DIRECTOR’S NOTES:
“Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”

This is a quote often credited to writer and philosopher George Santayana. Or was it Winston Churchill? Mark Twain?  History is sometimes contorted into a game of telephone, sometimes manipulated by pundits to prop up ideologies. It is, in its very name, a story, and tonight we tackle the tales that shaped America here in York City. The First Capital of our nation. Or was it? You decide!

As we Kick off our 2024 America Season, the history of DreamWrights is alive and well-represented on and off stage in this productions. One of our cast members is making their theatre debut while another celebrates their first at DW.  One makes their return to the stage after 20 years whiles others mark their 3rd and 4th productions with us in the last year! We have an educator, a student who graduated last week, as well as a member of TAFE (founded by DW founder Diane Crews.) Finally, representing our multitalented DW staff, Anna Fraser, our Costume Coordinator, is back onstage! Working with these fearless artists has been a highlight of my time at DreamWrights.

Covering over 600 years of history is not easy, and I was fortune to have a production Dream Team. We first lured the incomparable Rebecca Eastman (DW Costume Coordinator for more than 20 years) out of retirement to return to the costume shop. Next we utilized the multi-hyphenate Jay Schmuck (DW Technical Director, Founding Member, Former Teen Board Member) to light the show and was instrumental in the execution of this fast-paced farce. Rodd Robertson (Director for “The Laramie Project” later this season) tirelessly curated the endless props in this play to perfection. Another  joy has been to watch the astonishing growth of Lydia Miller who has been an outstanding student, actor, teen counselor, stage manager, and the ideal Assistant Director for this piece. I finally had the privilege of being joined behind the table by the meticulous and excellent Cole Riley. As Production Stage Manager he has orchestrated the “show within a show” that happens backstage where he created order amidst the mayhem with the assistance of courageous crew of Ivy, Jaxon, and Ryan! 

It takes a village to accomplished the feat of this comic romp through the founding of our nation to today. I am grateful to all involved including YOU! We again turned to the people of York for a community-sourced design and once again you delivered. Please enjoy the “We the People” gallery exhibit consisting of more than 150 sketches of figures from history. These mini works of art were created by those who attended our Sketch History Sessions at Mudhook Brewery, Marketview Arts, Collusion Tap Work, as well as members of DreamWrights Board. See if you can spot what sketches made it to the set. 

As DreamWrights embarks on a year-long exploration of America tonight, let us revel in what unites these states: LAUGHTER!

Ever Grateful,
Gregory DeCandia
Director, Set Designer & Sound Designer

Visit our community sourced gallery exhibit before, during and after the show!
Thank you to our participating Sketch locations:

Mudhook Brewery
MARKETVIEW ARTS
COLLUSION TAPWORKS