Posts Tagged Flat Rock Playhouse

I was surprised to see Alex home by 6:30 tonight, when he was supposed to have play rehearsal from 6:00 til 9:00.  He said it had been cancelled, and nobody would talk about why.  I knew it must have been something bad, so I called a friend who usually knows more about what’s going on than I do.  She had indeed heard an awful rumor, so I checked it out online.  Tragically, the rumor was true:  Robin Farquhar, the Artistic and Executive Director of the Flat Rock Playhouse took his life this afternoon shortly before 5:00 p.m.

I hate it.  I really, really do.  I don’t understand suicide.  My mother always says it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  I suppose that’s true.  Anyway, I was reminded of a song by Queen, “The Show Must Go On”, as I was thinking of the fact that they have already rescheduled rehearsal for tomorrow, and how even in the midst of this great sadness, the show must, and will, go on.  I didn’t know Robin Farquhar, or anything about him, but somehow, it seems to fit, with the idea that the show must go on.

The Show Must Go On
by: Queen

Empty spaces – what are we living for
Abandoned places – I guess we know the score
On and on
Does anybody know what we are looking for

Another hero another mindless crime
Behind the curtain in the pantomime
Hold the line
Does anybody want to take it anymore

The show must go on
The show must go on
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

Whatever happens I’ll leave it all to chance
Another heartache another failed romance
On and on
Does anybody know what we are living for
I guess I’m learning
I must be warmer now
I’ll soon be turning round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I’m aching to be free

The show must go on
The show must go on – yeah
Ooh inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

Yeah, oh oh oh

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly – my friends

The show must go on – yeah
The show must go on
I’ll face it with a grin
I’m never giving in
On with the show

I’ll top the bill
I’ll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the
On with the show

The show must go on, go on, go on, go on, …

So last Saturday evening was spent waiting in a room at the Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre while Alex auditioned for a role in their upcoming production “The Orphan Train”.  We spent three hours there altogether, and Alex had to sing sixteen bars of a song (he chose “Piano Man” by Billy Joel and sang the chorus), then he had to get together with a group of 19 other kids and “do some movement”, which basically meant they were shown some dance steps and then had to dance. We could hear the music out where we were sitting; I was afraid the old wartime tune “Over There” would be echoing through my head for days after that!  Then finally, he was called in to read a part.

He felt good about it when we left, and the two of us had a nice dinner at Umi, which is a really nice Japanese restaurant in Hendersonville.  He got a ‘call-back’ on Sunday, and went back last night to do more reading.  They had him read from every male role!

And today, we finally got the news:  Alex was offered the role of “Harvey”, one of the orphan kids.  He’s excited, and so am I.  The Flat Rock Playhouse is rated one of the best community theatres in the nation, and their “YouTheatre” is top-notch!  The play will hit the stage November 14th – 23rd.  I’ve seen a lot of their performances in the past, so I know this will be excellent!  I am so happy for Alex.