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A good 30 years ago – roughly a week, maybe even a month – legendary figure skater Kurt Browning was asked what part of his competition, or show, he wanted the public to remember.
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“Homecoming,” Browning replied, blending compassion and raw honesty. “I want people, on their way home from the show, to talk about what they saw and experienced.”
It’s an ageless question. So on Wednesday, we posed the same question to Ruth Wong-Miller who is putting on Into The Woods, opening Friday at the Westbury Theatre.
“We hope people will feel joy in experiencing a live musical and returning to the theater, and that they will come away with the hope that this show ends with,” Wong-Miller said in an email exchange. .
“We also hope they talk about how they really appreciated the number of fantastic local artists we involved in our production.”
It has been under construction for a few years.
The musical was drawn during the 2019-2020 season.
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So, hello COVID-19.
“We had started rehearsals in early March 2020 and made the decision to postpone the show a few weeks later,” Wong-Miller said, adding that more than 90% of the same cast, crew and orchestra will be in attendance for the weekend. . Course.
The show is produced by Foote in the Door Productions, an Edmonton-based non-profit musical theater company.
Wong-Miller founded the band in 2013 with classmate Russ Farmer at Foote Theater School.
“The Foote in the Door name is a nod to where it all started,” Wong-Miller said.
“Our performers come from all walks of life – from students who have just completed their theater studies to those who are fully immersed in their careers as educators, healthcare workers, government employees, etc.
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“We all come together because we love musical theatre.”
And then the best line.
“Our company emphasizes the importance of a family atmosphere. Our team is a collective of incredible unpaid individuals who return show after show.
“Over the years, we have focused on engaging diverse teams as well as building the skills of those who show an interest in furthering their knowledge of theatre.
“Our show’s themes are relevant to our current experiences and will truly resonate with our audience.”
As for the current situation…
“It’s been extremely difficult at times trying to predict what’s next — but our company goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels safe during rehearsals,” Wong-Miller said.
“We have gone above and beyond AHS requirements with our policies and practices. This included conducting all of our masked rehearsals, encouraging social distancing, and daily COVID quizzes.
A subject, absolutely, for the return home.
