The Audition

A few weeks ago, when I heard the theater where I used to perform regularly was going to produce Little Shop of Horrors, I immediately emailed Steve Goldman. Steve is the Artistic Director at the theater and a good pal.

I wrote:

Steve,
You may have me on the hook here without even knowing it. Seymour is a role I've always wanted to play.

-Pete

I followed that up with:

I would commit to Little Shop on the spot to play Seymour. But don't let me try to influence you.

I am not under the false illusion that my arrangement with Steve is what it once was. There was a time when I was asked before the start of a new season which shows I wanted to be in and a contract was prepared. That was before I wore out my welcome.

Things have eventually become amiable again but not without a certain amount of tension. I know Steve, like others I have hurt, is on guard with me. Rightly so. I don't expect that simply dropping a note will have the influence it once did.

That said I was surprised I didn't get a response of any kind within a day or two. Steve is usually quick with a witty response to my random and infrequent emails. After a few days, I dropped by his house. No one was home. I called... twice. No response.

Odd, I thought. Even if Steve were not interested in casting me, and I wouldn't be offended if he weren't, it is unusual that he wouldn't just say so. And he knows that saying so would not affect our friendship in any way at all. I mean, the guy basically gave me the bum's rush out of that place a few years back. Not casting me in a show just wouldn't be that big a deal.

Yesterday, while driving home, I neared the exit on the freeway near the theater and Steve's house. It is still almost instinctive for me to want to exit there and head to the theater simply because I did it so many times for so many years. "What the hell, I'll give Steve a call", I thought.

When I got through, I was told he was at the theater. "OK, I'll try him there, thanks."

Once at the theater I found a handful of thespian hopefuls carefully studying sides, shuffling through headshots, and filling out a familiar, goldenrod audition form.

"Steve is in auditions for Little Shop right now", Linda Moore told me.

"Strange, I was just dropping by to talk to him about that. It's funny he didn't mention anything about auditions to me."

"Hang tight, I'll step in and tell him you're here."

A few minutes later, Matt, the owner of the joint came out.

"Pete! Steve tells me you're interested in Little Shop. Are you here to audition?"

"Err... well, I didn't really know you were holding auditions or I would have come prepared. I just dropped by to chat with Steve about the show."

"Oh, he said he left you a message about tonight. It's ok, we wouldn't need you to audition."

So here I am left with the feeling that I wasn't sure what I should do. Am I going to get to talk to Steve ? Have I just been offered a role? Do I need to audition?

Out steps Erin Willard, Steve's assistant director.

"Pete! Have you come to read for us?"

"I really wasn't expecting to walk into an audition, I'm not really prepared."

"Nonsense, grab a side and follow me."

The next thing I knew I was in one of the most familiar and comfortable places I know, on the worn stage of the cabaret theater. I had stood on this spot tens of thousands of times. A few of those times I had even been sober.

"Read the Seymour side first, Pete."

I read.

"OK, now the dentist."

I killed. It was so natural for me. It was like breathing.

Steve and I chatted for a few minutes about Donna and the kids, the new house, work and things like that. He asked if I had gotten his voice mail.

I had not.

He recited my cell phone number from memory in the form of a question.

Strange, I had not gotten his message. Yet I had managed to find my way there on the night of the audition. I don't believe in fate, divine intervention or any of that superstitious nonsense. But I am glad my timing was so good.

The occasion was warm and personal. Familiar. I was glad to be there.

Whether or not I am cast is not my decision and I don't expect any special treatment or favors. I'm not owed any. Steve knows that no matter what, he and I are brothers.

As I drove home after the audition, I called my voice mail.

"Hey, Pete this is Steve. I'm asking everyone to audition for Little Shop Tuesday night. All our audition slots are filled but if you drop by, we'll find time to hear you read. I really hope you'll be there."

Hmm. I guess I got his message after all.

Filed under - Entertainment

November 10, 2001 - next >>