Thoughts on "A Little Night Music"

My pal Zach Davis is starring in the ACTC production of A Little Night Music, and he sent along some comments about the show, which continues next weekend in Ashland, Ky.

He wrote:

Here are just a few reflective thoughts about A Little Night Music in Ashland that I would like to express to your faithful readers.

...Instruments warming up, soft crowd murmurs, and over a dozen actors and actresses anxiously awaiting the call for "places." These are just typical feelings and sounds your have when a musical hits a stage on opening night.

However, Friday night was slightly different. As many have heard, Ashland Community and Technical College has sadly been dark until recently. Last night marked the first adult show back on the stage since this past summer.

Ashland Theatre has been under tough watch by the school administration since the accident (a set piece collapsed during Sweeney Todd rehearsal, injuring several actors).

But as a group the theatre prevailed and once again the curtain raised. It was a proud moment for me last night. I was very overwhelmed and I admit I even had a few tears.

The interesting thing about this, though, is how fitting things came into play. For example, the last show other than the children's fantastic show of Alice in Wonderland was Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondhiem. I also had the honor of being the opening solo of that production. Well, what's more fitting than starting back up with yet another Sondhiem, and once again the first voice you hear opening the show is me.

Another thing that many don't realize was that Sweeney Todd was the last show for Musical Director Daniel Hartley and we welcomed a new musical Director Kirk Saltsman for A Little Night Music.

I have never seen so much heart from a cast go into a show such as this one has. The show is very cute and fun and I encourage all to come see it. Our costumer Paula Krepsik has truly outdone herself. I like to think of ACTC as the little theatre who can.

Chuck says this blog is to discuss theatre and behind-the-scenes things that not everyone knows, and I enjoy that.

I want people to know that sometimes we have to fight to get what we have and it's well worth it.

Thanks for the thoughts, Zach - I look forward to future essays from you!