Friday, November 13, 2009

DIRECTOR'S NOTE - "Scientology Pageant"

This show premiered Off-Broadway in 2003. A Red Orchid Theatre did the Chicago premiere just last year, but could we sustain another year? Tom Cruise and other noted Scientologists like John Travolta and Kirstie Alley curbed their behavior, and the spotlight Scientology held for so long seemed to be dimming.
Then about a week ago, it happened. Scientology returned to the headlines. Just in time for the holidays!

Noted filmmaker Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby) submitted his letter of resignation from The Church of Scientology over a litany of concerns. A day after Haggis’ letter went public, a Paris court found The Church of Scientology guilty of fraud and fined it over $900,000 and just stopped short of a full ban.

23 years after his death, L. Ron Hubbard and his Church of Scientology continue to have a very strong presence in the world.

We are not delivering the exact same show as last year. To do that would be doing a disservice to A Red Orchid Theatre, its audience and to these amazingly talented actors. We’ve challenged ourselves to revisit, reinterpret, and re-imagine this show for a new year!

Thank you to Kirsten and everyone at A Red Orchid Theatre for trusting me with this project. Thank you to the amazing support staff that worked so hard to get this show realized. Thank you to the actors and their very patient and supportive parents.
I am happy that this play exists. It allows young actors and only young actors to be showcased in such a unique and fun way.


Thank you for coming to see it.


Steve Wilson

Director

2009

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