Thanks to Morgan for inviting me to share my story here at Spunky Seniors. It has been such fun celebrating all the wonderful things writers have shared in previous posts, and I am honored to be included in such an inspiring group.
When I was a little girl, my mother, sister and I would often go to the movie theatre a few blocks from our house. That was an outing that we all enjoyed, and I will date myself by admitting that we could see a double-feature and have popcorn for a quarter. My mother loved movies, and she passed that love on to me.
I can remember sitting in the dark and watching some of the great actresses like Joan Crawford, Doris Day, and Irene Dunn up on the big screen, keeping me spellbound. When the movies were over, I remember leaving the theatre and sometimes we would sing songs from the movies. Then I would go home to play movie star.
Like so many little girls, I flirted with the idea of growing up to become a famous actress, but in my teens and young adulthood, I chalked that up to childhood fantasy. I had too many strikes against me. I wasn't particularly attractive. I didn't have boobs to speak of. And I didn't know the first thing about acting.
Plus, when I tried out for a high school production I was put in the chorus, which is where all the kids who couldn't act were put. That clinched it for me. I was not destined to be an actor.
Fast forward many years later. I worked with a partner in the film business for a while, and we would hold acting workshops for theatre students in the Dallas
Yet, I never could get brave and tell anyone.
Fast forward a few more years when I became the Theatre Director at the art center in our small community here in East Texas . All those tricks I learned about acting I put to use in helping others bring roles to life, but I still couldn't work up the courage to step on the stage.
 |
| Maryann in Mildred in Squabbles |
Then, a few years ago, a good friend talked me into auditioning for a show at another community theatre. Her exact words were, "They need an old lady for a role." I didn't mind the comment. I knew I was an old lady. LOL
 |
| Maryann Miller as Martha Brewster |
To my surprise, I got the role as Mildred in "Squabbles" and I had a jillion lines to learn. I was afraid on opening night that I would freeze, or do something else equally embarrassing, but I stepped out on the stage and became Mildred. What fun. And the audience seemed to think I did a first-rate job.
Since then, I have had lead roles in several other shows, most recently as Martha Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace". The one good thing about being an old lady is I can play some of these roles and the make-up people don't have to add wrinkles or gray hair.
Like me, the heroine in my woman's novel, Play it Again, Sam, put her dreams on hold to raise a family. I'm glad we both got to pursue those dreams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Blurb:
Life as she knows it ceases to exist for Samantha Rutgers when her husband of twenty-plus years decides he no longer loves her. The challenges are myriad. Can she build a life without him? Will her daughter always blame her? Can she ever trust a man again? And what is she going to do about sex?
Maryann Miller is an award-winning author of numerous books, screenplays and stage plays. In addition to Play It Again, Sam, she has written several other books. The latest, Open Season, is the first book in a new mystery series that features two women homicide detectives in Dallas
Website: http://www.maryannwrites.com/
Twitter: @maryannwrites
Please leave a comment for Maryann to welcome her here at Spunky Senior Authors and Talents.
Welcome to Spunky Senior Authors and Talents, Maryann. It's fun to see how what happens in childhood can carry through to later years, such as in your case.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for hosting me today, Morgan. I am having such a good time being involved in theatre now. We just started rehearsals for a play I am directing, and it is so exciting to see the characters starting to develop and the story come to life.
ReplyDeleteYou must've peeked into my life when you wrote Play It Again, Sam. It took a few years, but now I can honestly say I've joined the Spunky Senior Author Society - even if unofficially. Now if I can just get my mojo like June Shaw's mother did, I'll be right in step.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your success, Maryann. I'm proud to count you as a fellow senior writer.
Thanks, Brenda. I have had so many people comment that Play it Again, Sam could have been written about their lives. Very sad that so many women were dumped by husbands after years of marriage. This story was based on a friend's experience, and I remember when she first told me about her husband leaving, my heart just broke for her. She is now happily remarried, and I am thrilled that she found someone new to love.
DeleteI didn't ever start THINKING about writing until I was a card-carrying AARP member. I rarely think of myself as a 'senior' although I suppose my Medicare card says otherwise. (And when there are senior discounts to be had, I'm proud to proclaim my status)
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
I'm glad you did start writing, Terry. LOL I really do love your books.
Deletespunky? dunno but senior and approaching retirement before i began this writing lark - falling apart at seams seems to sum me up:) good post and well done for getting on that stage
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alberta. Part of me regrets not taking that step sooner, but maybe I wasn't ready. Sometimes I think that there are reasons for things not happening at certain times. Maybe I needed all the experience of watching from the outside to absorb the craft before I was ready to practice it.
DeleteAnd I do think you are spunky for starting the "writing lark." So many people say they want to write but never put the first word on paper.
Maryann,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I've always wanted to act, but wondered if I could. I put on a pretty good pout with hubby when it serves my purpose. *lol*
I suppose writing is my forte, and I love it. Seeing the novel through the eyes of my characters is sort of like acting, so I'll be content to leave starring on Broadway to those who worked their way their. You'll always be spunky to me. Hey...we're a team. All we're missing are Gilligan, the Professor and the Howells and we could hire the Captain to sail a bunch of senior citizens to a deserted island. On second thought....
LOL, Ginger. I've often thought "where is the Captain and Gilligan?" when putting our names together in my mind. Do you think anyone would notice that we don't look a bit like those characters?
DeleteI bet you would be great on stage.
Neato! Love this, Maryann!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Heidi. Glad you enjoyed the story.
DeleteWhen I went to college, I choose an art major over acting because I thought there might possibly be a chance of a job as an artist. I taught kindergarten and used all of my art talent every day. Then I began writing. My 36th book, FIERCE LOVE is a May release. Sometimes life is so much more interesting than we can dream or plan.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Phoebe. It is so exciting to see the paths I've taken that I never planned to. Life evolves.
DeleteMaryann, you're an inspiration! Way to live!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm also one who loved drama (it seemed to go along with loving reading) and was in our high school drama club's senior play ... my one shot on stage, I thought. But when my daughter went to school, I went back to college to become a teacher, and found myself on stage every day! Teachers have to hold their audience, voice their roles, and lead students to discover outcomes! For thirty years I had a captive, but most often appreciative, audience, especially when teaching history and adopting the voice of Sojourner Truth ("and ain't I a woman?!") and many others.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your book, Maryann!
Terry Crawford Palardy
http://terrysthoughtsandthreads.blogspot.com
That is so true, Terry. I think teachers and lawyers are all performers. It is neat that you made the effort to bring history to life like that. I had a history teacher in college who did that for me and that was one of the best classes I ever took. He would sometimes come in costume.
DeleteMany thanks to everyone who stopped by and left comments here or sent me private e-mails. This sure has been fun.
ReplyDeleteI just got home from rehearsal for a show I am directing, and I may have to take a role that we have not been able to fill. This will be a real challenge as the role is for a man, but all good actors should be able to play off gender. We'll see. I don't have to worry about what to do about my boobs, but the manly voice could be a challenge. LOL
I bet you will be fine ... I enjoy listening to the audible books when a fine actor or actress is reading. They read both male and female parts with little change in their voice tone, but more in their voice mannerisms.
DeleteThinking of your history teacher, I've linked here to my podcast page, something I've left behind to my students. If you scroll down a ways, you'll find some interesting snippets from history, voiced by me: http://beyondoldwindows.webs.com/classroompodcasts.htm
Have fun!