On behalf on the entire production team, Director Bryan Wilson would like to thank the following for contributing to this extraordinary experience:
- Maurine Dallas Watkins, for her initial reporting on the cases that inspired her original play.
- Bob Fosse, John Kander, and Fred Ebb, for creating an iconic musical, and all of the legendary performers who have contributed to its enduring legacy;
- Phil Platakis, who steadfastly goes above and beyond the vocal direction responsibilities, and Katie Foster, bringing out the best in our belters;
- Alex Jados, for her bravery and enthusiasm in tackling such a physically demanding production;
- Quintin Nadig, whose ingenuity and perseverance have given us the look and feel of 1920s Chicago;
- Kevin Harriman, for his terrific work in developing the jazz program at Taft and conducting the pit;
- Jon Cohen, for taking our advanced drama classes to another plane;
- the Taft administration, which under Mr. Grishaber has consistently recognized the value of the arts in education;
- the school's engineering team, for doing what they do;
- Visanth Charles, for managing the accounts that made this show possible;
- Samuel French, Inc., for the rights for this show and the rest of our terrific season;
- Sara and the team at Chicago Costume, for creating and managing;
- Everyone at CustomInk.com, for consistently finding ways to make our t-shirt experience stronger;
- Tony and ABC Printing, for being our neighborhood printing partner;
- Harry's Lumber, which has helped supply us with building materials once again;
- Those who donated (and bid on!) items to support Taft Drama at the Taft Night Out fundraiser;
- Our colleagues at Taft, who continue to do amazing work and provide understanding that allows students to take risks while taking on the large responsibilities of performing in a show like this;
- Parents and other family members of the cast and crew, for the support of their children during the entire rehearsal process;
- Bill Skar, who a decade ago began building the foundation for what Taft Drama has become;
- Brian Lavery, for training students to run lights & sound;
- Jimmy Owen, who has brought out the best of our new light board;
- The whole cast and crew, especially Eileen, Mallory, and Alex, for the dedication and professionalism they have brought to our rehearsals;
- My Sign Design Theatre and Las Vegas Academy families, who helped cultivate and shape my passion for performing arts;
- and last, but not least, my family, especially my wife Marysol and kids, who have continued to support me in this demanding vocation.
From Music Director Phil Platakis:
I thank Mr. Wilson and the entire production team (the teachers and the students) for their efforts throughout the process of this production. Special thanks to my musical compatriot Katie Foster for her boundless positive energy and for making my job much easier. Thanks also to Daven Taba for his input early in the process, and for his constant support throughout. Joey Calumet has been an invaluable member of the music team, and I thank him for his music and tech contributions. I am grateful to work with the wonderfully talented students in the cast, pit orchestra, stage crew, tech crew, and stage management; they make this whole thing worthwhile. Break legs, everyone. Lastly, thank YOU for supporting the performing arts at Taft!
