Charleston, South Carolina—1985
The Spoleto Arts Festival was spectacularly in full bloom, with Charleston throbbing and spilling over with musical, theatrical and dancing artists from around the world. The festival was Gian Carlo Menotti’s creation and SO thrilling for we artistic dreamers. My own children’s theater company had been accepted by the spin-off local tangent, Piccolo Spoleto, but even with IT, I wanted to be closer to the electricity of these inspiring, riveting artists…I wanted to be IN THE MIX.
And so I volunteered as a driver. Oh my gosh, what an adventure. I drove Menotti himself to and from the airport…I drove BB King to and from MIddelton Plantation….I drove Tuck and Patti to their hotel…I drove Christian Badea, Bruce Beresford, Ken Adam and Sarah Vaughan wherever they needed to go….HEAVEN…out of sight and in between hoopla, conversations with each.
THEN Bruce Beresford asked for me to be his own personal driver and we became friends. For the opening night of the opera that he was directing “La Fanciulla del West”, his date was Beth Henley, as they were working together on casting the movie version that he was to direct. A world famous production designer had been his partner in creating the visuals for the opera, and as his wife was in Europe, I was asked to be her ‘stand in’ for the opening show and following festivities. I enjoyed his company and felt honored to be his ‘date’.
An evening of experiencing my own naivete thusly began. I am embarrassed to admit that my choices were not adult, though I did exit in one piece. Being dazzled by the excitement and starry glamour of the night, it never occurred to me that by accepting this invitation there would be expectations. And then, at the after party, while sampling shrimp and champagne, a hand on my back and whisper in my ear and in moment I realized. And what did I do? I hid in the ladies room and was not to be found.
I learned a lot that night.
And Bruce is still my friend.