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Curtain call is just the beginning for Theatre of Western Springs actors
A pair of Theatre of Western Springs actors took on the roles of bride and groom to be after the opening performance of "Sylvia." David Rodriguez came on stage after the curtain call and asked fellow actor Jennifer Torchia to be his wife.
Updated: February 25, 2013 11:14AM
WESTERN SPRINGS — Covered head to toe in dirt, Theatre of Western Springs actress Jennifer Torchia had just finished her opening-night performance Jan. 17 in the title role of “Sylvia,” the story of a street-smart stray dog, when she was asked to take on a new role — that of wife to her boyfriend of two years, David Rodriguez.
“It was just a big surprise,” Torchia said, and the fact that she was dressed as a dog at the time just makes it that much more memorable.
The curtain call had just ended when Rodriguez, under the guise that he was leading a post-performance talk, stepped onto the stage. It wasn’t until Torchia spotted the box in his hand that she knew he wasn’t there to talk to the audience.
“We met on stage and I knew I wanted to propose to her on stage,” said Rodriguez, who had been cooking up the plan since summer.
He might have taken the opportunity when the two recently were cast in a black-box theater production of “Equus.”
“That wasn’t the right place, nor was it the right show to propose to your girlfriend,” said Rodiguez.
Instead, he waited for a sweet show about a dog who needs a family, and enlisted the help of Theatre of Western Springs Artistic Director Rick Snyder and Managing Director Bill Hammack to bring the plan to fruition.
“They were very helpful,” said Rodriguez, who said “Sylvia” turned out to be just right for his proposal.
“In the end, it’s all about love,” he said.
