Hi, my name is Jessica and I am an American. No, I AM!!!
I know that I’ve mentioned this before, but I just had to share this little memento that once again proves my carefully developed theory, that, when broken down is basically: Everybody Thinks I’m Russian. Or at least, not American (and please don’t ask me how I created this theory; there are simply so many numbers and scientific equations involved that, were I to divulge it, this blog would become a homing device for scientists around the world and I just don’t think I am ready for that. Yet. But just give me time…).
Before the show on Sunday night, I went and did an appearance at a swanky dinner at this hotel, hosted by Broadway Across America. I guess it was this package that included a full meal, tickets to see our show, and of course, the chance to meet some cast members (which is where I come in). So I walk into the dining room, the PR person introduces me to everybody, and I am left to mingle from table to table, introducing myself and being generally pleasant. I get to this one table that consists of a husband, his wife, and their daughter, and we have a conversation that goes like this:
Me: Hi, I am Jessica, it’s so nice to meet you…
Wife: Hello…(with a sidelong glance to her husband)…You ask her…
Husband: No…You ask her…
This goes on for a few moments before I gently interject with, Is there something you would like to ask me (I know. Amazing that I gathered that, I must be psychic or something.)?
Husband: Where are you from?
Me: Ah, Delaware.
Husband: No, what country…?
Me: Ah, America.
Husband (in total surprise): Really?! You are not Russian, then?
Wife: He was sure you were Russian!
Husband: When you walked into the room, I thought to myself, “now, there is a Russian woman.” And you are not even European?
Me: Nope, just American…But the truth is that you are not far off at all, considering how many other people think I am Russian; really, you must be onto something. Now, have you seen A Chorus Line before…?
If I had a dollar for every time somebody thought I was Russian…Or even just NOT American…
And then tonight, I was taking the elevator down from my apartment before my walk to work, when this man starts a conversation with me. What did he ask? What country are you from? Again, I had to tell him that I am just American. Like him. I told Drew that I am going to work on a Russian accent just so that I can have some fun with people… I think I might go by Svetlana, and when asked if I speak much English I will say nyet.
Yes, this could be a lot of fun.
