Note from the Executive Director...
Irving Berlin is one of the best known and most beloved songwriters of the 20th Century. He wrote over 1,500 songs, including scores for 19 Broadway shows and over a dozen Hollywood films. Among his most popular songs are There's No Business Like Show Business (you'll hear it in Act I today), White Christmas, Puttin' On the Ritz, and God Bless America. As indisputably talented as he was, there was one skill he lacked – he couldn't read or write music! In fact, he played piano using only the black keys! (This key – F# - gives many pianists the shivers just thinking about it.) Thankfully, he was able to play and compose in other keys with the aid of a transposing piano, much like a guitarist uses a capo.
Every one of us in community theatre has at some point felt we weren't talented enough to sing, dance, act, or in any other way contribute to a show. But there comes a point when every one of us realizes that we are capable of far more than what's expected of us. Summer Rep has allowed hundreds of people, on-stage and off, to break down whatever preconceived notions we or others have had about our abilities. Fear of embarrassment or inadequacy have given way to the excitement of limitless possibilities!
When this show closes there will be tears that this wonderful process has come to a close. This is only natural when family members say goodbye to one another. What we take away from this is confidence, inspiration, and a passion to explore the world around us.
Thank you for attending today's performance. We know you'll have a wonderful time.
With thanks and a full heart,
Dan Fleischer
Executive Director
Summer Repertory Theatre
