Hello Everyone!

It’s Derek, once again. I have been having a wonderful time in my first few weeks as Resident Director. As I think back on this time one word comes to mind: Impressive!

One of the first impressive moments that come to mind is BROADWAY IN CONCERT. I had the privilege of attending the final couple of rehearsals and I must say that everything - from the production value, to the music, to the level of talent from the cast was top notch. With three returning favorite men, and three new females added to the Salerno family, I must say the show captivates you and allows you to experience the joy of musical theatre from the joyous toe tapping fun to the emotional dramatic reflections of life.

Also, I have been extremely impressed with our audience. At such a time of economic hardships I must say, unfortunately, that I know many theatre companies that are struggling to fill houses and cover costs. With pride and awe, I am happy to announce that our loyal audience members are coming out in droves to see the show, and many new faces are gracing our performances as well. With every audience member I see I am filled with delectation; as these patrons are helping to support the arts and fund the lives of local performers.

I would also like to take the time to comment on the impressive task ahead of me as I prepare for GODSPELL. Even though the Thanksgiving-time production is not until November, and audition dates are not even set, I am very excited about some of the concepts coming to life as the pre-production process moves along. I am also very eager to add a cast. However, I do not want to rush the process, as it will all move fast enough on its own.

That being said, GODSPELL wil come soon enough. In the meantime, we prepare for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. Mike has some fantastic ideas and I'm convinced that this is going to be the perfect show to kick off our new season!

More soon...

Derek

Have you ever heard of the saying "the best things come to those who wait"?

To me, this evokes memories of excited anticipation...counting the days until summer break from school, working all day in the kitchen to have your efforts rewarded with a sumptuous dinner party that awes every guest, waiting with bated breath for your birthday celebration to arrive, crossing off 9 months' worth of days on the calendar before welcoming a new baby into your home; all of these things take time.  It is true: all of the most wonderful things in life are well worth waiting for.

So it is with theatre.  

Following many extenuating circumstances beyond our control (namely the rights to Pajama Game being yanked from us last-minute and the difficult decision we made to cancel our performance contract with PCC), many have thought that Salerno Theatre and the American Concert Company have been on hiatus.  This unexpected "break" was far from time off! After doing one major production per month the last quarter of 2007, not having a show on the stage these past few months might have felt like we were gone, but we have been very much alive and working hard.  

Instead of working on a large-scale production, we've been busy tweaking the little things.   Our "time off" has afforded us the opportunity to enhance our productions with a fresh outlook and revived sense of purpose.   What have we been up to the past several months?  We've been expanding our talented staff to include some of the Bay area's finest performers, like Derek Baxter, our new resident director.  

We've been working hard at writing, developing, promoting, and touring the new Kings of Swing series of mini concerts, beginning with The Legendary Bobby Darin show (starring the charismatic Mike Mathews as Bobby Darin).  We've been holding rounds of auditions for new local talent to be showcased in our upcoming show, Broadway in Concert (May 15-25 at the Catherine Hickman Theatre).  And we are always looking for ways to improve the quality and caliber of performances that we bring to our audiences!  I guarantee that this season will be something worth waiting for!  

I am excited to be a part of this ever-growing company.  I am even more excited to have been promoted to Associate Artistic Director, so that I can play a major role in ensuring that we as a company are always working to put our best foot forward.  I promise to always do the best job that I can.  So we welcome you, our patrons and our artists, to an exciting season of shows that I assure you will be well worth the wait!

Sincerely,

Liz

WOW!
 
That is all I can say about both my new position as Resident Director of Salerno, and the exciting season we have to offer Tampa Bay audiences.
 
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself… I’m Derek Baxter, Salerno’s new Resident Director. That is great to say! It is such an honor to have been offered this position. I have been performing for over 20 years now, since I was a child, but to be offered a position of this caliber so young in my career. I am excited about taking Salerno and myself to new heights this upcoming season. I am a forward thinking director who looks for a new and innovative way to bring a show to the audience without loosing the essence of the original work.
 
I am elated to be given the opportunity to direct such an amazing show as GODSPELL. A timeless classic I am hoping to reinvent to be relevant to our modern times and issues affecting Tampa Bay and the modern world. I will also be directing my all time favorite book musical, CHICAGO. It has always been a dream of mine to direct/choreograph this musical. Being a trained Fosse dancer myself, I am excited to be bringing his work and style to the Tampa Bay musical theatre arena.
 
I am thrilled to say that I will be re-visiting a show I’ve directed for Salerno once before, SWEET DREAMS. This original musical journey will be back and more exciting than ever, with a few changes, and an update this piece is sure to leave the audience begging for more. I will promise that!
 
Those are the three musicals I will be directing this season.

Salerno's producing artistic director, Michael Mathews, will be directing our Thanksgiving holiday production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, which is sure to be a hit!

I’m looking forward to be bringing you some modernized and exciting musical theatre. It will be an amazing journey and I am looking forward to presenting you this season, working closely with Salerno as we all move towards a bright future, and (if you are a performer) hopefully casting and working with you this season.

More to come! Keep checking the web site and this blog for regular updates and more information!
 
- Derek Baxter