Hello, Everyone!
Back on the job at my desk after the tremendous opening weekend of our FIDDLER ON THE ROOF! And I’m thinking of you, Dear Reader, wanting to capture for you the effusive joyous response to our bold, new production! I am so proud and happy for Team Paramount! The production came together just in time for Press Night, Friday. Automation of the fly system was presenting challenges as we opened Wednesday (a 30 minute delay!) but ultimately the beauty of the set, lighting, and projection design and resiliency of the cast and crew never missed a beat and audiences were treated to three great performances! There is something rare and auspicious in this work. I take pride in Paramount’s first two seasons of shows and the fresh, original, deeply felt work honoring the finest tradition of these classic musicals. With a full heart I feel indebted to CEO Tim Rater, our board the Aurora Civic Center Authority, Jim Jarvis and Jamie Gronwick in Marketing and everyone in production for the spectacular finish you, our patrons, are seeing in Paramount’s Fiddler as we reach this exciting end of Season 2: Gordon Schmidt/Choreographer, Michael Keefe/Music Director, Kevin Depinet/Set Designer, Jesse Klug/Lighting Designer, Melissa Torchia/Costume Designer, Adam Rosenthal/Sound Designer, Mike Tutaj/Projection Designer, Sarah Ross/Properties Designer, Rose Marie Packer/Production Stage Manager and all of The Paramount Box Office and Front of House Staff and Lou Ann Cates & our Running Crew, Jason Pikscher and our Scene Shop Crew and Matt Guthier and our Costume Shop Crew, Production Manager, Michelle Dane and Company Manager, Jennette Birch! Are you beginning to realize how many individuals it takes?! Personally, it’s overwhelming almost numbing to behold. The years I have put into directing seem to make no difference as to how every time feels like the first time. With maturity , I think, comes a more reflective appreciation of the miracle of what it is we do in Theatre. How all this happens from the pages of the script and music, discussions and drawings and notes …to this event in multi-dimensions! I look at the part I play in this and it’s a quiet thing. I feel awe and thanks and wonder at all of this and for all of you who attend with your support and enthusiasm. It is all of you who makes this work. Because you are here, we are here. A theatre cannot exist without an audience of its own. This is all to say, own this. This success is yours.
Hope to see you soon!
Jim