For 35 previous productions, I have sat down to compose these Director’s Notes. Each time I am more and more swept away by the power of community. The incredible cast, the creative production team and our many community volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring this story to life for you amidst laughter, excitement, and the pure joy of working together. I am honored to be a part of the Elmira Little Theatre organization; it truly belongs to the community. By definition, a director oversees and orchestrates the mounting of a theatre production by unifying various endeavors and aspects of the production. With this amazing group of individuals, I essentially said “Go!” and they worked the magic that you will see tonight. I am humbled to be in their presence.
We are all thrilled to be presenting Company. It is a fabulous show that explores the true meaning of being in a relationship through a series of vignettes with Robert’s sometimes dysfunctional married friends. I first directed Company 25 years ago. It recently became apparent to me how much my relationships have changed in that time and how like Robert that one perfect partnership still eludes us both. But, this rehearsal time allowed me and all of us to take stock of those in our lives and how much they mean to us. I have worked lovingly with almost every member of this team previously. I have collaborated with two individuals on over 19 productions together, and some I have known since high school. To my theatre family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, your support, and your undying friendship. Robert and I also share the similarity of understanding the power of friendship.
Also in taking stock of my relationships, I realized that this will be the first production since my junior year in high school that my parents will not be in the audience. They both never missed a production that I acted in, directed or designed scenery for; they were my biggest cheerleaders in life. I never truly thanked them; I just always knew they’d be there. So, Mom and Dad, thank you for believing in me, nurturing my creativity and for encouraging me to take my individual path in life.
To you, the audience, thank you for your support of ELT and the power of community. We are very grateful you are here and hope you enjoy our telling of this story of love and relationships. It is my hope that you will leave here this evening more in love and more appreciative of those in your life that mean so much.
Gratefully,
Daniel Roemmelt
