From the
GENERAL DIRECTOR It is a joy to welcome you back to the theatre and an honor to be among the first to do so! An aggressive health policy including a 100% vaccinated company and an audience that plays its part makes an early return possible. Gathering in an indoor space for live theatre is still a novel step in this evolving pandemic so an abundance of caution will protect the most vulnerable among us—both patrons and performers. There is also much to celebrate. During the last year, we’ve been busy laying the groundwork for a stunning 50th Anniversary Season that includes five “wow” productions and a major endowment campaign. Our 50th message to our ardent supporters has stressed the critical importance of sustaining the organization for the future and ensuring its financial health no matter what challenges might lie ahead. That message resonated. In the last year, we have raised $12.5 million towards our ambitious $15 million for the 50th goal. You can read more about the 50 NEXT Campaign and our five artistic initiatives beginning on page 13. Please consider adding your voice to this effort. First of all, there is this season which is eclectic and wide-ranging— including the oldest and newest pieces we’ve ever programmed. Sweeney Todd opens the season in a brilliant new production unlike any you’ve ever seen. A brooding, Russian ghost story, The Queen of Spades, places beloved artist Joyce Castle at centerstage in her 140th career role! I love French baroque music, and Platée of 1745 has been on my wish list for years. Our first foray into this repertory should be anything but usual, and this vibrant production brilliantly marries the old and the new. Fellow Travelers, which premiered in 2016, urgently needed to be done here, and you’ll be deeply moved by it when it opens at Hoyt Sherman. Countertenor John Holiday in concert at Sheslow at Drake on July 11 will get us ready for his main stage return in 2022! It’s been a busy time at DMMO. We’ve spent this year listening and learning about issues related to equity, diversity and inclusivity and envisioning the role we can play in addressing systemic racism and inequity in our field, our community and our company. This work of being a company where all people are welcome, safe and supported is ongoing. Progress is never a straight line, but it will be made. This is the Company’s first season without our beloved founder Robert L. Larsen. I had the privilege to be with him for his final days, and I know he was overjoyed that the company he founded grew and thrived from the seeds he planted and nurtured. He was so looking forward to this year’s repertory. When the lights go down and the performance is about to begin today, I hope you will keep him and his legacy in your thoughts. We all owe him that. Thank you for being here and for your continued support. Relationships are the bedrock of success for an arts organization, and we are grateful for each and every one of you!
Michael Egel General and Artistic Director
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