The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey From Hollywood to Holy Vows (81 page)

The dark night of the soul began its ebb when I met Dr. Norman Latov and started his intravenous treatments
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At the first Neuropathy Association benefit in New York with Brad Dillman, Maria Cooper Janis, Byron Janis and Bobby Short

In my new capacity as spokesperson for the Neuropathy Association I made what would be my first public appearance in forty years to testify before the House of Representatives’ Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee in Washington, DC. Sister Angèle, Tina Tockarshewsky and Dick made up my rooting section
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At the “Hollywood Homecoming” benefit I got a major surprise. Loyola Marymount University President Father Robert Lawton and Vice Chancellor Father Albert Koppes presented me with an honorary doctorate in fine arts
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As this was my first trip back to California since I left to enter Regina Laudis in 1963, the reunions were emotional. Here sharing time with Dolores Hope, my Malden family, and Don Robinson
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Fiddler on the Roof
with Tom Camm (who was a marvelous Tevya), Sarah Robards and Molly Shields

Our theater’s stability is what has allowed it to grow and change from a few wet actors in a tent to a repertory with a high level of professionalism. Since 2007, it has been under the supervision of Tom and Sally Camm, whose association with the abbey theater began over twenty years ago. The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center has emerged with a mission to present and foster excellence in the performing arts through theatrical productions and workshops as an expression of Benedictine development of culture through the ages
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Rob Iulo and Adrienne Camm sing the “Tonight” duet in our production of
West Side Story.

I usually can be coaxed up on stage on opening nights (or afternoons as the case may be.) It’s the fire horse in me. Here Sally Camm and I hold our flowers while Tom Camm addresses the audience and cast of
West Side Story.

We were fortunate to have Celeste Holm visit us for opening night of
Oklahoma!
Celeste, a long-time friend of the abbey, played Ado Annie in the original Broadway production. The lady stayed long after the curtain call to talk with the cast
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Patricia Neal was an important part of our lives at Regina Laudis. She was the earth mother—strong, caring, honest, thoughtful, demanding—a friend for life. Here she is sharing her love with Mothers Lioba, Cecilia, Daniel and Jadwiga on their Consecration day
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