—compare act of God (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
MANY talent managers, lawyers, agents and artists know what this phrase means. It’s usually added to every artist’s contract protecting both contractor and artist in case anything beyond the control of either party should take place.
A lot of things can qualify as force majeure, but last weekend, I actually got to witness the kind that only Mother Nature can perform.
I was scheduled to perform at the Lytham Festival, an annual music fete held in the beautiful town of Lytham St. Anne’s in Lancashire, England. Over the last many days, several artists have come through to be part of it, including The Village People, Sister Sledge, The Bay City Rollers and Bryan Adams (who performed for about two and a half hours, much to the delight of the audience).
It’s held in an open-air venue, which isn’t normally a problem in the summertime and, for the last however many years, the festival has been going on. There hasn’t been a problem on the final day… until last Sunday, when the “West End Proms” was scheduled.
The bill was jam-packed with artists who are favorites of West End musical theater fans: Collabro (grand winners of “Britain’s Got Talent”), Ruthie Henshall (we were both in the original London company of “Miss Saigon,” and she has since been a wonderful leading lady in musicals such as “Oliver,” Billy Elliot,” “Les Misérables” and “Chicago”), Jon Lee (most notably of the pop group S Club 7), Ramin Karimloo (he’s played both Enjolras and Valjean in “Les Misérables” and the Phantom in both “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Love Never Dies”), Claire Sweeney, Jodie Prenger and Jo Appleby backed by a 60-piece orchestra conducted by current “Les Miz” London musical director James McKeon.
The weather forecast for the previous day’s leading up to Sunday was fair and sunny. However, British weather is famous for being unpredictable—and our show fell victim to it.
It was windy during the sound check, but not to the point of blustery (on a scale of one to five—with one being a summer breeze and five being “The Wizard of Oz”—at this point, we were at three). All the singers went through most of their solos and duets, with the nonperforming singers heading to stage right to watch whoever was singing just for fun.
At one point I headed out into the field with my agent, Josh Pultz, to watch Collabro sing “Let It Go” from “Frozen” and “Anthem” from “Chess.” I also got to watch Ramin sing “Till I Hear You Sing.” I had to sit down for that one, as this number makes those who watch it weak in the knees from the intensity of it, even just in rehearsal.
At 5:15 p.m., sound check was over, and everyone headed backstage to get ready for a 6:30 p.m. start (we had to push the concert up an hour from 7:30 p.m. in an attempt to avoid the worst of the weather).
Right on the dot, the show began. However, as the concert progressed, the wind picked up. Flags were blowing in all directions. Ruthie got one verse of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” out, when we were all instructed to head to the green room tent to await further instructions.
It was Code One. The concert was paused. But after another half hour, we got word: Cancelled. Everyone in the tent—artists, orchestra players, producers, director—were very disappointed.
An announcement was made to the audience, informing them of the situation and instructing them to leave the grounds as quickly as possible. We did the same, after taking a few selfies and bidding each other proper farewells before heading back to the dressing room to pack up and return to the hotel.
The tweets we were receiving from those who had gone to Lytham to see the show were so sweet and supportive, as well as incredibly understanding. It was refreshing to get messages hoping that we would all come back and try again, and at times apologizing for the British weather.
We couldn’t help but laugh, that we had flown all this way. When I told my husband Rob about the cancellation, his reply was just as lovely: “At least you got a little vacation out of it!” Indeed, I did!
I was able to hang out with an old friend (and former dresser) Luz Imperial, who now resides in Blackpool, just a stone’s throw away from Lytham; get back to my hotel room just in time to see weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz win her Olympic silver medal (thank you, BBC Red Button for making this possible); have a little reunion with my West End friends, as well as make new ones.
This long trip wasn’t for nothing. As my mother says, “There are no accidents.” I interpret that as, “You are meant to be exactly where you are at this moment in time.”
To the audiences who filled that field for the “West End Proms,” thank you so much for taking the time and making the trip to come see us! We truly appreciate the effort, and are sorry that the weather thwarted us from singing for you. Here’s hoping for a next time—with much better weather!
