ACT Presents Neil Simon’s California Suite
Contributed by Carrie Smith, Director
It's summer 2019, and I’m on a boat in Kachemak Bay. The water is calm, and the glaciers are a dazzling white with streaks of blue. I'm deep into reading Mark Rigney’s script Ten Red Kings, thinking it will be perfect for Dimond High School Theatre's first show of the school year. My 25-year-old son shouts, “Fish on!” as he hooks a halibut. I look up and say, “Nice job, Raggle,” because even though it's far from his first catch, I’m a supportive mom.
Jump to 2024. I'm sitting by the Kenai River, listening to the turquoise-blue water rushing by. Arctic Terns are chittering at the gulls, and someone across the way yells, “Fish on!” Again, I'm immersed in a script, taking notes for the play I’m directing at Anchorage Community Theatre (ACT) this fall. In Alaska, where winters are long, and summers are fleeting, balancing outdoor adventures with indoor passions is a delightful challenge. I treasure every sunlit hour while diving into the world of theatre. This summer, my days are a mix of enjoying the beauty of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai River and preparing for Neil Simon's California Suite at ACT.
Due to our unusual rehearsal schedule, directing California Suite for ACT in August is a unique challenge. We balance our love for theatre with our desire to enjoy the Alaskan summer. We had a read-through in April to familiarize everyone with the script. We did a few walk-through rehearsals in June to block scenes and understand the space. July is for set construction, prop gathering, and costuming, bringing the play's visual elements to life. Note to self: buy paint! Finally, we’ll have intense rehearsals in August to polish everything before our mid-August performances.
This flexible schedule lets us enjoy summer while staying committed to our art. The rehearsals may be spread out, but our passion and dedication are constant. Theatre people are used to spending long hours in a dark theatre, often oblivious to the world outside. Whether it’s blinding sunshine at 10 p.m. or a sudden snowstorm at noon, stepping out of the theatre can be a jarring reminder of the outside world. This detachment shows how immersive and intensive theatre work can be, where time bends to the rhythm of rehearsals and performances.
Alaska’s theatre scene is as vibrant as its landscapes. Summer programs like the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, TBA's Summer Academy, Homer Council of the Arts' Broadway Bootcamp, Valley Performing Arts Summer programs, and Fairbanks Drama Association Children's Theatre keep the passion for theatre alive even when the sun never sets. These programs help budding actors, directors, and technicians hone their skills while soaking in the charm of an Alaskan summer.
Despite the challenges, the joy of bringing a production to life makes every moment worthwhile. Theatre in Alaska is more than just presenting productions or showcasing popular musicals. It's about building a community, sharing stories, and celebrating the blend of natural beauty and human creativity. These things don’t pause just because there are 18 hours of sunlight instead of 4.
As I sit here, soaking in the midnight sun, I'm reminded of the unique privilege of being part of this vibrant artistic community. Whether on a boat in Kachemak Bay or on the banks of the Kenai River, the spirit of theatre remains a constant source of inspiration and joy. As for my production of California Suite, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Working with a talented cast and crew who share a deep love for theatre has been the highlight of my summer. Our unique rehearsal schedule has allowed everyone to enjoy their summer while staying committed to the play. By August, we’ll be ready to bring Neil Simon’s masterpiece to life, proving that even in the height of summer, Alaskans make time for the arts.
In Alaska, we know that it's possible to cherish our brief summers while passionately engaging in the performing arts. The challenge is worth it, as theatre brings us together, enriches our lives, and reminds us of the beauty of storytelling. As Jesse told Tony in Staying Alive (1983), "The show's the thing, Manero! The show's the thing!" This keeps us focused and motivated, knowing that our efforts will lead to a rewarding experience for both performers and the audience.
Neil Simon's California Suite runs August 23 - September 8 at ACT Studio Theatre! Join us at 1133 E. 70th Ave. Reserve tickets at actalaska.org or call (907) 344-4713.