Impressions of Parsippany, NJ

04/12/2007

It was not one of the best days in my life. First of all my stomach was in a terrible condition. And when I arrived at Parsippany the weather was cold and rainy. I am not sure if the U.S. really like me. So I decided to forget this day and to go to bed very early.

04/13/2007

I started the day with some cigarettes, a shower and a wonderful breakfast (American breakfast buffet). Now I was ready for my adventure called “Chiller Theatre Parsippany”.

And it started with – n o t h i n g. I did not see Robert Beltran coming, had no idea, if he would come or not.

O.K. at 5 pm the advanced ticket owners could move in. I saw the space, where he should sit. (remember Secaucus) But not one hair to see – but – a lot of photographs and no paper with “sorry, I cannot come.” That was a good sign.  I started my tour through the different rooms (always taking a look at Robert´s seat) and searched for photos of him or something else. But there was nothing interesting to find.

At about 6:15 pm he appeared – wearing a beard as he did in his part in the series “Medium”. Just a little bit of waiting, then I stood in front of him. I showed which photography I would like to have – he thought I looked familiar. That must be a trick! Of course I think his mind is excellent, but he meets so many people, so many crazy people. Maybe it had been my accent, my non American clothes, my behaviour, or just that silly look: “Can you remember, we have met before?”

How ever, he did it in an excellent way – I just could believe him everything!

With some cigarettes, walking through the other rooms and a glass of red wine I tried to calm down and went to bed after midnight – as a proud owner of a picture with “To Monika” (with k).

04/14/2007

After the breakfast my first steps brought me to the Chiller people, because I had lost the red point on my skin for “Preshow”. With my new red point I started looking around, bought a little baby dragon a.s.o., until Robert appeared at about 11 am.

For a longer time I checked the situation, decided to take some shots – but that was not so easy – my hands quivered as if I would need some drinks (I think I tried to photograph too quickly). So I went to buy my second autograph. On this day I was able to greet and to talk a little bit. It was not necessary to tell my name. He could remember – of course!

I got my autograph, his “helping hand” made a photo of Robert and me ( he meant he would look like Brahms) and I got a kiss on my right cheek (attention : don´t wash this side of your face! *g*). Maybe at that moment I should have asked him what´s my name.

Full of self-confidence it worked much better with the camera and I shot three quite good pictures. After a short break I  t h o u g h t  about making some more photos – o.k. paparazza  is no profession for me.

I spent the rest of the day watching people and taking some lousy shots. I must admit I admired all these actors: kissing and embracing people, answering their questions patiently, smiling, signing and that for hours and hours and hours – actress is no profession for me.

04/15/2007

It´s raining again ….

O.k. no matter, I didn´t want to conquer the whole State of New Jersey. And I am used to freezing while smoking outside. Much more important was to get my third photo.

His welcome was very, very cordial and I got my autograph. Pesky as I am, I asked for another picture with him and me – if possible he sitting and I standing – of course he did it. That´s an easier way to get some shots for Bettina´s Website. I hope she will be satisfied: more than 13 quite good photos for her.

Next: waiting (not for Godot) and not “ singing in the rain” but smoking in the rain. This day was not so busy – most of the people didn´t like to swim to this event, I think.

At last I took my courage and asked, if he would come to Europe this year and if there are any intentions of acting on stage again. He told me, that he would maybe come in September or maybe would act on stage in New York at that time respectively. We ´ll see!

A last farewell – reality I ´m back again.

Postscript: When I left New Jersey it stopped raining!  

Copyright Monika P. (April 2007)