I remember it all like it was just yesterday, and if I concentrate hard enough, I can almost feel as if I
were doing it all again.
July 4, 2006:
This was the real start of my "A Harpo" career, though at that time I hadn't chosen a stage name
yet. I appeared in a parade, walking for awhile, then hitching rides on various floats. Everyone welcomed me and
enjoyed my antics. Little did I know this would blossom into a career. I had only planned on doing the act for
1 event, which was scheduled a few days after opening night at Vaudeville. I thought I'd be doing the other event
first, but Vaudeville was to be my first debut on stage as Harpo. I was having so much fun there, I knew I
wanted to keep it going, telling myself, "I want a life after Vaudeville," so I found other places to appear at
and perform at, donating my time as a community volunteer. It was the most amazing summer of my life!
It was a year of firsts- which really began in the spring, when a very kind, creative woman
encouraged me to play Harpo in public. I was extremely shy and afraid, though not on stage. She wanted me to play
him at the art center's activity night, when I came to show her my newest wig. She offered to go into the room with
me and explain about Harpo, and so we went in, I added to what she said, and said I'd love to play him right there, they
said ok, so I did. It was awesome, and Harpo was an instant success! I'm glad I did that, it helped me overcome
my fear and develop his character into what it's become now. He's not only an entertainer, but an interactive
performer.
The firsts of the year 2006 went like this:
Early Spring: I
got the courage to play Harpo in public. That day the actor in me was truly set free and able to blossom, thanks to
a very special lady.
JUNE 7, Wednesday:
My harp came. It was a very hot day, and I knew about what time it would arrive. I played it for about 7 hours,
taking lots of breaks, enjoying every minute of getting to know my wonderful new friend. It had the most beautiful sound
for a small harp. I was glad I chose that one instead of another I was looking at online. I chose it when I called
the store and got to hear the one I chose, then that one. The clerk offered to play them for me. Even on the phone
I could hear the difference. Since then it's given me many hours of joy, and still is my best friend.
JUNE 10: Saturday: I had signed up for a magic class with the magician
who ran the costume and magic shop where I got my wig, tophat, and horn from. During that 6 month stretch, from when
I got those things, to the class, I learned he was in a local re-creation of Vaudeville. I had planned to see him perform,
but wasn't prepared for what he told me during the class, "By the way, I told the Vaudeville director about your
act, if you're interested, call for an audition." It blew me away! I knew my skit was good, but Vaudeville???
That's where Harpo got his start! How ironic! I knew I had to follow through, so I thanked him and eventually
got connected with the Director.
JUNE 29, Thursday:
The audition went very well, they laughed right away, and my jitters subsided somewhat. The Director and the choreographer
watched and laughed as I went through my act for the first time. Afterwards, he welcomed me to the group, and offered
suggestions on how I could improve the act. No one asked about my impairment, the obvious one, till later, when he waited
with me for my ride home.
JULY 18- AUG. 22, VAUDEVILLE:
I began
making my own props, and added some whenever I got a new idea. The magician who got me in, said I needed background
music for the act, and gave me a few tunes to pick from. Though I liked them all, I picked the 1st one, and put
it into the act, even at other places. Making the props was fun; I got a little help, but my first one I made all by
myself. I was very pleased and proud of myself. The transformation happening inside me was exciting, and wonderful.
During Vaudeville, I was having so much fun, I knew I wanted a professional life afterwards, and found other places
to perform, or just interact. After each show, the cast went outside to greet the audience as they were leaving.
I stayed in character and entertained with my toys. One small child in particular was awed by the whole thing, and really
enjoyed my playing with him. His mom enjoyed watching us.
Occasionally, someone I knew would be there, and
I'd see them afterwards, not knowing till then who it would be. One night, the lady from the arts center was there,
though she'd seen my act in a preview I did for them, shortly before their fundraiser. I don't recall having
had the music yet at that audition. Anyway, she had seen it, yet still came to see me on stage. When I saw her,
I cried happy tears, hugged her for a long time, not wanting to let go. It meant so much to me to see her there.
If it weren't for her, I might not have a career.
There were very few mishaps, which is wonderful for a newcomer
to this kind of entertaining. I was glad I donated my time there, and even happier to hear I'd be welcomed back
the next year. The Director and I even discussed adding a routine Harpo Marx did in a couple of movies. It was
exciting to think of returning and doing this added bit which would involve others in the cast. I was deeply honored
to be there, and anxious to return. Being a newcomer, being so welcomed and appreciated by so many people, and being
invited back, was a great boost to my self confidence. I'd been told I'd do well in comedy, many years ago,
but never dreamed I'd be doing this! If they could see me now!
I told myself I'd practice
a LOT to prepare for the next season, wanting to polish my act, especially my harp playing, and be more professional.
While I waited, I'd line up performances and appearances, hoping to do my stage act, too.
Other Firsts include the various events I
attended, many of which I was invited back to every year, one group in particular I've donated my time to, at their holiday
dinners they have 3 times a year. The first time, I went as Ariel, and talked to some people about playing Harpo.
Since that Christmas, Harpo goes there, and now Ariel does, too.
The Fundraiser, and Vaudeville:
The highlight of the year was the happiest
day of my life, which was part of the happiest 6 weeks of my life. July 18th was opening night at Vaudeville.
I was a late arrival to the cast, and missed most of the rehearsal schedule, but made it to the last 2 or
3 practices, which included an optional rehearsal, which I jumped at the opportunity to go to, and I also practiced at
home, especially with my harp. It was an experience I'll always remember. A lot of work went into
preparing for my 10 minutes on stage, and I got an idea what Harpo Marx went through. It still amazes me how long it
takes to get ready. I loved watching the other acts, too.
Vaudeville happened a few days before the most
wonderful day I ever had- but I'm glad it happened as it did. I had only planned to do the skit at this one event scheduled
on July 22nd. That was the day of the art center's annual fundraiser. A Harpo was a special guest. I
had come up with the stage name shortly after my audition for Vaudeville. At this fundraiser, I was one of two
special guests. I arrived there shortly after it began, and stayed all day. Almost everyone enjoyed me.
For about 7 hours I walked around, helping the organization, and goofing around. At around 4 I did my skit- which had
to be done in 2 parts, because I played between band breaks. I did my skit in front of the stage, in the sun, and
did the harp solo part on stage, under the awning, to protect my harp. Luckily I didn't live far from there,
and got my harp when it got close to when I was to perform. I changed shirts, and arrived in plenty of time. It
was a bit hot, but I pretended I was Harpo under the bright, hot lights. After awhile, I forget any discomfort I have,
and just have fun. It isn't easy playing Harpo, but is sure is fun!
That day will live on in my
mind as the Happiest Day of My Life. Never before or since, had I had a day like it. I was glad I played Harpo
for the people at the center before the event, it helped me with my shyness, and familiarized them with the Harpo character.
The adults enjoyed me as much as the children. I had been developing an interactive feature where I mingle
with the public and play with my props- small toys I keep in my coat. Putting the toys into the act was the best thing
I could've done, because it helped me overcome my shyness around children. My act has taken on a life of its own,
and focus heavily on children. I spent a lot of time with them, playing the games I brought, and giving things away.
When I got home, my feet were aching, I was very tired, but extremely happy- the happiest I'd ever been in my
entire life. I was sore for 3 days, but I was content. Never had I seen so many smiles and heard so much
laughter, and never had I felt so much love. I felt I had finally joined the community and soon established myself as
a community volunteer. That year I began planting the seeds of this most unplanned career, which has brought me more
joy than my words could ever express.
Between performances at Vaudeville, I appeared at various art
fairs and another parade, just to interact. Everywhere I went, people enjoyed me. Playing Harpo was easy, I always
knew just what to do. I had more fun than I ever dreamed possible.
AFTER VAUDEVILLE:
At various events, I got hugs from children, lots of smiles, and lots more laughter, among many compliments.
As usual, all ages enjoyed me, even those who didn't know who Harpo Marx was. eople recognized me from other places,
including Vaudeville, and a few took my picture. I was soaring higher than I ever had, and knew I had finally found
my nitche.
During that summer, I had appeared at a few art fairs, 2 parades, a county fair, unoficially
at that one, and in the fall, a pumpkin festival, and 2 halloween events.
