As i arrived at the theatre today i learned that Norma passed away around 2:00 AM this morning. She died at the age of 75. He had influential roles with every theatre company in Grand Rapids. It was quite a surprise to me. The show went on. Before hand, Joe Dulin, Circle's managing director, gave a thoughtful curtain speech informing the audience of what had happened and they gave out a gasp when they heard the news. After the show, there was a large gathering at the Cottage Bar, a regular theatre hangout. It was there we watched the tribute that aired on News 13. This is definitely the most unexpected thing that's ever happened to a show i was involved in.
The first time i ever had any contact with her was when i was in Complete Works at Civic. Ryan spotted her in the audience before the show and thought she would be perfect as a volunteer for the part where we call someone up to play Ophelia. I had my reservation because we had an agreement not to bring actors onto stage. Regular folks become intimidated when you drag them onto stage so you can maintain some degree of control over them; actors will always fins a way to make the scene about them. When it came to Norma, that could be more true. She upstaged us even continued to heckle us when she returned to her seat. I never forgave Ryan for his "great idea." I didn't get to see what a great actress she was until i started crewing Mornings at Seven.
I'm glad she found something that she loved to do, and did it until the day she died. That's a great example to set. In a now erie line form the show, Arry (the character Norma played) tells her brother-in-law Thor what she want on her tombstone:
Home is the sailor;Posted by Matthew at June 12, 2004 11:48 PM
home from the sea.
and the Hunter,
home from the hill.