A note from director Toni Holley
What excites me about directing is watching the actors recreate the show that’s in my head. It’s difficult sometimes because the actor, of course, has an idea about their character as well. We try a little of my idea and their idea , and usually meet at sweet spot when we both say “This is good!”. The show is special because it’s an updated version of a very old theme...a person sells their soul to the devil and has to deal with the consequences. We found it to be a universal truth, that for everything, there is a price to pay. I think the audience will enjoy watching because the play is presented in a much more dialogue based format as opposed to long, drawn-out monologues. The scenes are quick-paced and keep the interest going. The easiest part of directing this show was having such a talented and enthusiastic cast. They are all so committed, that many times after rehearsals were over, they would stay and discuss their character relationships to solidify their motivations. We had many intense table readings and work sessions before we began blocking so that when we got started , the characters were fully formed and the emotions flowed naturally. The most difficult part of this show is the technical aspect. There are a very large number of light and sound cues that have to be coordinated with original underscoring music , dialogue, and very quick scene and costume changes. There will also be special effects make-ups that will be applied mid show..and an extra special surprise in how the portrait is presented. I would like our audience to know that even though this is an updated version of the original novel, the characters will be familiar, and that the cast is excited about bringing them to life.
From Robin Downward, Randall Theatre Artistic Director
Welcome to our sixth season! Thank you once again for joining us. It seems like yesterday that we were opening our fifth season with The Mystery of Irma Vep. How time flies when you're having fun! I couldn't be happier to see so many people supporting this little, quirky theater company. A little known fact of the Randall Theatre is that everyone that works with the Randall is a volunteer. From time to time as money is available, small gratuities are handed out, but for the most part everyone at the Randall Theatre is involved because they simply love theater. The Randall is a true theater of the community. Art is not about money or how much you can get paid to produce the art you love. Art is about the creation of something wonderful out of nothing. Everyone at the Randall understands that. Getting paid to do something you love is wonderful, (take it where you can get it of course) but there's something to be said about a person who will willingly do something they love "just because". I am humbled at how many people are here because they simply love theater. For me, the Randall will always stand for "art for arts sake." Eventually I'd love to give more than just a token gratuity. That said, the Randall will always remain at its heart a community theater company.
