House Manager

A few years ago my elderly friend Bobbie (more on her later, her miracle mission trip to Africa at age 79 and how you can't go to Ravinia in peace with her-she taught everyone from Ann Margret on up and her porch swing house across from Home Alone church) who was House Manager for the North Shore Theater of Wilmette put me in charge. I hope no one does a google search and ends up here.

I was to make sure it ran smooth and have people in their seats by show time. Think Lin's swimming group going to the theater and you know what I was up against.

The director was this very nice gay man. Complete with earring and hand waving when upset.

I don't think anyone did Bobbie's coffee or made her cookies. She always had a nice table set up. Well everyone was out in the small lobby talking at high decibel levels and quiet little me didn't quite know what to do to get their attention. Soon the director came rushing into the lobby yelling (and hand waving) WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE????????? I hid in the crowd thinking obviously not ME! The lights were flashing, the crowd was talking, the seats were empty. I wish I had a funny story as to how they finally got to their seats but I honestly don't remember. All I know is upset gay men are not to be messed with.

I will have more Bobbie stories. She and her husband are currently in a nursing home. She has alzheimers. Thankfully I have some of her best memories. She all but adopted me when I moved back here from Florida over 20 years ago. I miss her dearly as she was more family to me than my own.