a courthouse line
Terrence
Lee Croft
What was worst thing that happened to you on stage?
The worst thing that happened to me was during a dress
rehearsal the night before the first performance of the show.
Suddenly, in the middle of the second act, I had no memory
of any of my lines. In every scene, I had to whisper to the
other actors that I didn’t know any of my lines and they’d
have to wing it. It was a surprise to us all, since I’d known
all my lines the night before. It was like one of those anxiety
dreams where you’re walking down the street naked – except
that it really happened. The next night, all was well, and I
knew all my lines again!
Much worse, in another show, I couldn’t make it onto the
stage for the second night of the performance. After the
Friday night show, I came down with some bug and couldn’t
get out of bed all day Saturday. I dragged myself back to
the theatre on Saturday evening, but all the cast members
who saw me told me I needed to go back to bed, and Sara
Doyle insisted that someone drive me home. I was in a
bad way. So, Kevin Wilson, the consummate performer
who can sing absolutely anything beautifully, took over my
Olivia Newton-John song (“Hopelessly Devoted to You”)
and, as I understand it, was excellent. It seems that I was
quite replaceable, even by a man.
Who is your favorite
character and why?
My part in the next show, after
this one, because it means I
am still able to pursue my
love for acting. In a recent
show, I had the smallest part
in the production, because I
had to be out of the country
during the last two weeks
of rehearsals. I was Janitor
Number 2. I had two lines,
and one was: "Yeah". But I brought down the house, anyway.
Great fun!
What is your favorite scene?
My duet, dancing a soft shoe routine and singing with Michael
Caldwell, as two old defense lawyers. Brought down the house
every time.
Why do you do the show?
Because it is fun! It takes a lot of time and is a lot of work,
but every year I meet new people, make new friends, and
have a blast performing with and learning from a group of
very talented people. And all of that time and effort go to
support an important charity.
Why should people come to see the show?
It’s great entertainment for a great cause. I’ve listened to
the audience over many years now, and they are having
fun. The show is always funny and surprising, and there are
some really talented people singing, dancing, and acting their
hearts out. And it all benefits the Atlanta Bar Foundation, a
truly worthy cause.
What is the worst thing that has happened on stage?
Nothing that happens on stage is worse than not performing
at all. It's all good!
Why do you participate in the show?
It's fun, challenging, and very collegial. We are a cast, band,
production crew and stage hands who are lawyers and judges
from all levels of practice and experience. We work very hard,
together, to create and perform an original musical. In order to
achieve our goal, we must put egos and professional status
aside and cooperate, even when we are weary. If we could bottle
this working collegiality, most law firms and legal departments
would kill for just one ounce. It is a rare experience. Besides,
I have been acting since elementary school and was a Drama
major at Yale; it's in my DNA!
14
THE ATLANTA LAWYER
October 2013
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association