Here we go again! After taking my first school year off from the theatre program, due to my new job, it feels like I have never left. And, like many, many shows before, Cathy has had to nag me repeatedly to write this blasted director's letter. (It might be the only thing I don't miss about the theatre.) My distaste for the letter has nothing to do with the people or the experience, but, rather, making sure I cover all the important thank you's I owe to so many people who make these shows possible.
This is our fourth Hobart Community Theatre summer production and this one is, obviously, extremely intertwined with Hobart High School theatre. Due to many conflicts this summer, pulling off a summer producation was looking too daunting. This is when Cathy Nelson approached me with the idea of re-staging the successful "Roustabout." Not only has it been a fun experience, but a good chance for Cathy and I to work together again. It has also been a nice way to do one last show with my daughter, Ailey, before she heads off to Missouri for college.
Each of these summer productions require a lot of help from people behind scenes. A few a of the key people that have made this, and other, comunity theatre productions possible are: the extremely knowledgable Chris Conner, the amazingly talented (and sarcastic) Kathleen Belk, the woman with all the "kindiness"-Nancy Petruska, and the bossy, but often right-Ron Seeley. I also want to thank Dr. Peggy Buffington for her interest and support in bringing community theatre to the city of Hobart! And, although, Chris Schnabel, Harry Petruska, and David Jenkins were given a building break for the show, your on-going help in the program is invaluable. Thank you all!
Additionally, no show we be possible without efforts of all the cast and crew. I hope you have enjoyed the experience. I greatly appreciate your commitment to the theatre and this show in particular. I also need to thank my family for their support at home and their involovement in these shows. My daughter is on stage, my son is calling the show, my husband holds down the fort while I am here, and my parents are always ready to help with obscure tasks at a moment's notice.
To the audience: if this is your first time experiencing "Roustabout: the great circus train wreck, sit back and enjoy this unique experience! Thanks for joining us on this journey of laughter, tears, and thought!
Enjoy the show!
Tracy Petruska Brumley
