This musical, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, was a bit different than what we’ve come to expect from the AHS Theater Ensemble, but by no means any less outstanding. With musical scores like “Love Potion #9”, “Kansas City”, “On Broadway”, “I’m A Woman”, and “Teach Me How To Shimmy”, among many others, the actors and techies out did themselves this year.

The dance routines had a free-spirited simplicity to them such that the audience didn’t realize exactly how much time, effort, and practice went into them to make them as beautiful and flawless as they appeared.  Half of the routines were the kinds of dances one could find in a dance studio.  It takes a lot of muscle and stamina to dance like that- kudos to all of the dancers!

All of the songs were pulled off, but a few of them stuck in my mind. “I’m A Woman”, “Love Me”,  “Fools Fall In Love”, “Don Juan”, “Saved”, “Jailhouse Rock”, and “The Neighborhood” were not only captivating, but the singers themselves were stunning. Some of these actors came out with the powerful voices you expect to hear on Broadway- I was truly impressed.

It’s safe to say, Mr. Dales, Mr. Marsh and the entire cast and crew worked incredibly hard this year and gave us a performance we won’t forget.

I had the good fortune to interview Mr. Dales, post-performance.  Here’s what he had to share.

The Nest: What do you look for in an actor?

Ward Dales: I look for actors who takes risks in their choices, or those who go beyond their comfort zone and are willing to try new things. Also, those who connect well with the rest of the cast and crew, and are flexible in their work and can take directions.

TN: How do you decide what plays to do?

WD: There has to be a concept in a story, a social relevance or challenge for the actors. I want to get the actors thinking, and see if they can pull it off.

TN: What is your favorite part of a production?

WD: I love to see when the actors finally start to own their work. It’s fun to watch.

TN: What is your least favorite part of a production?

WD: The fundraising, and being responsible for other people’s jobs. If someone else does something wrong, the complaints are taken to me, and I have to fix the mess.

TN: What is the hardest part of being a director?

WD: Having to get all of the actors into the same social head space. We need to deal with the insecurities and bring everyone up to the same level of confidence.

TN: And finally, vanilla or chocolate pudding?

WD: I’d have to say chocolate.

I also was able to ask a few of the cast and crew members what their favorite part of a production was.

Bess Z: Getting to meet all of the new people!

Julie S: Helping everyone do their best and getting to watch them grow and develop as performers and artists throughout the process. I’m so proud of them all!

Morganne M: Meeting the fellow cast and crew members that I may not have been fortunate enough to meet in a different setting. Also, I love the last few weeks of rehearsals when the full cast stays later to officially put all of the aspects of the show together.

Lilly G.: Being backstage and feeling the vibe during the show. Seeing how excited everyone was and how all other problems just seemed to go away.

Anissa Q.: Dance rehearsals!

Emily L.: When the cast, crew and pit all come together.

Ellie N.: Being backstage and physical warm up!