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A NOTE - FROM A DAUGHTER TO HER DAD

When I was growing up most of my friends were listening to groups like The Beach Boys, The Monkees, The Rolling Stones, and of course The Beatles. Now it’s not to say that I didn’t listen to these groups too, but I was also listening to great American singers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and my personal favorite – Warren Stephan.

I was raised in a family of singers. I thought every kid got up on stage and sang with their sisters and father. It was our “normal” to get out of school early to go with our parents to a local venue to perform. We’d practice in the car with our guitars or just sing a cappella, we’d arrive at a local nursing home, or hospital, or the New Britain band shell, and we’d sing – we were even dubbed “The Singing, Swinging Stephan Sisters” by local Big Band leader Al Gentile. I loved these times – and I think back on them fondly.

It is because of this broad musical background that I also grew to love Musical Theater. It was so exciting for all of us to sit around our television when one of the classics was on – Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, Flower Drum Song, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and of course South Pacific. The whole family would sing along, while we sat with our t.v. trays eating grilled cheese and tomato soup. My little sister Tammy and I would even put on whole performances of these musicals for our parents, singing along to the albums and portraying all the characters. These are the things that have shaped my love of music, theater, and performing.

I share all this with you in the hopes that you can understand why this production tonight means so much to me. South Pacific was always one of my dad’s favorites. He has sung many of these beautiful songs time and time again to adoring audiences all across New England. He even had the opportunity to play Emile de Becque some years back, and has always dreamed that the Castle Craig Players would some day mount their own production. Well, that time has finally arrived. As we sat down to decide how to wrap up our 20^th Season we came to realize that there wasn’t a better tribute to the man who started it all then to do the one show he has dreamed of – South Pacific. And so here we are tonight, after many weeks of rehearsals, with a show that we hope will make my dad proud. We do this for him – and want him to know that without his vision, passion, and inspiration none of us would be here. He has created a legacy for the City of Meriden, for all of us who are or have been a part of this group, and for the little girl who used to sing along with him in the car. I love you dad – and this one is for you!

Melanie