Gorilla Man

written by: kyle jarrow   directed by: susie gidseg

produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

Directors Note

We usually do plays that are serious. A chuckle here or there perhaps- but usually the audience is left with introspection, sadness, a topic to analyze when they have left the theatre. Not that that is a bad thing. Vestige is defined as the “part that is left after the experience has ended,” and for us, with Gorilla Man, there is definitely something left. For anyone who worries what dangers may lurk inside a stranger, and for everyone who searches to find who they are and where they come from— and for everyone who wonders just how much of our parents-exactly, is inside of us- we can find meaning in this story. Billy is just a kid, in a somewhat strange circumstance- trying to make sense of it all and find his way, take his journey. Kind of just like we all are.

But more importantly, even, in this time of change, what we need is a good laugh. Something to take our minds off the economy. we need the ability to spend time with friends, or watch adult men parade around while singing and dancing in a gorilla costume (hey, we all have our things.) It has been so much fun directing this production- but more then ever before, this show has been a complete collaboration.

Thank you to Henna Chou for teaching, rocking out, and forming the Gorilla Man band, Benjamin wright, our Vocal Director for working individually and in groups with our cast while playing a role himself, Zen for stepping in and doing some seriously spunky choreography, The Jenny’s for designing costumes, Creekside Lounge for allowing a theatre troupe to take over their stage- and being so reasonable and cool about it all, And as always, My partner- Jen Brown for finding this script and pushing so hard for it, Dawn Humphrey for, well, set, props, keeping us sane, Andrew Varenhorst for not only taking on a role but rocking out with Pr, Courtney Deginder for figuring out how to do quickie lights that have to be removed every night. For a rock awesome cast and band, who took some risks, had some fun, and made this a really calm experience. And to Kyle Jarrow for writing such awesome tunes that i get to sing loudly every day in my car, while drawing stares from the cars next to me. “I have an excuse,” I want to say, “I’m directing a musical.”

So come, have a beer, have a laugh, and help us as we continue to produce interesting theatre in interesting spaces.

Enjoy the show!
Susie Gidseg
Director