Moon Diary #7
By Grace Gonglewski, Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten
We are coming to the end of it all now. I am exhausted, ailment bruised and overjoyed. An ear infection left me with fluid behind my ear so I could not hear out of it for several weeks however it is much better now.
When it first happened, I came off stage during my quick change and said to Rob, “What is the matter with the music?” because it sounds distorted. I arrived to the ENT, received a round of antibiotics for the infection and also had my hearing tested. They said it could be a year until I could hear fully out of that ear. Crazy! I was very sick that for the first time in my life, I had to miss performances where my understudy had to go on. Fortunately, Jennifer Summerfield was absolutely prepared and wonderful in the role. She even sent me flowers when I returned, what a generous and kind person she is!
The run has been sublime. The cast is such a down to earth group, very supportive and good natured even backstage. We’ve had a couple of pot lucks together between shows, so I know they are awesome cooks too!
The O'Neill family on set with cast members.
Today some of O’Neill’s descendants came to see the performance. This was simply thrilling. It meant so much to me saying the words with them there because it made the words echo all the more.
I will say this is going to be hard to say goodbye. Shows like this do not come along often.
People say, “How can you do it night after night or two in one day?” and “You must be exhausted.” It is exhausting but also exhilarating at the same time.
To be able to execute this epic with such a fine ensemble and firm sure direction is deeply satisfying as an artist. And to tell the truth, there are some boundaries that have been crossed such as some ghosts that have come to visit that I am finding it hard to say goodbye to. But they will live with me always. Just like O’Neill’s words.
Tonight I feel “As if I gave a damn [about] what happened after! I’ll have had tonight and your love for the rest of my days!”
Like those words, I will have this play and this experience for the rest of my life. Thank you Arden and O’Neill. I love you both.