By Shirley Lorraine –
Theater people make up a unique community. They are decidedly passionate, enthusiastic, giving, optimistic dreamers eager to share their passions with the world. However, the road from passion to performance can be a rocky one filled with ever changing barriers, unforeseen circumstances, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And yet, occasionally, sheer persistence and faith can make dreams become reality.
It happened right here in our backyard. An idea that had begun percolating last Fall when director Brandy Koziol, formerly of Ventura County now residing in Maryland, began making plans for a summer production of Sweeny Todd, one of the most challenging musicals to mount.
She contacted acquaintances and proposed the idea of putting a production together. The forces were rallied. Auditions were by video. A modest cast was formed. The cast included a mix of new-to-the-stage and experienced performers. About half played numerous roles each.
Rehearsals began via Zoom. The libretto and rights were delayed. The planned eight-week rehearsal period was cut to just four. Limited rehearsal space was finally granted at the Elite Theater in Oxnard while Koziol reached out to potential performance venues. Affordability and availability obstacles became apparent.
Koziol contacted a friend with musical connections who then spread the word throughout her community. A 14-piece orchestra materialized, eager to be involved.
All were contending with learning the challenging score, an unknown final performance venue and uncertainty across the board. Nonetheless, they continued, with gusto. Their community of helpers grew. They all worked together.
Up until Wednesday prior to Friday’s opening performance, the venue still had not been secured. Early on Koziol had teamed up with Hayley Silvers of Lights Up Theatrical Standards (the two had worked together prior) and at the last-minute arrangements were made to use the South Stage at the Elite for their four performances. The tight timeline became a race to the finish to reblock and lock down myriad details.
Adjustments had to be made in a flash. Little time left to advertise. Where to put the musicians? What set pieces were required? Costumes? Makeup? Props?
Somehow, miracles happened, faith prevailed, and the production came to fruition. I caught the final performance on Sunday afternoon. The orchestra filled the lobby of the theater, out of sight of the actors. Community members filled the seats. As former Plaza Players mainstay Michael Maynez used to say, “would you like to be intimately involved, or slightly detached?” (some will remember). In this case, the entire audience was intimately involved as the cast utilized the audience in several ways with some seated mere feet from the stage.
The performance was long, loud, disturbing, funny, and enthusiastic. The skeleton set (pun intended) worked well and the actor’s abilities to commandeer the difficult score in such a brief time was genuinely impressive. The commitment was admirable and palpable. The entire cast, from newbies to pros, made it happen, in spades.
Kudos to the entire cast, crew, and the supportive theater community for making The Show That Almost Wasn’t a memorable summer reality.
