It has been 20 years since we last visited these M*A*S*H characters, as this was the first show I directed here at Seeger. I have to thank the original cast for making this one of the best experiences of my career, and as I look toward the end of my director tenure here, I have very fond memories from every show, but M*A*S*H* started it all. I thought it would be a nice "full-circle" moment to end with it.
First, I need to thank my current crew: Mr. Donald Mori, Mrs. Melissa O'Ferrell, Mr. Ervin Collins, and Mrs. Abby Haley. I have ridden on your coattails far too long, but thank you for lending us your time and talents. We have only gained traction because you all helped drive the program.
Also, thanks to all those who have contributed their talents over the years to making the theatre department a successful program: Mr. Dan Peo, my first musical director, then Mr. Patrick Teykl, then Mrs. Sarah Kavanagh. You have all left your mark on Seeger Musicals, and I appreciate it, as I have not a musical ounce of talent, so without everyone up to and including Mr. Mori, we would have had a fall and a spring play.
And to the current and former students, I say thank you most of all. Because you were willing to lend your time and talents, we have had a show every fall and every spring, when we switched it up, having a fall musical and a spring play for a few years, to moving from the cozy little stage in the cafetorium to our new, state-of-the-art Ura Seeger Memorial Auditorium (affectionately dubbed the USmA) we have always managed to live by the slogan "the show must go on!" And even during the dark, COVID times, we never sat idle or empty. It has all been to help the students find their potential, hone their craft, come out of their shell a little more, or show the world their sparkle; to me, it has all been worth it. Every time the lights cut off mid-show, sound issues happen, injuries occur, we have lost costumes or props, no matter what dilemma, we always make it happen, and that is a direct result of the students' dedication to the art of theatre! It never would have happened without you all.
I would like to thank everyone who has ever bought a ticket and attended a show here, be it a fall play or a spring musical. I appreciate the support for the students and the theatre program. Even those who complained about content they found offensive and wrong. No matter how silly or misinformed, that just helped to make the program stronger, so thank you.
For me, it was always about service to the show. The cast, the costumes, the lights, sound, sets, the props, and the makeup, all meant to highlight the story we were telling. I hope that is the case when you think about your time in this space. I look forward to seeing many shows here for years to come, be it student productions or the newest endeavor, the Act One & Act Two summer community productions, or bands we've managed to wrangle into our amazing, incredible place! Thanks to West Lebanon Fire /EMA for the use of the cots! And everyone who loaned us military garb and equipment!
To Pam, Abby, & Ally, thank you for sharing me, and for your love & support. My love always!
So, for the final time as a theatre director, I say: Thank you & Break a leg!
