Welcome to the Colonial Players production of The Theory of Relativity. We are thrilled to present this brilliant, new piece of work by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill. Written as a song cycle and chamber musical, Theory presents a collection of everyday stories through a wide array of stirring music. The range of musical styles and detailed, emotional storytelling allows each audience member to find a moment or character to connect with.
That connection is what Theory is all about. It is a musical about us. A musical about how we relate to each other, how we affect each other, and how our actions and interactions cause ripples that carry much farther than we are aware.
The preparation for this show was unlike anything we’ve done before. In the past few months, if I said it once, I said it a million times, “This show is different.” The students were fast to realize that. Unlike most shows, this does not have a traditional story line. Instead, is it a song cycle. This means that each song/scene needs to stand alone as its own story arc, which demanded a month long audition process for the principal actors. The result was an incredibly imaginative and collaborative environment in which the directors and principal actors brainstormed ideas on how to present each story; many of these ideas made their way to the stage. Those sessions were so exciting and full of energy. I really enjoyed that time with the cast and was sad to see it come to an end. I am grateful to all those who participated and put themselves out there each week as we developed this show, especially the principal actors and senior members of the production cast and crew. Additionally, thanks to our creative team staff, Val, Melissa, Jeramie, Maria, Angel and Megan, for their leadership and dedication.
As we developed the show, we realized that the emotional songs and stories in Theory would be better conveyed in a more intimate setting. This led us to the epic decision of presenting this show in the round. Theater in the round has never been done for a PWHS musical, but we realized that the proximity of the actors to the audience allows for the necessary connection that this show inspires to create. This would never have been possible without the tireless efforts of our technical staff: Eric, Josh, Barb, Paul and Jen. Their leadership of our student teams, innovations in problem solving, and theater artistry are invaluable.
Freedom to create is a core idea in theater and in all of the arts. This is the type of environment that the writers of Theory created as they interviewed people to learn their stories and shape them into this show. The Colonial Players are lucky to have a safe place to experiment with the form of theater because of the Colonial School District’s continued support for the performing arts. Special thanks to Dr. Bacani, Dr. Christian, The School Board, administration and support staff for providing the resources and support necessary for students to fulfill their potential in a variety of areas, especially in the arts.
Finally, a big thank you to my wife, Carrie, and children, Luke, Lance, and Bryce, for sharing me the past several months and for their constant support of my passion for theater. I love you all and will be home soon.
Enjoy the show.
M. Engel
