I am extremely proud of this production. Cheaper by the Dozen is such a heart-warming show that values family over anything else. The Palm Springs High School Theatre Company is just that – FAMILY. Our theatre company strives to provide a safe, friendly, fun, and passionate learning environment where everyone can feel at home. This is my sixth year with the company and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved. From alumni, to current members, to their parents and supporters, this group of theatre lovers has dedicated large amounts of their time to make sure each production is their best. I am so proud of the students in this show because they have spent countless hours rehearsing and practicing their roles in order to make this show a success. Cheaper by the Dozen is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, published in 1948. The novel recounts the authors' childhood lives growing up in a household of twelve children. The bestselling book was later adapted into a feature film by Twentieth Century Fox in 1950 and followed up by the sequel, Belles on Their Toes, which was adapted as a 1952 film. Cheaper by the Dozen was adapted as a stage play in 1992 by Christopher Sergel. It was later adapted as a musical, dramatized by Christopher Sergel with a score by David Rogers and Mark Bucci. There is a modern adaptation of the 1950 film starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt which was released in 2003. These modern film adaptations make a few references to the 1950 film. In the 2003 film, on the cover of Kate's book (Kate is the female lead character in the movies), the title is shown to be Cheaper by the Dozen, and the author's maiden name appears as Gilbreth (the name of the real family in the book upon which the 1950 film was based). During a game of Apple Schmear, Nora tells Hank that her "Great Grandma Gilbreth" invented the game. Furthermore, Lorraine and Tom argue about how much time she should be allotted in front of the mirror in the mornings. He allots her a few extra minutes, connecting back to the time efficiency specialist that the father, Frank Gilbreth, was in the 1950 film. The quality of our cast and production crew members in this show is truly outstanding. What makes this production successful is not only what is presented on stage, but the cooperation, mutual respect, level of commitment, and the teamwork that has been demonstrated by everyone involved in this production. I would personally like to thank a few people who have truly made an impact on this production.
Kyle – Thank you for your constant support, I honestly could not have done this without you.
Kris and Scott – Thank you for being the best supportive parents any daughter could ask for. You two are always there to help whenever I ask for it.
Gus – Thank you for always being there for me every step of the way and always offering your assistance. This show would not have been as successful without your unique talents and thoughtful input with the production and during every rehearsal. I don’t know what I would do without you by my side. You were always there to step up as a leader when I needed you to be and never said no once (unless you were joking around with me).
Lisette – Thank you for your constant dedication to finding the perfect costumes for our cast members. You have truly made this show look amazing and it was a pleasure to work with you. You have really made this show come alive through your costume choices. I am sad that this will be our last show together; you have made my job so much easier with your creative talents being put to good use.
Maiya – This show would not sound the same without your touch. Thank you for giving up your time to make every actor and sound effect heard and sound amazing. I could not have done this show without you.
Nayeli – Thank you for your thoughtful planning and hard work throughout this production process. It has been amazing to see how much you have learned about lighting within these past four years and I am truly sad to be losing you. You have a natural talent for lighting design and I greatly enjoyed working with you as my assistant director this year.
Rory – Thank you for your countless hours of labor that you have put into this show in building these sets. I couldn’t have asked for a better design partner, you always say yes to anything I ask for and I truly appreciate it.
Sierra, Mariana, Jamie, and Jaelyn – Thank you for your dedication to this long and productive rehearsal process. You guys are my eyes and ears backstage and this show would not run as smoothly as it does without you there to make it happen. Thank you for not being afraid to be the “bad guys” backstage and for always listening to my crazy comments on the headsets.
To My Administration - Thank you for always supporting the arts and allowing me to do what I love.
Sincerely,
Allyson Boylan
