For anybody out there who hasn’t done summer stock, it’s basically a cross between the toughest acting work you’ll do & a sleep-away camp.

And depending on how you feel about the combination of the two is directly proportionate to whether you’ll have a decent time or a great time.

That being said, I regret my initial trepidation about my week-long run here.

After we said we’d do it back in March, I have to admit that I wasn’t too sure about it. I’d always heard about how great it was, but my Negative Nelly side just kept coming out.

Then I did a week of shows there. And it was a fucking blast.

Palling around with this lovable bum.

And his adorable mutt.

Fantastic crowds, days that melted away, nights full of bonfires & bumming around.

Now, there are definitely things I WON’T miss about that place.

The rusty water from the upstairs bathroom, for instance.

Or the weird toilet that was elevated for no good reason.

And, of course, the OBVIOUS regret from yesterday.

But being in Alexandria, somewhere between a summer holiday & sizzling hot work, I wound up embracing every damn day.

On top of that, I regret that this play is over. Again.

Wandering backstage today before the show, I realized I’d never be around these goofy, unique props & set pieces ever again. 

Or this intensely talented & enjoyable cast of actors.

I mean, at least when we were at Bloomington Civic Theater we knew there was another chance to run this marathon again. But now, it’s over for good.

And seeing the next production’s van pulled into the scene shop today confirmed that.

It was about to be done. And it was inevitable. 

I may never see deer crossing through these back woods again.

Or spend a day watching a campfire log smolder from the night before.

But ultimately - like every show or holiday getaway or summer season - bottles can’t really catch lightning. These fleeting moments are just that. And regardless of how many times you try to repeat them, they’ll never, ever happen quite the same way again.