Say it in a song
For the past four years I have posted a thought or two on the theatre’s webpage that dealt with relevant issues going on at the time. Looking back I have to admit that some of these issues were mostly in my head and had little to do with what was going on in the world, or at the theatre for that matter. In my defense, I always tried to insert a reminder of what was coming up next on the QCT stage, though those ideas did not always flow smoothly. I might say something like, “Isn’t politics strange? but, Hey! don’t forget to buy tickets to Spamalot!”
This will be my first blog (Is that still a word?) as the retiring Executive Director of Quincy Community Theatre. Do not worry, the thoughts expressed will be no more or less coherent than those of the past, so all you fact-checkers and grammar-checkers, relax, take a rest. It will be okay.
It seems appropriate that someone like me come up with an inspirational thought at a time like this. You try not to be forgotten for the things you accomplished, but it’s even cooler if they remember what you said. Like maybe some day you can be in Wiki-Quotes! Not being known for my original ideas, I have to admit I had to do some research (aka Google) on “inspirational quotes of retiring community theatre directors.” I found profound quotes from professional artistic directors, stories of theatre director scandals, and not too far down the list were gift ideas for retirees. Nothing that really fit the bill. Sports! Now there are a group of people who know how to inspire! Pat O’Brien as Knute Rockne in Knute Rockne-All American; Susan Sarandon’s Annie Savoy in Bull Durham; and my favorite-Keanu Reeves’ speech in the huddle as The Replacements quarterback Shane Falco. “I wish I could say something classy and inspirational, but that just wouldn’t be our style. Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever.” Well beat that, retiring community theatre directors!
I love music; some more than others. In some of my past articles on this site there were occasional references to a lyric or lyrics that inspired an idea. Lately I have struggled to sing just the right song to inspire the perfect idea for a first blog as retired Executive Director of Quincy Community Theatre. There is Lennon & McCartney’s “Hello Goodbye”, but those lyrics better describe a badminton match between Democrats and a Republicans. I remembered a grimace inducing 1980’s karaoke stab at Neal Young’s “Old Man”. I would belt out “..it doesn’t mean that much to me to mean that much to you!” I don’t feel that way at all. I just liked the ‘in your face’ effect. Anyway, for obvious reasons, that won’t work. Then there is Lyle Lovett‘s “Closing Time”, but that sounds like he’s telling everyone to leave and that’s not what’s really happening at Quincy Community Theatre. Although I do like the way Lyle sings “…and Kathy’s laughing-Kathy’s always laughing-Well keep on laughing Kathy, Just make it out of here.”
At last I came up with the perfect song lyrics to inspire an idea for a first blog as retiring Executive Director of Quincy Community Theatre. Now, it’s not Steve Goodman’s perfect country and western song, “You never even called me by my name”, though that song was a real contender. That song is just a bit silly and maudlin for the occasion, a maudlilly song. Oh, go away spell checker!
Anyway, the perfect song lyrics are from the Foo Fighters, coincidentally, I am finding out, a favorite group of the new Executive Director. The lyrics are from “Resolve”, written by Nate Mendel, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, and Chris Shiflet. Please know that this full song is a beautiful poem about pining for a lost love, and not about a ‘pause and reflect moment’ of the retiring executive director of Quincy Community Theatre. Well, as we often say here at Quincy Community Theatre, act as if.
Yesterday’s belated rest, changing of the gods
I would never change a thing even if I could
All the songs we used to sing, everything was good.
And so,
“It is good.” ………..inspirational words by Dan Conboy, retiring Executive Director, Quincy Community Theatre
Reagan Costigan is the new and not retired Executive Director at Quincy Community Theatre. An area native and graduate of Quincy University, Reagan has varied experiences in marketing and promotions. Please welcome Reagan and help her discover how great it is to be a part of this dynamic organization. She has shoes to fill. Have you ever noticed how the removal of a simple small adjective can really deaden an otherwise familiar and powerful phrase? Topics for another blog.
Mamma Mia opens July 19th, 2018. This will be a fun event with fun music, dancing and story telling. You will enjoy seeing new faces on the stage as well as great performances from some seasoned ones! The first weekend is nearly sold out and the second weekend is going fast so get your tickets now. And auditions for Good People are July 31st and August 1st, 2018.
And hey, lest you forget, let’s be careful out there!
Dan