The Show Must Go On

Just Ro

I so enjoyed watching Tony Bennett’s performance with Lady Gaga. It brought back a lovely memory for me.   I had the privilege of meeting Tony in the 70’s when he was performing at the Hollywood Bowl.  My DH was running the spotlight for his show that evening. My DH was good friends with the stage manager and he was able to get me to the head of the very long line of fans waiting to meet Tony after the show. I heard people whispering and wondering who I was that I was able to move to the front of the line. Lol, little did they know I was just the spotlight operator’s wife!  Fast forward to  2021….the star and his spotlight operator both suffer from Alzheimers. Bittersweet moment watching Tony’s  performance last evening after visiting with my husband earlier in the day.  Although my DH knew nothing about the tv show scheduled for last evening, when I got to the memory care unit, the first thing he asked me was if I were going to take him to the theater to pick up the spotlights.  It’s always about getting ready for the show with him.  That’s why he is constantly packing to go home because he has to “get to work.”  There truly is no business like show business.

abc123

Ro, thank you for sharing this with us. It's a wonderful story.

Joydean

Thank you for sharing a beautiful memory!

Ed1937

You were one lucky lady. I envy you. Nice  story.

Jo C.

Oh Ro; what a sweet and poignant story; thank you for sharing that.  There truly is "no business like show business," especially live performances on stage.   I have done some of that in earlier years and sure love the smell and feel of the boards and the theater; it has its own feel and even its own scent.  Your husband feeling he is still involved and doing is sweet; and you are sweet for letting that be so for him.

Soft hug being sent your way,
 
 J.

Paris20

Just Ro, that was a lovely story. I watched the Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga program twice. Tony had those words and that rhythm hard wired into his brain and body. It was good to see that the show DID go on.

Iris L.

Tony Bennett is a trouper!

Iris