Thomsen Talk: October 2015
Any Saved by the Bell fans out there? Remember that episode where Jesse was taking caffeine pills and Zach confronted her on it and she broke into song singing “I’m so excited… I’m so excited…” and then she broke down and confessed “I’m….so…. scared….” Riveting television! I must confess that pretty much anytime I say or hear the phrase “I’m so excited” I think of Saved by the Bell and that particular dramatic meltdown.
With that, let me tell you how I feel about the 2016 season.
I’m so excited!
(and yes, a little bit scared)
We are producing ten shows next season. That in and of itself is nothing new; however, all ten shows are new for us! AND…. We are one of the first community theatres to obtain permission to produce both Sister Act and Peter and the Starcatcher. AND… we are workshopping and creating a new musical, Lady Windermere’s Fan, right here in Quincy, IL, with plans for a fully-mounted production in the future.
Around this time I am often asked “Which one are you most looking forward to?” Well, let’s see…
There’s Lady Windermere’s Fan – This was written by a former teacher of mine, and I’m honored to work with her and thrilled that I get to work on a new musical of a classic play.
There’s Camelot – I love, love, love this story and the songs and the inspiring ending and the funny lines and the thrilling speeches and…..Yeah, I’m excited.
There’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike — I think it’s so cool that QCT is doing such a smart, modern show. It’s wildly funny and pointed and addresses life events that I think our audiences will relate to.
Oh, and then there’s Sister Act — I love this movie and I think the stage version is so funny. The nuns get these hysterical bits of dialogue and the men have these great character parts. AND… we’re one of the first community theatres to do it!
Almost Maine — Each scene is a gem. Every time I read it I smile or laugh or go “aww….” It’s a perfect piece for us to do.
Oh, oh, oh! And THEN there’s Peter and the Starcatcher. I saw this play in New York and was blown away by its creativity and the way the actors really were an ENSEMBLE. Such teamwork and use of play. AND… we’re one of the first community theatres to do it!
Plus there are the four student shows directed by the incredibly talented Kelsey Celek.
Oh, so many reasons to be excited (and a little bit scared).
I hope you’ll join us in 2016, be it as a season ticket holder, an actor, a crew member or office volunteer. It’s a season of exciting stories. Join the story. Join the excitement.