The subject of family has been central to society for ages, coloring who we are as individuals and how we interact as a culture. It has been examined through artistic expression, as all basic human interactions have been, for centuries. So it is no great surprise that the theme of family is featured in our two current productions — An Almost Holy Picture and The Dazzle.

In the moving one-man play, An Almost Holy Picture, the character of Samuel Gentle grapples with many issues including a family tragedy and his relationship with his daughter. In this issue you’ll have a chance to read a discussion that I took part in with star Kevin Bacon and director Michael Mayer that sheds an interesting light on this new and exciting piece and how our creative team approached the production. You can also read an interview with the playwright, Heather McDonald, on how her own family experiences informed her creation of this play.

In Richard Greenberg’s new comedy, The Dazzle, the story focuses on the eccentric relationship between the famous and reclusive Collyer brothers who lived in Harlem in the mid-1900’s. An interview with director David Warren illuminates how he addressed the familial relationship that this production examines as well as his approach to both classic and contemporary plays.

Speaking of family, Roundabout has been fortunate to repeatedly share the company of talented artists such as David Warren, Richard Greenberg and Michael Mayer, among many others. Each has worked on a variety of productions for our theatre over the years. While finding new artists to bring to our audiences is always exciting, it is also reassuring to have familiar faces return to our stages and again share their creative gifts.

Family, of course, also plays a significant part at our theatre through the work of our Education Department. Our JP Morgan Chase Family Series continues to offer families the opportunity to see productions together and participate in special discussion sessions. In this issue you will meet four theatre-going families who have utilized the Family Series to expand their appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Roundabout’s productions.

Last, but certainly not least, I am very excited about our upcoming annual gala that will feature the inauguration of the Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre. Jason Robards, of course, had been a major figure in our Roundabout family through his appearances in several memorable productions as well as his service on our Board of Directors. The first recipient of the award will be Christopher Plummer, also a familiar Roundabout face and a Board member as well.

Of course, the Roundabout family would not be complete without you, our loyal subscribers. All of us at the theatre remain extremely grateful to all of you for your consistent support of our work, for traveling with us on our many journeys around the city and for always helping make our theatre feel like a home away from home.

Todd Haimes • Artistic Director

Front & Center Online
Winter 2002 Editors:
Tom Sellar, Margaret Salvante McCann