[NEohioPAL] Sternfeld goes INTO THE WOODS and comes out A WINNER!

[Noah Budin]

Beautiful letter, Tom. I haven't seen it yet, but will soon.
 
I just wanted to point out to the list (for what it's worth) that Fred is not "running" this list at the moment (though it's still his list and he's still in charge). I have been running the list list - that is, screening and posting all of the messages - for the past few months. The point being that I put this letter through and Fred probably hadn't seen it yet. I just wanted to remove any idea of blatant self-promotion on Fred's part.
 
I've known and worked with Fred since 1975. He is one of my oldest and dearest friends, and the director in town with whom I most enjoy working and watching. It was my privilege to put this letter from Mr. Fulton through to the list! Fred deserves it!
 
Noah Budin
www.noahbudin.com

--- On Sat, 7/11/09, Tom Fulton <tomtq2 at gmail.com> wrote:


From: Tom Fulton <tomtq2 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NEohioPAL] Sternfeld goes INTO THE WOODS and comes out A WINNER!
To: neohiopal at listserve.com
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009, 2:00 AM



TO THE CAST OF INTO THE WOODS!

This is an open letter to the CAST OF INTO THE WOODS, which I am sharing with NEOpal because I'm so proud of this endeavor!  And I hope the the few of you who know me and recognize my voice in this letter and my own love of the theatre behind the words, will find a night to see this marvelous piece of work.  Youth and Age, Passion and Experience was brought together on our wonderful new FPAC stage (with lots of leg room in the audience!) 


I know it’s bad form to stand up and applaud your own friends and colleagues…  And being Executive Director of Fairmount Center automatically disqualifies me from having an objective view of anything we do.  Be that as it may, and since I have lost all shame in my advancing years, I will nonetheless indulge myself.

Having stayed away from Mr. Sternfeld’s work – and leaving him to his own peculiar genius, receiving no reports, rumors or clandestine missives, I appeared on opening night of “Into The Woods” at FPAC not knowing what to expect.  I crossed my arms and waited.. watching to see what, if anything, our little troupe of young actors could do with the treacherously difficult play.  What transpired during the performance was a slow and growing sense that I was seeing a small miracle. 
I admit I’m already unreliable… using those kind of superlatives…  but try to hear me out..
It’s some of the finest work Fred has done – because he’s managed to coax and guide a group of young people into mature young actors, and has created a play that makes you forget you’re watching a ‘youth theatre production’.  In fact, when that fact does flash across your mind, you think – how is it possible that young man or young woman could have just accomplished that insight into human nature?! This cast is a gathering of remarkable young actors.  And their skill is the kind of subtle, honest stuff that good theatre is so hungry for.  They are members of the FPAC company – and they are being trained by passionate teachers who understand the core values that makes great theater. Mitchell Fields and Carol Pribble, George Roth, Dana Hart, Molly Cornwell, Adina Bloom and the astonishing musical work of Mike Cariffi – along with a brilliant group of other professionals – under Fred’s care, management, and direction create a team
 of educators that are doing their job in the most loving way possible. 
I claim no part in this, which I believe qualifies me to speak about them with a modicum of objectivity.  Also, we are fairly certain we’ll do well at the box office, so I’m not trying to drum up ticket sales – although to those of you who value an lovely evening in the theatre along with a few gasps of astonishment and aches of loss and joy, I would recommend you come see this play… It’s only $10.00.
Over the last few years, Fred Sternfeld has created productions in Cleveland that have been undeniable blockbusters, selling out most evenings.  His Ragtime and Man of LaMancha at JCC, his Fiddler at Cain Park, his Beauty and the Beast at Beck – to name just a few… Fred will win no awards for “Into the Woods” because it will never be on the professional theatre radar, but I believe it will stand up there as one of his most mature and significant accomplishments.  It is a culmination of his 6 years developing FPAC.  And only finer things will be ahead.
Everybody who has worked with Fred knows he’s tough guy to work with.. because he’s a perfectionist and for him, the play is the thing… and only the play.  I know a lot of people who find his style intolerable… But let’s face it, hes a dreamer.  I know dreamers... I have a very close intolerable association with a dreamer myself.  And I thinks we all know existence would be intolerable if we were never to dream.”   Just the same,I’m just here to tell you, at Fairmount, he - Fred - is our guy.  Because he is serving the young aspiring theatre artists in a significant way.  And I’m proud to have him out our team. And I stick by him, and will continue to to stick by him proudly.
One last thing: To the cast of “Into The Woods”.  I'm not sure you can  really understand yet what you have accomplished.  But here’s a few things to think about.


Caroline Hatch – your face lights up the stage… And you sing with such simplicity and feeling…  You heart is on your sleeve.
Miles Sternfeld – Innocent, without guile – delightful to watch – a 6 year veteran of FPAC and it shows.  You’re work gets better every year.
Erin McCardle – You make a powerful statement and there’a comic in you – tough stuff and you pull it off very well.
Ben Martin – Mature, energetic performance. No BS… Sensitive portrayal with many levels… Lovely Voice.
Courtney Nelson – Wow!  Where did you come from?  Perfect timing… Strong voice… wonderful comic capability… You have the Knack, young lady.
Cody Higer – Look out, here comes something astonishing.  This young lady is shot out of a cannon with enormous stage presence and a powerful physical presence and the capacity for deeply moving work.  Keep at it Cody.. you’re on your way!
Tia Karaplis – As Rapunzel – a voice like an angel…  For one so young, you have so many tools – a great deal to look forward to.
Jesse Markowitz – The comic touch is good for you, you work well with a tinkle in your eye… You know you can sing… but I wonder if you know yet your inner jester.. When comes out, you shine.
Shane Siniscalchi – Clearly adored by at least 50 screaming fans… you ham handed prince was delightful.  The duet with Jesse quite wonderful… Keep Studying.  You too have the knack.

I know there are many more of you.  Just suffice it to say that I didn’t see a misstep in the entire ensemble.  You sang the harmonies beautifully.  You worked together like professionals.
Congratulations to you all.   I’ll be back
Tom Fulton
Executive Director Fairmount Center for the Arts
www.fairmountcenter.org
And
Director
Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy
www.chagrinacademy.org
-- 
Tom Fulton (tomtq2 at gmail.com)
Director,
Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy
440-247-2072 x4334
E-Fax: 216-937-0187

"Thou must be patient.."
King Lear

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