Last year, right about this time, I wrote sort of a “State of the Bob” message. How I was doing in life, work, relationships, etc. I think, with 65 on the horizon, it might be fun to comment on that previous post. So I’m going to re-post it, with comments. (in bold)

So here goes….

We are not going to talk about the Beatles.

I don’t like their music. (We’re still not, and I still don’t)

Yeah, I know. They are one of the seminal bands of the Rock & Roll era. Their music has influenced countless other performers. They are one of the greatest, most significant bands in history, hands down…(blah, blah, blah…)

…just don’t make me listen to their music…

OK, I’ve gotten that out of the way.

I turned 64 last week. I don’t know how I feel about that. It’s not really a big deal to me. 64 isn’t a landmark number, at least not to me. Now next year, 65, that seems significant. But I’ve got 51 weeks before I have to worry about that. (65 is significant, in a “Medicare is cheaper than buying your own healthcare” way)

How’s life at 64?

Really, health-wise, 64 feels pretty good. I had to really get my diet together earlier this year for a certain show where I had to strip down to almost nothing. I’m not being as strict now, but after 3 months of a fairly rigid diet, some better habits have kinda hung on. Workouts were bumped up as well, and though I’m back to my basic routine these days, I’ve added some of the elements of the “Full Monty” exercise program. And right now I’m not suffering from too many small aches & pains. When you are active and in your 60’s, something always hurts. Knee, hip, shoulder, whatevs… But right now there aren’t any major issues.

This too will pass, but I’m enjoying the here and now. ( I still find this observation accurate. I’m still lucky enough to be active. My running race times are slower, and there’s always something sore or aching, but that’s to be expected)

Work-wise, I’m busy. I’m in the middle of a show which runs until 9/21, I have a contract for a show which runs 11/7-12/25, and there might be one sandwiched between the two. And as always, there are a few I’ve submitted for which would run into 2025 & beyond. ( This year I’ve got a fairly significant new gig. A National tour, relocation to NYC for rehearsals then a tour that will last at least a year, probably longer. )

I’m lucky. And persistent. My perspective of my work life is that I run a small business, which is Bob T. as a contract performer. So I have to handle all aspects. Sales / marketing, production, Q.A. accounts payable & receivable, etc. In fact I recently had a slow pay client that I had to really flex my “collections department” on. As always for me in this business, I’m not flashy, I’m not spectacular. I show up on time, I do my homework and I put in my shift to the best of my ability. And there aren’t a lot of folks my age who want to travel, stay in “artists housing” and deal with life on the road in what is essentially the theatrical equivalent of minor league baseball. I’m not putting it down. There are hella talented people who I get to work with. I am sure some will be on Broadway, or movies / TV, etc. And that’s the charm for me. I have to work to be the same level of performer. ( This next thing is more of the same. Working with really good people. Doing what I do, as well as I can. If I ever thought of moving back to Cincinnati as relaxing or slowing down, that’s not the way it’s working out, luckily for me 😉

There’s a saying about steel sharpening steel. (I haven’t met the cast yet, but I get the feeling they are gonna be some “steely” M-Fs..)

I’m a believer. Which is a song by the Monkeys. Who I actually like better than the Beatles…(Yup)

…but I digress…

So what’s next?

Honestly, more of the same. I love the company I have been working for lately, but welcome new challenges. ( New challenge loading…..)There is a thrill in walking into a new theater and working with people who don’t know who you’re “supposed to be”. All they know is what they see. And hear. It’s challenging to do shows I’m not familiar with.

The life is intimidating sometimes. Scary from time to time. Frustrating on occasion. But even when I’m in a hotel room, after rehearsal is over, trying to beat in lines, or music, or ( most often) choreography. When I’m wondering why I’m putting myself through this when I could make the same money working at home part time and sleeping in my own bed. Even while being a whiny little….well, you know, I realize that I do love the challenge of it, and love what the challenge does for me. I have to stay sharp, physically and mentally. Am I as sharp as I was at 30, or 40? Nope. But I think I’m as sharp as I can be at 64. And that’s what makes me happy. (Ditto)

Is it for everyone? Nope. Do I think it makes me somehow better than someone who is relaxing and enjoying a nice, mellow retirement?

Definitely Not.

But it’s what makes me happy. (Don’t ask me if I’m happy in 3 weeks, about half way through the rehearsal process, but yeah, in general, true. )

My friends remain my friends. I don’t see them as often as I’d like, and don’t reach out to them as often as I should. But if you’re a friend of mine, that’s part of the deal. I have often said that my friends are better to me than I deserve. That still holds true.( I’ve gotten more congratulations and well-wishes than I can count since the news about the tour came out. My friends are still better to me than I deserve)

So. as Pagliacci says ” On with the motley”. Though I’ve never been a clown and I’m not sad.

I’ve been a Ringmaster, and I’m happy with a life that is good. (In this new show, I play an old man, who used to work for Ringling Bros. If you know the joke, you know the joke..)

OK, that’s how things are going, 12 days from my 65th…

Talk Later,

Bob