During this campaign to save Wayside Theatre we've heard from many individuals on both side of the footlights about why Wayside Theatre is important. This bit of testimony is from actor Elliot Dash. Elliot has become a fan favorite with his performances in Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Driving Miss Daisy, and Othello. He's one of a kind and one of the actors who loves to come to Wayside Theatre to create and perform for our community.
My favorite place to work.
You need testimony from me? You are asking me about The Wayside Theatre? What it means to me? There is your answer. Regardless of when you ask or where I am or the current production I'm performing in . . . . The Wayside Theatre is hands down my favorite place to work. Every single time I've done any kind of show at The Wayside the results are magical enjoyment. Skeptical? Think I'm just saying it to help out?? Nope. It is absolutely true. I love every minute of every day that I have had to park myself in Middletown to do a show for the enjoyment of others. Perhaps it is the absolute abandonment of personal ego for the incredibly talented performers that I have come to know as friends. Perhaps it is the wonderful director / artistic director Mr. Warner Crocker who has guided me into some of my personal best performances ever. Perhaps it is the absolute celebrity I feel walking in the area having folks recognize who I am sometimes years after a show is over. Perhaps it is the incredible accommodations while I stay as a performer which have yet to be beaten by any other company. Perhaps it is the present friendships with former interns who are now excellent performers in their own right. Perhaps it is the love and joy I have for the young company . . . many of whom babysat my dog as I did my evening performances. Perhaps?? Nah! It is all them things . . . .*heh*
I cannot lie . . . I brag about my experiences at The Wayside. Do I want to do more productions at the Wayside? Hell Yes ! Do I want it to stick around?? Hell Yes ! Do I want support for the theatre to last a damn long time??? Hell Yes !
I sincerely hope if you have the means to keep these doors open please help in whatever way you can. If so then I can promise each and every time I'm allowed to step foot on this stage a performance that will leave you smiling full of the same magical enjoyment I've experienced for more than seven years.
Hugs and Kisses
Elliot Dash
If you'd like to read more about this campaign please check out more infomation here on this blog, on Facebook, or at Wayside Theatre's website. If you'd like to help or share your story we'd be very grateful.
