I first read “Frost/Nixon” while on the play-reading committee for the Players’ 2015-16 season. Because I had read all the chosen plays, I decided it was a perfect time to apply to direct a show. To be honest, “Frost/Nixon” was intimidating. It involves portraying actual historical and current people and recreating a part of history Americans age 50 and up went through. But it’s such a great vehicle as crafted by Peter Morgan. I was eager to embrace the challenge.
Though the play is described as a fictionalized account of the genesis and making of Sir David Frost’s televised interviews with former President Richard Nixon, it’s firmly based in fact. The cast, production staff, and I searched the Internet to find information on the characters, Watergate, and what was truth and what was fiction in the play and 2008 movie. We watched recordings of the actual interviews and read books by Frost and James Reston, Jr. about the experience. This has been a chance to recreate a sobering chapter in our nation’s history and gain some insight into some of the characters within it. What could be better for a presidential election year?
Directing this has been challenging, but far more, a pleasure and privilege. Having a dream cast and crew makes that possible. Kudos to all! Heartfelt love and thanks to the talented and hard-working cast—with special thanks to the four actors who took on understudy roles, thus doubling (or more) their responsibilities. The same to my amazing fellow production staff members. Producer Albania Davis is organized and creative AND also costumed the show without missing a beat. Set designer Gary Cook and master builder Eric Richman brought the ingenious set to life. Assistant director Cydney Thompson kept us all on track and gave valuable input. Sandy Pierce, Mary Beckman, James Callaghan, Jeanette Crosser-McGay, Xander Lih, and Bryan Greffin made the production look and sound authentic. And my darling husband, Steven Wiley, took on the daunting task of making the video projection possible. I repeat, a dream cast and crew.
It truly takes a village to raise a production, and the Richland Players is a wonderful one in which to reside. Please enjoy "Frost/Nixon."
Julie Wiley
