The Director Sector

Since I haven’t updated lately, and I’m being nagged to do so, I figure I’ll chime in on Scott Walter’s opinion regarding generalists vs specialists in theatre.  But first, a story.

I was wandering around Naperville, taking in the sights of this small town outside Chicago, visiting the park and shops and restaurants.  I passed what appeared to be a homeless man with a sign.  I forget the exact wording, but the sign contained a phrase from 1 Corinthians.  The (possibly) homeless man didn’t say anything — he was too busy tapping away at his laptop.  I guess one can be homeless and still have a laptop.

I stopped at an intersection, and another guy walks up next to me.  He’s wearing a shirt that says “I know Jimmy Too!”, which was clearly an advertisement for the restaurant behind me called Jimmy’s Grill.  I said, “You work there?”  You can call me Captain Obvious.

He said “Yep, sure do.”

“Any good?” I asked.

“Oh, man, it’s great!  Great food, great service.  The people there are exceptional.”  He started running across the street, obviously in a hurry to get somewhere.

“You have to say that.  You work there!” I called after him.  He turned and looked at me while running backwards.

“If I didn’t think it was great, I’d work somewhere else!”

I laughed and went into the bookstore on the corner, where I proceeded to spend insane amounts of cash on former trees covered in ink.  On my way out, I called my buddy and asked him where a good place to eat was and he recommended some sort of Mongolian buffet place.  I decided I’d rather have a burger.

I walked into Jimmy’s Grill.  A short redhead asks me if I want to eat inside or outside.  I shrug.  It’s gorgeous outside, but it’s also kinda hot.  She motions for me to follow, and the guy from the street pops up in my face.

“It was the outfit, wasn’t it?” he asked, pointing at his ridiculous hat and big floppy shoes.  Seriously, they were like clown shoes.

I said, “Yeah, that’s it.”  He gives me a high five and a fist bump and wanders off.  The redhead leads me to further inside and seats me at a table.  The guy comes back over and sits down at my table.

“Dude, you got books!  What are you reading?  Mind if I see?” I pulled out a book.  “Man, I’m not into these kinds of books, but my buddy is totally into this.  I think he’s read this one.  Does it have ninjas in it?” I laughed and shook my head.  “Oh, dang.  I wanna read something good.  Got any suggestions?”  I suggested my favorite book series.  He took out his pad of paper and wrote down the name of the author and the first book.

“Does it have ninjas in it?”

I laughed and shook my head again.

“Well, dude, I’m sorry I can’t be your waiter, but I’ll introduce you to the girl who will wait on you.  Here she is.”  He led a girl over to my table and introduced me.  I have no idea what her name is, in retrospect, but she was nice enough.  Forgettable, but nice.

Throughout the meal, the guy kept coming over and talking about random stuff — the synchronized swimmers on the TV, the burger I got, where I’m from — all the while, carrying drinks to other people and food to yet more.  He was funny, goofy, polite and entertaining.

In short, he was probably the best waiter I’ve ever seen.

On the way out, I gave him a tip for making my stay at Jimmy’s Grill memorable.

“Don’t spit into the wind,” I advised him.  I also gave him some cold, hard cash.

I walked back to my car, carrying my leftovers, and I passed the homeless laptop Bible guy again.  Only this time, there was a rather large fellow leaning over and yelling at the poor guy.  Insults flew from this guy’s mouth, barraging the poor fellow with torrents of anger and condescension.  What exactly the problem was, I never found out.  I hope he didn’t get his feelings hurt too badly, though.

Anyway… uh.. where was I… hmm.  Oh, right.  Generalists vs Specialists.

I agree with you, Scott.  Good stuff, as always.