This Sunday I'm getting together with a handful of people who were very instrumental in shaping the person I am today. No, they are not teachers or older/wiser relatives. They're the people I was closest to when I was going to UW-Parkside. They were my dearest friends.
I recall being very scared and naive when I started college. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. My mother hoped that I would be a teacher but, at that time, I really had no interest in that at all. All I knew that the best times I had in high school, and the times I felt like I learned the most, were those times when I was on stage. So, the first student orientation session I attended at Parkside, I went directly to the room marked "Theatre Arts". At the time, Parkside did not have a Theatre Arts major. I had to major in Communications and, actually, that has served me very well over the years. I was made to study a wide variety of subjects but the best time was the time on the Parkside stage. It was there that a rag tag group of fresh young faces, full of hopes and dreams and themselves, came together to exude creativity and perform. It was there I met my best friend and we're still best friends to this day. It was there I felt my first real crush on someone and also my first heart break. I'm so excited to see my friends this weekend. I know we'll laugh and remember all the great times and be just as grand and full of ourselves as we were back then. They taught me so much about myself by accepting me for who I am.
Rebecca - or Becky as we called her then. She came to school later than the rest of us. She was one of the "new kids" but it was clear she was talented and had a fresh wholesome appeal. She could also be incredibly silly and was always fun to be around. One day we discovered she could sing. No, not just sing...she had the most beautiful voice ever. So clear, so pure...like an angel. Becky fell in love easily and, being young, could always relate her matters of the heart to some film or play. She was dramatic but sweet and I love her. She lives on the east coast now and sings in a band.
Patty - I knew Patty from high school. We had done plays together there and a number of crazy variety shows. We also worked together for a summer or two at local parks as Park Playground Assistance. Patty is Italian and I remember going to her house at lunch time where her Nonna would be cooking. We'd always get fresh ravioli or spaghetti or, better yet, biscotti or cannoli! What a treat! Patty is a brilliant actress. She has a range of emotion that can just get me every time. She hasn't acted in a long time now but I'm sure if she had the chance that talent is still there. She's a great lady and great mom and I love her.
Andy - now called Drew. Andy came to school around the time Becky showed up. He was from Cudahy. He slouched when he walked like Groucho Marx but he had a full head of curly blond hair that swirled wildly. He was the most well read person I ever met. He knew plays inside and out and he could create characters at the drop of a hat. He is a brilliant actor and, consequently, the only one of us who's made the theatre his full time job. He now lives and works in Milwaukee but travels all over the country wherever a new job will take him. He's funny as hell too. We played opposite each other in The Matchmaker. I played Dolly Levi to his Horace Vandergelder. We spent long hours working together and getting to know one another. I love Andy. He will always be Andy to me.
Scott - I don't know exactly when I met Scott because it feels like I've always known Scott. He quickly became my best friend and, even though I don't see him or speak to him that often, I still feel like he's my best friend. He's one of those people who you can go a whole year with no contact and then when you do, it's like you never left off. We did everything together while we were in school. We were in all the same plays. We carpooled together. We went out on the weekends together. We shared all of our deepest secrets. My Mom always thought Scott was my boyfriend even when I told her he was gay! She said she was sure that was just a phase for him which meant she really liked Scott and hoped he was my boyfriend! After we graduated Scott and I moved to Chicago together and lived together for four years. It was only when I decided to move back to Wisconsin that we separated. But our bond is strong. He was there for me when my Dad died and I was there when his mother passed away. We have had knock down drag out fights but can never really be mad at one another. I love Scott and always will.
I can't wait to see this group again. Becky can't make it for Sunday but she might be in town next week so I hope I can see her then. I know that on Sunday we'll have no end to our conversation. We have never been accused of being quiet. These are some of the best people I know. Some of the best in the world I should say. And I am so lucky to have them in my life.
