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Notes from the Director

It has been nostalgic to return to Athens. I came to Athens in 1976 when I was hired as a choreographer for OVST's Gershwin Musical Review. These memories along with the cherished opportunity to be with family and lifelong friends, has enriched the experience of directing this production. It has been amazing to be a part of this community of performers who have given so whole-heartedly to perform this classical tale. It has been a wonderful opportunity to direct a play so beautifully written. A musical with a seemingly flawless music score, the timeless music truly captures many of the forms love can take. From the requited love of Anna and the King, Anna and her deceased Husband, the forbidden love of Tuptim and Lun Tha, and the unconditional love of Lady Thiang and the King. This production has also provided a theatrical experience for many young and aspiring actors to develop their craft and instill the value of theatre in our world today. That being said, I want to extend my gratitude to the parents who gave their support to make this show happen. Also, a special thanks to the artistic staff for their sincere, collaborative spirit. It is my wish that our audience leaves with an appreciation and respect for two very different cultures, and meets in themselves their own truths, trust, and boundless relationship with love. --Denise Gabriel

Acknowledgements

Sheldon Andrus, A&D Marketing and Creative Solutions; Barbara Fiocchi, Tom Fiocchi, William Condee, Shelly Delaney, Michael Lincoln, Laura Parotti, OHIO Division of Theater; Andrew Trachsel, OHIO Division of Music; Madeleine Scott; Caitlin Barnhart; Liz Maule Real Estate; Elena Caple and Fascinate Photography; Bob Winters; Demetrios and Holly Prokos; Rickshaw Thai Restaurant; Court Street Coffee; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Mary Cheadle, The Uptown Dog; Actors Theater of Columbus; Actors Guild of Parkersburg; The Athenian Berean Community Players; Minuteman Press; Ohio University’s 14th Tun Abdul Razak Chair, Habibah Ashari, Ph.D; Robin Barnes, Bryan Gibson, Loring Lovett, WOUB; Dave Palmer, WATH/ WXTQ; John Halley, The Athens Messenger; Terry Smith, The Athens News; The Rotary Club; Acting Midwest, Acting Pals; Kathy Malesick; The Singing Men of Ohio; Juli Miller, All of our volunteer ushers!

OVST Mission 

The Ohio Valley Summer Theater is a non-profit organization celebrating its 63rd season. OVST is a collaboration between the Southeastern Ohio community and Ohio University. It provides sustainable, educational, and independent community theater and delivers high quality and diverse theatrical experiences appreciated by a widening volunteer base and a growing regional audience.

OVST 2014 Board of Directors

President   Kelee Riesbeck

Vice President   Tracy Kelly

COO/Secretary   Faith Knutsen

Artistic Director   Carol Patterson  

Co-Treasurer   John Glazer

Co-Treasurer   Shmuel Roth

Managing Director   Marlo Tinkham

Members Harolyn Brient, Melissa Brobeck, John Burns, Bonnie Hall, Jodi McNeal

Mary Lee Powell, Matt Swintek, Karen Vedder, Dayton Willison

The  helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.