by Donna Swagerty Shreve
In November of 2005 Brad, my youngest, had just come out to our family as gay. Brad was now living in Denver and attending the National Conservatory Theatre. He had been there one year and had started on his second of three years. I promised him I would visit once a year while he was there.
Now it is Spring 2006 and I took a long weekend from teaching and flew to Denver to watch Brad in a play and cabaret after the show. I flew in Friday night after an especially exhausting week at work. I taught seventh and eighth graders. I arrived at the airport and took the shuttle into town where Brad met me. He had arranged for me to stay in guest housing provided by the NCT for special guests. I quickly settled in and then took Brad and his roommate out to dinner. Brad had to hurry off for cast call and Brad’s roommate escorted me to the theatre.
I can’t even remember the play I saw that night but after the show, Brad and his classmates were putting on a cabaret with help from an improvisation group from Chicago that was performing at the Denver Center that was next door to NCT. Again Brad was busy setting up the cabaret and I was on my own. Brad and his classmates were fund raising by selling refreshments. I purchased a glass of wine to give my fair share. I believe I even paid double. The girl pouring used giant red plastic drinking cup designed for sodas and filled my cup to the top. I found a comfortable cushioned seat and proceeded to sip on my wine.
I remember being exhausted and wanting to go to bed but the evening was just getting started. I will also throw in the fact that Denver is a mile high which can affect one’s body. Add to all of that, with way too much wine and you have trouble. Brad rushed around setting up props and announcing the next act. There were several acts that showed off the various talents of the students and it proceeded to be an enjoyable evening that kept me awake.
The last act to perform was the improvisation act from Chicago. They were generously donating their time to help out the future starving actors in Brad’s class. Amber became the last act. She was well known to the students as they had had improvisation routines before and she was considered talented and most entertaining. She can be described a young attractive African American who was very comfortable on stage. She started out by asking if anyone in the audience did not know her. “Ah, this poor girl needed help.” I thought to myself. I had finished my wine, which was obviously a stupid move. To add insult to my already wasted condition, I raised my hand.
Bingo! Amber now had her next victim. I thought I was doing just fine but my staggering up to the stage gave me away to Brad in the back of the room. He had only seen me with too much to drink once before and he had a look of horror on his face. I was convinced I could handle anything and thought he was not giving me enough credit.
Amber was quite good at improvisation and I was ripe for the picking. I sat on stage and Amber started her interview/interrogation.
Who are you?
Brad’s mother
What is your name?
Donna
O.K. Momma Donna, What do you do?
I teach middle school.
What subjects?
History, English, and Sex Ed.
What are some of your hobbies?
Knitting, genealogy, and gardening
Tell us a deep dark secret
Well, Amber. As I do more research into genealogy I think you and I could be cousins. (I thought at this point I was being clever.)
I snuck a peak at Brad at the back of the room and again he was cringing. Amber now had all of the information she needed. She began her Momma Donna Rap.
Due to my condition, I don’t remember all of it but a few high lights rose above the haze.
“Donna is rather straight but Brad is a bit queer.” There was now a big gasp from the audience. Many of the students were not aware if I knew Brad was gay. He was new to the revelation and I had only known for a few months. I laughed it off which let the audience laugh and not be uncomfortable. There were many more punches but the grand finale was something about as a teacher I was quite quick and in private I liked to suck big black d—.
All eyes were now either on Brad or me. I had taught seventh and eighth graders long enough not to show shock. I laughed it off and immediately received a standing ovation for being a good sport. Amber hugged me in appreciation and the act was mercifully over.
As Brad still had a lot of clean-up to do, he had his friend Michael walk me back to the nearby hotel. Michael was part of the improvisation group and was a big obese black guy. He took my arm and steered me back as it seemed to some that I needed help. I stumbled back to my room and fortunately quickly got sick and rid myself of most of the poison. I was therefore able to function and enjoy the next day.
I returned to Denver the next year with my husband to watch Brad’s final performance and his graduation from the National Theatre Conservatory. We were in a crowded elevator going to a performance when a student from the opposite corner yelled out, “Momma Donna, I remember you!” That name has stuck over the years and Brad, on occasion, will even introduce me as such today.
Swagerty-Aldrich Family Web Site 