I answered, "This may be a myth, but I believe Europeans are more supportive of the Arts than most Americans." To dive further into this myth, "Americans tend to be practical and work oriented and theater or art seems to be frivolous and not REAL work."
Of course that's not true. San Ramon has a Performing Arts Center and books acts during the season. The opening act last week was Wilson Phillips, a vocal trio made up of Wendy and Carney Wilson, daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips, daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and Papas. Wilson Phillips has been performing together, on and off, for 25 years.
The show ran 90 minutes with no breaks. The women were on stage the whole time, and danced and sang some of the old Mama and Papas and Beach Boys songs as well as many of their own hits. Their band was made up of family members too. They all worked very hard during those 90 minutes. They had to be upbeat and energetic and entertaining the whole time.
The 600-seat Performing Arts Center was sold out. The audience gave them a standing ovation, which was well-deserved.
They said they would be performing in Peru in three days. They may be there now, or on their way to the next venue. Being a performer on the road is a very stressful life. You're in a different city and a different hotel every couple of days. It is not an easy way to make a living.
Whatever amount of money they made from ticket sales or a preset amount will be split not only among the three performers, but their Manager, Agent, band members, and roadies, the guys who move all of the equipment from place to place.
As the song from "Showboat" says, "Life upon the Wicked Stage ain't nothing for a girl," or three middle-aged women in this case.
