Nutcracker Memories.

I thought of a story tonight as I was watching the little angels rehearse their part at the beginning of Act II. In Todd Bolender's version of "The Nutcracker," as I've said before, there are Italian commedia clown-like characters called "Buffoons" in the "Mother Ginger" scene. The costuming is diamond-checkered unitards and a mask....

During my first season, I was casually walking backstage wearing the Buffoon costume. All of a sudden our ballet mistress grabbed me by the hand, handed me a towel and pointed to the upstage left portion of the floor. There, I saw a puddle. Who knows if it is true or not, but we could only assume it was angel piddle. So, as all of the dancers exited stage after bowing to the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, on came a random clown who cartwheeled, from stage left and began feverishly spinning around the floor mopping up the mysterious liquid. After that, I cartwheeled back off, and the show continued without missing a beat.

There have been several instances such as this throughout my career, and I look back on them and grin and chuckle out loud. I love live theatre. A "perfect" performance is naturally the goal, but for me, it's the mistakes that lead to the best memories. I always loved hearing my teachers tell stories from their dancing days that seemed so outlandish and fable-like. Now, all of a sudden I realize that I too have some wonderful stories that I can share. I love it. Angel pee is hilarious-I don't care who you are! That's good material!