Cast

I can’t believe I’m writing this. Me, a fourth-year, first-time director? Me, leading the student theatre organization that has commandeered the humble submission of my soul for six semestsers of tech staff at UVA? Yet, five months and unfathomable gallons of blood, sweat, and tears after I proposed Victor/Victoria to the production staff of FYP, here we are. The progression from “I” to “we” is an intentional one. Slowly, and not even always surely, this show has grown: from an anxious student with an idea, to an eclectic a-staff with a mission, to talented cast with a lot of learning to do, to an entire organization that lives and loves theatre. Each step of the way has reveled in its own glories and tripped over its own obstacles.

FYP is capable of a great many things. Our shows are indisputably exhilarating to produce and attend, and the aptitude and dedication of our first-years and upperclassmen never ceases to amaze me. However, it has been far too long since we have taken advantage of such excellence to push any envelopes in terms of theatrical content. If we cannot produce, every few semesters or years, a show that is groundbreaking, questionable, original – even offensive! – we place ourselves at risk of narrowing the incredible spectrum of possibilities afforded by the blessings of our enthusiastic cast and staff. I interviewed to direct because I couldn’t bear to leave UVA without doing my best to remind both the group and the university of all that I know we can do.

Victor/Victoria is my weapon of choice. I originally saw the show in early 1996 as an impressionable eighth-grader on his very first trip to New York. Barely able to discern Julie Andrews’s features from the nosebleed section of Broadway’s Marquis Theater, and too confused about the premise of the show to really understand it anyway, I recall forging no spiritual connection to either Victor or Victoria.

However, upon rediscovery of the soundtrack in college, several years (and a long journey of sexual awakening) later, I immediately fell in love with the music. The germ of the idea was born – and all that was left was to endear it to FYP. This required no small among of tinkering with the script and score to transform an Andrews-centric universe into the big, bouncy ensemble tableau that works so well for our group. For this I am immeasurable indebted to my patient staff (“Sure, I’ll rewrite that harmony again!”) and dynamic cast. When I say “Cut your hair,” they say, “How short?” And, to my relief and delight, such sacrifices are meaningful to them.

Victor/Victoria itself is both familiar and fresh. Classic Broadway regalia, trots out the dazzling show-stopping production numbers; gentle duets pepper the tender moments. Yet, for all its tradition, the show also savors the demise of historically theatrical paradigms. We’re all familiar with the showbiz cliché of gay actors playing straight characters; our straight kids play gay ones. We stage girl-on-girl tangos and rhyme “Munich” with “eunuch”; we assault Marie Antoinette and put brandy in our cocoa. Our trip to the 1930s Paris is Cabaret meets Will & Grace. Welcome to Victor/Victoria – we hope you’ll agree that the envelope has, indeed, been pushed.
--Mike Megliola

As a writer and an actor I have long known the joys of artistic creation, however it was not until I had the privilege this semester of serving as the Business Manager and Producer for FYP that I truly understood the joys of facilitating others’ artistic creation. On stage tonight 26 actors and actresses along with a staff of more than 60 will share the fruits of their creative endeavors with you. During the past eight weeks, this group has taken an artistic vision and transformed it through hard work into the finished product displayed before you. Each individual has left his or her own unique impression on this production, and I have been blessed by the opportunity to work with and learn from each one. I would be remiss if I merely acknowledged the work of those listed in this playbill – the FYP family extends far beyond these pages. This organization is so fortunate to be supported by an incredible group of alumni, parents, and businesses. Victor/Victoria is the sixth show I’ve been involved with in FYP and I am constantly amazed by what this group of students can do. Thanks to the cast and staff for allowing me to participate in this creation – I can’t wait to do it again next fall. Enjoy the show!
--Rexford C. Alexander

After viewing just one show, anyone can see that First Year Players brings dozens of talented people together to create an amazing and entertaining production. But looking back on my own four years with this organization, I realize that the members of FYP also come together to form a dynamic, supportive, and creative community. We work hard, forge bonds, test boundaries, and share smiles. FYP is where I found my friends, my family, my fiancé…and many of my favorite memories. I am proud to have been part of this incredible organization, and I am jealous of those who have yet to experience its magic. Enjoy the show…and I will enjoy the memories.
--Kathryn A. Bowman