"We are born astride a grave - WaynesWorldStage.com

When I told Modernage that I wasquitting to work for Axel Grosser, Modernageoffered even more money. This went on, back andforth, until I had more than doubled my originalsalary. As it turned out, Axel Grosser was theoriginal manager of Modernage. He was firedafter a big fight with the owner. Axel Grosserwon the bidding war, but the owner ofModernage told me, "You will not last a weekwith Grosser. He is a mad man. And I will tellyou, here and now, that you will never work forModernage again!" He was right about Grosser.He was the greatest photographic printer inhistory. He was also insane. I quit after twoweeks. I was, however, re-hired at Modernage, atmy original salary. I would work on and off,between shows, at Modernage for many years.In Detroit, I had been treated like acelebrity. I had, indeed, received the Golden Keyto the city from the mayor. Yet, here in NewYork, no one could care less. Agents would nottalk to me and I had difficulty getting auditions.One place in New York where I could getan audition was the Equity Library Theatre(ELT), a theatre run by the union as a showcasefor actors. At ELT, I was cast in every show Iauditioned for. Surely, after seeing me in a play,some agent or casting director would give me a108