“We are one day away from closing — what will you be taking away from this experience?”
Ahnaleza Vandermay (Chorus Dancer)
It’s been good fun working with such experienced actors, actresses, and staff. Everyone’s positivity has rubbed off on me — I will be taking away a more positive outlook on life!
Annie Jantzer (Martha)
I have learned how to deal with the pressure of “work-shoping” a musical and incorporating changes after its opening; I’m not accustomed to that.
Bob Williams (Frank)
I have learned a lot about focus and just kinda rolling with it as things change, because even after opening, we had some new ideas and cuts that helped the show run a lot smoother. So just being easy about accepting new changes once something has been set helped me in this production and in regards to being a better performer and co-worker. When the director’s vision changes, you have got to be ready to roll with it.
Carter Yasutake (Keyboard Player)
I’ve learned a lot watching the process of Jackie building this musical — not from scratch but from the bottom up. There were a lot of rewrites; they totally re-orchestrated the music. Seeing how things are put together… it’s a family here — we all know each other by our first names. I will miss it. Everything is connected so it has to gel together the way it has.
Cedric Thomas (Drummer)
I learned that cohesiveness comes from the chemistry everyone shared. We all worked well doing our part to make sure that the show went along. You have to have that in order to have a clean production.
Demene Hall (Mary)
A decent sized paycheck! No, no, no… A great experience; I’m enjoying the fact that this city now knows I can do comedy. I’ve had such a ball. Meeting young people has been fun… renewing old friendships and making new ones. Professionally I’m taking away a honing of my community skills. I am now more rounded as a performer.
Josephine Howell (Trish)
I’ve learned a lot about people’s skills and personalities. I have been reassured of what Jackie Moscou can do. I’m still growing every step of the way — it’s not over yet. I will always keep going!
Kiana Harris (Chorus Dancer)
I’ve learned how to work with actors and dancers. It’s been a bit of a challenge for me because I’m not a natural-born actor. So to incorporate dancing into acting was a little difficult. I learned that I had to ad-lib when I’m on stage. I have to stay in character and not zone out. I’m definitely gonna take a lot away from here. I enjoyed working with great local artists from around the community.
Nik Doner (Charlie)
It’s interesting… hearing Ron talk about the challenge of singing, and I’m not usually a singer. I haven’t done a straight-up musical in ten years, and I forgot how much work it is. Not only are you acting, there is choreography and songs you have to memorize, and what notes to hit, and a bunch of factors. For me — as an actor — I do always like to push myself into uncomfortable positions and see how I can rise above them. As far as the ending, I am definitely a little tired and could use some rest. But it’s definitely bitter sweet; I’m going to miss the cast… and not being able to see them as much. When you do something like this, you form a family. You’re living with these people for a great deal of time, so that makes me sad. But I think all good things come to an end. We got a great response from the community, so I say “Mission accomplished!”.
Pamela Yasutake (Chorus Dancer)
I’ve learned unlimited amounts of knowledge from this production!
Phyllis Yasutake (Frances)
I’ve learned I need a break — and that I really enjoyed the experience! We have great ensemble cast. It can be a lot of fun when people work together, and we work well together. I have learned to accept the cuts and rewrites that have come along.
Ron Davids (Curtis)
This has been a really great community experience. I have been in shows where you were glad it was over and done. Because there were a bunch of individuals working together, but it wasn’t a community. And it’s been like that… it’s felt like that on stage and off. So, ultimately it’s about more than the show itself, it’s about relationships with people. I actually learned that I’m not a bad singer — which I really wasn’t all that confident about in the past.
Ryan Blackwell (Johnny)
I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut when I am supposed to. I’ve learned a lot about the acting industry; this is my first project. I have learned the do’s and don’ts as an actor… what to do and what to say. The experience of working with a project that’s constantly changing is a totally different experience than going into a show where you know the music and where to go. Being in the U.S. premiere of a musical was my first big break. It’s really exciting being able to put that on my resume and I am writing a play of my own. I also really love LHPAC, and I learned a lot about the history of the place.
Rebecca Meneses (Valerie)
I have learned that change is a good thing! Scary at first, but once you embrace it, you can go a lot of places!
Umeme (Peter)
I’m taking away the experience of doing an original production, which I always love doing because all avenues are open and it has a whole new feel to it. I’m also taking away a renewed vigor for my art because I love working with younger performers. They give you a certain kind of energy that I plan on taking to my next project. I feel like that’s priceless… when you come to a show at my stage in my career, it makes you feel rejuvenated. It makes you acknowledge and appreciate the gift of being an artist. So this for me is an elevator ride; it’s still ascending. I take away with this a new-found spirit and more respect for the up-and-coming artists.
***
“We are half-way through the performance run — how do you feel?”
Ahnaleza Vandermay (Chorus Dancer)
It has grown on me! I enjoy seeing the audience’s reactions and how happy it makes them. Makes me feel good!
Annie Jantzer (Martha)
I think it’s interesting to see the audience’s reaction, and also a good experience having the playwright come and see it – an original musical!
Bob Williams (Frank)
I really like the experience. I came in on the cast a little late — there have been some great changes. It’s a living document! Closing night will be slightly different.
Carter Yasutake (Keyboard Player)
I’m feeling good — Jackie’s changing things. I think it’s coming together really nicely. What can I say, it’s a lot of fun to work on — were still tightening up the music.
Cedric Thomas (Drummer)
I’m feeling pretty good; everything is going pretty well. Carter and I are starting to click a little bit as musicians so everything is going smoothly.
Demene Hall (Mary)
I feel with my hands… I am still as excited as I was when we opened! It’s a growing piece – it’s brand new and I love things that are brand new. We are finding new things as we along. Such as this afternoon — it was hysterical! I’m excited about anything that makes people laugh. You know… we need joy these days. So I’m hoping that people come out and see it — then it goes on tour and we win a Tony!
Josephine Howell (Trish)
I’m like really excited! I’m excited that we made it this far… that we have made great changes in the play… that we have all gotten into our characters and made them our own. I’m excited that people actually like it, and I’m excited that I had a great lunch!
Kiana Harris (Chorus Dancer)
I feel really good about the play, we’re going in and we’re going hard. We have a weekend left — I’m so excited. I have made some great connections and met great people. I appreciate all the people that continue to come out.
Kimber Lancaster (Winona/Police Officer)
The show has continued to grow and change a lot. Jackie has been able to make changes so that it grows smoother. It’s getting to a place where we know what the show is like for the audience.
Nik Doner (Charlie)
I feel it’s gone really well — got a great response from the community. I think people need theatre like this to get out of themselves for a couple hours — great audiences!
Ron Davids (Curtis)
I am enjoying this experience; glad to see the looks on the audience’s faces.
Pamela Yasutake (Chorus Dancer)
It’s defiantly a much tighter show now! Things keep changing and that’s why we have this process.
Phyllis Yasutake (Frances)
I’m enjoying it, and learning a lot. I love to live in that moment when he was elected.
Rebecca Meneses (Valerie)
I feel the same as I did in the beginning, real excited. We’re still making changes– I feel like my character has developed more, and that’s fun and exciting!
Ryan Blackwell (Johnny)
It’s great to be a part of – so much fun, things are constantly changing. It’s a life-altering experience!
Umeme (Peter)
I’m feeling great about the play! I’m proud to be apart of an original production and I’m glad we can take it to a level that it needs to be. My biggest thrill has always been to be apart of an original. I feel good about the energy, and I love the people I’m working with!
***
“We’re just a few hours away from opening night — how do you feel?”
Ahnaleza Vandermay (Chorus Dancer)
Nervous, but excited. I think everything is finally coming together, which is good. I’m ready to go!
Annie Jantzer (Martha)
I feel energetic and excited; I can’t wait for us to open! Come see the show!
Bob Williams (Frank)
Anxious, nervous, but really excited about what we’re doing. We’ve got something really special here and I hope it will show.
Carter Yasutake (Keyboard Player)
I’m relaxed, I’m comfortable. I feel good about it. I think it’s going to be a good time, we’re going to have fun. We’re all really tight, the music is tight, the acting is tight.
Cedric Thomas (Drummer)
I’m a little nervous, but I’m always nervous. It’s kind of a first-show thing; first shows are always like this. I haven’t done musicals but I’ve done a lot of performances — not on drums, actually, but on piano. This is my first paid drum opportunity in front of a public audience — it feels pretty good.
Demene Hall (Mary)
With my hands, and you? But from a professional standpoint, we’re ready. There can be things that we’ll always change because it is live theater, and that’s the joy of it. We’re ready to go, so have fun. Come to laugh; be prepared to laugh and go home smiling. And that’s for audience, cast, and crew — have a good time, leave, and talk about it with your friends!
Josephine Howell (Trish)
I’m excited — always excited about doing something new. You never know what’s going to happen, but you’re sure it’s going to be wonderful. I’m around a bunch of professionals and none of us want to look stupid so I know it’s going to be great! I’m just glad to share once again the stage with some wonderful, incredible actresses and actors. So come out and see it, or you’re going to be mad at yourself (and not me)!
Nik Doner (Charlie)
I feel pretty good. We’ve got a good crew and cast all around — behind the scenes and on the scenes. It’s going to be fun; I think we’re all excited for a full house and that opening night energy. It’s going to be super sweet like candy.
Pamela Yasutake (Chorus Dancer)
I feel sick — I’m joking; kinda, just a little bit. But I feel good, it’s going to be a great show — we’re going to tear the house down!
Phyllis Yasutake (Frances)
Don’t ask!
Rebecca Meneses (Valerie)
I’m very excited for it. I think we’re ready — we have an extremely talented cast. I’m really excited that the playwright’s going to be here tomorrow and hopefully we get to see the play in a new light!
Ron Davids (Curtis)
I’m very excited about opening the show; it’s not just a whole lot of fun — it has a whole lot of heart. I think it’s going to be really exciting that we finally get to do this on opening night. It’s been a great experience rehearsing this thing.
Ryan Blackwell (Johnny)
Excited. Nervous. Well, not really nervous; this is my first time on a professional stage with professional actors, so it’s really exciting. I’m looking forward to bringing the aspect of theater to make it fun.
Umeme (Peter)
I feel great. I feel that we have a talented cast; I feel that we are ready to bring out the potential of the play. I think Jackie — as the visionary that she is — has done a wonderful job in tempering all aspects of this production. I’m ready to rock and roll.
