Cool!

[TRam]

Hi Everybody!
I finally had a chance to check out the VP sight and it is "Cool," so I thought that I'd take a minute "Tonight" to jot down a few words of appreciation for everyone's part in making WSS a great show. When I got this show approved by the VP Board, I knew that a cast would appear from "Somewhere," but I didn't know from where. After auditions, I was so thrilled with the talent that I just wanted to "Mambo" all over the place. What a great group of people, and from all over: Pontiac, Flanagan, Dwight, Fairbury, Saunemin, Graymont, Roanoke, Chenoa, Odell, etc. You could all sing, dance, act, and be excited and committed! I was in heaven. When you began to gel, you all worked together so well, it was as if we just had "One Hand, One Heart." I can't imagine a better group of people anywhere in "America." Oh well, enough with the song puns. Thanks to all of you in the cast for bringing your best every night -- you were awesome!!!! A huge thanks to the Pit -- You not only made the show spectacular, but you made VP history in the process. I hope other directors will add a pit band to their musicals -- what a great addition. A huge thanks to all of the producers (Joyce, Kari, and Roxie) for ALL THE WORK that you took on. This show really would not have happened without you. Bob and John, I know how much you did to get us ready for this show and this season -- thanks SOOO very much. Also, thanks to all of the other VP Board members and volunteers -- lights, sound, backstage crew, concessions, construction, painting, costumes, cleaning, etc. You can't know how much I appreciated ALL of your help -- sorry for not naming you all, but I'm afraid that if I start, I might forget someone, and I don't want to do this. I know that the audiences loved the show -- I'm still getting incredible feedback, and it's the middle of August!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone. I really hope we'll all have the chance to work together again someday -- sooner rather than later. I love you all!
Tom

[John G]

Tom,

Thank you for your kind words. Your presentation of West Side Story was a great beginning to a very successful 43rd season. Many from the cast have asked what the show lineup will be for the 2008 season and when can they find out about tryouts. This continued interest is exactly the kind of response we were hoping for from these younger thespians. A special thank you goes out to you and Laura for your dedication to live theatre. John

[Michele]

It was wonderful to have you back working on a show in the park Tom. I remember when you directed Carousel and what a wonderful show it was. It was great to see the fresh faces from the HS and other areas your production of West Side Story brought to the VP stage.

Hope to see (and hear) those tremendous actors again! Tom, you are more than welcome to come back and work with VP again anytime.