My Thanks to the Hidden Heroes of “Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell”
Senta (Katie Scarlett) embraces Jackie (Emmy Rice) after an emotional scene in “Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell” (Photo by Mikki Schaffner)
“Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell” has finished its run at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Although, I continue to learn things after every production, there is one fact that is undeniable: this is not possible by myself. Theatre is truly a collaborative art. Even in solo performances, one still needs an audience.
The following people deserve more than just my thanks, but for now, let’s start there.
First and foremost, to my amazing cast and crew: Lauren Carr, Samantha Luhn, Remy Elton-Alexander, Emmy Rice, Katie Scarlett and Maggie Lou Rader. You have no idea how much you all mean to me. As I have stated before to you, it wasn’t my job to watch each performance, it was my pleasure. Although our run was cut short, we have the comfort in knowing that we ended with our best performance. I will share more of my thoughts with you privately. If you missed their performances, then a rare opportunity has passed you by. These are amazing human beings who should never be underestimated.
Kelly Mengelkoch – Kelly, you are likely the most responsible for the script coming out the way that it did. I was so honored when you wanted to join our show, but at the time the script was not up to the caliber that you deserved. Your involvement forced me to write and create a better show. I was so sad to lose you, but you ensured that you wouldn’t leave me high and dry which is not something that everyone would do. Even though you were gone, your impact stayed with the show.
Mikki Schaffner – Mikki, there wouldn’t have been marketing without you! Your pictures are amazing! I don’t need to tell you how great you are because you already know.
Jared Earland – Thank you for coming in and tightening up our fight sequences. I realize that you were only with us for a short time, but it was invaluable to the success of our show.
Hannah Gregory – To my favorite literary comrade. Thank you for being there and for our conversations. Here’s to our future projects, future conversations and adventures yet unknown.
Maggie Perrino – Maggie, thank you for so many things. For lunches and friendship. For opportunities and honest feedback. Thank you.
Kristen Ruthemeyer Hammer – Hi Friend. Thank you for our phone calls, as off subject as they may get at times. Thank you for giving me a crash course in calling a show. When it came time to get advice on stage management, I was glad that I could go to the best.
Brian and Mary Ann Mette – This was the first show that my parents didn’t get to see. It feels weird, but covid caused them to miss the whole run. Even though they weren’t there in person, nothing that I have been able to do over the past several years would have been possible without them. I will forever be grateful and thankful for them.
The Festival Friends – I don’t know how to label you all because there are so many of you. In lieu of making a list and forgetting someone, just know that whether we only get to see each other during the festival or we talk all year round, it is so good to know that you are there.
The Audience – There is a popular Charlie Chaplin quote which states “All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl.” I feel that Chaplin forgot one thing: the audience. What is art without an audience? You are as much of an integral part of this process as the show itself. Thank you for everyone that came to see the show. Theatre has no permanent marker except for that in the memory of its audiences. I hope that in your memories, we stand as something that makes you ponder, question, and smile.