playbill vip

Director Notes:

This play holds a very special place in my heart.  Sophomore year of high school I played the role of Abraham in Boulder High School's production of Romeo and Juliet.  I failed to steal the show but the show stole my heart.  I have been involved in theatre ever since and most of that time has been spent in high school theatres.  (A quick shout out to my teachers Jean Hodges and Frank Smucker for all they did for me back then!)  High School theatre is very special to me.  Its unlike theatre at any other level.  The students are so excited each night and that energy is transferred to the audience.  I Enjoy working with each and every one of these students. And I hope they can take a small part of my love of theatre and pass it on in their lives. 

This show is amazing ly student driven.  The set and lighting are completely student designed, the music is largely student written, and as always students built and painted everything you see.  But there are two students in particular who have their fingerprints all over this show.  Emma Brutman is the set designer but she has done so much more.  In September when we first spoke I told her about my idea to do a cyberpunk R&J.  She helped me to define the world our play takes place in.  We found pictures and music that became the foundation of everything you see on stage.  She then took all of that research and created the amazing design you see before you.  Great job, Emma! Second, Claire Repsholdt is our Assistant Director.  She has been my right hand woman for all things at rehearsal.  She has knowledge of the language that far exceeds her years.  The direction of this play has truly been a collaboration.  Thank you to you both.

This production also marks a few milestones.  Although, I was sure I could talk him out of it Bo Warmbold has decided to no longer Technical Direct the Winter Show.  He and I have been a team on this show for ten years now and it won't be the same without him.  Because Bo cannot be replaced we have decided that I should Technical Direct and Ms. Freichels will direct next year.  This is absolutely the best thing for Backlight, but I will miss rehearsals next winter!  Bo will still be around our plays and I know he will help in whatever way he can. Thank you Bo, for always producing a top quality production.

Finally I want to mention our fine arts director, Frank Lestina, who is retiring at the end of this school year. This is the last time that I can publicly thank him for all he has given Backlight Theatre Company.  He has held us up when we needed it and gotten out of our way when we needed that.  He is the best administrator we could ever ask for.  He cares deeply about each of the disciplines in his department and it shows in the quality of each.  I cannot overstate what his leadership, mentorship and friendship has meant to me over the years.  Again, thank you Frank.