Taking Stock

About the author:
Adriane Lenox can't complain. With a talented songwriter husband Zane Mark, and a daughter Crystal in the works of becoming a star, Lenox always finds the time to take a step back and appreciate her life, her family and her talent. Lenox, a veteran Broadway performer, has been around long enough to understand the ups and downs of show business. Currently appearing in Broadway's Doubt, Lenox feels fortunate to have been cast in Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin', Identical Twins from Baltimore, Kiss Me, Kate, Caroline, or Change, and her Obie Award-winning turn in off-Broadway's Dina Was. Here, Lenox explains why people are fated to do certain things in life, and how she deals with her own fate: being one of Broadway's favorite performers.

When one gets to be of a "certain age," it seems natural to look back and examine how the deck in the cards of life has been stacked for or against you. You might wonder how your own actions or inactions have contributed to how you have arrived at your present state. Those who have heard me run on from time to time have heard me say that, in this show-business arena, it's a good thing and a scary thing to look in the mirror and take stock of how we measure up. Because the industry is so often image driven and compartmentalized, we should know what we're really good at and recognize what we're lacking, so we can save time, money and disappointment.

When I think about the poor kids who go and stand on line for days in hopes of being the next American Idol and walk away flabbergasted that they didn't make it to Hollywood, it boggles my mind. Somehow they were not, nor were their friends and family, honest enough to say, "Rethink your dream!" My daughter, Crystal, has a gift for singing and songwriting. People always tell my husband Zane Mark dance music arranger for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and All Shook Up and me that the apple has not fallen far from the tree. Like many showbiz parents, we are wary of her entering this unpredictable profession, but we can't deny that she has talent. We make it our business to make sure she goes in with eyes wide open.

I have been working a long time--having made my Broadway debut in Ain't Misbehavin'. I came directly from my hometown, Memphis, and booked the role created by Charlayne Woodard. I knew I wasn't necessarily the best singer and absolutely not the best dancer to audition, but I looked like Charlayne. I have tried to be as realistic and practical as I can when it comes to understanding the workings of why one gets or does not get a role.

We have all watched how people we've worked with over the years have gone on to great fame and wealth or simply remained working actors in an extremely competitive profession. Others have just moved on to success in different careers. I have a friend who so wanted to be an actress/singer but was never really able to make a living at just that. She tried the New York stage scene and then went to L.A. Nothing of significance jumped off for her. She's highly intelligent and so to make ends meet, she began tutoring junior and senior high school kids. She is now operating for over 10 years a successful after-school tutoring program helping hundreds and hundreds of kids and employing a great staff of teachers. She will tell you that she took a good, honest look at herself and put her energy in an area that has proven to not only give her financial security, but also spiritual rewards.

The question is when is it the right time to shine a light and seek the truth that will lead to peace of mind and fulfillment. It's probably safe to say that one does not have to wait to be of a "certain age." Taking stock from time to time can bring a revelation that can lead to a path of truth that may not otherwise have been sought.

I have performed in six other Broadway shows since Ain'tMisbehavin' and am now appearing in Doubt. I was not the original choice for the role of Mrs. Muller even though John Patrick Shanley subsequently told me I "electrified" him at my audition and that he is very happy circumstances worked out as they did. I believe that what God has for you is for you. I said something like this to our lovely director, Doug Hughes, and he indicated that he believed it was indeed fated to be so.

Upon examination of the highs and lows I have experienced in my career, I feel I have been on the right path. I can't complain.