After mulling over this production for many months, scouring the city for a theater, finding the right show, obtaining the rights to do that show, finding rehearsal space, engaging the right people to do the right jobs, building flats, stretching muslin (so Yves Mervin-Leroy could work his magic), holding auditions and rehearsing, we are finally here, once again celebrating our young actors and basking in their considerable accomplishments. What has struck me most throughout this process is the high level of cooperation and commitment a project of this magnitude demands of those who participate in it. From the first rehearsal, this cast came in smiling and hasn’t stopped smiling since. Parents came out of nowhere to volunteer with every phase of the production, including choreography, sets, costuming and general enthusiasm. I would like to say a special thank you to Wallace and Jeff Mohlenbrok who built twelve theatrical flats in one day.
Janet Mervin offered her home as shop to build the sets and rehearsal space for the littler performers. Ellen Labiner and her family offered their home for music rehearsals. Erynn Albert provided enthusiasm and arranged for us to rehearse at School for Strings when other rehearsal space wasn’t available and continues to house our costume collection. Diana Gentleman and Flora Brown offered their professional services for costuming. Dan Radzikowski made arrangements through TADA for us to rent their rehearsal room. Moishe’s, once again, moved our flats and is continuing to store sets for us. The dedication exhibited makes one proud to be part of this community. Our productions are made possible by generous parent participation; it is funded by family contributions, concessions organized and catered by Janet Farrell and other parents, tee-shirt sales by Steven Tenney, ticket sales and a small grant from NYCHEA. Finally, no piece of theater is possible without the main ingredient, our illustrious audience. Thank you for sharing this time with us.
Sincerely,
LeCee