During a performance Figaro gets a DIVORCE at the La Jolla Playhouse, 1986, I fell flat on my back. I remember seeing both my feet up in the air before I landed.
As I managed to exit SR, there was Ice and an aspirin handed to me. Thank you Stage management!
I went to see my Chiropractor and he ended up sending me to an MD Doctor. I was given injections of cortisone to the site. My Dad looked at the x-rays and said “don’t fall again”.
I missed about 3 or 4 shows of FIGARO GETS A DIVORCE.
It took some months to recover. But most important, I had difficulty singing. I couldn’t get my resonators to resonate! It seems to be true what they say about the low back and the breathing and the voice; they are all truly connected.
Some time later the pain was gone and I was basically back to my regular routine of dance class, auditions and rehearsal. However, I was still having difficulty singing.
One day, I walked into a small church that I had never seen in my neighborhood. I prayed and asked for help.
As I walked out, there was a Church Bulletin at the door and I took one and read that they were looking for choir members and were forming a new choir. I signed up. I ended up leading music at English and Spanish masses for two years.
The new Pastor then asked me to take over the helm of Director of Music. I felt honored but completely inexperienced and ill equipped. Mostly, I felt that I didn’t have enough time in my life to do this.
Twice, the Pastor asked me and I declined. The third time he asked me, I said, ok, I would do it for 4 months. I stayed for 7 years and led bilingual services there .
It was a perfect part time job for an actor who sings!
I gained back my confidence and worked on a benefit performance of some of my favorite Spanish Arts songs by Manuel de FALLA and Enrique GRANADOS. .
It was a win win.
