What an evening! I was terrified before I went on but did calm down. The show was heaps of fun. For the first time that I've performed this play, I had much trouble getting "Tom Lefroy" to come up on stage with me for the dance section - he was glued to his seat - I had to tug and tug. It was hilarious! I was panicing because I was losing time in the music and then I heard Susan's voice in my head saying, don't worry about getting behind, it really doesn't matter, they are watching the guy! Susan, it was so true! He got a huge round of applause and I got to finish my dance while people were still clapping. The expressions of panic on people's faces when I came out as Miss Bates were absolutely priceless. My Caroline and Fanny were so sweet and cute and James was played by the head of the English Department here - he was quite debonair! I will have pics to publish when I'm home and can download. I forgot to mention that I saw a wolf on the streets here after dinner on Wednesday night. I've never seen a wolf in the wild - on city streets - it was breathtaking.

Greetings from Columbia, SC and the start of the Fall 2007 Tour of Jane Austen and Aphra Behn! It is fantastic to be back here. The weather is balmy, the palm trees gently blowing in the breeze. The air smells very sweet. I have forgotten, but there are still wonderful, gentle manners down here. The students will say "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am" and I'd forgotten how nice that really is. This gentility suits Jane very well. Technical rehearsal went quite well last night. I had some trouble moving the heavy dark read velvet chairs but we've worked it out that the young woman playing Maryann will move the chair when I need it! It should work out to be humorous! The Cottingham Theatre is huge with magnificent acoustics. I had forgotten how much energy it takes to fill such a theatre though and I was absolutely exhausted when I got out of there last night. Today, I met with Sara Nally's beginning acting class and they were so polite and sweet! I have an English class to visit at 3pm and my first show is tonight. I admit I have the jitters big time!