I promised to write you about it, although we are all still basking in the benefits of being together to have Lily acknowledged at the Salon Saturday enhanced performance.
I collected Lily and her lovely daughter Janis at 11:50 Saturday Morning, 15 May, 2010. I printed off your kind tribute at the Tapesty at the O'Keefe, and Janis put it in her purse. We went to the car, "Ramona", my "Grand Dame" Dueck Buick, and drove like princesses downtown to Cambie Street, via Pacific Boulevard. We parked effortlessly, took up the framed orginal poster of the Totem Theatre's 1950 November 3rd Run ot J.B. Priestley's "Dangerous Corner", starring "Lily Harper" from the car (carefully carried by Janis Harper), went up the lift to the street level and walked to the will call for our tickets.
Once inside, we worked our way over to the Salon Room off the Lobby, and found excellent seats 3 rows from the front. We were in good time to be seated well, and to enjoy the Silver Tray Chocolates on offer by Playhouse Host, John McHenry. (Marketing John McHenry, Communications Manager ext. 231 jmchenry@vancouverplayhouse.com) John works with Katie Nichols, knichols@vancouverplayhouse.com my first contact when the idea held me. It was Katie who kindly offered the complimentary tickets for Lily and I, and recommended me to ring Stasa Andric,http://Stasa Andric, Sales Manager ext. 240 sandric@vancouverplayhouse.com Sales Manager, to sort out a reduced rate for friends and family tickets!
Originally, Director of the current production of "Dangerous Corner", Bill Dow, was to have been the speaker. Shortly before Saturday, it was arranged that Vancouver Sun Theatre Critic Peter Birnie ( Peter Birnie's Review Link ) would replace Bill as Salon Saturday Speaker. Much to our delight, John had prepped Peter to mention Lily's presence just at the right moment. He asked her to stand, and what a memorable moment for us all. Lily's grace, poise, and joy was expressed throughout her acknowledgement, and was sustained throughout the afternoon. At the end of Peter's excellent talk, he asked for questions of the Salon Saturday attendees. I asked the last one, which was; "Is there anyone present here today who would have attended the original Totem Theatre production in which Lily starred in 1950?" He asked the Salon audience, but indeed, there was no one.
Janis, on entering, had carefully placed the framed poster up on the bar counter, against a faux post, and it was in excellent view. As people passed through on their way to the lobby and play at 2:00 P.M., they slowed and took at look at it and chatted about it. They then later, one by one, at random, asked Lily in the Lobby and the play's interval, about some bit of her experience as an actor back in the day.
I must say, the light excitement that has carried me through this endeavour is still there to be felt, when I reflect on yesterday's happening. And, dear Diane, when we left the Theatre, went back to the car, after taking the framed poster back from Coat Check wherein Janis had placed it for the performance itself, we happily drove back to Lily's place. Ramona stopped quietly in front of the Tapestry @ The O'Keefe. Janis gave me the printout of your tribute, and I read it aloud to Lily. She was entirely moved to hear your sentiments, and I had to pace the reading, as tissues were required.
A wonderful time was had by all. (Janis and I found ourselves making eye contact during the performance sharing Lily's focus on the unfolding drama, and sharing her interest in the present production.)
This is a brief remembrance of our day, yesterday, but well worth experiencing, and sharing with those who love Lily.
Love and Best Wishes, Fondly From Susila
http://fromkarountokelownamussallemfamilynow.blogspot.com/
P.S. Many thanks To Katie Nicols, John McHenry, Stasa Andric, and all the Playhouse Theatre Staff. S.B.
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