Like Mother Like Son

A few nights ago I was able to talk with Regina's son, Franco, who just turned 13. Franco is interested in music and theatre, so it really was a good little chat. Later, when I asked him if he wanted to pursue a career in theatre, he said, "Yeah, but only if I make a lot of money." I had flashbacks to my conversation with his mother and realized he was the exact same.

I remember my days in theatre back in high school and all. I loved community theatre. I would do it again in an instant. There are great sacrifices of time and energy, but such rewards as well! Rehearsals every night till about midnight, scrounging around for props or costume pieces, never enough time to do any homework....ah yes, I loved the theatre! Of course, we all did this and no one was paid, not the leads, not the chorus members, maybe not even the director. We did it because we enjoyed the art of acting, because we believed truth could be beautifully (and tragically) portrayed on stage.

I mentioned to Franco that it really wasn't all about money, and he kinda laughed. "No, really it is. I can't live without having a lot of money." The boy is 13 years old. "If I don't make it big, it's not worth it."

Franco calls himself an actor. He's not an actor by any real definition. Franco desires fame and fortune, he doesn't care about art and theatre and truth and beauty and all that true actors believe in. I was saddened.

I guess it just runs in the family.