The phrase "break a leg"...commonly used to wish good luck to performers taking the stage...is an old theatrical tradition, first appearing in print in the 1950's but in common usage for many decades before that.It's origins have been debated...an analogy to the bow performers give at the conclusion of a show, an reversal of the "good luck" phrase (which is actually considered to bring bad luck in theater circles), the tradition of Greeks stomping vice applauding (for a really good show, you'd get them to stomp so much they would break a leg!).
It's true origins will likely never be known for sure, the phrase having been in use so long it has simply become second nature.
However, some people seem to take the phrase quite literally.
Suzanne Wilson-Wuest, who is directing the upcoming production "Steel Magnolias", apparently is one of those people. A little over a week ago, during a rehearsal, she was on stage and took a stumble over a rubber mat placed below a barber chair on the set and literally "broke a leg"...her left ankle!Now, rest assured that it takes more than a broken leg to keep Suzanne down. After a short absence and a bit of medical care, Suzanne is back (crutches, cast, and all). Mary Lyle kindly stepped in for Suzanne during her short absence, but Suzanne could not be kept away, certainly not by a broken bone.
Suzanne, we'd like to remind you that the phrase "break a leg" is a traditional one...NOT to be taken literally!
("Steel Magnolias" will debut on October 2nd at 8:00 PM, with follow-on shows October 3rd at 8:00 PM, October 4th at 2:00 PM, and October 9th & 10th at 8:00 PM.)
