Executive Director's Notes

I doubt that anyone could win an argument that there ever have been more successful writers for the stage than the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

Richard Charles Rodgers was born in New York City June 28, 1902. His earliest professional credits, beginning in 1920, included a series of musicals for Broadway, London and Hollywood written exclusively with lyricist Lorenz Hart. In the first decade of their collaboration, Rodgers and Hart averaged two new shows every season. After spending 1931 to 1935 in Hollywood, they returned to New York where a golden period followed--golden for Rodgers and Hart, and golden for the American musical. The Rodgers and Hart partnership came to an end with the death of Lorenz Hart in 1942, at the age of 48.

Hammerstein was born July 12, 1895, in New York City. His father, William, was a theatre manager and for many years director of Hammerstein's Victoria, the most popular vaudeville theatre of its day. His uncle, Arthur Hammerstein, was a successful Broadway producer and his grandfather, Oscar Hammerstein, a famous opera impresario.

Hammerstein II started writing lyrics for Columbia University Varsity shows while studying law. His earliest works included musical comedies written with a Columbia undergraduate seven years his junior named Richard Rodgers. The 1920 Varsity show, FLY WITH ME, was composed by Rodgers with lyrics by both Hammerstein and a fellow classmate of his named Lorenz Hart.

During the years that Hammerstein was redefining the terms of operetta, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart were challenging the accepted norms of musical comedy with shows that set new standards for wit, sophistication and innovation. The Rodgers and Hammerstein partnership began with OKLAHOMA! (for which they won the Pulitzer Prize in 1943). Their first collaboration was a groundbreaking milestone, blending musical comedy and operetta into a whole new genre--the musical play. That success was followed by CAROUSEL, ALLEGRO, SOUTH PACIFIC (winning their second Pulitzer Prize), THE KING AND I, ME AND JULIET, PIPE DREAM, FLOWER DRUM SONG and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote one musical specifically for the big screen, STATE FAIR, and one for television, CINDERELLA. Collectively, their musicals earned 34 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes and two Grammy Awards.

Richard Rodgers' contributions to musical theatre were extraordinary, and his influence on the musical theatre of today and tomorrow is legendary. His career spanned more than six decades, and his hits ranged from the silver screens of Hollywood to the bright lights of Broadway, London and beyond. During his career, he wrote more than 900 published songs, and 40 Broadway musicals.

Hammerstein's last musical was THE SOUND OF MUSIC written with Richard Rodgers in 1959; his last song was "Edelweiss," written for that musical during its Boston tryout. Oscar Hammerstein II died at his farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on the morning of August 23, 1960.

Richard Rodgers died at home in New York City on December 30, 1979, at the age of 77. On March 27, 1990, he was honored posthumously with Broadway's highest accolade when the 46th Street Theatre was renamed the Richard Rodgers Theatre, home to the Richard Rodgers Gallery, a permanent exhibit in the lobby area that honors the composer's life and works.

Then, in 1995, Hammerstein's centennial was celebrated worldwide with commemorative recordings, books, concerts and an award winning PBS special, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. This evening you will experience the wonder, joy and artistic expression of the greatest team ever to grace the stage. Thank you for joining us.

SOME ENCHANTED PERFORMERS

Jamie Cochran attends 1PFW where she is majoring in pre-med biology. She has appeared in a number of Civic Theatre productions. Some of her credits include COTTON PATCH GOSFEL,THE TAFFETAS, MAMA'S TURN and JOSEPH '96. She would like to thank her family, all of her friends and co-workers at Higher Grounds Coffee House for their support.

Anthony (Tony) Didier is thrilled to be back on the Civic Theatre stage after a brief hiatus of only four weeks. He last was seen as Harry the Horse in GUYS AND DOLLS, where he finally got to play a tough guy. Tony has appeared in BABY at the Civic and in SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE at the University of Saint Francis.

Adrien Gauthier last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in THE SECRET GARDEN, where he won an Anthony Award for his role as the Fakir. He has also appeared in MAMA'S TURN at the Civic and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER with Fort Wayne Youtheatre. He enjoys being on stage with his daughters, Dani and Jocelyn, and is excited to be a part of SOME ENCHANTED EVENING.

Scott Graham last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and as Hero in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at the Muncie Civic Theatre. Scott also has a music education degree from IPFW, where he also was involved in opera workshop recitals.

Andrew Gross has done lots of shows at lots of area theaters for lots of years. He last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage as the Padre in MAN OF LA MANCHA and also has performed at Grey Lite Theatre in INTO THE WOODS and CITY OF ANGELS. And as always, Andrew would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support and encouragement.

Michael Todd Harris, a man of many talents, recently designed the lovely interior set for THREE TALL WOMEN at First Presbyterian Theatre. During the last season he has appeared in TAMING OF THE SHREW and FOREVER PLAID at the Civic and SHE LOVES ME at Arena Dinner Theatre. Todd feels very blessed by such wonderful friends and is very grateful to be able to enjoy his extended family in the theatre.

Kristine Logan has degrees in fine arts and finance and has given up a banking career to pursue acting professionally. She recently lived in London's West End and attended the London Academy of Performing Arts. Her credits include numerous commercials, films, and stage roles. 

Beverly McCavitt returns to the Civic Theatre stage after a bravo performance in GERSHWIN GALA at the Embassy Theatre with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. She last appeared at the Civic Theatre in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as Shandel, Motel's mother. Speaking of motherhood, Bev sends lots of love out to her children and to all of her good friends.

Janet K. Piercy is delighted to be back on the Civic Theatre stage after a 16-year absence. During her hiatus, she appeared in shows at First Presbyterian Theatre and Grey Lite. Janet's juggling act includes her full time teaching job, three lovely children, one husband of 19 years and singing regularly at her church. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING will just be one more exciting experience to add to her repertoire.

Jennifer Poiry last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in TAMING OF THE SHIIEW and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. She also assistant stage-managed LONDON SUITE. She recently appeared as Cinderella's Stepmother in INTO THE WOODS at IPFW. She would like to thank her parents and Frog for their support, inspiration and love.

Ron Smith, an Anthony Award winner, has appeared on the Civic stage ten times in the last four years. He last was seen as Rusty Charlie in GUYS AND DOLLS. He appeared as the Governor in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS at Arena Theatre last year. Ron says his second love is the theatre. When asked what his first love is, he says with a warm smile "my wife Madeline."

Mikki White last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in Two TRAINS RUNNING and AIN'T MISBEHAVIN. She teaches at Ward Elementary and sings professionally with her family gospel group, The Whites. Mikki would like to thank her family, especially her mom and dad, for their support in all of her endeavors. Most importantly, she thanks God for His gift to her: the ability to sing.

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