I loved that play. I read it when I was 18, for Acting I class. Then, by chance, a theatre in St. Louis programmed it the next year, so I got to see it mounted too. The story was a funny anachronism. I could tell it was important at the time, Heidi being so strong and independent in the 70s. But me in the 2000s wasn't super impressed. In a good way. Being single was more fine. Having an opinion was more fine. Could be better--still--but still.
On Monday I had this warm though alienating feeling, like I was on stage in the show. Or maybe a sequel. Or maybe a remount on another planet. I went to the election eve party for the candidate I've been backing for mayor. I like to attend things alone, but I decided to text my high school friend Baj and this really funny exec/actor KE I know. They both say they will attend!
I arrive early and get a cherry seltzer, read my Jung book by myself. Eventually I see BN. She looks nervous which is just not her speed. She's hosting the comedy portion though, so maybe it's that. She expels a lot of nerves at me. I respect her so much and take her wisdom seriously. She mentions something about how I tend to see the good in people... It's nice and surprising she remembers that conversation we had, over a year ago. Anyway I agree with her, I'm so naive. But then I tell her some things and she laughs and we laugh and just then Baj appears and shortly after KE.
In line Baj gives me a scarf as a thank you for shuttling her after her wisdom teeth removal. CJ bops over with two guys, so we squeeze. Girl we just met joins in, not not valley girl energy. But who cares. I'll take any and all folks for democracy! The stand-up sets are genuinely so so funny. It's a line of tired angry semi-TV writers, and god, we all relate. One guy is actually very famous. LA is toxic, but she is cool.
The incredible controller hypes up the crowd and the future mayor speaks. I've called and knocked and texted and postcarded for her over six years I feel excited and proud. And I thought of that scene in the play when Heidi is campaigning for McCarthy. I'd thought it would be so wild to play a small role in a circus like that. I post some photos to the internet and BN DMs me, "So nice starting the night talking with you and feeling your grounding presence."
Tuesday KE came over around 8. Spirits were so high because of the blue wave smashing across the country. Puhg himself galloped out of the living room to the balcony where I was listening to music watching the sunset to exclaim we got the house.
KE chattered about work, Puhg popped out the other balcony door to share we got the senate! I put on lip gloss then we hoofed up to The Greek. Great party. We huddled and jumped in the masses, screamed when the news panned around our glee, danced to 2015 hits. BN greeted us with a huge smile. "We won," she said, though the race wasn't called until today. Based on projections, it was going to happen. The union leaders fired up the crowd because when we fight we win. The Carpenters were the celebs of the fest as they well should be. The once and future mayor spoke to us, mostly thank yous and that is gracious. I feel so much better. She will come for ICE when ICE comes for us.
In the morning I'd written, ideas for the next thing. My manager called so I walked around the sunny back parking lot making a plan with him. He handled it well. I handled it well. Went home feeling slightly unhappy with what I'd output but the notes were something. I phone banked in the afternoon, before a creative meeting with Rbb!
Wow, what a get. To develop a project with Rbb. I've gotten to work with one of my hopeful stars every year for the past several years, and that is very exciting. I nibble at a peanut butter and jelly cookie as we scheme and dream on the same patio I secretly know we will be at again, one eve later, for his surprise party. Which will be after my meeting with my theatre lead producer which will be after the sports exec pitches which will be after my therapy about projections which will be after my solo writing session for the New Idea at the orange diner which will be after I drive east singing "Cruel Summer" on a loop. She belts IT'S BLUE.
