"I'd never been in play long enough for the flowers to die in the dressing room"

This quote by Mercedes McCambridge speaks to the transient nature of the theater. It suggests that the star's time on phase is short lived, which they should take advantage of it while they can. The flowers in the dressing room represent the star's time on stage, and the truth that they never stay in a play enough time for the flowers to pass away suggests that the star's time on stage is brief. This quote talks to the concept that the theater is a location of impermanence, and that the actor should take advantage of their time on stage while they can. It also speaks with the concept that the theater is a location of charm and pleasure, which the actor should appreciate the appeal of the moment while they can. The quote is a pointer to the star to make the most of their time on phase, and to value the appeal of the moment while it lasts.