by Carl Capotorto
(Page 4)
by Carl Capotorto
(Page 4)
Monday, October 9
I have to have a private moment with "my" room before leaving. I want to do like Irene Worth in that legendary production of The Cherry Orchard directed by Andre Serban, in which she sweeps around and around the room, breathing it in before leaving it forever. But there's no audience. By the time I get downstairs breakfast is long gone, kitchen is closed. No coffee. Oof, a kick in the stomach for this caffeine freak. We load up the vans and car.
After bocce and group photos and a little farewell ceremony on the lawn, we start the long journey home. This time I ride in Carol's car. We stop at a convenience store so I can finally have a cup of coffee. Back in the car I sip it. Rancid. But I drink it down, I need that fix. We gab and gab and four hours later we're in lovely downtown Manhattan.
Wednesday, October 11
I pick Jennifer up at her house and take her to a local coffee shop for a sundae and a rewrite. The play's problem, I explain, is that there are too many tiny scenes and many of them are redundant. I suggest a few ways to combine scenes or drop them. She's receptive to my notes and seems to understand their purpose. I help her make a couple of adjustments.
There are several additional details that she wants to revamp, and I have one or two other little notes. In just over an hour we have redrafted the play very nicely. It is just about 10 pages long now and not as jumpy. Now I have to write the answer play and get us into rehearsal. We'll be performing in less than 3 weeks.
