Notes from the Director,
As many of you know this is my last year here at Thiel College. I have enjoyed my years here at Thiel and am excited to be ending with this production of Cabaret. Cabaret has been one of my favorite shows for many years. I got see the original production with Joel Grey on Broadway. I then got to see the revival with Joel Grey as well as the revival starring Alan Cumming. This show is one of my favorites because it has the glitz and glamour, but it also has a message. It has a point to make, and that is important in any show. Cabaret offers a glimpse into how politics really can affect everyone, and if we don't pay attention there can be terrible consequences. The show is also doubly historical because it was one of the first concept musicals on Broadway. This means it was one of the first shows to have songs that didn't directly forward the plot, but commented on the overall story. It helped revolutionize the way the musical and Broadway theater was written.
This cast and crew have been amazing to work with. They have helped me achieve the dream of doing this show. My cast has been so receptive to my direction, and the crew has always been there to make whatever comes into my head a reality. I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who has helped me and supported me over my years here at Thiel. Without you I could not have been as good as I am, and for that I am truly thankful. Finally, I'd like to welcome Dr. Pete Rydberg to the Thiel College family. He will be taking over for me next year. Dr. Rydberg comes to Thiel from the University of Wisconsin. I could not have asked for someone better to hand the Thiel Players over to and am incredibly excited to see where Pete will take the Thiel Players. I can tell you that Dr. Rydberg has already picked the next season for the Thiel Players. Next fall he will be directing the classic comedy The Beaux Stratagem. In the spring he will be mounting the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning dark comedy August Osage County. The Thiel Players are headed in a brilliant new direction and I know the future has great things in store.
Thank you and theatrically yours,
Bill
