Blogs by Flo Fitzpatrick
No regrets
2/13/2026 8:26:36 AM
Several decades ago, I was hired as the director for the “Red Stocking Follies”, a variety show produced in the small town of Groesbeck Texas (pop.around 4,000 at the time). The term director was one heckuva misnomer. I directed, but was also the theme creator, the writer, the choreographer, costume designer, and makeup artist.
I came up with the idea of doing a TV Trivial Pursuit game (Category…Musicals) using “contestants” made up of the good citizens of Groesbeck ones who absolutely could not sing, dance but wanted to take part, who would provide answers, which were the seque into the musical numbers. For example, “What Broadway show features 1920s speakeasies and murderers?” Answer: “Chicago”. Curtain opens to a group of very talented ladies doing “All That Jazz”.
I decided to include two numbers from the two-person show, “I Do! I Do!” The first is called “Well-Known Fact” and it’s a sophisticated, charming, chauvenistic, strutting male peacock of a number. Robert Preston was the original performer when the show came out in 1966. I’d cast Hugh Jackman in the role today.
“Well-Known Fact” is followed by one of the most fun numbers ever written for a Broadway belting female. It’s called “Flamin’ Agnes” and it’s the “don’t get mad/get even” response to a husband’s egotistical put-down of middle-aged women. As fun as it is, it’s not an easy song to sing. It’s pretty rangy and it takes some chutzpah to pull it off. Originated by Mary Martin…if I were casting today I’d try and grab Idina Menzel (sans green Wicked makeup ! ) who has (in my opinion) one of the most powerful voices in musical theater.
I think every female in Groesbeck wanted that song. I listened to at least twenty women audition. Probably any of the twenty could have done a beautiful job and I know several who’d been “starring” in the Follies for the last few years figured it was theirs for the asking.
At the end of the audition, a lady walked in. (I’ll call her Sarah.) Probably in her early forties. She looked just what she was: a tired, unhappy, ignored housewife. She was shy and unsure of herself (which is why she waited until everyone else had gone), She wore no make-up. She was overweight. Her eyes were sad. I can’t remember what she sang. But I asked her to sing it again.
On paper, she’d’ve been the last choice for a role requiring charisma, preferably an extensive musical theater resume or at least a background in music apart from singing with the church choir. But I looked into her eyes and I knew, whether she flopped miserably or did a wonderful job, Sarah needed it. Much more than any of the twenty others.
And I made the decision. I cast her to do “Flamin’ Agnes”.
Fast forward. Prancing around the stage six weeks later, with a boa around her neck and bunny slippers on her feet, Sarah stole the show. People who’d passed her by at the grocery store for years were coming up to her and (rightfully and truthfully) telling her how wonderful she was.
At the cast party she came up to me and hugged me. The sad look I’d first seen at the audition had been replaced with joy. Tears pouring down her cheeks, she whispered,“Thank you. No one in my life has ever taken a chance on me, has ever made me feel good about myself.” Yeah…she wasn’t the only one crying after that.
One day last week I was having a “look back and regret’ session. Both in terms of decisions I’d made regarding career moves but, more importantly, things I wish I’d done differently when dealing with other peopls. Those painful regrets that start with “Why didn’t I say…?” “Why didn’t I do…?” “How could I ever have…?” and always ending with, “I wish I could take it back.”
And I remembered Sarah and Groesbeck and a simple truth hit me. Every interaction with another person I will NEVER regret, is one that ended up helping someone else.
Words or deeds that might not seem important at the time that changed someone’s life for the better…perhaps only for a moment…hopefully for a lifetime.
We all need those memories. And before we speak or act we need to ask ourselves, “Is this something I’ll regret…or cherish as a moment when a life was changed for the better..even if only for a moment.”
For anyone wanting to check out the songs :)
Well-Known Fact: (Robert Preston)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH7soeNOydY
And Flamin’ Agnes: (Dorothy Collins singing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDj8vvR0a_4
And bonus: Idina Menzel - Defying Gravity (in concert)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSDCNhEASg8
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