In my dressing room at the Princess of Wales
What can I say really, other than it is, was and probably will be the best job I’ll ever have. I can’t get all weepy and sad just yet, I still have a few months of celebrating to do first.
When we all came back after our haitus week, there was a sign posted on our call board saying David Mirvish will be hosting a meeting in the auditorium Wednesday before the show. So we all started speculating what the news was: “Are we closing?” “Are we extending?” “Are we going on tour?” “Is the Queen coming to see the show?” (Stupidly, I thought that would have been a cool piece of news…) Many bets were placed, some rising to 50 cents, and we all got through the Tuesday show biting our nails and growing ulcers.
Wednesday at 6:30 rolls around and sure enough, David announces we will be closing in January. I’m sure most of us knew it was coming, however having a set date really pumps up the reality of the situation. I’m not sure if it has sunk completely in for me yet though.
And here’s why . . . (I’m so excited about this!)
I have just recently been told that I am a wonderful candidate for, oh yes, laser eye surgery! Ah-woo-hoo! I don’t know if I can even describe how happy that makes me. I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 4 years old and contacts since about grade seven. I was told by my previous eye doctor in Woodstock that if I want to get it done, I should really wait until I’m 25 to make sure my eyes have stopped growing and my prescription hasn’t changed for a few years. So I did that. I just turned 26 this past July and I knew that with this job I could actually afford it.
So on I go to my eye doctor here in the city and I said, Okay I’ve waited this long. I hadn’t done any research yet because I don’t want to be told that I’m not a candidate. He says he thinks I have a good chance at not being a candidate but he’s not the professional so he sent me to an actual Institute for a consultation.
I felt like 600 pounds was lifted of my shoulders when the doctor there told me I was eligible. I almost cried but I didn’t want to embarrass myself (though I’m sure she’s seen it all). I did however get teary, giddy, and jumpy once I left the building, but then I was heading into the subway and didn’t want to look like a complete dork (though it IS Toronto…many people cry on the subway, I think I even have myself while reading…probably Harry Potter).
So here we are and back to the point of why you ask am I not so crazy upset about The Sound of Music closing? Well you see, I couldn’t get laser eye done while I’m doing the show, mostly because I can’t wear eye makeup for about a week after, and I just don’t want to be dealing with new eyes while on a giant stage in front of thousands.
Also, to be honest, I think it’s just time. I’ve been riding this Maria wagon for a good while now and I think it’s time to jump off and see what’s next. I love the woman, but I’d like to see who else is in me that wants to come out and play.
I realize that sounded a little creepy but you know what I mean.
Until next time…
Janna
PS: Who watched Degrassi? Did you blink? Cause if you did, you’d have missed me! 
Comments 13
hey janna,
Posted 17 Sep 2009 at 5:50 pm ¶thanks for posting!
im glad ur a canadate for laser eyes surgery!
i am so suprised that som is closing! I never tought that it would close so soon! although i do want to see wat you have in store for toronto for ur next role! now that i know that som is closing i have got to see u and elicia again!! its a MUST!
anyways ya i saw u in degrassi! i was like screaming my head of when i saw u! u were awsome in it!
Well Janna it’s been a great ride. We, your family have been thrilled to see you fulfill your dream this last year and a half. But then again you and yours sister fulfilled our dream years ago. You have many years and shows ahead of you an we can hardly wait to see what comes next. You will be seeing the world through new eyes now so enjoy it. Lots of love mom and dad.
Posted 17 Sep 2009 at 8:57 pm ¶Hi Janna,
Oh there’s so much that could be said at a time like this. I checked my home email at work this aft and had that sinking feeling when I read the subject line. I’m heading down for tomorrow evening’s show. Totally coincidental. I expect that will be my “fifth and final”. Well, has a nice ring to it.
On a strictly pragmatic note, the laser surgery is now such a well established procedure there’s nothing to lose and everything to be gained. I had mine done just before my trip of a lifetime - nothing matched swimming on the Great Barrier Reef and being able to see EVERYTHING.
Be sure to practice some relaxation breathing - it needs to be about the stillest 15 minutes of your life you’ll ever know - per eye mind you. And don’t even think about sneezing
Better stop now and let someone else take over. I think I’m still in denial and a bit numb… Don
Posted 17 Sep 2009 at 9:39 pm ¶Sad about SOM yes, but, CONGRATZ, Janna! => Surely there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven!
Posted 18 Sep 2009 at 12:58 am ¶Hi Janna,
We secretly hoped to see som for a third time when visiting Toronto next year, but that will probably not happen now.
But the eye surgery is great. Loek has had that a few years ago and he still is very happy with it.
Enjoy these last few som months!
Posted 18 Sep 2009 at 2:51 am ¶With over 100 performances in the lead role of the premier musical in Canada,I should think you have an excellent basis for an amazing career.Sure the end of this play is in sight,but think of the great “wrap party” and the new dress you’ll need for it.I look forward to reading you’re continued exploits,seeing you in exciting new roles,and supporting you in whatever comes next.
Posted 18 Sep 2009 at 7:51 pm ¶Congrats Janna!!! I know how much you HATE wearing glasses so I am very happy for you. However, I’m sad that the SOM is closing
Posted 19 Sep 2009 at 11:42 pm ¶Of course I’m about to come for the 6th time. I wonder if I will come once more after that or not….hmmmmm. Anyways, you have made me a very happy vocal coach. You have proved yourself over and over again and I couldn’t be happier for you and for whatever lies ahead. I KNOW you will keep me posted!!!!!
Oh, that’s awesome! I’m glad you have something amazing to look forward to after you guys wrap the show. I’m excited to see all the other roles you’ll play in your career!
Posted 21 Sep 2009 at 4:13 pm ¶xoxo
Alison
I’m so sad the sound of music is almost coming to an end because it’s the best musical ever the sets, the actors, and actresses (of course you Janna that’s a given!!!), the songs, the theatre, the everything is the best i just want to see you as maria again but you’re going to be in the sound of music last day right hopefully you are because i really would like to meet you at the sound of music season finale cry cry cry it’s so sad please give me a tissue!!! lol timothy
Posted 21 Sep 2009 at 9:35 pm ¶Hi,
I had laser eye surgery in June at the Bochner. Not sure if that is where you went for your consultation or not. Feel free to ask me any questions about the experience if you want.
Dana
Posted 08 Oct 2009 at 6:50 pm ¶less then 9 weeks left it’s so sad i hope you’re there at the last performance of the sound of music i already got my tickets front row dead centre i can’t wait love ya Janna and obviously will go further in your theatre career!!!
Timothyxxx
Posted 06 Nov 2009 at 10:30 pm ¶And here I thought I would have to hope for a touring company…instead, a friend’s impromptu wedding in Minnesota is taking me to that part of the world in just under two weeks, so I’m stopping in Toronto on the way and snagged a ticket for the evening performance on Wednesday, Nov 18th! Tremendous anticipation for what I know will be a fantastic show. Stay well and away from that swine flu, Janna! (And, later on, best wishes for your laser eye surgery.)
Posted 07 Nov 2009 at 4:57 am ¶A big THANK YOU to you, Janna, and the whole company for a terrific performance last Wednesday! It was a delight from beginning to end. Your performance was everything I’d felt it could be since the outset of “Maria School,” and I particularly also enjoyed the Captain, Mother Abbess, Brigitta, Kurt and Gretl. SO glad I had a chance to take in this very special experience.
I look forward to following your career as it takes you to still more amazing places and characters. Brava!!
Posted 24 Nov 2009 at 5:36 am ¶Post a Comment