BOBDIREX finished out 2011 with a smile. Once again we were able to close the books without using any red ink. We produced Disney’s Camp Rock and an original musical revue, Boogie Woogie Holidays. Both productions were very successful. In fact, Tom Alvarez with Examiner.com named me as one of the Indianapolis “ten most compelling performing-arts people in 2011.”
This year two productions will be mounted at the historic Athenaeum Theatre; Cabaret, inspired by the 1998 Broadway revival and Country Christmas, an original combination of Holiday music and hits from the world of Country Western music. Both productions will continue to be approached from a professional point of view with guidance in using currant skills toward a continuing career. Both productions will offer compensation to all who participate.
Cabaret is most important this year as we will present an edgier production emphasizing the Santayana quote, “Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it.” This musical attempted to be about more than just singing and dancing. We want us all to remember the catastrophic events that shaped our world. All hires will be from the Indianapolis area. The budgets for the two shows will be close to $45,000. These budgets have to cover theatre rentals, royalties, supplies and salaries for over 50 people. There is no paid staff. That’s why your help is so necessary to the continuation of BOBDIREX and what we can offer our community.
I hope I can count on you in 2012. The message of Cabaret must be remembered and honored.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Bob Harbin
(Natasha Richardson & the Kit Kat Girls in ‘Cabaret’; Photo Credit: Joan Marcus, 1998)
