I worked at the Old Globe Theatre (as it was then known, now it's The Globe Theatre) from 1984 to 1989. There I saw many things and learned a lot about how theatre works and how theatres work. And one day, I was the only one who could pick up Craig Noel and take him to his recently repaired car.
At the Globe, the powers that be were desperately getting Craig ready for retirement. Little did they know that he would never really retire and, probably on Monday, they will finally have the office space they've wanted since the 80s. I will never forget my 10-minute car ride with the most important single person in American Theatre.
It almost didn't happen. I was running late and sped into Balboa Park followed by an off-duty police officer who said that if he had his ticket book, I surely would have gotten a ticket with multiple infractions. How could I tell him that I was risking being late to pick up Craig Noel?
The conversation was pleasant enough. I didn't really want to bother him with the one million questions I had about his life, career and opinions on acting and actors. So I thought I'd get around to it by talking about the old days.
Craig had worked for MGM and, before that in Japan. We talked of those days but Craig talked mostly about his family. His mother and brother mostly. His mother was constantly having to deal with these unruly boys getting into all kinds of mischief in what must have been a bucolic 1920's New Mexico.
I never did get to ask the million questions I had but I'll never forget that car ride. The last time I saw Craig, four years ago, he called me by name and asked how I was getting along since leaving the Globe (in 1989!). A terrific man, a talented artist (whom I was honored to see at work) and a kind, gentle soul. I will miss him. But more so, I will miss his friend and assistant Raul Moncada who died on the dame day.
Raul was the founding manager of one of Craig's greatest theatrical efforts: Teatro Meta. Raul translated dozens of plays by Latin American playwrights; English plays into Spanish and ran the first program to put them all together for regional theatre audiences (at a major regional theatre). Raul also worked on outreach, in the education department and as a stage manager on nearly a hundred plays. He was kind and attentive and looked out for Craig like a mother hen looks over her chicks.
How oddly fitting that Raul was there when Craig died. Not in the same place: Craig died, I am sure, with many members of his Globe family close by and Raul died alone a few miles away. But I have no doubt that as Craig left this place and entered the other, there was Raul with a clipboard, a cup of coffee and a deferential smile. And I'm also sure that Raul helped Craig along the way.
These men who were gentle giants in American (and South American) theatre. These men who gave so much and asked for so little. These men whe were the epitome of gentlemen. These men whom I loved and never told them. These men will be missed.
All we can now do, if we are to call ourselves theatre artists (or human for that matter) is to live as a testament to their shining example. To Craig Noel, hero; and to Raul Moncada, quieter, less well-known but no different artistically and humanly; to these men I dedicate the rest of my career. You were loved, you continue to be loved and you will be missed. And you have made the world better.
I will prove this to you and the world with everything I do creatively. I will endeavor to entertain you and make you proud. With love.
