A Hot Outdoor Show

Outside "HOT" Show

Did a show last night at the JW Marriott. Was told three days before the show that they decided to move the show from the ballroom to "outside". Yikes!   Florida heat in August! I was ready to pass out from the heat while setting up (two hour set up) in the 100+ weather. Actually, the weather turned pretty nice once the sun dropped and we went on at 7:45pm. But the humidity was bothersome. The Zombie and cloth kept sticking to my arm which caused problems for some of the moves, although I think most went fine. The mic kept cutting out on me but...most went fine. All the time I'm thinking....I can't wait to get into the Sub Trunk in this heat. Sure enough, the wind picked up and not only could I not do the costume change inside (humidity would not allow me to get even one arm into the sleeve), but we had to "pause" during the switch as the wind swept the cloth into the trap...thus slowing down the switch...although I doubt that any of the audience was aware. To most people...even a slow switch looks fast to them. My feet got tangled in the costume that laid on the trunk bottom so I nearly tripped (I think I did) jumping out of the trunk. To top this....the Events Manager tried to make it "better" for the band and I by deciding where (he felt) the stage configuration should be...even though we were trying to explain how it would work for us....he was a very bad listener!

Here is the bottom line and lesson: No matter these problems the audience (200) enjoyed the show and seemed to be having a good time. With the dinner being also outside, I was amazed at how attentive they all were. The show lasted 45 min. and no one got up to leave...even in this heat. Just goes to show that no matter the challenges we endure in doing some of these shows, the audience is non-the-wiser most times...the show must go on. Never let them see you sweat....or swear...which I was doing both quite a bit last night.
PS- Club member Jerry and Paula Darkey were also present at this function doing "sand dollar art". Nice to have friends sharing in my discomfort.
Dan