Craig-Archer said she is very excited to be directing Robert Fulgum’s “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” (adapted by Ernest Zulia with original scores by David Caldwell).
“This isn’t really a kids’ show,” she said. “The play is about how we look at life, how we perceive, then react. Sometimes, if you can react in a different way, it may make things a lot better. All of the stories in the play revolve around that theme in simple terms – the way we learned in kindergarten.”
She said she loves the roller coaster ride of emotion the show provides, with opportunities for giggles, laughs, sighs and maybe even a sniff or a tear.
Planning for this show presented a few difficulties. As written, it calls for five characters. Craig-Archer adapted and reworked the script so that she could have a cast of 11. Each cast member brings his or her individual thoughts, feelings and experiences to the play, telling the play’s stories with authenticity and a unique perspective.
Craig-Archer said she especially appreciates having the intimate space of the Tryon Little Theater Workshop to work with, noting that it allows the actors to talk straight to the audience without a lot of distance or formality between them.
Having chosen 11 gifted actors for this show, Craig-Archer said she is enjoying directing. She said she likes to pull the best out of each of them, helping every one find a way to shine. She welcomes the challenge and opportunity to have everyone involved with the show, from actors to stage crew, see and feel her vision of how it should come together.
Community participation is also high on her list. For this show, she is using old chairs from Tryon Elementary School. Saluda kindergarteners’ artwork on the theater’s front window is a show in itself.
The actors said they are pleased to be working with Craig-Archer. They described her as lighthearted, open-minded, easygoing and great to work with. Veteran actors said they feel acknowledged; novices said they feel supported and encouraged.
The show runs Sept. 20-23 and Sept. 27-30 at the Tryon Little Theater Workshop, with performances at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
– article submitted
by Donna Tatnall