Fall 2002
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Revised Edition)
Directed by Gregory
D. Ludovici
Musical Director Vane' Becydian
Fall 2001
Being Alive: A Celebration of Life
A Revue by Gregory D. Ludovici
Musical Director Vane' Becydian
Director's Notes
It is difficult to speak of much today without mentioning the tragedies of September 11th. I will neither attempt to avoid the topic, nor pretend that it did not influence my choices upon conceiving and compiling this revue. Like AIDS, terrorism fights to weaken us. However, such threats also "make us aware of being alive" (lyrics from "Being Alive"). Though the future has always been uncertain, today we are more concerned with what tomorrow may bring. We can either fear every moment henceforth and allow terror to consume our lives, or we can cherish and celebrate the time we have, and truly live. Life is the ultimate gift; there is so much we can do with it. Let us not be afraid to use that gift to its greatest potential.
This show is dedicated to my father, whom has always inspired me to pursue my dreams as though they were reality. Thank you, Dad. Because of your support, my dreams are coming true.
-- Gregory D. Ludovici
Feel the flow, hear what's happening: we're what's happening. Don't you know?
We're the movers and we're the shapers. We're the names in tomorrow's papers. Up
to us now to show 'em . . . It's our time, breathe it in: World to change and
worlds to win. This is where we began being what we can (sic).
- Lyrics from "Our Time"
And all these things I feel and more, my mother's mother felt, and hers
before . . . yes, all that was is part of me, as I am part of what's to be, and
thus it is our story goes on.
- Lyrics from "The Story Goes On"
Oh, it's time to start living, time to take a little from the world we're
given. Time to take time, for spring will turn to fall in just no time at all.
- Lyrics from "Time to Start Living"
Fall 2002
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Revised Edition)
Directed by Gregory
D. Ludovici
Musical Director Vane' Becydian
Director's Notes
It's pretty easy to get a room full of
college students excited. Talk about sex or drugs and try throwing in a couple
of swears. You'll have the whole room cheering in no time.
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown contains no sex, no illicit substances, and no swearing, but give it a chance. Who's to say adults can't smile, and laugh, and get warm-fuzzy-toasty-all-over feelings just like they used to as little kids? When was the last time you allowed yourself to be young at heart? After the show tonight, go rent an old favorite movie; download the Fraggle Rock Theme Song; do the Hokey-Pokey with a group of friends (...while sober). Remember what made you happy as a child. From the moment you start, you'll feel like a little kid again.
The following play is your chance to rediscover the child within you. This show is not an attempt to be artistic, or creative. As soon as one tries to be creative, it becomes a lost cause. Meditation can lead to discovery, and accidents can lead to great inventions. Similarly, imagination is best achieved by not trying to be imaginative.
Children are often said to have active imaginations. Their secret is they see life as a game. They never work at making believe; if they did, it wouldn't be much fun. Ask a child how she met her imaginary friend, and she will give you an intricate history lesson. Ask her where she came up with such a story and she will become distressed. It isn't a story to the child. She didn't brainstorm or edit drafts to come up with an acceptable model of an imaginary friend. The child believed, and so it was.
Take a lesson from the unconsciously imaginative child. Understand that tonight's show is not a production. It is not work. It is nothing more than a game of make believe. Come play with us. Believe with us.
Sincerely,
Greg Ludovici
P.S. Cooties! No gimmee backs times infinity plus one!!!
"Theater is just Let's Pretend for grown ups." - Greg Ludovici
