On Tuesday I sat through my second to last rehearsal, watching Listen to Grace for the umpteenth time. One dress rehearsal is left and my job is basically done after several months of piecing this puzzle together. And the pieces are aplenty from the writing, to the acting, directing, technical aspects, sets, props, posters and those are just the big pieces. It’s the little pieces, the details, that kill you – and that’s where the devil lives.

In the last couple days as we put the finishing touches on Grace, I’ve gotten tired of hearing my own voice. It always happens around this time, so close to the end as I correct actors, do some final tweaking on how I’d like a line spoken or how I want a specific action to play out.  I insist on running lighting cues over and over until it feels just right. I’m exhausted, but not because I’m burnt out. Doing theatre and seeing a story come to life on stage is a good workout. It fuels me – gives me life even when it’s hard work.

I’m always looking forward to the next project, usually with trepidation. But for now, it’s time for some Grace. So listen up, the play opens this weekend, April 16 & 17. The actors are ready. The lights are in place. An audience waits. I hope those who come are rewarded, like we have been, putting this  intricate puzzle together.