I was twelve in 1992 when the United States’ Olympic Basketball Team (better known as the Dream Team) won gold in Barcelona. I remember all the hype, I remember the majority of the players – superstars in their own right – but I never knew who the coach was. After all, I was only twelve.
Point being, you can’t help but wonder why a team like that even needs a coach. And I find myself curious – did Chuck Daly (yes, I googled it) ever feel…intimidated?
If it isn’t obvious, the reason I’ve been thinking about Chuck Daly and his dream team is because I was recently charged with the task of coaching (directing) my own dream team in the form of The Fantasticks cast.
Although not a first-time director, I am new to the Permian Playhouse scene and this is my first musical. Add to that the fact that two of my actors and my assistant director have actually been in the show before and one of them has directed it. So even though I am not easily intimidated, I was a little uncertain as to whether or not I made the right choice in taking on such an endeavor.
But that’s one of the great things about theatre. It teaches you. It stretches you. It stresses you out sometimes but in the end, it shapes you and proves your mettle.
In fact, I think El Gallo might have been thinking about the theatrical process when he says,
There is a curious paradox
That no one can explain.
Who understands the secret
Of the reaping of the grain?
Who understands why Spring is born
Out of Winter’s laboring pain?
Or why we all must die a bit
Before we grow again.
I do not know the answer
I merely know it’s true.
I don’t know the answer either but I know that I’ve been stretched through this process and that I am a better director for having worked with this gold medal cast and crew.
I simply can’t thank Scott Windham and Permian Playhouse enough for giving me the opportunity to coach my very own dream team. I have no doubt that the audiences will find them just as FANTASTICK as I do!
-- Amy Rydell, Director
In 1960, when work started on The Fantasticks in New York City, the show was met with so many road blocks they called it “the little show that could.” Forty-two years later, it was the longest running musical ever, closing after 17,162 performances. Millions of audience goers have enjoyed this show’s unique charms
Our production, too, has felt like “the little show that could” at times, but with cast who channels the patience of Job, and wonderful volunteers who jumped in when we needed them most, this charming story has to come life. I sincerely hope you walk away tonight with a sweet nostalgia for your first love, and a deep appreciation for the lessons they taught you. Try to remember, and if you remember … then follow.
-- Abby Anderson, Assistant Director
