In other news...
I had a wonderful morning playing auditions for this new piece that will actually be presented at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel early in 2008. The casting director brought in some great people, and the people "behind the table" were also lots of fun.
The second young woman to come in today was someone I worked with up at Williamstown two years ago. She came in the room, started chit-chatting with the casting director and the director. Then when she finally turned to the piano and saw me, she let out a big scream, "OOOHHHH!!! I didn't realize you would be here. Now I'm really nervous." -And it really did look like my presence in the room had sort of thrown her. -We had a wonderful time up in Williamstown, and since she was the lead actress in the piece, we had a lot of one-on-one time together. So, after she took a few deep breaths to calm herself, she sang her song. And then after a few more deep breaths, she did her reading. And I'm happy to report that she gave a truly killer audition. She impressed everyone.
Whew! - When she started her reading, I almost asked her if it would "help" her if I left the room. But she did fine. In any case, I was very flattered that I was someone who would make her nervous.
