Hello again. So this week is winding down and we are finally hitting opening night. Tonight I find myself sitting at the theatre while our preview audience is inside watching the really funny production that is Escape From Happiness. I asked Chris Maher, our Artistic Director, to give us his thoughts on this process. This is what Chris had to say.
It has been four years since I last acted in a play. As excited as I was to be a part of this show, I was also extremely nervous. So after a few weeks of reorienting myself to this whole performance thing, the nerves have slowly started to melt away. The little pleasures of acting began coming back to me- the connection with my acting partners, getting to put my costume on for the first time, standing in the stage lights, etc. Needless to say, I am glad I decided to take a break from directing to get on the stage again. I know how fortunate I am to work with such a terrific group of artists. Getting to interact with a strong director like Genevieve has been really cool. I also can’t say enough about how well the tech team has done getting everything up, ready and looking amazing in such a short amount of time. And the cast! Everyone is just so flipping talented. I have directed at least half the cast in something or another over the years. But seeing their process from the other side has been a lot of fun. So I guess what I’m saying is to come see ESCAPE FROM HAPPINESS. This is a tricky little script. But I think the group we’ve assembled definitely has the talent to pull it off. At the very least, you should come to check out the sweet mustache I’m sporting. Hope to see you at The Raven!
Chris Maher
Artistic Director
(And Detective Mike Dixon)
I am really excited for everyone to see this show. I had the pleasure of sitting in on the final dress rehearsal last night and I was in stitches for most of it. Although a bit biased, I will say that this ensemble is really amazing. I will leav it up to you all to tell me what you think of the show after you see it.
Tomorrow I will be back to get immediate reactions from opening night.
See you all then,
Joey Alaimo
Front of House Manager
Filed under: Escape From Happiness
