The State Fair story has been around for over sixty years, first as a novel in 1932, a movie starring Will Rogers then the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical movies in 1945 and updated in 1962. This stage version was developed in 1996, toured the country and landed on Broadway with which it was honored with a Tony nomination. The timeless story of a family and their experience at the fair is, even set in Iowa, could also be in Hemlock, Caledonia, or even Syracuse where our fairs are located. People proud of what they have produced at home, coming to the fair to meet people and to have a good time are all things present in this production and in our present day lives. Working on this production has been a great experience for me. To work with this talented, hard working cast and crew is a joy and privilege. It takes many people to make all this happen for you to enjoy, and enjoy it you will. With a great score and colorful characters how can you help but laugh, smile and tap your foot for two hours.
When I first came to SUNY Geneseo, one of the first “townies” that I met was Gertrude Houston. Her laugh, smile, humor and love of theatre made us great pals from the beginning. I did my first GCP show with Gert and was lucky enough to play opposite her Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress. For her love of theatre and many contributions to GCP this production of State Fair is dedicated to her memory.
- Winnifred: Actually, I swam the moat. But never mind. If I just stand right here, there’s a nice draft. I’ll be dry in no time.
Brian Smith – Director, Choreographer
Known in the area for his work with Geneseo Community Players musicals, specifically directing, the latest being The 21st Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Guys and Dolls, Sound of Music and Anything Goes. Brian’s last turn on stage for GCP was Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap before that in the role of Captain Hook in what was it….oh yes, Peter Pan. He always thought that it should be called “Hook, the musical”. Before that he played Mayor Shinn in Music Man. Additional directing duties for GCP include Oliver, King and I, A Funny Thing…, Little Me, Li’l Abner, From Russia with Love (three Chekhov one acts), Importance of Being Earnest, The Dining Room, A Thurber Carnival and See How They Run. Brian has also appeared in The Producers – Roger DeBris and directed A Grand Night for Singing, and Nunsense for Livonia Community Players.
His other theatrical life, in Rochester, is working with Gilbert and Sullivan, they aren’t alive, but their shows are, especially in productions staged by the Off-Monroe Players. Brian was very happy to have a featured role in Very Truly Yours, Gilbert and Sullivan presented by OMP at GEVA Theatre. Brian has directed all fourteen of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas and also appeared in all of them, that makes twenty-eight but some more than once. If you would like to see his OMP history with photos, check out their website at Off-MonroePlayers.org.
Brian dedicates his work on this production to Gertrude Houston with whom he had the pleasure of playing Dauntless to her Winifred. They shared the stage in Brian’s first production with GCP, Mame in 1979. (He and Gert were toddlers!)