THURSDAY AUGUST 1

I’m very disappointed to tell you that Mike Hudson (Simon Stimson) came to me last night to let me know that he’s dropping the show. He accepted a part at a theatre whose rehearsal calendar conflicts with our show dates.

I’m pleased when an actor gets an equity gig, but not when it happens at the expense of another show. I now have to start looking for yet ANOTHER actor who can fill a role. Not someone who auditioned, who both wanted to be in and earned a spot in our show, but rather someone who is available and is doing me a favor. And I have to spend valuable rehearsal time going over back to basic blocking and motivations with this new person, things that have already been done weeks earlier, instead of focusing my attention on your more finessed performances.

I will endeavor, for your sake, to find the best possible actor to play Simon Stimson.

Please look at this as a lesson in why and how you should commit to a show. Decide when you audition if you truly want to be in a production, regardless of the size of the role. Don’t entertain second thoughts a few weeks before opening. Be open and above board when noting rehearsal conflicts. Be extremely careful when you’re cast in one show and then decide to audition for someone else.

I loved watching every minute of last night’s rehearsal. Robert, you’re doing a great job as George and I’m pleased that you’re ramping up so quickly. Whitney, LD, Rita and Jeff, you’re fascinating to watch; it feels like I’m looking in the window of someone’s house and surreptitiously observing what’s going on there. Sarah, last night when you said good-bye to the world, the sadness and loss in your face was palpable. And it was all the more powerful because you simply stood there and experienced letting go of everything that you loved. 

Show posters should be coming in tonight and more promotional materials for you to have on Monday. Take them to work or, when school starts up again, to your classes. You have taken on a sometimes stodgy American classic and given it new dramatic depth. I’m very proud of you all.