It’s another long rehearsal at the WYO in a series of long rehearsals at the WYO.
Opening night is just days away, and as the cast goes through the paces up on the stage, another type o
f choreographed routine is taking place down below it in the sixth row of the empty auditorium.
Marva Craft, director of the WYO Theater Gala production of 42nd Street, flips back and forth through her script putting a pencil through the paces, jotting down her observations, reminders and directions (which may occasionally include a few choice profanities, by her own admission) that will be typed and posted for the cast and crew’s perusal before another long rehearsal the following day.
It’s a dance the long-time director knows well.
Craft has a been a mainstay in Sheridan-area theater for years, both at the high school and community level, and we sat down with her before the premiere of 42nd Street to ask her 5 Questions she couldn’t dance around.
SB: What was your first involvement with theater?
MC: As a junior and senior, I was in my high school’s productions in Greybull. I honestly don’t remember what those shows were, but I know they weren’t musicals. Of course, everyone had a role because the school was so small.
SB: Sheridan has a pretty vibrant theater scene with incredible talent. What factors do you think account for that?
MC: Numerous people, many of whom are from the theater/arts realm, have moved to our community to raise their families. This is a great place to live. Consequently, we have a large talent pool from which to draw.
SB: What was the first production you directed and what do you remember about that experience?
MC: I directed Grease at the High School about 11 years ago. That cast was awesomely talented, and it was a very successful production; we sold out every performance. Prior to that I was the choreographer for 12 years under the direction of Sue Henry, whom I consider my mentor. I learned everything I know about directing from working with Sue; I just absorbed it all.
SB: You’ve directed both high school productions and community productions. Do you change your approach at all depending on whether you’re directing a 15-year old or a 45-year old?
MC: Really, these two types of productions are not that different to direct. I tailor my directing to fit whoever I am directing at the time. It is more about the individual person than the age.
SB: Final question: if you were directing a production based on your life, which actress would you want to play the role of you, and how would you direct her portrayal to capture that character?
MC: Wow! You are getting really deep here. I have never thought of this. I guess I’d cast Carol Burnett to play me, and I would direct her to approach the role as a very strong-willed person — kind of bossy, maybe — complemented with a great sense of humor.
Tickets are still available for tonight’s Gala performance of 42nd Street, as well as encore performances October 23-26. Click HERE to visit the WYO Theater website for more information and to purchase tickets.
