Sweet Redemption: Apple Pie in the Last Act

The truth is that my dad passed away the week before our performance, and all I could think about when I froze onstage was the open ocean. Dad had said that he was going on a long sailing trip, and his heart stopped the next day.  Everyone was counting on me and my mind was lost on a blank, wide, endless ocean.

I had a “blank slate” moment with the whole school watching, and survival meant taking a breath and accepting a little help from my big-hearted friends, who were prepared and flexible.  Thank goodness for them.  I had no idea that grief could strike a person so suddenly, and they helped me survive that day.

Now survival means getting back up on the stage at Riley’s Farm year after year to conquer fear and make up for the “good show” I couldn’t give back then.

It means standing on a new stage with friends and helping out if they have a hard moment.  Survival means nurturing new talent and encouraging the growth of other actors.  It’s helping them to be prepared and flexible. It’s my little dream coming true as…

Tags: advice, apple pie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Charlotte's Web, dinner show, dinner theatre, dreams, friends, improvisation, murder mystery, redemption, Riley's Farm, Riley's Farm Theatre Company, Sherlock Holmes, survival, theater, theatre, Watson

Categorised in: Bakery, Dinners

This post was written by Jim Riley