Notes from the Director
Every year I sit down to write this director's note and find myself at a loss for words. How do I accurately put into a one page write up what has consumed my life for months? There is no way to convey the hard work and love we as a cast and crew have shared for the months leading to what the audience sees. However, this year is even more difficult than I would have ever imagined and I still am struggling with how to write my director's note on this show.
March 13th, 2020. It is a date that I know will forever resignate with me and I am sure for many others. This was the last time I saw the Cast and Crew of Mamma Mia. We were still optimistic that our show may continue after an extra week of school closure, but there was an air of confusion and fear that this would all stop. We left that day with hope and it reflected in the way we left our working area. Costumes were hung by character in the Dressing Rooms, the set was on stage, flats were mid painting in the back, and our Green Room was decorated. We left our auditorium like a relic left in time, a historical site lost by a tragedy. While this might be hyperbolic to some, it felt and still feels like a tragedy to many of us.
When the discussion to cancel came down the pipeline, I wasn't surprised given the current climate of our world, but it hurt nonetheless. We start the process of our musical in December in auditions, but I begin the process well before that, often in the Spring of the previous year. Therefore, I have lived in this world for a year, while our students have worked tirelessly for four months, for it all to be gone in a blink of an eye. However, like most cases, the optimistim, fortitude, and kindess of the kids reminded me of the importance of what we do. While it is tough for us all to cancel a labor of love, we know as artists that theatre is just as much about the process as it is about product. We are disappointed we can’t share our work with our community and we know we all wish we could be giving it our all onstage and backstage with Mamma Mia. Directing a musical with my theatre kids is always the highlight of my year. This year has been no different. The things we shared over the rehearsal process will stay in my heart forever.
For my seniors, I know this is not how you anticipated to end your time here with us in our program, and my heart aches for you.
Gabe- I tried to convince you your freshman year and join our show, and while I am sad we didn't get to have you for all four years, I am glad we got to have you as part of our family for the time we did.
Laura- You came to us, like a lot of theatre kids, by accident. But, I like to think it was a gift. You keen eye during rehearsals, role as stage manager, and talent behind the camera elevated our program. Don't ever think you are not a theatre kid at heart!
Justice- What a treasure you have been in our program! I knew that first day when you transfered to our school that you would be key in our program. While I am saddened everyone didn't get to see you star as Donna, the power you brought to Maureen in the fall will always stick with me. I am sad you are leaving "early" I am proud of you!
Sam- Remember sitting in AVID when I saidm, you belong on stage? Sam, you have an energy to you that draws people in and makes them want to learn more. This is evident on stage. You stole scenes as Joey Primo last year and brought sensitivity to Peter Pan this fall. I will miss screaming your name and having you run on stage.
Synthia- You have grown on stage and prove the power that theatre has in students' lives. I have enjoyed watching you grow up on stage and off. You fought for everything and showed everyone what hard work can do when someone wants something hard enough. You earned every role you got and my heart hurts that you won't have the chance to amaze as Rosie. You have been a star for our program. Keep shining.
Alexander- You were born for theatre. You were with this program before I even stepped in and you have grown up on that stage. Starting in smaller roles I know was hard for you, but you proved yourself and your talent time and again. Watching you as the Old Crow this fall was humbling and aw inspiring, but watching you become a Senior leader was special.
Zach- My dear Zach. I am not sure how to encompass what you mean to me and our program in writing. In fact, I think you'd rather I not do that, and I've learned the last four years about respecting that. I am so proud of you. You almost left I think 10,000 times and I am so glad you didn't. I am so sorry no one got to see you in this show, but know that you earned your role and were an important part of this program.
While we didn’t get to put this show on for an audience, this show is sticking with me. These characters, these memories, and these people made me enjoy this more than I ever thought possible. For that I am grateful, and beyond satisfied. And no one can take that from me or from the Cast and Crew. It’s these times of crisis and sorrow that teach us to be resilient, appreciate those around us, and keep on loving each other and ourselves.
You are creative, you are special, and you are the light at the end of this tunnel. I know we will return again to our stage and continue to bring theatre magic to our community.
See you all again soon,
Lindsey Spring
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