You know the rest. The final phrase uttered by a gifted writer, performer, and self-deprecating narcissist: Carrie Fisher. I was a volunteer usher for the Roundabout Theatre Production of Wishful Drinking, which means that I got to see the show for free!
I found the evening educational, as well as entertaining. I grew up knowing Carrie Fisher only as Princess Leia. I had no idea she was the daughter of Debbie Reynolds, much less all the tabloid scandal. I'm revealing my ignorance, but personally I think it enhanced the evening. Especially when she pulled down a giant blackboard with all the Hollywood marriages that are linked together in her world.
A very comfortable set looking much like a living room, Carrie Fisher chatted with the audience about the craziness of her life. But she did it in a way that refused pity and made you feel like maybe this is part of her therapy and she has somehow lived through all this. A tiny moment near the very end of the piece I feel she briefly dropped her guard when she said, "if I am very still and very quiet, I think I can hear the angels sing."
Laughter is the best medicine, especially when it comes to your own pain. Carrie Fisher has managed to take a life of extraordinary circumstances and experiences, cram it into a 2 hour show and allow everyone to leave feeling like they know the real Princess Leia. And I think everyone, including myself, really loved the final shout-out to...well... herself.
"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope."
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