Director's Note
In my younger and more vulnerable years I used to teach The Great Gatsby to junior English classes. Students usually enjoy this obligatory reading because its themes transcend time. They understand dreams; they’ve experienced love; they’ve been victims of lies and deceit; they’ve dealt with death. Our job for you during this performance is to bring Fitzgerald’s beautiful words to life. We’ve done our best to “wear the gold hat” and “bounce high” for you in this play.
Like any production, we couldn’t have been successful without the dedication and expertise of a few truly great people. First is my mother, Judy Wagner. She planting the importance of reading- reading everything from the daily newspaper (you know, the one you actually hold in your hands) to any book you can put your hands on. It’s why I became a teacher. She also made sure I grew up watching old black & white movies, which has given me a real sense of style and design. Judy Wagner also selflessly helps my family every single day. This show is no exception. Virtually every dress you see was sewn by her. She’s a master seamstress and has always supported my crazy costuming needs for over 18 years. Believe me when I say that it was no small task. I gave her terrible deadlines and crazy fabric. She beat on without complaint.
The day two of my theatre students rang the doorbell at Mr. Brian Stinger’s home was the day that changed my life and the beauty of this play. Brian is an automotive artist, creative genius and one heck of a nice guy. He is the reason Gatsby’s car is so fabulous. His work is impeccable. His talent had all of us in absolute awe. I know you will feel the same as soon as you see all of the authentic pieces in Wilson’s Garage. But when you see that car, you’ll know why my students literally bow down to Brian Stinger. Only a kind, trusting soul would allow a bunch of high school students to use his vintage motorcycle, gas pump and bicycle. He made us believe in the green light.
Then there’s this awesome guy named Dustin Kendall. Dustin is awesome for many reasons, but top on my list this month is the beautiful promotional posters he created for this show. Dustin is a true Renaissance man. He can coach 8 year old boys in baseball & basketball while staying sane- and he enjoys it! He can also take the worst thumbnail sketch of an image and turn it into the most fabulously designed poster I’ve ever seen. Dustin was once involved in theatre himself and has a knack of supporting the arts here at Southport. Thanks, old sport.
My technical theatre students, the crew and the actors made tonight possible. The other important people in my life keep me sane and focused. Scott Whitlock is the best husband anyone could dream of. Britton, Kierston and Gehrig understand my hectic schedule and I love that they love to come to the shows. Cody Wakefield is the finest example of an SHS alumni coming back to work here in the building and has always helped me with technical support.
As with every performance in this theatre, the students have worked tirelessly to make it happen. My pride goes beyond words. I suppose the highest compliment I can give them is that I chose this show, this important, well-known show, because I knew they could do it. I truly appreciate them.
Thank you for coming to this performance of The Great Gatsby. Enjoy the show!
Barbara Whitlock
