Shocked, ecstatic and exhausted!

The Ottawa Fringe ended on a high note for 52 Pick-up. We sold out our Best of Venue show... which was a pleasant surprise. Then we did a 20 minute interview with Tristan and John from the Montreal Fringe... making complete fools of ourselves. Stewart said "testicles" no less than four times. We then slowly made our way to the beer tent. We could hear them announcing the awards, but we couldn't really hear what they were saying. Just as we got closer to the tent, we heard them announce "52 Pick-up". Stewart tells me to go in the tent while he drops off the dolly we borrowed from the fringe to move our tiny but awkward set. When I turn the corner and enter the tent, the whole mess of people cheered at the sight of me which shocked me. I was told to go on stage and was presented with the Judge's Choice award... and award created by this year by the judges for our show because they realised that we hadn't been awarded anything and felt we deserved some sort of recognition. Needless to say I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe it. I was so freaked I stumbled on my thank yous, complaining that I just arrived and hadn't even had a beer yet. Kevin, our stage manager extraordinaire, rushed on stage to give me his. I took a hearty gulp while the audience encouraged me to "CHUG!". That's when I said the only articulate and smooth thing of the whole speech - "In the words of my character, FUCK OFF!" I received loud applause. I guess it must have been the right thing to say. As soon as I step off stage, they announce that 52 Pick-up has also won the People's Choice award, which both Stewart and I accepted with smiles from ear to ear. He was also witty with his thank yous, but not as witty as me! ;-)

Now it's 2:21pm on Monday... we just woke up... had Elgin Street Diner poutine at 2am last night. We're exhausted, but still overjoyed at how well all of this worked out. Considering we fought for the first month of rehearsal, we had no idea if the show would work, if we could work together, if the audience would enjoy the show. Now I'm eagerly looking forward to the remount of the show at Arts Cour Theatre at the beginning of September. After last night's show, I was sad that it was the end. Now it doesn't have to be the end just yet!