The Changing of the Guard

Today is a milestone day in the circles of Center Theatre Group: The Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre, where I work. Gordon Davidson, Founding Artistic Director for around 37 years, is holding his last opening night for the last show of his last season here.

It still bewilders me that this man, with all the normal flaws of a human being, gave so much of his life and created this amazing organization and has guided it to where it is today.

It is the passing of an era. I have great respect for him and the responsibility he's accepted all these years.

For the six years I've worked here, I've seen him carrying heavy bags in each hand as he walked almost every day leaving him a little stooped, but it never overshadowed the spark in his eye that made him seem to stand straighter and move more air around him than a man of his size normally would.

To me, he is proof that one person can have an enormous effect on the world around them. And you don't have to be perfect.

And as with any organization there are always good and bad things that come with the changing of the guard. Pain and joy. Bitter and Sweet. Love and Hate. I'll leave it at that.