Much Ado About Nothing
Notes from John Spielmann
September 2003

This Picture of Dana Delany and I was taken by Liza at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, San Diego on September 12, 2003

We had ordered our tickets in July, hoping we could just get some. When I had to settle for the "cheap" seats, I thought I would be in the back of the theater. It turned out we had seats in the second row stage right; we were so close to the actors!

When we arrived early at Balboa Park, we found a good parking spot near the theater. Walking over to the entrance, there were tables and chairs outside. So we made ourselves comfortable. As we waited, I saw Dana arrive on her bicycle. I told my wife it was her. She asked if I was sure, and I said it is her. After Dana parked her bike, she walked right past our table. Dana was wearing her glasses, and looked like she was preoccupied. I told my wife we would wait to meet her after the performance.

The stage is outdoors under the stars (there is no roof, so thankfully it didn't rain in San Diego that evening). The set is a two story Italian villa with courtyard, complete with real water fountains, and an iron gate which was used by the actors to enter and exit. They used a model biplane on a wire for Billy Campbell's entrance and exit (with Dana at his side in a leather flying jacket). Billy's entrance is unique as he "parachutes" into the audience, tumbling down the aisle.

After the play ended, we headed toward the area that Dana had parked her bike. First out was Billy Campbell, her co-star. My wife and I spoke to him, and she had her picture taken with him. I told Billy he was a very fortunate man to have worked with Jennifer Connelly (The Rocketeer), Sela Ward (Once and Again), and now Dana. Those three actresses are my favorites for talent, brains, and beauty.

Then Dana came out, and I just smiled and pointed to her. I called out her name and she came over to me with a big smile. We shook hands and I told her my name. She remembered me from the messages I left on Francis' site.

I asked her to autograph my program. She was so gracious. Finally I had my wife take a picture of Dana and I. What an evening!