Dan A. R. Kelly
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Legacy: City Arts Drama Center's Bonnie & Clyde

12/15/2014

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Picture
Rachel Marie Walker as Bonnie Parker & Aaron Boles as Clyde Barrow
Greensboro's City Arts Drama Center was the first place to hire me when I moved to town.  Managing Director Stephen Hyers and the new Education Director Rosina Whitfield made me feel at home with this organization.  The Drama Center is a unique place, where anyone can have an opportunity to be involved in theater.  Supported with funding from the city governance, The Drama Center serves as a heartbeat for community arts in Greensboro.

Tragically, Stephen Hyers passed away recently.  For many years, despite his battle with cancer, Stephen had continued to provide excellent leadership in the arts.  I call upon my fellow Greensboro artists to support a nomination for Stephen Hyers to be awarded the 2015 O.Henry Award:

http://www.artsgreensboro.org/

On the first day of auditions for the musical Bonnie & Clyde, I received a phone call that Stephen would be unable to attend, and I was asked to supervise until he could return.  During an evening music rehearsal, we learned of Stephen's passing, and we sat  together in a long silence as many of us wept.

Nonetheless, this cast came back to rehearse the next evening, and they recommitted themselves to producing a show that would exemplify the spirit of the program: passion, courage, community.  The show sold out most performances, with standing ovations.

While most people were amazed by the sheer talent and energy of our performers, what I was amazed by was their sense of ensemble.  When one was injured, they all rallied to his aid.  When one was lost, they all guided him onstage.  In the end, a show is only as good as the relationship between its players. 

I thank the cast, crew and audiences of Bonnie & Clyde for their generous spirit, and I encourage everyone to support the mission of City Arts Drama Center.

In the news:
Greensboro News & Record article
Yes! Weekly article


Picture
City Arts Drama Center's Stephen D. Hyers. RIP, friend.
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    Dan is a filmmaker and sometimes-actor who lives in the Southeast.

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