A lot of people will tell you that opening night and the subsequent are when a show pays off. This time however, every moment has been a thrill to me. The big theme you will hear over and over in the show tonight is "No day but today" and it really is true. From conceptualizing the show in May of 2017 to beginning to organize the show back in June/July, to casting, rehearsals, the workshop with Broadway actor Tony Vincent, and now the performances, I am so thankful for every moment. This show was a product of passion and love from everyone involved, and I hope you'll be able to see that.
What can I say about this amazing cast...Long time patrons and supporters of DCCT, please note in this Playbill all the new names. I am so proud that this show has brought in so many new people to community theatre in Dickinson County. They are an incredible group of people, and I looked forward to rehearsals with them every night not only as a director, but also as their friend. I am prouder of being able to direct Rent more than anything else I have done, and it's all because of them.
Lucas Wickstrom, our musical director is incredible. Not only is he in charge of the music and singing, but watch for him playing keyboard during the show! I had a wonderful time working with him, and his expertise not only technically, but with the show itself made what is a really challenging show never feel overwhelming. It was almost scary how in sync we were throughout the production. A total pro, he was always upbeat and positive, and always working toward solutions. What a pleasure.
I need to thank Amber Schiltz. I am so very thankful that she agreed to produce this show for me even though this is her first time producing. You honestly wouldn't have been able to tell, because she has done such a wonderful job. She made sure the wheels kept moving no matter what happened, and both the show and workshop with Tony Vincent would not have happened without her guiding hand. She is my best friend and as good as family, and I would not want to do a show without her.
On a personal note, I need to thank Ali Mondloch. While not anywhere in this Playbill, I believe she was the first person I discussed Rent with while we were co-directing Annie last May. From giving me advice back then to now, she is always a voice of reason and guidance. I owe many of the decisions made in regards to this show to discussions I had with her. She has been a mentor to me, and I'm very thankful to have her in my life.
On behalf of everyone involved with the production, I would like to thank Bay College of Iron Mountain for graciously providing rehearsal space, as well as the City of Norway for doing the same. Thanks go out to Susie Danielson for laying the foundation on costumes, Nicole Rossell for knitting Mark's great scarf, the Costume Closet in Crystal Falls for supplying many of the costumes you see tonight. And of course thanks go out to the Braumart Theatre for hosting us. I want to thank Straight From New York, and Tony Vincent for coming to Iron Mountain to hold a masterclass with our cast. Rent received very generous grant support rom the Walmart Foundation.
Thank you for coming out to support local theatre. Your support for shows like this encourages DCCT to continue putting on not only theatre, but theatre that is different and unique. And that is something that should truly be applauded.
Looking to the future, our next play Tom Jones is being directed by Rent cast member Stephanie M. Gauthier. Performance dates for that will be April 12-15 at the Braumart Theatre. For audition information, please check out our Facebook page.
Viva la vie boheme!
-Sophie Sam
