I’ve been sitting on this post for the last several days but have finally found a few moments to reflect on the end of our local production of Equus. What can I say about this run? In Fall 2024 I questioned whether or not I even wanted to audition, worried about whether it would be possible for a community theatre to produce a quality production of such a rich, challenging play. I pushed past my uncertainty, auditioned, and was fortunate enough to be cast in the lead role. Reflecting on our two weekends of shows, the audience reactions and feedback we received, I feel that our play was a real success. It was such a pleasure being a part of this production. On this blog I’ve previously reflected on how every show is a “gift” of sorts. It’s a gift of actors to the audiences who attend, but every show is also gift to us, the performers who get to tell the story on stage. Ending Equus, I feel that I’ve been given a great gift. How fortunate are we?
Equus is a challenging play for audiences. It’s also a challenging play for actors. The extremity of what is happening on stage and the emotional journey that Alan and Dysart undergo from the beginning to the end of the play are draining. Beyond the plays richness and depth, the mental challenge of internalizing 2+ hours of dialogue is something that will stick with me. I can’t begin to count the number of hours I’ve lived with this script. It has been such a thrill seeing it all come together. I’m so proud of the work of our cast.
I’m ending this play with feelings of gratitude for all of the men and women who made it the success that it was. To Scot Miller, our fearless director, thank you for casting me in this show. I am so grateful for your confidence in my ability to rise to such a challenging role. You were a good director. I hope for more opportunities to work with you.
To Kassidy, Gary, Keith, Jami and the many other unnamed people who worked behind the scenes to produce this show, thank you. Your professionalism, commitment to excellence, and expertise were so reassuring to me. I feel privileged to have learned from you.
To Damion, congratulations! I continue to feel that Alan Strang is the most challenging role in this play. It has been such a pleasure to watch you grow as you’ve embraced this challenge. I hope to see you perform in future shows as you continue at Hardin Simmons and perhaps in future ACT productions.
To Kendra, it was so great sharing the stage with you, our first time since Sweeney Todd. Let’s do it again! I love watching you perform. Your portrayal of Dora Strang was so believable to me. Thank you for giving yourself to such an important role in this show.
To Richard, one of the things I love about theatre is the opportunities it creates for you to form friendships with men and women with whom you might never otherwise cross paths. You are one of those people for me in this show. I’m so glad we got to perform together, and I hope that our friendship will continue even after our show has concluded. I hope you’ll keep putting yourself out there. Abilene offers many opportunities for aspiring performers.
To Darrell, I remember how much I enjoyed your performance in ACU’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost a few summers back. I’m so impressed by your ability to inhabit the roles that you play. I was honored to share the stage with you and hope we will have more opportunities in the future.
To Marcia, I feel like your journey back into theatre is so similar to my own, so I’m grateful for finding another theatrical “kindred spirit” of sorts! I had so much fun acting alongside you in this show. Thank you for all that you brought to the role of Hesther!
To Holly, I remember how much I loved seeing you in Act 2 earlier in ACT’s 2024-2025 season. I’m so impressed by your ability to portray characters in ways that seem so natural and effortless. Let’s keep things going this summer!
To Colby, for me you are another one of those people in this show that exemplifies the unexpected relationships that can be forged through live theatre. I remember seeing you perform earlier this year and saying to myself, “Oooh, I really want to act with that guy on stage some day” (Note: Keith May, your are another of these people for me). I’m so glad that Equus gave me the chance to do this. Seriously, let’s do lunch sometime soon. I want to keep this connection going even if we don’t have rehearsals to share in the near term.
To Claire and Kenny, it has been so fun to see how your friendship has flourished over the last two months. Seeing you two hang out warms my heart. Claire, I will forever associate you with those stickers you insisted on handing out at the conclusion of every rehearsal and performance. Your quirkiness is delightful. Kenny, it has been so much fun connecting to you through theatre, even though I still think about you as the short kid who was my son’s tennis partner back in middle school. Thanks to both of you for all that you brought to this show.
To Nicole, I’m so impressed by the dedication you brought to this show even while being a mother to your young child at home. I hope we get to do more shows together.
To Trinity and Tre, thank you for the important, overlooked, unsung work you did as performers in this show. It was so fun getting to know you better. Let’s do this again!
Equus has concluded, so what is next? At this moment I am nearing the end of a college Shakespeare performance course. Our final “exam” will be an abridged, “pop up” production of Romeo and Juliet. I’m playing the Friar. Were currently in the process of blocking, working lines, and the like for the public performance of this show. Beyond the conclusion of the semester, I don’t have any show information I am able to share at present, but stay tuned! Exciting things are afoot.
