Theater is not just about putting on a show; it is about creating an experience that brings stories to life. The theater department is bustling with excitement as rehearsals for My Favorite Year are underway. I scheduled an interview with Jim Beauregard, the theater department director. We discussed the choice of the play, the rehearsal process, and what makes this production special. Beauregard is the director of the production of My Favorite Year, and the musical promises to blend humor, emotion, and life lessons.
Why My Favorite Year? Beauregard explained that the decision to direct My Favorite Year was based on several factors, including the opportunity to direct a variety of roles. He found the show appealing. He also emphasized that the musical's humor, the emotions, and the play's orchestration stood out to him. Last but not least, Beauregard assumed that this play would suit Dean's students well. The director said, "We try to make a journey for the students over the four years, to do a lot of different types of music and theater plays."
This is not Beauregard's first time directing My Favorite Year, he previously directed the show 18 years ago as well at Dean College. However, his first time directing was on the small stage, and now it will be performed on the Main Stage. Beauregard told me, "I loved it then too, but I feel that it will be stronger now". He mentioned that he is looking forward to seeing how this new production will be different from the past. He believes that each rehearsal process is unique, shaped by the cast's interpretations and the evolving nature of the show.
When asked about the rehearsal process and his favorite parts, Beauregard answered: "My Favorite Year will be about seven weeks of rehearsals. But Mostly the plays are about a five-week rehearsal. It depends, but I would say usually it is between four and seven weeks." The director's favorite part of the rehearsal process is the final two weeks before the opening night, as these are the moments when the final details come together, and the true shape of the production emerges. These last weeks, he noted, are when the magic truly happens, as the cast brings the characters to life.
When it comes to the meaning of the play, Beauregard described that the message of the play is knowing the importance of laughter, love, and family, and it also describes great life lessons. Beauregard hopes that the production will leave the audience not only entertained, but also touched by the life lessons woven into the story.
The musical captures moments of humor and heartfelt emotion, offering a reminder of the importance of laughter and love in our lives. Beauregard believes that these universal themes, combined with the musical's lively characters and humorous dialogue, make the show engaging and meaningful for both the cast and the audience. "We need to laugh at something," he said, adding that the show also brings moments of "beautiful crying".
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