THEATER AND SUCH

      I did the lights for the show, Gingerbread Lady. Things got off to a rocky start due to the sudden illness of the leading lady and "opening" night did not come until two days later. That night you would have thought the audience was in mourning. Thursday some life was infused into the audience and on Friday they laughed and applauded, standing up. Saturday and Sunday the play was warmly received and Monday was fair. Wednesday, which should have been the usually enthusiastic opening night audience was a dud, however things picked up Tuesday and closing night every zinger of a line was acknowledged.
      No play is suited to everyone. Some people objected to the subject matter of Gingerbread Lady, but on the other hand, a lot of people liked the play. Granted, it was not one of Neil Simon's great successes, but his flair for cynical one-liners was there. During the run of the play, I asked everybody I saw about the plays that have been presented so far. Every person I spoke with (and my percentage was better than the pollsters) objected to plays about the darker side of life. Most of them say they don't need reminders.
      To some degree, they have already been there, done that. On the flip side, without exception, the acting was complimented. We have a talented group of directors here, as well as a deep pool of capable actors.
      Comic Potential was a comedy, however it was confusing and didn't come together well. Wayne Palfrey didn't choose the play, but inherited it after it was selected by another director. Of the plays to date, the majority of playgoers liked Cole, and fell in love with The Gin Game, which had a serious edge, but the presentation made people laugh. While directors are a must and can make or break a show, it would be nice if they listened to the
people whose memberships and attendance keep LLT going. From my private poll, the attendees love comedy (yes, yes), mystery (so-so), musicals (rah rah).
      This will be my last column. My time now will be spent in the public library doing research on the early west since my next work of fiction takes place in that period. I give up the reins of "Lakeside Living" with mixed emotions. I have met people with great stories to tell and I have felt the life-blood and the heartbeat of this community. No one is expendable and luckily, my replacement comes with fine credentials. Cindy Paul is adept at many things and writing is just one of her talents. Her interests are varied and she will perceive the column through fresh and different eyes. I thank all the contributors who fed me information and know they will continue to do so for Cindy. Jackie Hodges, so knowledgeable about art, has indicated she will continue with "Focus on Art." By the way, the Editor and Publisher have never put any restrictions on me, and with a high-caliber
person like Cindy, I'm sure nothing will change. It's been a great run!
      The month of March was filled with social events and a community on the move. Claudette Beauregard and a friend couldn't resist the lure of a Advertisers two-week ocean voyage at an incredibly low fare. When Yves Beauregard was asked why he stayed home, he said: "What would I do for two weeks on a ship?" Is he kidding? Several people put in beach time, however when Gene Beck, Mardy Anderson and Eileen Greehalgh tried to reserve a place in the waning days of March, everything was booked due to Lent and the early arrival of Easter. Lakesiders celebrated St. Patrick's Day-even if they weren't Irish. The Mardi Gras Fiesta replacing the Black and White Ball went off well, Art Shows galore made for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
      More casting about for solutions to fill up the lake and keep it full. Everyone knows the lake is in danger, but no one seems able to agree on a solution. One by one the snowbirds are pulling up stakes and heading north. The gardens are filled with blossoms. Spring…a time of transition.