Final Performance of Berkshire Based Earth Angels at the Colonial Theatre
An Angel Reflects on the Past Eleven Years
By: Lisa Avery - Dec 08, 2007
I did not want Saturday to come. November 10, 2007 marked the final performance of the Berkshire based Earth Angels. After eleven years, more than 125 shows, and countless hours of rehearsals, the group was dissolving. Our director, Jim Morrison, was calling it quits. He was tired and we were all eleven years older.
We were going out on a high note with an amazing record. The non-profit troupe raised over $800,000 for a number of charities. Some worthy causes included the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Elder Services, and the "Dollars for Scholars" program at Taconic Hills High School in Craryville, New York.
The Earth Angels comprised 75 members, 22 performers on stage, and the rest made up an amazing crew. We had such wonderful sets. Each show typically had two segments, and there was a complete change of set during intermission. The costumes designed by Karen Auge were dazzling.
Our group was known for its quantity of dances. The final show had over 20 original numbers choreographed by some of our members. I contributed two, and danced in 16, which is a lot of steps to remember! One number I choreographed had a cha-cha beat, and I used the entire cast in couple formations. The music for the other dance was a beautiful rendition of "Tonight" from West Side Story. I placed four couples (including myself) across the stage. I used my ballet training, with arms and legs flourishing in fluid movements. It turned out to be my favorite dance of those I choreographed over the years.
I was part of the first group that started in 1997 with a small cast, band, minimal sets and costumes, and tunes from the 50's and 60's. The director asked me to be the choreographer which was something I loved doing. Each year the productions grew bigger and better. Cast members came and went. I had to drop out for two years because of an erratic work schedule. It broke my heart but I found a way to return and stayed with the Earth Angels until the final performance.
There have been conflicts along the way. At times I felt I could do more singing, or dancing. I made a commitment to the show, however, and tried to keep my personal feelings at bay. Positives more than outweighed negatives. The closeness gained with the cast members turned us into a family, and that feeling continues today.
During our final weekend at the Colonial Theatre, we had a dress rehearsal on Thursday and that proved to be the only time on stage before the show. We had to be there by 6 p.m. with all our costumes (I had two arms full). I had just started a new job in Troy, New York, and wouldn't have arrived until 7 p.m. That was too stressful! I was able to arrange to leave work early thanks to an understanding boss.
Having gotten my costumes settled, I stepped on stage and looked out at the empty theatre, trying to imagine what opening night would be like. I had been in the audience at the Colonial, but never as a performer. A chill went through me. To be a part of the history of this phenomenal venue left me in awe. It is a jewel of a theatre; which was restored with every decorative detail in place. Beautiful sconces reflect off the warm, melon colored walls. The seats are a rich, inviting red velvet. Looking up, even the ceiling is decorated with painted, mystic figures. I pinched myself and tried a few turns and test steps, checking the stage floor for slipperiness. I tried to anticipate where I would be standing for certain dances.
Our fabulous sets were in place. The first half of the show was set in a 60's "Pizza Bowl". The second half placed the audience in Las Vegas, with all its glitz and glitter.
I had very quick changes in this show, especially in the first segment. I mounted my costumes on a rack just off stage left. For some numbers, I had the length of one song to change. For several numbers, I had no song, just seconds. I had wonderful backstage volunteers to help me in and out of costumes. At times I had three people tugging at one gown, and then helping me step into the next outfit with a quick zip up. I could not have appeared on time without their help. This was the most challenging show ever for costume changes.
The dress rehearsal went well. It was time for us to get some much-needed rest. Opening night was around the corner. The reality of the end had not yet hit me.
Friday came (I took the day off to catch up on sleep). I woke up feeling rested and excited about the upcoming show and arrived at the Colonial about 5:30 p.m. I brought my camera, intending to capture special moments with my Angel pals. I couldn't do it, however, because it meant the end and I still was not ready to say goodbye.
We had our usual pre-performance meeting with the director, which included champagne. Jim Morrison reminded us not to do anything that was not scripted. No jokes, no "ad- libs" (we've been known to have extra fun). The show went very well. The audience was great and generous with its applause. A childhood friend, whom I've known for 50 years, came from Delmar, New York to see the show. We visited in the lobby until all the doors were closed and locked, and had to say goodnight. I joined the cast members at a local restaurant, then left to get some sleep. We still had one more show.
Saturday dawned. I tried to get my mind around the last performance. It was my last day of being an Earth Angel.
I thought the show on Saturday was even better than on Friday. Our collective energy level was very high. As I danced and sang through the night's program, a tiny thought interjected my enthusiasm – "this is the last time you will do this number". It was surreal. Performing as an Earth Angel had become a second job. It was part of my being, my psyche.
It was time for our final number, "I'm So Excited". There were a lot of hugs backstage, some tears. I had to hold in my emotions, or I could not focus on dance steps. By the time we finished, the flood gates opened. Many, including myself, were openly weeping. I stood on the edge of the stage, and for the first time that evening I could see out into the audience. It was packed; even the upper tiers were filled with fans. Every single person was standing and clapping. That ovation made me cry even harder.
We gathered our costumes, and most of us drove to a cast party at a member's house in Dalton. We ate, drank and mingled, not unlike other after-parties. It felt a little different, however, when the time came for goodbye hugs. It was hard to leave, but I had to separate from my friends. I was exhausted and emotionally drained.
Several days later, my parents stopped by for an unexpected visit. They gave me a beautiful bouquet of multi-colored flowers. The enclosed card said: "You were fantastic in the farewell Earth Angels show! You will always be our 'star'." Thanks, Mom and Dad, and after a lot of reflection, I realize I will always be an Earth Angel.