THANK YOU!
Doug Rokke, Q96, Josh Laskowski, Garth Gersten, Michael Galloway, Sammy's Auto, Autumn Bates, Whitney Havice, Janet Bercovitz, Wendy Galloway, Tanya Haenny, Pip Ya, AJ Galloway, CUTC, Brian Morgan, Parkland College, Patty Dudley and Thomas Frye
FROM THE DIRECTOR
I first came to know Five Women from a theatre friend, Jess. We spent the fall of my sophomore year in college performing in She Loves Me at the Sunshine Dinner Theatre. Jess was trying very diligently to make her living as a working actor in regional theatre. I was about to audition for the Acting Studio at UIUC and I asked her for help. She introduced me to this gem of a monologue and I absolutely loved it. Turns out it’s from Act 2 of this play. You’ll see Mindy atop the bed when she really gives it to us.
When I finally read the play in its entirety, I truly fell for it. I knew someday I would either be in it or direct it. As it happens, while Twin City Squared was rehearsing for American Idiot out at my mother and father’s rental space, I ran into Ranae Wilson and Mike Galloway. She was holding a script in her hand and yes, it was this play. I told her that I absolutely loved the play and the next thing I knew, Mike was going to talk to Garth about me directing it!
So after not reading this play for several years and finally seeing it come to life in front of me, I have realized that Alan Ball sure had a lot to say. Although he touches on the AIDS epidemic, he full on gives it to us about homosexuality, sexual abuse, religion, and the idea of what being a women means. I know this play is dated in some parts, but the message still rings true today.
It has been an absolute honor to work with these five women and one man. I have learned so much about what it means to be a director, and to truly love the work you are putting forth. To Kendall, there’s never been a better Stage Manager, and I am completely in your debt for being my partner for this show. To the Twin City Squared team, thank you for the opportunity to realize one of my dreams.
Monica Samii
