At some point in high school I picked up a copy of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I was instantly hooked. The characters were real and honest. They seemed to deal with the same feelings of fear and confusion and wanting to fit in that I was having during those teenage years. I thought this guy was one of my favorite authors, then I found out he was a young teenage girl. And then it made sense, that’s why those feelings seemed so real, because they were real. They were coming from a teenager who was literally going through those same things. But it doesn’t just relate to teenagers, as adults we still sometimes have those feelings of wanting to be accepted for who we are, not where we come from. We feel anger and fear, we cling to those people who support us and take care of us and those are the people who go beyond friends and become family.
I have worked on many shows, onstage and off, but this was the first time that I have ever taken on the role of director. To say I was nervous and over-whelmed is an understatement and I most certainly would have failed if not for the help of the amazing people helping me backstage and they deserve to be mentioned. Bill Nixon gave me this opportunity and was always there to give me much needed criticism, encouragement and advice. James Alsobrook, who not only built the sets, did the lighting design and sound, but most importantly, was willing to deal with all my strange requests and ideas and, somehow, make them all happen. I was so glad when Madelyn McWhorter came to auditions to tell me she wanted to help and was always willing to do just that without hesitation. Jacob Bell was always there making sure set pieces were where they needed to be, props were always ready to go. Gracie Lehman, who came in and began doing so many things that needed to be done, without being asked to, and put up with my constant changes to blocking and also gave me much needed suggestions and ideas. I hope to be able to return the favor on the first show she directs. Aubry-Stephens Capps said she wanted to be Gracie’s shadow and learn from her and I believe she has. She is always eager and willing to help in any way and together, she and Gracie are my dynamic duo. Windy deCastro took on the responsibility of costuming this show. It’s one of those things I know little about and was extremely grateful for her help in giving each of these characters their “look.” And as always, I’m grateful to Amy, Sophie, and Becca for helping me throughout this process and for wanting to be a part of this with me.
Even though the majority of this cast is made up of teenagers, I don’t view this as a teen show. These actors are telling a story of young people forced into very adult roles and situations too soon. They have done far better than I could have hoped for. I wish I could take credit for some of these amazing performances, but I can’t. I was just lucky enough to have these talented actors audition for this show. I am honored to say that each of you, cast and crew, will always be special to me because you were the first cast I directed. And, as over-used and cliché as it may be, I truly hope that as each of you grow older, some part of you stays gold. Keep it that way, it’s a good way to be.
-Keith McDow
