Dressed for success

Quick costume changes are a pain. I have a very quick change in The Hollow. I have four pages of text in which to change from a day suit to an evening suit. It might sound like a lot of time. Trust me, it's not. As soon as I disappear from stage and am walking away backstage, I am unbuttoning my shirt and loosening my tie. Assistant stage manager Marion has my clothes on a rack ready to go. She helps me with my buttons, bowtie and shoes while I mess around with pants and jacket. Then it's a run back to make my entrance. During the final rehearsal, I made my entrance about 30 seconds too late and was not wearing shoes or bowtie. With Marion's help I have been on time since then! Phew! I will tell you about the worst costume change I have witnessed another time. When I have more time...