This show is a love letter to my late grandmother, Jennetta Bailey. She was a very special woman to anyone who had the pleasure to meet her. I was told of this show almost two years ago it was on my to-read list for a bit but when I read it this summer, I knew I had to bring it to life on The Ritz stage. As we built the set and I started utilizing furnishings and props from around my grandmother’s house it all started connecting. My grandmother was always working with sewing in some compacity. Whether it was quilting, knitting, or being behind her sewing machine which is the one on stage. She taught me how to sew when I was only six years old. Having that special bond with her has been something I hold close to my heart. With more than half of my set pieces being from my grandmother’s house, I know a piece of her has been watching what we as a group have been working so hard towards. My grandparents were a big influence on what I deem comedy. Growing up watching Saturday Night Live and The Three Stooges influenced how I portray a character and direct shows especially when it comes to comedy. My cast has been amazing, overcoming our recent spike with COVID-19 and postponement. They have worked so hard in what we all feel is a good and funny show. If you have ever been in a comedy show you know after the 1,000th time you hear a joke you kind of become numb to “the funny” but even up to the last rehearsal people are hearing the jokes and still laughing backstage. This wonderful cast and crew will have a special place in my heart. We have all contributed to making this show the fun, fast-paced, and high-energy show it is. I would also like to thank the patrons who come to every show rain or shine and make being on stage more special to me than anything. I hope that we can continue bringing the community entertainment for another 30 years.
Thank You,
Chad Goebel
