Years ago when I was in my high school’s theatre company, studying SAT vocabulary, I wrote that “Theatre is ineffable; too great to be able to be expressed,” and to this day I maintain my opinion. There’s not a moment I miss to talk about how I love theatre to the fullest extent with anyone who’s willing to listen. When I moved to Canada, I found the one thing that could help through such stressful times, ending up finding the Marianopolis Theatre Company. Once again, I am left speechless explaining how much this company means to me, and how thankful I am about getting the chance to create and envision such amazing art. To me, no matter what role I take in this giant collaborative project, from director, to designer, to stagehand, or just to audience member, as long as there is a stage and people willing to fill it with magic, then I will be there to enjoy the ride.
Clue: The Musical is a show that Caroline and I couldn’t help but love its quirkiness. The nostalgia we both held for the classic board game pushed us to take a risk and choose a show unlike most. The show has proven to be fun and delightful, at times silly, but always genuine. What truly made this show magnificent were the people I had the delight to work with, a terrific team, who really brought this show to life (ironically about a murder mystery).
I could not fathom doing this show without some wonderful and phenomenal people and I’m genuinely grateful for their dedication and passion. Thank you to an incredible cast that endured most of my craziness. Dealing with schedules, meme references, and all the insane ideas I must have had, had to have been tough, but I’ve never met a group that has been so resilient and inspiring. Your hard work and adaptability shows the heights you can achieve. Thank you to the crew and creative team, for bringing your astounding ingenuity to every aspect of this project. Thank you to a great choreographer, Mégane, for being so animated, adaptable, and graceful. You've proved that helping others dance fabulously is possible. Thank you to our stage manager and assistant stage manager, Léa and Evan, who I know feared those times I mentioned a random table or prop only because of their intense enthusiasm. Your dependability and organization made this process so much easier and much more charming. Thank you to Bradley, a remarkable band leader, for being so rock solid even with so much adversity. Thank you to Emilia, a beautiful vocal coach with an even more beautiful voice. Both of you stepped up from the start you have been an absolute pleasure to work with, from every silly moments to every tough decision.The show became a bewildering reality because of the the strength and resilience both of you have. Finally, to the breathtaking Caroline, who loves puns and can’t always control her infectious laughter. You are a gift on earth and this company would not be able to function without you and your eternal support. Your kindness, focus, devotion, encouragement, BAMFnes, etc. (I could go on for hours) was the drive for this show. There is not anyone who would be better to go on such an adventure. Thank you.
All of us appreciate everything the Marianopolis staff have done for this show and company, and we’d like to especially thank: Wayne Casper, TLT team, and who can’t forget the magnificent and stellar Student Service team - Louise, Trudy, Adam, Véro, and Josie.
Last and not least, thank you to the ones who are here to witness the magic, theatre is nothing without someone to witness it. Thank you to our lovely audience and I truly hope you enjoy the show.
Break a leg and we’ll see if you can beat the game!
Catalina Gonzalez
Director, Marianopolis Theatre Company, 2018-2019
