The number "Days Gone By" is another song used to show the affection and regard the employees at Maracek's feel for each other (with one notable exception). Portraying your characters at play is a good way to endear them to your audience as well. The song is sung by Mr. Maracek, played by Doug McMillan. Along with a sizable portion of the cast, he was drafted after auditions. I'd never met him before, but he did a wonderful job, and he's a great guy, besides. I'm glad I had the opportunity to make his acquaintance. Excerpt: "Days Gone By"

Amalia (Sheree Wheeler Gudeman), desperate for a job in hard economic times, makes an impromptu sale, showing up Georg (Jason Utesch) in the process. I've been fortunate as a director that Sheree continues to find my projects interesting. I had very specific ideas about how Amalia should be played, and she was receptive and hard working. I thought Amalia, insecure, childish, and naive, yet endearingly brave and persistent, was one of her best characterizations yet. Excerpt: "No More Candy"

Ilona and Kodaly are the supporting couple in this romance. Brian Sherwinski, as the under-handed and self-centered Kodaly, was another draftee. He had the added handicap of taking over for an actor who had to leave mid-way through the rehearsal schedule, owing to personal problems. It seemed like he was off book in about 2 days, and he more than made a very demanding role his own. Thanks Brian! Sherry VerWay was literally the first actress that I thought of for Ilona's strange blend of independence and inter-dependence. Happily, she auditioned, and unsurprisingly, she turned in a special performance. Excerpt: "Thank-You Madame" NEXT PAGE>

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