Like the fact that the leading man quit the show three weeks ago. Following hot on the heels of another actress who, on the same fateful weekend as our leading man's departure, simply failed to show up for rehearsal. And then, when someone eventually did manage to get a hold of her, she weaseled deftly manoeuvred her way out of it by feigning a sudden and somewhat mysterious (she was very sketchy on the details) family emergency.

At least, I suspect (and hope for her sake) that she feigned it. I think she really did fake it though, because she had the wise foresight to be nervous about the prospect of performing way back when we started the rehearsal prospect. Not like silly me who supressed the panic until today - Opening Day - when I'll only be able to die my way out of this... and really, I just might. Die, I mean. From sheer terror.

Which leaves only three of the original cast (or in my case, grossly MIScast) members.

The replacement actor and actress are FABULOUS though, and despite not being aware of this play's existence until two and a half weeks ago, they were already off-book a few days after stepping in. And here I am... still lustily forgetting my lines and my blocking AND still unable to grasp the basics of acting.

Please pray for me tonight at 8 - 10 (Eastern Time)? AND tomorrow night. And Saturday night. And Sunday night... (And all the weekends after that until the end of August.)

P.S. Charleston displayed all the expected Southern charm and then some! The trip was positively delicious. More about that later.