thoughts on "The Story of My Life"

This past weekend I attended a benefit show, "The Story of My Life," at the Parkersburg Actor's Guild. The show was directed by veteran guild director John Lee, and starred two veteran actors, R.J. Lowe and Josh Martin. I have to admit that I wasn't expecting the show to be all that great, not because of the actors or director, but because of its short Broadway run of five regular performances (18 total). Was I wrong or what? This show was amazing!

The story highlights the lifelong friendship of Alvin and Thomas, who met as misfits in the first grade. The show opened with Thomas trying to write a eulogy for his friend Alvin who died mysteriously. Though Thomas is an award-winning author, he can't seem to find the words appropriate for such a person at such a time. In a "flashback" style, this memory musical features stories that Thomas has written and replayed on-stage by Alvin's ghost and Thomas.

The show's focus is on the undying bonds of friendship. Though Alvin and Thomas go different directions after graduating from high school, they are drawn back to each other time after time. Like many friendships, theirs grows apart for a time. Told with great passion and humor, this light-hearted show really challenges the audience to think about their life as a story of relationships, some still alive and well and some faded over time.

When the curtain went down, I was speechless. Those around me were, too. I think that's probably why it didn't make it on Broadway: it's serious and bittersweet. No big flashy show tunes; instead, numerous reminiscent ballads and light-hearted tunes were shared. No great costume or set changes; the only costume change was the donning of suit jackets and the only set changes was the moving of a library ladder and a podium. The set itself consisted of a few bookshelves, a desk and chair, a library ladder, and a podium.

The simplicity of the show and the depth with which the issue of friendship and loyalty is explored made this an absolutely amazing show. It caused me to wonder what the stories of my life will be, who my lifelong friends are and will be, and what words will be said of me when I'm gone. No light matters, for sure. But matters of life...real life.