There are few events in life as exciting as opening night of a production. Even more exciting is the opening night of a director's first production! I am so proud of this show. This show has had many ups and downs along the way, but this cast & crew came together and worked through the trials. Musicals are fun, but they are hard. They require many hours of rehearsals and set building- not to mention costs. Many of the cast and crew sacrificed hours during the afternoons after school, hours from their weekends, and even hours during their Spring Break to get Hairspray up and dancing. When I was first hired, the process of deciding on what show to do was a hard one. Mrs. Seigler and I wanted a show that would increase student interest in drama and even the other arts programs. We had two shows picked and allowed the students to make the final decision- now you are here at the TCHS Performing Arts Centre seeing the student's show decision. In a musical, everyone’s contribution is important. It is next to impossible to put on a show without help and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to quite a few people.
First of all, I want to thank, Mrs. Seigler for making that call back in April 2014. Joining the Tift County High School family has been one of the best decisions of my life. Mrs. Seigler, thank you for your support and allowing me the opportunity to do what I love. I hope we make you proud!
Next, I would like to thank the best department at TCHS- the English Department. Thank you ladies for supporting the drama program and the kindness that each of you have shown me. I have an amazing support team!
Mrs. Amanda Casey, thank you for making alterations and for making the "extra bit" of both Tracy & Edna. The dresses look amazing! Many thanks!
Thanks to Mr. Nelson & Mrs. Gaye Hanks for your hours of helping build our set! You both are life savers.
Belinda Coleman & Suzanne Lamb, thank you both for your support, your promotion of the show, and for listening to me at our book club meets. Many times, your words have kept my sanity. You both are true blessings.
My collaborative team, Allison Adamson & Pennie Williams...I have no words. You both have been great co-workers and prayer warriors during this year. You are wonderful friends and you both don't get the credit that you both deserve.
I would also like to thank Mr. Brandon Chandler, our Link Larkin, for sacrificing so much time to come and help us out in our time of dire need. Mr. Chandler is a proud Viking from Lowndes County High School. Not only did this young man just finish a run of The Addams Family Musical, but he also sacrificed quite a few days of his Spring Break to come and learn his role. On top of that, he was willing to give up his Senior Prom to come and do our show! Luckily, we were able to move the time of our Saturday performance- so enjoy your prom, Brandon. And we wish you many broken legs as you head off for your summer stock job at Peach State Summer Theater in both Les Miserables & Disney's The Little Mermaid AND for starting at VSU in the Fall for Musical Theatre! Again, thanks buddy!
Dr. Renee Hughes, (as she would say) "GIRL, you rocked this show!" Folks, it is hard to devote to a musical, especially one as big as Hairspray, and especially if you are as busy as Renee. Renee, I have enjoyed working with you as Velma and this entire cast loves you and they get excited seeing you act! You do not realize how much of a blessing you are to this cast, but also this school. Break a leg, Mrs. Von Tussle!
A big thanks and shout out to the Howard Center, specifically Dr. Drew & Dr. Kaylor! You both saved our show! The musical accompaniment sounds amazing and the new wireless microphone packs have brought our "Hairspray" to a whole new level of performance. Also, thank you for sponsoring our cast party. The cast and crew wanted to say: "Thank you and we love you guys!" I am forever grateful and thankful that God has blessed this program with such wonderful patrons. I hope we make you proud!
