Artistic Musings

I had no idea of the battles being waged over gender issues when I was growing up in the 70’s. I was playing “Really Rosie”, directing and starring in backyard re-enactments of favorite tv shows, and generally trying to be the good, responsible first child. Along with “Monopoly” and “Sorry”, I remember so vividly playing a board game called “What Shall I Become?” Like it’s companion game “Mystery Date” (where you had to take your chances, hoping you would “snag” the pre-med student, rather than the less-approved-but-clearly-more-exciting greaser boy), there was a very kitschy spinner, involving doors, behind which you could choose from the amazing variety of female employment opportunities: Secretary, Nurse, Schoolteacher or Housewife. I know I am not making this up!

This show has been the perfect opportunity to reflect on what has changed, or not changed, in the past 3 decades. Did you know that in 1974, according to US Department of Labor statistics, there were 2.9 million women employed as secretaries and only 9,000 female engineers? Proportionately, 99% of the secretarial workforce was female, whereas less than 1% of engineers were women. I know those statistics have definitely improved with age! But as I watch 5-year old girls at my sons’ school do karaoke renditions of “Oops, I did it again,” I can’t help my knee-jerk reaction of concern. Olivia Newton John lives! it’s just that we call her Britney now...and who knows whatever became of the “real” Olivia. I hope, wherever she is, she is happy and doesn’t have to sing “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” ever again.

This show has also been the perfect opportunity to plunder my mother’s basement and uncovered goodies like the vintage 50’s electric mixer and apron-with-removable-dishcloth you see on stage tonight, as well as my Donny and Marie Osmond dolls, soundstage and costume collection. You see, I fell for the promise of show biz a long time ago. What I have realized, thanks to this show, is that I’m fortunate to be standing on the shoulders of the women who took the national stage regarding gender politics while I was still entranced by Hollywood’s glitter and glam. Thank goodness Gretchen Cryer (whom I’ve had the honor to speak with in person 3 times!) and Nancy Ford were paving the way and putting their struggle down on paper. And thank goodness for the visionary men, as well, such as Joseph Papp who believed in their vision and brought it to the boards of the New York Shakespeare Festival Public Theater.

I’d like to thank my visionary partners-in-crime, the folks from Liberty Deli/Steeplechase Productions, as well as Heather and Tonia, for believing in me and believing in this show. It has been the realization of a dream I have held since I first heard these songs in 1983. I also thank my “Boys,” Regis, Arthur (8) and Charles (6), for their patience and love and for teaching me about the world from their “sympathetic macho viewpoint.”

But lastly, I need to dedicate this performance to my mother, the first feminist I ever knew, though she looks at me like I’m nuts when I say that. She’s the one who grew up in the 50’s, picked up all the socks (and underwear and leotards) and drove me around with the patience of a saint to all of the auditions and rehearsals and performances and pageants of my “youth” that it took to get to this stage tonight. She and I have both come a long way, Baby!

--Sabrina Prielaida

I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking it on the Road

Liberty Deli, 2722 Alki Avenue SW in West Seattle

Reservations: (206) 935-8420

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