Sept. 9, 2012, started as an ordinary Saturday for me. But for two members of the cast of Garfield Shakespeare Company's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the day would be life-changing.
Saturday was a regularly scheduled practice day for the play’s cast, but I learned early that morning that Spencer Elliott, who was cast in the play's role of Demetrius, would surprise his girlfriend, Ashley Chase, who was cast as Demetrius' love interest, Helena, by proposing marriage on stage at practice. The question would be popped while Ashley and Spencer were rehearsing a romantic moment involving Demetrius and Helena in the First Scene of Act Four.
I wasn't planning to be at the practice -- the cast was still a good 10 days away from its official dress rehearsal -- but when I got the phone call at home tipping me off to the picture-worthy event, I gathered my gear and got to MacAllister as practice started.
Above: The practice started innocently enough, as GSC Artistic Director Joe Cook (standing at left) advises the cast which scenes would be worked on that day and lists the sequence of those scenes' rehearsal. If I thought I had captured everyone candidly (i.e., not noticing me taking this picture), hand-waving cast member Steven Foxworthy showed me otherwise. Alas, there is always someone! (just kidding, Steve.) Scene One of Act Four was tackled first on the day’s practice schedule, and several minutes or so into the scene, Spencer broke from the script and started into his prepared proposal lines (above) before falling to a knee (first two photos below) to show Ashley the engagement ring. Above and below: I don't recall that there was any hesitation for Ashley to answer in the affirmative, so as best as I can recall, the proposal was an immediate success. A closeup of the follow-up embrace closeup (above) and from the left side of the stage (below) to provide perspective and show cast members (from left) Lexie Brown, Christy Walker and Andy Sturm applauding. Above: Other cast members witnessed, enjoyed and applauded the moment from the amphitheater's seats. Above and first two below: A closer look at the engagement ring.
Above and below: The Midsummer cast had been practicing for quite a few weeks by this time, so hugs of joy were spontaneous, genuine and plentiful.
Spencer (above) and fellow cast member Ben Konz (below) shared cake-cutting duties.
Cast members Gabby Sandefer (above) and J.D. Bonitz (below) both got involved in some playful smearing of cake frosting during the celebration. Sha Rebekah Collier (above left) and Christy Walker conversing, while below, Lexie Brown stands far enough away to avoid getting caught up in the cake-smearing mischief.
Above: As the celebration began to ebb, cast member Jean Long tended to cleaning up so practice could resume.
Next Up: Chapter 37: Tickle Belly Hill
Previously in the Garfield Park in Pictures series:
No comments:
Post a Comment