To all the moms, dads, friends, families, roommates, and significant others in the audience, I sincerely thank you for coming to see HTAC’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This cast and crew have worked tirelessly to give you the funniest show I hope you’ve seen in a long time, and I could not be more honored to have them be a part of my directing debut.
To my cast: without you, this show would be Karla and I ripping wigs off each other and running around stage playing every part. I cannot think of a funnier, more dedicated, and more talented group of people to portray these characters than the eighteen of you. Thank you for the never-ending faith you’ve had in me during the rehearsal process. Through all of the times when I thought I didn’t know what I was doing, you could have jumped ship, but you did not. Thank you for your patience when running the same scene ten times, stopping every time I wanted to change or fix something. Thank you for resisting the urge to strangle me during those times.
Each and every one of you brought something new to your character that I had not thought of before. For that, I thank you for your creativity. Most importantly, thank you all for making me laugh. At the end of a long day of classes, exams, and other rehearsals, I could walk into Forum rehearsal and know that what I was doing was fun. Rehearsals didn’t feel like work when I was around you all. This show is yours now, and I could not be prouder.
To Karla: you are a blessing to this company. I have never worked so well with someone who knew exactly what I was going to say before I said it. Your choreography is the perfect mix of campy comedy and formal technique, which is exactly what this show needs.
All of our times rolling around on the floor brainstorming have paid off. You’re an incredible talent and even more incredible friend. Smooches.
To Ben: thank you for giving me the opportunity to direct this show. The first time I saw your face light up while watching a scene, everything just kind of fell into place. Because of you, I was able to grow as a director and I could not thank you enough.
P.S. thanks for helping our cast sound the best they possibly can. Consider those ivories tickled, Pit Director.
To Taylor, Gabby, and Anna: thank you for reeling me back in during every rehearsal. Your organization, dedication, and professionalism kept me slighter saner than I would be if you three were not around. Also, thanks for supplying the snacks.
To my production staff: thank you for your never-ending ideas and creativity. Your hard work turns the rehearsal process into a show. Thank you for meeting with me on rainy days in Saxby’s, in your Judy make-up after ISBY, or until 11pm in the HTAC office. Without Alex and The Resident Ensemble Players, this show would have a different rating. Lastly, to Joseph: thank you for leading us along the way.
It is with an open heart that I ask you to sit back, relax, and maybe laugh so hard a little pee comes out.
All my love,
Matt
