Annie Fulfills A Life Ambition: Playing One Of The Greatest Roles For Women in THE COUNTRY GIRL
ANNIE GAYBIS: "Many years ago after a night of performing my cabaret act at the top of The Holiday Inn Rivermont in Memphis at Xmas time I took the elevator back to my room and feeling kind of lonely I turned the TV on and unexpectedly tuned into the beginning of a movie The Country Girl and was overcome by the story so much so I longed to play this part. And all these years later here I am."
I never thought I would have the chance to perform in Clifford Odets' play, but luckily City Repertory Theatre in Palm Coast gave me the opportunity to find my inner "Georgie." We performed it as a live "radio broadcast," complete with sound effects and musical interludes that complemented the storyline. For those of you familiar with the movie, you know it's set in the late 1940s.
The Cast (from left to right): Jack Rose, Julia Truilo, Annie Gaybis, John Sbordone, Peter Gutierrez
I went out and got a copy of the script before the theater even mailed them to us because it's so full of twists, turns, and complex language that I needed time to study it thoroughly. How often do you hear words like "perfidy" or phrases like "noblesse oblige"? I had to look them up and ask our director, John Sbordone, how to pronounce many of them. You can look them up too-it's good for you!
I had two fantastic actors to work with: Peter Gutierrez as my husband, Frank Elgin, who brought bravado to his role reminiscent of Billy Bigelow from Carousel. Frank is a former Broadway leading man who's succumbed to alcoholism. Jack Rose portrayed Bernie Dodd, the director who believes Frank can make a comeback and ultimately falls for my character, Georgie.
The relationship between Frank and Georgie is difficult to describe. That alone was one of the reasons I got my own copy of the script months before rehearsals. Their dynamic is full of wrenching codependency, frustration, and eventual resignation. Georgie has nearly lost herself while trying to support a husband who no longer believes in himself and avoids confrontation at all costs. Frank even lies to Bernie about Georgie, claiming she's a drunken, suicidal wife, to gain sympathy. Bernie believes Frank's lies and resents Georgie's presence-until his loathing turns to love. At the end of the play, we're left wondering how long she will stay in the marriage. As Georgie tells Bernie, "No one has looked at me as a woman in years and years." Two unhappy people clinging to each other for dear life.
The playwright, Clifford Odets, was a member of The Group Theatre, a collective of devoted industry professionals focused on exploring the inner lives of characters in groundbreaking productions. His most famous plays, Waiting for Lefty and Golden Boy, emphasized social relevance and the method acting of their era. Later, he moved to Hollywood, where he testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee, leading to the blacklisting of colleagues. His pursuit of Hollywood success left him feeling like a sellout, disconnected from the theater he loved in New York.
Jack Rose, who played Bernie Dodd, felt his character-a divorced, lonely man-reflected the essence of Odets himself. After reading about Odets, I agree. Bernie was Clifford Odets.
During our opening week, Florida experienced its coldest weather of the season. According to our director, the theater had never used its heating system before, and when it finally kicked on, it filled the space with a peculiar smell that lingered for an entire rehearsal.
Despite the chilly theater, the audience embraced the play. It resonated deeply with some, though our first night saw 12 ticket-holders cancel due to the flu and other illnesses spreading at the time. Florida doesn't handle cold weather well!
I was so worried about getting sick that I avoided the gym, skipped dance classes, and only picked up takeout to eat back at my lodging. I refused to let anything jeopardize my performance-it meant so much to me. This role demanded every ounce of energy. After rehearsals and performances, all three of us were completely spent.
It was an incredible experience! I loved every moment of it. I received many compliments and notes through my website, but one particular note, personally delivered to me, brought tears to my eyes and made me feel like I had fulfilled my quest:
Here it is:
Dear Annie,
Thank you for the wonderful portrayal of Georgie in the production of The Country Girl. Your portrayal was as authentic as Grace Kelly's, and I know whereof I speak-I came home and rented the movie. Congratulations!
I was 'HAPPY AT LAST'!!!!
