Before “Midsummer Night’s Dream” with “my” Lysander
There is a certain time in one’s life when she knows she is ready; she is in her prime. That happened for me the summer of 1969, my sixth and final at the National Music Camp (now the Interlochen Arts Camp). Talent matters, but seniority does too. I had put in my time and blossomed before the faculty’s eyes. As I wrote in Dude – A Message of Love, I had known some of my teachers most of my life and I knew they appreciated me. That summer, I was rewarded.
My lifetime friendships were also in place. I wrote about one (and mentioned the others) in Valerie. These helped me to flourish as well. I remain close to all those women (actually, the entire group of voice and drama majors). Many of us have communicated regularly throughout the pandemic, bringing great therapeutic comfort.
We auditioned for all our roles in the first few days of the summer. I was in Morning Drama. We presented three shows, including the Shakespeare. That season, I played Irene Livingston, a sophisticated actress in Moss Hart’s “Light Up the Sky” and Hermia, the young, star-crossed lover in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, both great roles for me. The Featured photo is me as Hermia with Dave Maier (still a close friend) before the opening of the show, outside our theatre. My dear friend Emily did my hair; beautifully might I add! She even trimmed my hair on my wedding day. I trust her with my tresses.
First act of “LIght Up the Sky”
“Light Up the Sky”
Above I am in the last act of “Light Up the Sky”, wearing a shimmering gold gown and long white gloves, having come from my theater opening (in the play). Years later I spoke with Kitty Carlisle, who originated the role on Broadway that her husband wrote for her. I told her I’d played her part. She asked if I had become a professional actress – regrettably, no.
But that summer I sparkled. In the above photo I’m with Carl Staub, playing the role of the young playwrite. He was also my steady boyfriend for a period, adding to my delight. He even gave me his class ring to wear. It was too large, so I held it in place by wearing mine over it. I so wanted to be in a relationship. We walked around campus holding hands. Puppy love…
with Carl
It ended, I was crushed. After exchanging holiday cards, I never heard from him again (we now communicate via Facebook), but someone was in touch with him and he showed up three summer’s ago when we all met for the “Celebration of Life” for our beloved Operetta teacher, Dude Stephenson; Simple Gifts. We went out to dinner in excellent restaurants in Traverse City every night and had time to talk. Carl pulled out of his wallet my high school class photograph. He’d had it laminated! I read what I wrote on the back. I, obviously, had sent it to him in that Christmas card and wrote about our relationship. That night, we spoke about it; “You broke up with me”, I reminded him. “You said your mother didn’t like me”, he rebutted. My jaw dropped. “My mother didn’t like anyone!” And the years fell away.
2018, dinner with Carl, (along with other camp friends)
I loved playing Hermia too… “Little again, nothing but lower and little. Why will you suffer her to flout me thus? Let me come at her!” Then I threw myself at Helena (the guys caught me) who was after MY guy, thanks to the mischievous fairies, who cast a spell on the other lovers in the forest. I was going to claw her eyes out, or at least tear out her hair; a real, staged cat fight!
In the forest – attacking Helena
Final act, reconciliation; Lysander presents me to the King
Choir and Modern Dance were wonderful classes. I loved them both and always put my all into whatever I did, but Operetta ruled. It was the last class of the day, beginning at 3:30pm. We always performed Gilbert and Sullivan. This summer was the “The Sorcerer”. Here I am onstage, before the show with Dude.
Before “Sorcerer”, summer, 1969
We all auditioned, but there were few leads and only the best actually got parts. I had a decent voice, but not outstanding. I knew that. But Dude favored the theater people and gave us bits to do throughout the show. With about 90 women in the chorus, only those who had special roles got their names in the program.
Sorcerer, opening pantomime
I had two roles in this show. During the overture, Dude staged a pantomime and I was one of three village belles (yes, that is “Lysander” as my partner; we were well-matched; no, we never dated). And when John Wellington-Wells (the sorcerer) does his conjuring, I was a “sprite of earth and air” in a special hooded costume, flitting on and off the stage as he invokes the spirits in his incantation, as was a certain Marcy Zussman, younger sister of our Retrospect founder, John. It was great fun to do those little bits and get some recognition.
Peeking out in “Sorcerer”. Steve Pieters in foreground.
Our operetta was always performed during the 6th weekend of camp. That came to be alumni weekend as well. With such a large group performing, parents came (my own included) from across the country and the shows were always sold out. Now there were only two weeks left to camp. We performed the Shakespeare the next weekend, but Operetta had nothing remaining to rehearse. This particular summer, Dude and Ken Jewell (the music director) decided to perform an all-Irving Berlin concert. There were no auditions; songs were assigned and lots of fun tunes for all to sing. Our leaders even sang “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody”. I finally got a chance to perform in a small ensemble: we sang “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and brought down the house!
“There’s No Business Like Show Business” – 8th week Operetta Concert
Christie is singing, Steve is on her left. We all remain great friends. Finally Operetta, the last class of the last week of my last summer was over. It was time for Dude to pass out his awards, separate from the big ones that would be awarded after Sunday services the next morning. He had a special award for Best Lead, but also one for Best Chorus person (it could go to multiple people). I had won it the two previous summers. And again, he called my name and pulled me up front to give me a special presentation and accolade. Years later, when he was celebrating the first 50 years of Operetta, he declared (and made a plaque for it) that said I was the Best Female Chorus member over the first 25 years! But here I am, receiving Dude’s praise, which we all craved. It all came together for me.
Dude sings my praises – my 3rd Operetta Chorus Award.
Betsy PfauRetired from software sales long ago, two grown children. Theater major in college. Singer still, arts lover, involved in art museums locally (Greater Boston area). Originally from Detroit area.
What a great summer of theatrical achievements, friendships and even young love, Betsy! I even give myself a little credit: knowing from your previous stories how important — indeed, sometimes magical — your summers at Interlochen were, I anticipated that you would write about one of them in response to this prompt.
You have described the events of this summer, when it all came together for you, perfectly . And, not surprisingly, you have marvelous photos from then to complement your story — a story where the visual, as well as the emotional, aspects are so important. Brava, Best (and, may I daresay, Most Beautiful) Chorus Person Ever!
p.s. Fun fact: daughter of Kitty Carlisle and Moss Hart, Dr. Catherine Carlisle Hart, is my daughters’ internist.
Thank you, John. Yes, not a big surprise here, given how many prior stories I linked to. My summers at camp, and the friendships I made, remain formative for me. We had another Zoom reunion this week and I promised to send this story to all of them (several are constant readers anyway).
I love that Kitty Carlisle’s daughter is your daughter’s internist. We have a wonderful lecture series here on the Vineyard each summer. This week’s speaker was Ben Brantley, retired theater critic from the NYT. He was interviewed by one of our members (it is subscription), who teaches theater at NYU. The lecture is Thursday evening, followed by a more intimate brunch with the speaker on Friday morning (just questions from our group). I spoke with the NYU professor, telling her I’d been a theatre major; had played Irene Livingston, among other roles and got to tell Kitty Carlisle that in one of these settings, years earlier. I even sang a few bars from a song from “Guys and Dolls”. We had a nice chat as we got our food and promised to talk more next week. So the beat goes on…so to speak.
Betsy, what a perfect summer for you. Not only do you have such vivid memories and share so many interesting details with us, but your pictures are amazing. So glad you received the recognition you had worked so hard to earn. What a glorious time that was in your life!
Thank you, Laurie. “Glorious” is a good way to describe it.
We’ve read a lot from you about this camp, Betsy, but like that summer, you have put it all together here. I’m so glad you were able to maintain those strong relationships. Isn’t it interesting how theater and music keep people together? The high school friends I keep tabs with were both in theater with me.
Yes, Marian, this camp was very important to (and FOR) me. But your observation about theater and music being a good glue for relations is very wise. It has certainly proven true for me too.
Wonderful story, Betsy, about your memorable last summer at NMC. I wish that camp had been as good for me as it was for you. Oh well, I can enjoy it vicariously through you.
Thanks, Suzy. I am sure you would have loved Interlochen too, had you been there as a high schooler. But you had other summer adventures that were just as great!
Betsy, what a summer. I loved how you introduced it here — ‘everything came together” The pictures are wonderful, adding animation and depth to your living theatrical resume for that summer. I gotta say, in all those photos, you look to my theater-weary but still practiced eye that you’re the only one who is NOT overacting. Also loved how you described that wonderful discovery with Carl punched with “my mother didn’t like anybody!’ Wonderful story-telling about what seems to have been a truly wonderful summer.
Thank you, Charles. I appreciate your theater critic point of view here. I’ve looked at these photos for more than 50 years, so they all look normal to me, but I enjoy your compliment. It WAS a wonderful summer with very special people.
Truly the arts have sustained and nourished you throughout your life, with the best memories deeply interwoven with performances and relationships. Lovely retrospect.
Thank you, Khati. Yes, “sustain” is a great way to describe what the arts mean to me, along with the friendships that I derive from them.
Oh Betsy, your passion for performing comes through loud and clear! How wonderful that you were recognized and rewarded for your talent. Once again your penchant for remembering details and having the photos to bolster them brings your story to life for us. That you have maintained relationships with those who share your memories of this very special summer is I’m sure the most precious reward of all.
As I’ve stated, the friendships mean everything to me, Barb. It was, indeed, a wonderful summer for many reasons. You’ve captured them all. Thanks for your careful read.