This is a first in so many ways for me and KWP Productions and the experience has been amazing. We have gained several new family members and welcomed back a few long standing members. The chemistry has been extraordinary from the very first and different than anything I or, probably any of the cast or crew has ever experienced. It was a total collaboration by all of us. I honestly could not have even come close to pulling this off without the exceptional talents of Evan Ferrar and Lindsay White. We had a really short preparation time to bring this production up and I put the majority of the responsibility and authority in their hands and they have delivered some impressive music and dance numbers. Their professionalism was a wonderful balance to my “from the hip” approach. I also invited several “straight” theatre friends (non-musical backgrounds) to help me coach the actors to create interesting and thoughtful characters. We brought in Nic Santana to choreograph the little sword fight in the first act and from what was supposed to be a quick joke, Nick turned it into something really interesting to watch…and still kept the joke. Marlo and Jaycie, once again, have been our dependable music and sound effect techs and have really contributed throughout the rehearsal process.
The cast deserves its own paragraph for enduring and indulging my eccentric directorial processes. They have done everything asked of them and so much more. They volunteered weekly for additional dance rehearsals and were always eager to work on improving the show on a daily basis. I have been blessed with a totally committed cast. They have taken and given in equal measure from each other and me. They have taken the freedom I have offered them in the creation of their characters and made them memorable.
As proud as we are of the production, the joy we have found in this show has been opportunity to work with such dedicated, talented and loving people. Thank you to everyone.
