Each year, I am fortunate to not just work with students and faculty members on a musical production, but, rather, with a group of people who have come to recognize each other as family. You see, I am extremely lucky because most people do not get to pick their family, but, in this case, I do, and for that, I am more than grateful.
Coincidentally, we are not just a musical family, this year--we have actually become The Addams Family. And like the fictional Addams’, we too, have our little quirks. Maybe they aren’t as strange as having a pet rat, loathing the color yellow, or being in love with the moon, but I still cannot tell you the amount of times I have longed for just One Normal Night with this group! Like any other family, we all have our Secrets, our strange behaviors, our unique likes and dislikes, and those one or two characters in the bunch that stand out for their wackiness. But I don’t think of these things as faults; instead I find them to be endearing and what makes us a true family. As the lyrics of the opening number say, “it’s family first and family last and family by and by.” These are words we have come to live by, this year--words that have helped to fortify an already strong bond of friendship, built on our dedication to our craft and to each other.
This dedication is exemplified through the hard working crew and staff members we have joining with us to create the wonderful music, set, costumes, and props that you see before you. I am very proud of the maturity and commitment that our Student Director, Karina Crespo, brings to each and every rehearsal. Her assistance, both in front of the curtain and behind it, is something I am truly lucky to have had for the past two years. Carolina Rodriguez has brought our characters to life with her extraordinary abilities as a seamstress, as John Rodriguez has, once again, performed what literally seems to be magic in order to create a gorgeous set. Despite time constraints and being new to the musical staff, Ana Silvelo has taken the publicity position to the next level with her creativity. Nick Dellosa never disappoints with his musical expertise and his patience to cut and add and cut again, all while conducting a supremely harmonious orchestra. And speaking of harmonious, I could not even begin to do what we do without the assistance, guidance, and talent of my friend, Elena Wise. Without these staff members, our family would not be complete--our musical journey more like a ride around the block, rather than a fun-filled family road trip complete with a dozen “are we there yets.”
If we have learned anything from this year’s musical journey, I hope it is that whenever we are feeling Trapped, when it comes to family, there is nothing But Love that will fix it. I hope we have realized to seize the day--each and every day--so that we can Live Before We Die with no regrets or words that have been left unsaid. And I hope that the cast has realized (without a doubt) that, no matter how hard they try, I am still Crazier Than You!
As we conclude this musical season, I am, once again, in awe of my cast. Most large families can’t even make it through a holiday dinner without some kind of disruption, but look at us!! Look at what we were able to create as a family—united as one. I cannot express how proud I am to be a part of this creepy and kooky family!
