GET YOUR TICKETS AT:

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

LEAVE A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT:

https://padlet.com/24gardinere/oid912nympxerqag

Director's Note

To exclaim “what a year!” would be an understatement. However, I don’t know how else to sum up the highs and the lows of such an unprecedented time. A year ago, I was writing a Director’s note for the first zoom (and maybe the last?) production I ever directed. Yes, yes...UnderMilkwood. There will be many chuckles in that we forged our way together, not quite knowing exactly what we were doing (or saying!), but collectively we did know and did appreciate that we were doing Theatre- in a very different way than we ever thought possible. (And in hindsight, purchasing stock in Zoom would have been such a great decision- if I had even known it was a thing prior to last Spring.)

Last Spring. Our lives changed. Big time. I had a zoom with my students of the class of 2020 minutes after they learned that they would not be able to complete their senior year in person, they did not know what graduation would look like and the “normal” college experience was yet to be figured out. It was heartbreaking to be witness to their sadness, fear and anger. In my mind I made the decision to spend my summer doing whatever I could to learn and embrace virtual theatre. It hasn’t been an easy relationship, me and technology, but we have learned to make it work and struggle through the unknowns. I took classes online with amazing educators who inspired me to be the best version of myself that I could be at this time. I networked, brainstormed, read, watched and studied. My goal? To give these kids Theatre in a pandemic.

Bit by bit, it has happened. When we did The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later online in December I was so proud of the work we accomplished to bring the community a story of tragedy and hope. In January, come Hell or high water we put those one-acts on stage (and I am still so proud of my budding directors), Improv troupe performed live on several occasions. To wind up the year, my two student teachers (and student director) were as eager as I was to give a rocking spring to our students, lo and behold here we are. We have four shows in the works and I am beyond thrilled to be possibly approaching the other side of these often bleak times.

This leaves me little room to praise Working! However, there aren’t enough words to express my pride. I love our small community of rock stars who are making this happen. The energy is positive, the dedication is strong, the laughter is contagious and the healing is happening. Do I wish we had 80 people on that stage? Sure. Do I wish we had live music? Naturally. Do I wish that we didn’t have masks on? Of course. Are we learning resilience, creativity, tenacity? YES! Are we making memories? Surely! Are we performing on the stage? Indeed!

So, there you have it. A musical dear to my heart wraps up our season. This musical is perfect for our circumstances and it has been a wild and fun ride. I do hope that my Seniors feel a sense of closure of their Theatre experience with one last opportunity to perform in the auditorium, making magic. I hope that audiences delight in our performance and feel inspired and impressed by the talent on and off stage. I hope that all of you who were a part of this in some way know how wonderful I think you are.

This show is dedicated to the man who taught me that teaching IS my path: Dr. Robert Colby of Emerson College. Without his support, I would not have been able to get my shy and introverted self (yes, it’s true) to a place where I could feel safe and confident leading others.

In addition, we as a Theatre community dedicate our show to Tom Zinck. Anytime I needed anything, Tom was there to help. Tom was a huge fan of Theatre at WHS and his bright smile is unforgettable. He is missed, but not gone from the spirit of our halls and auditorium. Godspeed, Tom Zinck.

And now….Working!

Please note that this style of theatre is based on interviews of real people. The actors' portrayals are an interpretation of written word and not an impersonation of an individual. Each character is inspired by the experience and journey of the storytellers.

Special Thanks:

• Olivia Gemelli- You have been amazing to work with and I could not have gotten through a year of theatre in a pandemic without you!

• POPS! Thank you for all of your Support!

• Interim Director- Dr. Kevin McDonald

• Ryan Colone, Student Director

• Nicole Ceriani, Choreographer

• Josh Musikavanhu & Sydney Spangler, Swings

• Ryan Martin, Alexandra Vella, Ela Gardiner, Sophie Coté - Stage Managers

• Julie Spilka and her amazing film crew!

• Valerie Stark and Eliose Zeng for Early music help! Thank you!

~Kara Sullivan