One of my beliefs as both an actor and a director is that “It’s an honor and a joy to be in show business.” I’m quoting from the song “Show People” in Act I of Curtains. It is an honor and a privilege to perform and direct this wonderful group of actors and crew. My favorite thing in the world is to bring joy and laughter to an audience full of strangers that are looking to leave their troubles and woes at the theater door. Seeing their smiles brings me joy, in return. It is what I love most about theatre.
There have been many times in my life that I was forced to step back or give up theatre for various reasons including illness, work, and divorce. It always made my heart hurt, and I never understood why. I thought of theatre and performing as a hobby. Then one day a psychiatrist told me that performing was a part of who I was.
It was my life. It was my joy. Without it, I was unfulfilled.
This is why I love the show Curtains. Yes, it is a funny show full of catchy songs, exciting dancing, wackiness, melodrama, and a murder mystery. Yet, for me, it goes much deeper. Our lead character, Lt. Cioffi longs to be in show business so that he can escape the everyday woes of his job as a police detective and bring joy to the audience and himself. Cioffi and I have a lot in common…only I’m a paralegal and not a police detective.
I love looking at show business through the eyes of Cioffi. He sees only the good things like power, energy, joy, and the excitement of performance. He also sees what all of that can do for just one audience member. In his eyes, everyone on stage is a star because they bring happiness and joy to world.
I’m so very proud to be a show person and to direct this very talented group of show people so that we can put a big smile on your face. We want you to leave here feeling happy, carefree, light-hearted, and with a tune or two in your heart.
Sincerely, Director Laura Jennings
SPECIAL THANKS
Chris Velazquez The Core Theatre Garland Civic Theatre
Greg and Melinda Cotton Loree Westbrooks
Pocket Sandwich Theater Richardson Theatre Centre
Rover Dramawerks Troy Murray
