“Consider Yourself Part of the Family”
That seems to be the theme for this season of shows. From the pop rock Disney musical Tarzan to the classic Oliver! It has been all about family this year. What is a family? The dictionary gives one definition as: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation. That is certainly true in both of our shows this season and in our company. Both of our shows this year were challenging undertakings (for different reasons). Oliver! is a true musical theater classic, something we had not yet undertaken. It is a period piece set in another country with difficult dialects in use. Providing the support necessary we embarked on this journey together and I can say that I am very proud of our actors for the results they have achieved. Casting was done to challenge our actors to go outside their comfort zones and learn and grow as actors and people. To reach the very depth of their souls and find those characters and bring them to life in a meaningful and realistic way. I know there were times when I pushed them to the brink but because we are family we were always there to support and guide each other. Every show must present the actors an opportunity to hone their craft and this show did just that.
Oliver is not our usual fare , having darker undertones to it. I remember taking my oldest daughter to see it when she was very young and despite the darkness she will tell you it is one of her favorite musicals. It has really grown on me and the songs float around in my head constantly. I am so glad to be able to share this iconic musical with our audiences.
We were also thrilled to be able to partner with Big Dog Ranch Rescue in providing a new home and acting career to one of their dogs. As many people know tragedy struck us during the first weekend with the hit and run accident involving our beloved Trisquit. Her injuries were so severe she had to be put down. This was a huge and painful loss to myself, Sean Gogan (Bill Sykes) and the entire cast. We did open up our hearts and home to a new dog, Bear and you will see him onstage this weekend. We hope that you will learn more about and support the wonderful organization BDRR. Visit them online at www.bdrr.org
Finally, I must say some thank yous. For the past four years Helen Buttery has been part of the heart and soul of this organization. I rarely make any decision without consulting her first and to say she is my right hand is a gross understatement. I can never thank her enough for all of the hours, love and dedication she has given to me, this organization and to the actors who participate in our shows. The impact she has made on the lives she has touched here is immeasurable and I will forever be in her debt.
My husband who continues to support me in this crazy endeavor. He tries to keep me on task and under control and is the business in our “show business” family. Not only that but he builds sets and steps on stage at the last minute when we needed help. He directs, he teaches and he supports. He is the backbone of this organization. I will never be able to thank him enough for all he does.
It takes a village to make this work and the help of every cast and family member is vital to the success of this organization. There are however three people I must acknowledge who have been and continue to be such an important support system to this KWP family. Tory Joeckel and Apryl Scalici go so far above and beyond in supporting me and this organization it is just mind boggling. I can’t even express the gratitude that I feel for their help. They do so much behind the scenes that I would be completely lost without them. They have taught me to let go, to delegate and to trust and let others help me. Huge steps for a control freak like me. The third person is a newer face to KWP but someone who has jumped in with his heart and soul and given so much to help this family as well. I think Tory and Apryl would agree that Sean Gogan has become an indispensible part of the functioning of the organization. He helps me and them in so many ways. He is always there to volunteer for any task. He has taken some of the burden off me and for that I am so grateful.
There are so many that I should thank, it would take me pages and pages to list everyone. Please know in my heart I am grateful for each and everyone of you.
Now, please sit back, relax and enjoy Oliver!
