Created by June Morrall
Here’s one of the photos Roger Ressmeyer (http://ressmeyer.com/, http://www.sciencefaction.net/) took of Meryl Streep at the San Francisco Symphony in the early 1980s. I was there to “interview” the great actress (see previous posts!).
L-R: Leon Fleisher, Meryl Streep and Edo de Waart. Photo by Roger Ressmeyer (Corbis.com)
Meryl Streep flanked by Leon Fleisher (left) and Edo de Waart (right) photographed by Roger Ressmeyer (Corbis.com)
In 1983 I was assigned to “interview” Meryl Streep–she was appearing at the San Francisco Symphony, reciting verses from The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
There are quote marks around “interview” because Ms. Streep, at least that evening, wasn’t going to do an interview, as we think of interviews. That was the deal. I couldn’t ask her any questions, not one question. It was weird. (I can’t help thinking that’s why I was sent!)
With me was nationally known San Francisco photographer Roger Ressmeyer–the piece, if it ran, would be Roger’s photo of the star with a caption, which I would provide the details for.
Meryl Streep’s fame was soaring, having recently starred in Sophie’s Choice and Silkwood. I can’t deny I was excited even if I couldn’t ask her any questions.
Meanwhile Roger and I waited for the star to arrive. We waited in a special room with a lovely piano backstage at the San Francisco Symphony’s Davies Hall. There was also a couch. (That’s Roger and me waiting in the photo at the top of the page).
To forever remember the unusual occasion ,Roger set his camera on a timer so he could have a picture of us waiting together.
Roger! If you see this, do you still have the photos of Ms. Streep?
Well, the moment finally came. Meryl Streep swept into the room, (accompanied by someone), she sat down on the couch and sang a little and chatted, all to herself. I was mostly there to observe. I think the famous actress was diappointed to see me, not the viper-type, ready to sting, but a harmless-looking stringer-reporter.