Theological Reflections for The Good Doctor
by John Stephen Park

The journey metaphor is a good choice for describing the unfolding of our lives, for imaging the pattern of our decisions and predicaments. Life is not a static process, but a dynamic one, which unfolds with increasing complexity and greater and greater possibilities. Yet, during certain stretches of the journey, we may seem oblivious to our greatest opportunities and to the chance for transformation and fulfillment. The stories of this Neil Simon work propel us into a self-searching of our own journeys. What landmarks have we passed which presented themselves to us as optional paths for travel? What milestones might we review in order to grasp the import these had upon shaping our selves? Do we miss the crucial moment for decision and action or do we have an endless number of mysterious cross-paths which lead us back to the exact point for beginning the journey once again?

Our lives as journeys, as treks of the spirit, occur in relationship to time, to others, and to a destination. Most of the depth and meaning are present in the experience of journeying. This is so clear in Simon's work. Passages of time and of transition as experienced by this assortment of humanity not only entertain us, but assist us in a review of self. They form a sort of "rest stop" during which our own personal journey takes on a different or fresh character. Indeed, the experience of these scenes, if we are available and attentive to the experience, may become for us a marker on the journey. The world is moving toward us with a flood of epiphanies, and we may join the parade of wonders. We may continue our journey hallowing and hailing the Higher Power's presence in the kingdom of surprise, which is our daily round and rhythm. Or, we may discount the mystery and the surprises; we may ignore the undeserved favors offered; we may even insist that we can find our way without ever looking at any kind of map or accepting guidance from another. In the same way in which the collection of scenes being presented here in this theater beckons our attentive audience, so the events, perceptions, persons and interruptions of each day call for our alert focus and genuine response. Then, the stories we construct within our journeys of life will contain the expression of possibiIities realized and some dreams fulfilled.

CAST BIOS

Pat Colchin (Cherdyakov's wife, Pochatkin, the girl) is new to the FPT stage. She has, however, been seen on the Civic's stage in Brigadoon, Sweeney Todd, Hans Christian Anderson, and Auntie Mame. She has also acted in Grey Lite's Wonderful Tennessee, and All Night Strut. She's enjoying the experience of working with a great director and a great cast.

John Crewdson (the writer, Peter Semyonich, the father) is making his FPT debut, and is in general, new to the stage. The Good Doctor is only the third play in his budding career. Most recently he was seen in IPFW's As You Like It in the dual role of Duke Frederick/Duke Senior. john is a full-time student in theatre at IPFW. Thanks to Thom for his patience.

Julie Donnell's (the governess' mistress, the defenseless creature) favorite roles include Dot in Sunday in the Park with George and Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense. She has won three Anthony Awards. FPT audiences will remember her as Mad Margaret in Ruddigore. She teaches voice and performs with the New Organization for Vocal Artistry in Chicago.

Katie Hessling (Julia, seduction wife, auditioning girl) a Junior at IPFW, is majoring in Theatre and English Literature. IPFW audiences have seen her as Lucky in Waiting for Godot, Yelena in Uncle Vanya, Shelly in Buried Child, and Celia in As You Like It. The Good Doctor marks Katie's debut at FPT, and she has had a wonderful time. She thanks her Mom, Dad and Greg for all of their support. as well as Toni and Lily (her dogs).

Max Hobbs (singing man, Navy, Kistunov) has acted and directed at most Fort Wayne theaters. He has been seen on the FPT stage in Shaw's Candida, and The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia. Max had directed Shaw's Pygmalion and Ibsen's Ghosts, both at FPT. A five-time Anthony winner, he is getting in a Neil Simon groove; he just finished directing Simon's Come Blow Your Horn at Arena.

Mickie Martin (general's wife, singing woman) has been a mainstay in the community theater of Fort Wayne. She has served as Business Manager at Civic for the last 17 years. An avid howler, antiquer and gardener, her recent credits include It Runs in the Family, Moon Over Buffalo, Arsenic and Old Lace and Death By Chocolate, all at Arena Dinner Theatre. She was last seen on the FPT stage in House of Bernarda Alba.

Molly McCray (Cherdyakov, Kuryatin, seduction husband, the son) has appeared in nearly 40 productions in Fort Wayne theatres. She has been seen in such roles as Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Gooch in Auntie Mame, Viola in Twelfth Night, Karen in The Children's Hour, Hedda in Hedda Gabler, Elsa in Road to Mecca, Sister Robert Ann in Nunsense, Lydia Langtree in The Rivals, and Charlotte in Moon Over Buffalo.

Mary Jo Meyer (the sexton, the drowned man) began her theatrical: career at the age of eight, playing the Virgin Mary opposite a light bulb's portrayal of Baby Jesus. Her recent roles at FPT include Penny in You Can't Take It With You (where she played opposite her cat Phoebe Carlotta), and Our Town (1947 version). Of FPT she says, "Great experiences with great writers, great casts and great directors."

John Sellers (General Brassilhov, Army, the cop) is making his first appearance on the FPT stage. He was active for many years in several theaters in Missouri before moving to Fort Wayne one year ago in his position as Customer Development Director with Pepsi-Cola of Indiana. Theater credits include: The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, The Odd Couple, and A Few Good Men. John thanks his wife Jane for ha support of him in this time consuming activity.

PRODUCTION STAFF BIOS

Thom Hofrichter (director) celebrated his two-year anniversary as Minister of Drama at FPT on January 1. He is proud of the work that has been produced here in that time and appreciates the countless volunteers who make it possible to create meaningful: work in this wonderful theater space.

James Hodgin (set/light design) is pleased to be working again with Thom at FPT. As always, he wishes to express his love for the generous support from his wonderful daughters, Elizabeth and Cathleen. Jim has done it all: directing, acting, stage management and design. He has worked in and around the Fort Wayne community theater scene for some time now, it makes for a nice diversion away from his work at Science Central.

Virginia Badour (costume design) is the resident costumer at FPT. She has done the designs for Jesus Christ Superstar, The Autumn Garden, Rip Van Winkle, Ruddigore and Tartuffe, just to name a few. Virginia works full time and is very close to completing her degree in marketing at IPFW.

Ron Badour (technical director) has, according to Minister of Drama Thom Hofrichter, "done a masterful job in the last 2 years of turning the FPT space into one of the best theater facilities in Indiana." Ron, with his wife Virginia, runs Encore Productions. In his spare time he works at General Motors.

Jane Sellers (stage manager) has worked both on stage and behind the scene over the past ten years. Before moving to Fort Wayne, she and husband, John, were avid supporters and participants of community theater in Springfield, MO. Earlier this season, Jane made her Fort Wayne debut on the FPT stage as Constance in The Autumn Garden. With John on stage for The Good Doctor, working as stage manager is a natural way to support her husband and the theater she enjoys.

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