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David Goldstone, Robert B. Siegel, Patrick Forestell, Terence Van Auken
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 I
would like to say that I never would have
been able to reach the level of
performance that I did without the
guidance of our director. He personally
rehearsed each and every one of us and
with great detail. I loved this role. I
couldn�t imagine anyone loving it more.
But our director, Robert
Dimsey loved it even more than I.
He made me realize the "warrior"
in her. Her fight. Her determination. Her
high angst.
All
I can say it was like Anita
Hill facing all those male members
of the court when she went up against Clarence
Thomas and Dr.
Christine Ford when she went up
against mainly all those male egos against
Kavanaugh.
Except like Anita their
were no tears shed by me. I was out to
fight this out.
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After
the opening night, I walked back into the
green room. Our director was standing
there, very tall and broad-shouldered. I
just walked right up to his chest and put
my head down on it. He said
"Exhausted?" I could only nod.
During rehearsals he said that my
testimony at the end should have me
exhausted as I plead for my sanity. I
guess I got it.
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Gary Norris portrayed my father in a gut wrenching performance.
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Davod Goldstone perfectly cast as my attorney
in the role Richard Dreyfuss did In the movie.
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The
actors that were on this ride with me came
from all parts of Florida. And sometimes
we had unbelievable downpours. It was
during the "hurricane season"
which runs for months and months in
Florida.
I
believed the actors portraying each role
WERE these roles by the time show-time
rolled around. Gary
Norris as my Stepfather was
incredible and raw.
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Patrick
Forestell as the psychiatrist at Belleview--yes
that was where the trial takes place in a
courtroom on the 7th floor at the famous Belleview
Hospital (yes, their is actually one
there) was so convincing as the bit
off-center psychiatrist on a vengeful
conquest to keep me sedated and under lock
and key. My Richard
Dreyfuss, the actor David
Goldstone made me feel so protected.
We shared so many major moments onstage--we
connected so beautifully with ourselves and
with our audience.
Lynda
Bonnick as my mother tugged at every
heartstring I had and I truly believed her
characterization to the fullest. Robert
B. Siegel as the Judge showed the
humor and pathos that came with the role and
Terence Van Auken as the relentless
prosecutor could not have done it better if
he had gone to law school.
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We
didn�t have reviewers but I have never
had an audience rise to their feet as one
nor see the other actors applauding my
entrance for my curtain call, but their it
was--I will never forget how it all felt.
They
have a policy at this theater where
everyone gets to shake the hands of the
cast members who are lined up for those
that wish to pass thru. I NEVER come
out...EVER... but I knew a lot of people
came from far away to see me so there I
was...and it was wonderful to see how some
were crying, some wanted to hug me, some
could not express how much this play and
my role meant to them.
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Terence Van Auken,
Robert
B. Siegel, Patrick
Forestell, Maia Goldstone
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I
found out this is the first time that this
theater has ever sold out their entire
production. I was thrilled. They were
thrilled. We were all thrilled. Nope no
reviewers but the personal reviews meant
everything including this that was sent to
the theater.
I
want to close with a letter the theater got.
I think it says it all....
From:
the STAGE at thank you
five:
To
the whole team, I was completely awed by the
great performance and message of NUTS last
night. It was one of the best that you have
put on. All the performers were tops. And
the lead lady was ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!!
So believable!
Well done!!!
Bob
Professor Emeritus
Robert O. Barker Esq
Florida Supreme Court
Certified Mediator
7th Circuit District
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