Amy Lu's View

In just about every show I’ve been in, the character I’ve played has had some striking lines that are interesting, quirky, funny, moving or wise (or some combination).

I’ve often wanted to share these lines in advance of performances, but I’ve worried about giving away too much of the plot or that the lines will be confusing out of context.

But I’m willing to take these chances with the upcoming show I’m in, “The Shadow Box” (playing September 27-30 at Dreamland Arts in St. Paul). My character, Felicity, doesn’t have a lot of lines (which sadly, does not mean I have all of  mine down cold yet) but many of them are doozies.

And yes, this is a publicity ploy…I’m hoping your interest will be piqued by seeing these lines untethered from the whole play, and you’ll be motivated to come see who in the world Felicity is and why she is saying such outrageous things.

My favorite Felicity lines (with some commentary):

• Sons of bitches! Felicity says this so much it could be turned into a drinking game (no drinking at the theater, though). If I forget a line, I can yell “Sons of bitches” and have a good shot of being right.
• That’s the spirit! But some balls into it! This is just inspirational. I’ll try to chant this to myself during the marathon.
• They’ll pass you by…They’ll leave you at the station with your suitcase in your hand a big gardenia tacked to your collar. More solid life advice. Plus, my mom used to warn me about “They” all the time so this resonates with me.
• You can’t run a place like this on dreams. Many years ago my friend Mark’s grandfather told me that “you can’t live on love” when he didn’t like my answer to his question about Chad’s prospects, so this reminds me fondly of that.
• She takes after her father…not too pretty and not too bright.
• Come on, spit it out, don’t be shy. You’re not stupid on top of everything else, are you? I think we’ve all wanted to say this at least once in the last week.
• Piss poor. I like this one because who says this anymore? It’s almost charming.
• The time for hymns is when I’m in the coffin.
• Patient? Patient, hell I’m the corpse. 
• It makes me nervous and I don’t even have tits anymore. I think everyone can agree that’s an interesting line

And though she may be but little, she is fierce. Okay, Felicity doesn’t say this, nor does anyone else in “The Shadow Box.” This is actually from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It’s also taken on a new life as a popular and highly commercialized inspirational quote.

It’s one of my favorite motivational sayings for running and has gotten me through both my marathons. I’m wearing it right now as a temporary tattoo with it to get psyched for my upcoming Marathon #3. And it’s taken on new meaning, as it totally describes Felicity.

There’s no doubt about it, Felicity IS FIERCE. In some ways this is admirable, but Felicity is also exasperating, annoying, and well, just plain mean. And funny. And scared. She’s not likable, but she is real and relatable. Someone most of us can imagine turning into, or having our loved ones turn into, in the right (wrong?) circumstances.

Plus when I’m playing her I get to sing a bawdy song! So what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets now, sons of bitches (http://dreamlandarts.com/shadow-box-buy-tickets/).