Any time my mother says, “Get the back-up spare.” I know exactly what to do. It’s her way of saying she is out of something and needs it replaced. Growing up, she seemed to have a spare of just about anything imaginable tucked away in some cupboard or closet of the house. It’s a useful and widely applicable word. We have spare tires of at least two varieties, spare keys, spare change, spare time and spare parts. We eat spare ribs and put our houseguests in spare rooms. In
In the theater world, we don’t say “spare actor” although it paints a rather appropriate picture. The politically correct term is understudy. In the case of Salt Lake Acting Company’s production of CHARM, that’s my role, understudy. I have my lines and blocking learned, costume on the rack, make-up at the ready and a version of the Orestes Brownson character available to be summoned at a moment’s notice--all this in the hopes of never going on stage. Ironic? Yes!
Playing the part of an understudy has its challenges and its rewards. I don’t get to rehearse like the principle cast members do. I learn by watching and making copious notes. More often than not, I review my lines by myself in the comfort of my living room and imagine the rest. We did have one rehearsal where the understudies all got to be on stage to review blocking and backstage business with the principle players. There’s a TON of quick changes in this show, if you hadn’t noticed, which keeps things interesting at all times. Don’t go getting any crazy ideas about me having hit men on speed dial. Most understudies aren’t like that. I wish the cast of CHARM good health and a very successful run.
As an understudy, I see the show at least once a week, to keep things fresh in my head. If you happen to notice and have a moment to spare (couldn’t resist), a hand shake and “hello” would be much appreciated.
