PLAN B

Sometimes, an unexpected Plan B turns out so much better than your Plan A ever would have. Maybe I wasn't supposed to sing the songs I'd selected. The tracks sure played on my laptop. I'd used them many times before, but when I got to MetroStage last Monday, Mel Prince's sound equipment didn't even acknowledge that the CD existed--neither did the theater's desktop computer. I didn't have time to panic, or decide to sing a cappella, because a very talented and gracious Daryl Hunt stepped right in like a musical superhero. He, with pencil in hand, sat down at the piano, revised the order of songs I'd suggested, made sure the keys were comfy, and played as if we had rehearsed for weeks.
Performance tracks serve a wonderful, convenient, even economical purpose, but live music is so much better. You can be as free as you like.
I never learned how to play piano, but I'm so happy to know phenomenal talents who do. Technology is great, but I love the sound of a real piano being played exceptionally well. The MetroStage experience reminded me of a poem I'd scribbled in June. Maybe I'll put it to music...: )

REAL PIANO

Got a ticket to the party
Went inside, sat down, and waited for the show
Looked around me
So many young things
Would I be able to bear it?
Should I go?
Thought about that flight attendant
Saying, "Look behind in case you need to flee".
So I checked the nearest exit
It was not even remotely close to me

How I wanted
Longed and hoped for
Real piano
Could somebody
Anybody
Play piano?

Something started
Oh, so noisy!
Nothing musical at all did it employ
Just some ramblings, awful mumblings
So replete with everything that would annoy
How it tore at all of my insides
Drove it home that I'm no youngster--
That's for sure
I'm not 20, 30, even 40
There are some things I just can't do anymore

How I wanted
Longed and hoped for
Real piano
Could somebody
Anybody
Play piano?

I don't know what key
Just give to me
Something that will soothe my ears
And warm my heart
I cannot play
Maybe some day
Until then,
I can't bear what only brings more darkness to the dark

Somebody, Let it be
Real piano
Somebody, play for me
Real piano

I don't know what key
Just give it to me
Something that will soothe my ears
And warm my heart
Just not as poised
To handle noise
That makes you wanna seek a hiding place
Take refuge underground

Somebody, Let it be
Real piano
Somebody, play for me
Real piano

VRW c2011