I very seldom sit down for a full viewing of a show after it opens. Typically I’ll look in and catch most of the show but in smaller bites. There are several reasons for that.
- I’m always moving on to the next show.
- Audience reaction tells me more than my own.
- ‘Improvements’ that actors bring to a show often make fuel my love/hate relationship with actors.
- I’ve got an excellent stage manager in Malia Arguello who knows what I want, often more than I do. I trust her to keep things in excellent shape and she does.
But Southern Crossroads is different. We created this piece literally on the fly to save some cash and try and keep out struggling theatre open. Because we have some interest from other theatres, I need to watch the show to see what work we still need to do to make it even better. (No show is ever perfect.)
We hoped it would appeal to audiences, and it has. In a big way. We’ve had standing ovations for every performance and the audience/actor engagement is amazing. It is what you hope happens in any show. Folks literally throw money at the stage, boo the villains, and sing along with the songs. )So, yesterday when we had some family and friends in town to see the show, I decided to watch the afternoon matinee from start to finish.
I was amazed. I found myself laughing uncontrollably and crying in the same manner at moments in the show, and I knew I what was coming. I haven’t seen the full show in over a month now, and it managed to pick me up and transport me out of my typical cynical, analytical role into a place where I was swept up in the story and the music. Southern Crossroads grabs and audience and takes them on a great ride, and it is astonishing to see how it works its magic.
The comments after a performance are so enthusiastic and warm, and the number of folks who find the immediacy of this tale of our first depression hopeful and timely really are heartfelt.
We’ve got two customers who are lobbying the new president to come to see the show through a letter writing campaign. I think he’s a little too busy to make the 70 mile trek out to Middletown to see the show, but the fact that folks are tying our story into today’s insanity and are passionate about communicating to others is really what theatre is all about.
I can’t wait to watch the show again.
If you haven’t already, come check out the show. It runs through March 14. I’d love to see you at the theatre (and if you contact me I might even arrange a discount.) If you’re on Facebook, join our fan page. I think it is going to have a long life, as is the show.
