It really is a Wonderful Life

I was blessed to be able to attend the opening night of Theatre Northwest’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play.

My girlfriend and I both have young children so we were particularly excited to be out for a classy night on the town and to see my husband William in his debut for Theatre Northwest.

It has been over a decade since I had last seen my husband act on stage rather than perform his songs and I was very excited to see the results of the seemingly endless rehearsals that forced me to have to cook dinners for nearly a month.

Because my friend and I have small children, we were running behind so the show was almost starting when we entered the theatre.

What happened next is the stuff of legends.

We entered the theatre and immediately saw William on stage milling around with the other actors and in our excitement, we casually start gesturing to him, waving and trying to make eye contact. We may have also been saying “Pssst.”

After a few moments of this (and a recognizable “shoo” motion from my husband) I suddenly (way too late) realized that the milling around on stage was part of the show.

I whispered to my friend, “We have to go….we have to go now!” and we hurried to our seats where the fellow sitting beside me insisted on helping me out of my coat. I was mortified and felt like an idiot.

Luckily the show was spectacular and my embarrassment faded quickly as we were engrossed with the play.

If you can see the play, please do so. It is funny, familiar, uplifting and poignant and by far, was one of my most memorable theatre experiences that I have had so far (not even taking into account my initial bad behaviour).

Seriously though, do not attempt to make eye contact with the actors prior to a performance because you will feel dumb. Very dumb. And not very cultured. My only excuse is that I was both excited and unprepared for a pre-show show. I was expecting a curtain which usually signals to the audience “the play is starting – pay attention.”

Apparently, I need these signposts in order not to embarrass myself.

The play was phenomenal and the performances by the actors were superb and I am grateful to have been able to see it.

Thank you to Jack Grinhaus and all of the wonderful people at Theatre Northwest who put together this amazing show with an unbeatable cast. It is one to remember.