After having failed twice to meet acclaimed science fiction writer Ray Bradbury in 2007 (first in February, then in July), I finally got an opportunity that panned out during my most recent California visit on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The Fremont Center Theatre in Pasadena was once again hosting the premier of Ray Bradbury’s latest play entitled Yestermorrows. The show was in fact a compilation of three shorter plays that Bradbury had produced in the past. My friend Bob knew that Bradbury generally always attended his shows during opening night.
Bradbury’s work, of course, is not limited to plays. He has become known as one of the great American authors with such famous novels as Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles. His screenplays include Moby Dick and Something Wicked This Way Comes (based on his novel). And he has even written teleplays for numerous TV anthologies – among them the I Sing the Body Electric episode of The Twilight Zone.
If all that isn’t enough, he even wrote a short story called The Laurel and Hardy Love Affair, about a couple who meet on The Music Box steps in Silverlake. This garnered him an invitation by my friend Bob to attend one of the Way Out West banquets, which he accepted. Since then, he and Bob have often spoken at various plays and events.
Mr. Bradbury arrived at the same time we did, and he was wheeled in his chair into the small theatre lobby where he was greeted by his small enclave of fans. Even though we were told that he would be meeting with audience members after the show, we went ahead and had our items signed. I had previously gotten a signed photo through Bob (as seen above), along with a couple of books, and I had hoped to have him sign a different photo in person, but this shot was the only one that I could find. Bradbury had suffered a stroke a few years back, so was now only able to sign with his left hand – which he dutifully did, hence the obvious difference in the quality of his signature.
Newly signed photo of Ray Bradbury
Before the show, Mr. Bradbury addressed the crowd, opening with his usual line of “I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve asked you all here today.” He was sitting just three feet away from us at this time as he introduced the play that we were about to see. He also showed off his French commandeur Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) medal that he had received in 2007.
Mr. Bradbury addresses the crowd, with his French medal and Sharpie ink stain
As for the show itself, let me just say that I am not much of a science fiction fan, so generally make a bad audience. The two short plays that preceded the intermission were A Device Out of Time and Cisterns. Neither were bad, but they just aren’t really my cup of tea. Add to the mix that I was now on a three-hour time difference, so had awoken at 2:20am California time that morning, and you will understand why Bob said that my head was bobbing up and down so much that I looked like Pinnochio.
The biggest thrill was sitting directly behind and diagonal to Mr. Bradbury in this very intimate theatre. I could hear every hum of pleasure and agreement eminating from him during the performance. Bob spoke to him briefly, but he didn’t seem to be having a completely lucid night and acted as though he didn’t know Bob. Of course I teased Bob, insinuating that he had never really knew him at all – but of course, I knew better. I only hope that Mr. Bradbury’s health is not on the decline.
Considering the lateness of the hour, the tired head-bobbing, and the long drive back to San Bernardino, we decided to make our exit at intermission before the final act, entitled The Meadows. But the real story of the night was that I finally got to meet and get a picture with Ray Bradbury, one of the last great living classic American authors.
With a legend
Return to California ’09 …
You know, Ray Bradbury was a friend of Bernard Berenson. Too bad you didn’t come to work with me when you were here. You could have told Mr. Bradbury that you visited his old friend’s Villa I Tatti, in Florence. That might have been an interesting conversation starter.
Chris
July 30th, 2009