tedwords

"A work of art, a work in progress..." Lisa Yves

Here I am, another opening night, this time for Painting Life in Pictures, an original work by two talented sisters, Lisa Yves and Yochi Avin that tells the real life story of how they were both kept unaware that they were sisters until well into their 40s.

The rehearsal schedule has been fast and furious, and I like to think I helped a little, as Lisa graciously invited me to a few rehearsals to help with character and movement. I tried to be as respectful to their vision as possible. The music is a real delight and I sit there and sing along, every night I am there. It has a real folksy, down home feel.

Personally, I really enjoy working with Lisa, because she is quick and nimble and spontaneous. She will teach a number and then realize she needs it up an octave, and transpose it just like that. Or she will decide she needs the chorus to back up the lead singer, and work it in during the rehearsal, on the fly. It makes her rehearsals fun and creative and kind of free wheeling. Coming from a more structured schedule when I used to direct my big musicals, I really kind of dig the vibe. It's a bit freeing.

All of us should try to be a bit less restrained, whenever we can.

The show also talks a lot about family and family connections, a topic that's been on my mind a lot lately. There is one song I especially love:

"Sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers

And all of the others who love one another

We're fragile and broken, but strong and outspoken

We're made of the people we know"

I like that. I think that's pretty much how our lives are lived. Whether its biological family or found family, these are the threads that make us we are and were and will be, til we draw our final breath.

I also love that Lisa and Yochi took the story of their life and turned it art. That's something I have a big interest in doing, in the decade ahead.

And on that note, I can say it here, although I couldn't post about it elsewhere. This was the week that I finally did it: before the standard Sunday evening blues got me too down, I pressed the button and officially set my retirement date, in April. And then, Thursday morning, I told my boss, who promptly told me she was happy, but to keep it quiet for a few weeks. But the button is, the deed is done. I am officially leaving the corporate world after 30 years. Free at least!

I cannot wait for the next chapter in my life to begin. This work in progress is ready to evolve.