Recently, I participated in a debate (less of a debate, more of a discussion) on the meaning of the title of one of my favorite movies of recent years. The film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men,” while being quite violent, still gives armchair philosophers a lot to chew on with such a clever title. In my estimation, McCarthy - whose title is not original, but comes from a Yeats poem - affixes such a title to reflect upon the passage of the torch from one generation to the next; the torch of progress, of fighting and/or creating the future. Presently, this is on my mind as I look toward the future of the theatrical arts in Sheridan, as the torch seems to be passing: the millennials are now gathering momentum.
I feel I’d be betraying many of you by not offering some disclaimers with that last statement. Mainly, I do not mean to suggest that millennials are the only generation currently working in the local theatre scene. Far from it. Theatre is a melting pot with a reputation that almost rivals that of the United States in general. All from every facet of our community are welcome to the table, and many facets of the community are already represented there. In addition, I do not mean to suggest that millennials should be the only generation working in the theatre arts in Sheridan. Again, far from it. Very much unlike “No Country,” in which the future is decided by a fresher generation without reverence to the generation(s) before it, the theatre in Sheridan could not survive without the passionate work of the past and present.
I do, however, mean to suggest that the millennial generation, by my observation, comprises a majority of the local theatrical scene, and their brains are already storming. For example, let’s examine the current status of the Civic Theatre Guild. The composition of the board of directors is mainly under 45, the current president is under 30. These are some folks with a serious passion for the continuation of this art, and the composition of the season reflects not only their passion, but also the priority of integrating the millennial generation into the Sheridan theatrical scene.
The first play of the season, “Standing By” by Norman Barasch, will be directed by CTG veteran Anne Quick, but features a cast of two young lovers (on and off the stage): Pat Suchor and Melissa Brackley. Kim Detmer will be directing a “Seuss-ified” Christmas Carol; she’ll be the first of three millennials in the director’s chair this season. Annual staple Gene Davis will be directing the recent Tony-nominated play “Outside Mullingar,” which will feature a cast of four: two parts for members of the silent generation and/or baby boomers, and two millennials. Justin Stroup will stage the Mel Brooks musical comedy “The Producers” for the co-production with the WYO (which will surely feature many young men and women). And, yours truly will be directing Steven Dietz’ critically-acclaimed “Yankee Tavern,” featuring an evenly balanced cast of millennials and baby boomers.
In the long run, I would hope that my point is not just to lay out how generations are coming together to make sure the health of Sheridan theatre remains vibrant. But, rather, this is more of a call to my fellow millennials and beyond: theatre is not just for a certain demographic, but rather has something for all of us. I would hope that, if nothing more, I’ve shown you that we as millennials are working to create a stage presence that includes you, if nothing more than requesting you to buy a ticket. There is a place for you, and while many of you have found your way here, there’s still plenty of room.
And, if nothing else, I hope I’ve at least given you all some food for thought. I’ve got plenty left - don’t worry! Come see our plays - more information can be obtained at www.sheridanstage.com.
I’ll see you at intermission!
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