Dedication

 

   I've Written ten of these tributes to "people behind the scenes", Since we first began them in 1983. They  were meant to be a way for me and for the cast and crew of a particular musical to show our appreciation and our thanks. This year, as a personal choice, I would like to dedicate this production to all of the cast and crews, past and present, who have worked with me from 1978 through until today. the time has come to say THANK YOU.

I have estimated that approximately 1000 different students have been part of the shows I've worked on. For many it has been a part of their high school years that they hold dearest in their memories. Many of them "grew up" with musicals, watching other students on stage and dreaming and planning for when they would be up there, with  their friends, doing their  musical. Few outside of the shows can imagine the work ,dedication, courage and talent that has gone into building  and performing these shows. I have been so fortunate to have had so many enthusiastic, loyal, and creative young people who gave their all for one, common goal. It's time they were properly thanked and honored, as should be the parents, community, and the school who supported their efforts.

It's also, time I thanked them - officially along with thanking several people who have made these twenty five shows possible: To Jack Smith for beginning the tradition and for being the English teacher I always wanted to grow up to be; To Kathy Hubbard for her considerable talents, both musically and in coping with me; To Larry Lamere for making our "Technical" reputation what it is today, and  to Sandy Hildreth , Marcia Oney , And John Dineen  so much support, year after year, always saying yes, and helping us get the job done.

Finally , I also need to thank my wife and my son for making one last show possible, in the face of often challenging circumstances. The anniversary of the twentieth Madrid-Waddington Musical and my Twenty-fifth show seems an appropriate time for me to take an intermission. I'm still not sure chaser lights in a nursery is a great idea, but I maybe can learn some new production techniques. I have been so lucky and so blessed to have had the privilege of doing these shows and working with so many wonderful kids. I can only hope my son will grow up to possess the qualities of so many other people's sons and daughters with whom I have the honor and pleasure of working with.

  So here's to the casts and crews from all of the shows you'll find listed elsewhere in this program. Thanks for all you've given to me and to each other - this one's for you! And to Sandra and Mark, thanks for waiting for me. I love you both and I'll be home for supper.

                                                                                                                                                                 Joe Ruddy          1992