from Stephen Schellhardt (actor, [title of show])

Well, we are well into the third week of our rehearsal process for [title of show] and we are about to start tech. So exciting! This whole experience has been incredible.

I’m often asked to identify my favorite show, but that ranks among the hardest questions to answer. Every show is a learning experience. Sometimes I am in love with a show for the book or the music – or even the scenery and costumes. At times the material speaks to me because of where I am in my own life–or it doesn’t for that same reason. Other times, my show experience is shaped by the artists I am working with.  Sometimes all the stars align, and a show hits every note. A dream show. [title of show] is just that.

You, like many, may ask “What IS [title of show]?” Well, for one, it is a “mostly” true story of its creators. Its book and music are contemporary and linger. Both are rooted in honesty and hilarity; they speak to an enormous demographic of people. At its heart, this show is about friendship –how four friends stay true to themselves and each other when their dreams are tested and change. When life happens!

We have all seen dreams come true or fall by the wayside. [title of show] is about being unafraid to dream BIG, forcing yourself to take risks and eliminating “vampires” to realize those dreams. As an artist, my dreams are often grand and ever changing: I hope a show succeeds and ticket sales thrive, that I play a role I’ve yearned for, that I work with artists I respect.  Yet doubts and fears still emerge–that the show will flop, or I will. That audiences won’t enjoy the show as much as me, and the constant worry that I’ll break a leg. Literally.

This show encompasses all of that, but leaves a playgoer with hope and joy. For me, working with this group of artists has been sheer delight. It is a pleasure to come to work every day with incredible artists who are also just great people. Peter Amster is an actor’s dream director and Doug Peck a musical master. I think we’ve created something very special for Northlight audiences, and for ourselves with [title of show].

It’s a real treat to bring it to you.

Stephen Schellhardt plays Jeff in Northlight Theatre’s [title of show].  You may read more about Stephen here or on his website.