Irene.

The hurricane was horrible. I don't care that they called it a "tropical storm" in D.C. It was horrible. My theatre company cancelled the performance 25 minutes after I'd left for the theatre. I must have been out of my mind to go out in that wind/rain storm! I did. I left at 10 minutes to 5pm. I got the call in the metro... about 5:15, underground, just before I made my connection. I turned around and went back. I met several of my actors traveling back to our apartments. We were all a little leery about going back out in ALL THAT WEATHER! 


I'd heard from my assistants that they'd emailed everyone, but I knew many actors (per my instruction) had left very early to get to the theatre and wouldn't see an email. I'd already received several voice mails and texts asking me if the show was on. Many had seen the show was cancelled on twitter or facebook wanting confirmation before I could get to them. Really, they saw twitter and facebook before I knew. 
I realized I needed to tell each of them, from me, the show was indeed cancelled. I stood in the Eastern Market Metro Station and did just that. I texted them all. Some told me later it was the only message they received. Glad I spent the time and didn't depend on anyone else.


As I made my way back the storm increased. It was about 6pm at this point. The worst of the storm was supposed to hit at 8pm and last until 4am. It was DAMN scary at 6pm. Debris was flying all around. My umbrella was doing that weird back and forth thing, wind one way, then the other. I was soaked, thru my raincoat. I had slipped earlier and didn't realize I'd torn a seam on my shoe and wrenched my knee. My feet were cold and wet. I'd packed my backpack just as a stage manager would.. with matches in a plastic baggy, with an am/fm radio, again in a baggy, clean dry socks, clean underwear, a new shirt, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, all my medications, deodorant... You get the idea. I was ready! But I was on my way back to my apartment, thank goodness! (All was soaked thru except the items in baggies. My backpack provided zero protection.)

I got to the apartment and the key was very stiff. Hard to get the door open. Finally, success and I was in. Had more than a few cocktails, yelled to a couple of people, drank with my neighbor (one of my actors) and went to bed.

The key to the front door did not work at all the next day. A locksmith came later and replaced the locks. They had just worn out! What timing! What if I couldn't get in that one hurricane night?

My fear was real. The danger was real. All who "poo pooed" this should be ashamed. This was a scary and dangerous event. People DIED! Some of my friends have sustained major damage. I have my own pictures. A few feet from the apartment:

Over the Playground fence.

Half a Tree!

More.

And More.