Kingston Receiving an Emotional Journey of Adoption Truth

I love it when the universe comes to a full circle.

When I was working on the Blondie Music Video I got to talking to the one of the producers of the local Kingston venue where the video was shot . Now Hudson Valley locals know it as BSP, or Backstage Studio Productions, on Wall Street, right down the block from both my home and my office. Built as a Vaudeville Theater in the late 1800s, the building itself is incredible. For one, it’s huge and cavernous with side rooms, basements, catacombs and alleys. Plus, the original vaudeville theater is still there, in lovely decrepit shambles, but ready to revive to its former glory. Anyway, I was happy to hear of all the ideas and energy that Danny and his wife Janice had for the building to help it be a true cultural center and asset to the community.

So a few days ago after I had left the office, I had receive a call from Danny which I returned today. I spoke to Danny briefly and then he put me on with Janice, who explained to me that they were interested in some help promoting an upcoming event . She then goes on to explain that it’s a friend of theirs, who has a one man show and I hear the word “looking for his mother”…and my heart stops.

So I ask directly,'”What’s the show about?”

“He’s searching for his biological mother”

“He’s an adoptee? ” I think I stuttered, “I’m a birthmother. I’m very involved in all things adoption. What’s his name?”

“Rock Wilk”

And, I know Rock Wilk from Facebook.

You know, Facebook friends that you never met, but are sure super excited to find out they are coming to do a show on adoption down your street! Kind of like the same way I was thrilled to pieces when Adoptee Mary Gauthier came to the teeny tiny Rosendale Cafe by me, but I really had no idea what this show “Broke Wide Open” might be like. In fact, I knew nothing at all.

A Night of Raw Adoption Education For The Hudson Valley

So, as one does, I begin to Google, while Facebook messaging Rock and emailing Janice. And I’m even more thrilled to read about the show.

“Written and performed by Rock WILK, BROKE WIDE OPEN is a musical and poetic avalanche of words dramatically cascading into the compelling journey of one man’s search for his biological mother, his identity, his home. Best described as a verbal opera, Rock WILK is a one person symphony, conducting a dynamic movement of language weaved into a beautiful theatrical experience.”

I can’t wait. It sounds positively riveting in that highly charged emotional cathartic way. So later I dig deeper into Rock’s story and I read:

“”My mother, a single woman living in The Bronx, NY, was having an affair with her boss, who happened to be 25 years older than her, and had a wife and 3 kids. She got pregnant, decided not to tell her boss, and just took off. Disappeared. Then, after a lot of thought, a lot of soul searching [I hope], she decided she couldn’t keep me, and that I was going to be given up for adoption.”

Minus the wife and three kids and it sounds eerily like my story of getting pregnant and relinquishing Max for adoption. I send another message and share my surprise with Rock. I plan to bring tissues to the show.

Come See Rock Wilk’s Broke Wide Open with Me!

If you’re at all local to Kingston New York ( and yes, New York City is local enough to Kingston.. it’s 90 miles folks..I take a bus to NY all the time!) and at all involved in adoption then you must must must come!
If you ever wondered about adoption reality at all, then you should come. If you think you know something about adoption then you must come. And even if you have no connection to adoption at all, please consider opening you mind and heart for this. The reviews of his show make Broke Wide Open sound like an incredible theater experience even without an emotional connection to adoption.
What an opportunity.

Skinny on Broke Wide Open

• NEW Date: Friday, May 13th, 2011
• Time: 8pm
• Where: Backstage Productions Theatre 323 Wall St Kingston New York 12401 845.338.8700
• What: BROKE WIDE OPEN “unplugged”
• Cover is $10.00.

Says Rock:

“I am excited to be bringing my story to Historic Kingston, NY in this amazing space. One of the most beautiful times of year in one of the most beautiful parts of upstate, NY, I am looking forward to seeing you all there to share BROKE WIDE OPEN with me. There will be a Q&A after the performance and live music before the show, so gather up 100 of your closest friends and come on up to be a part of the continuing evolution and development of BROKE WIDE OPEN. SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!”

Hudson Valley Adoption Fest Bonus

I know it’s last minute, but with a handful of adoption folks, we’d have our own little adoption fest…so really..think about it! Come on down! Come on down! Good times promised! Did I mention it’s happening all down the street from my house? After the show we can make a bonfire in the backyard and burn effigies of Georgia Tann and pray to the god’s of OBC access! Plus I make a mean rum punch…..