A note from our Co-Director, Mr. Colin Dabkowski:
For me, there’s always been something sacred about an empty theater.
Sitting alone in a dim auditorium, you can almost feel the weight of productions and performances past. This is as true in Shea’s as it is in the AHS auditorium, where, if you listen closely, you can hear echoes of all the shows that have graced this stage dating back to 1961.
Stepping into a theater tradition such as Alden’s is not a decision I made lightly, nor did I feel comfortable doing it alone. I am grateful beyond words to my co-director Chris Kelly for bringing his expertise and talent to this production. As a former critic and longtime fan of his performances and plays, I feel lucky to now call him a collaborator.
I’m grateful also to Music Director Bill Larrabee for rolling with the various punches thrown by this production and its newbie co-director with characteristic nonchalance and grace. The same applies to Nancy Matthewson, our tireless production coordinator, Costume Director Annlouise Harris and Technical Director Chris Clark for their hand-holding during my maiden trip on this ship. I am also grateful to our student designer Mason Brody for his drive and deep well of creative ideas.
I would also like to extend my thanks to Chris Cavanagh, Doug Weyand and Randall Kramer of MusicalFare Theatre, who lent us the trunks and other props that are such a crucial part of this show. In the cast's accents you will be able to detect the work of dialect coach Megan Callahan, who conducted a dialect workshop with our performers. And we are deeply grateful to choreographer Bobby Cooke and fight choreographer Renee Landrigan, whose willingness to share their expertise has lent this production a professional sheen.
I know this production has been a great challenge for our cast and crew. It has certainly been a challenge for me, as I step with all of you outside my own comfort zone as an aficionado and into the arena of live theater. It has not been easy and it has not been smooth. Of course it hasn’t: No creative journey worth taking ever is.
What has it been? Among other things: ridiculous, hair-pulling, unnerving, hilarious, exhausting, touching and not a little bit joyous. I know this about the play we have created together: It is beautiful; it is hilarious; and it is a product of love.
Thank you all for joining us on this expedition into uncharted theatrical territory. It has been, as promised, one awfully big adventure.
