FROM THE ARCHIVES: HAPPINESS IS...
NOTE: This was originally written in February 2013, while I was working on the Staged Reading of A LITTLE PRINCESS in Sacramento.
One Sunday afternoon in February on the Main Stage of the Sacramento Theatre Company, the Young Professionals Conservatory was showing the final performance of their production of PIPPIN to a packed house. Across the courtyard in the black box theater, another audience was enjoying STC’s production of BARK! The Musical. Upstairs, a different cast and crew were in rehearsal for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. In the staff conference room, there was a meeting of the creative team for a new musical, about to launch a 2-day workshop and staged reading in preparation for its world premiere on the Main Stage in April. The moment the young actors cleared the stage after PIPPIN, the stage crew went into action, changing over to the set for MIDSUMMER. The place was hopping with activity, and it made my heart happy to see it. Live theater being planned, rehearsed, performed, and appreciated several times over, all within the confines of one city block in downtown Sacramento.
Thirty years ago, this same theater company was performing its final season as a “community theater” and the next year, it took its first steps into the world of being a professional company. I was fortunate to be a full time Stage Manager on the staff that first year. At the time, the company was led by a strong, dynamic leader, and the staff was a group of skilled and dedicated craftsmen, artists, and strategic thinkers. So it wasn’t so much a surprise to me as it was a great thrill to see this theater company alive and well. In the years since 1984, I’m sure there have been challenges and lean years for STC, but here in 2013 things are looking good. The names have changed, the facility has been updated and improved, but the company is again led by a strong, dynamic leader and shows every sign of thriving, even in these tough economic times. New writers’ work is being appreciated and nurtured. Young performers are working side by side with seasoned professionals. Tickets sales are up from last season. STC has reached out to the community and formed partnerships with local nonprofits, working together to increase awareness of several worthy causes in the area. Actors are acting, artists are creating, stage managers are organizing, and it makes my heart happy to be back where THEATER is happening, right here on the stages of Sacramento Theater Company.
But that’s just one city block in downtown Sacramento. It leads me to wonder – and marvel – at the extrapolation of this one little slice of theatrical life, repeated in other theater companies in the same city. The B Street Theatre, Capital Stage, New Helvetia Theatre.
And not just Sacramento. I’ve witnessed the same theatrical activity in Orlando, where I currently live. The Orlando Shakespeare Company produces consistently spectacular productions, The Winter Park Playhouse has a season packed with delightfully intimate musicals, The Orlando Rep is a showcase of high quality professional theater for young audiences, and “Sunday In The Park” last fall at Orlando’s Mad Cow Theatre was stunning. Even over at the Mouse’s domain – yes, in the theme parks! – you will find some of the best theater you’ll ever see – anywhere – at “Finding Nemo The Musical.”
Live theater in America will always claim New York City as its home town. Nothing beats Broadway in our hearts, and for those of us lucky enough to have worked in the New York theater community, there is a great sense of pride for having been a part of it.
But on that one Sunday afternoon in Sacramento I was reminded that Broadway is loved because the love of theater is celebrated and nurtured in towns all across the country. Not only in Sacramento and Orlando, where I can personally attest to the vibrancy of live theater. I’d like to think that energized, exciting theater communities are thriving, not just in Northern California and Central Florida, but in all the countless cities and towns in between.
Theater, alive and well, from sea to shining sea. Now, that truly makes my heart happy.