In The Birds both Don Zolidis and Aristophanes envision a world rife with both calamity and petty annoyances, but I'm fairly sure neither could have predicted the year we have collectively gone through. As we (hopefully) enter the endgame of this #$***! pandemic we all have so much to be grateful for: health, family, friends, a world class school, a supportive community, among others. In no particular order, here are some members of our Bronxville community that deserve our unequivocal gratitude for making this show possible.
Thank you!
To Ann Meyer, Marcellus Lessane, and the entire Bronxville administration for their trust and support...and for letting us have as normal a year as possible.
To Pam Simpson for her continued guidance, support, collaboration and morning coffee chats. While I never want to produce two show at the same time again(!), I'm glad we got to do it together.
To the millions and millions and millions across the country rolling up your sleeves for a 'Fauci ouchy,' bringing us all one step closer to normal, one shot at a time.
To the Bronxville PTA for their unwavering support and snazzy T-shirts.
To Gabrielle Grafath of GiGi's Workshop for her creativity and utterly delightful puppets.
To Isabel and Olivia for helping me see what I can't see, reminding me what I've forgotten, and guiding the cast so ably. This show would not be possible without you.
To the insanely talented cast for their energy, openness, and ability to work past the absurdity of our current world to create the much more enjoyable absurdity of The Birds.
To Queen and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, whose music and good vibes we've lovingly 'borrowed' to satisfy the musical tastes of a middle-aged man.
To you, the audience for choosing to spend your time with us outside. Theatre on Zoom is zero fun. There is no theatre without you. See you inside the theatre in the fall?
To my sons Beckett and Eliot for your helpful 'directions' and for knowing more factoids about these bird species than I do. No, you can't have the puppets.
To my hero of a wife for once again picking up the slack for her grouchy, overstressed husband. Don't worry - the next show isn't for a few months ;)
With gratitude,
Rob Cross, Director
