I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of those who participated in the PaperMill Playhouse show, 'The Difference'. It meant a lot to me to have so many wonderful and talented performers working together and supporting one another's efforts. I know a lot of people were skeptical of various elements within that production. Yet, we managed to work together and look past those unsure elements to continue with our mission in creating a successful and entertaining show. I feel that each of us have grown as performers and as people by pushing that safety zone within us and opening up to the experience that PaperMill provided. I know many continue to convey disgust toward the experience. I considered it a terrific possibility to attempt something new and different. I love the excitement that experimental theatre provides.
As we were working on the show I noticed the many strengths in talent among the performers. We had vocalists, musicians, dancers, comedians, actors & actresses all lending their specialized talents to the show. I feel this is the reason the show was so successful. It provided an opportunity for performers to showcase their talents when they otherwise might not have been able to.
Personally, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to partake in the PaperMill Experience. It gave me a chance to study mime again, something that I had started learning in earlier years and gave up when I found myself doing more magic. MAGIC...Magic was the other reason I am thankful for the show. I do not have many opportunities to share my magic with an audience while working on a professional theatre stage. I am truly thankful that I was given the opportunity to incorporate my magic into the show. I thank everyone who supported my efforts within the show.
Although I had what might be considered the 'lead' in 'The Difference', I wanted everyone to know that my efforts would mean nothing without those of the entire cast. As I mentioned earlier, the show's success was because of the great cast involved. I tried to involve myself with other cast member's efforts, to show that I was no more important to the show than they were. I suppose a sort of guily feeling came over me. I am a firm believer in the idea that the success of a show lies within the entire cast. At the time, I did not give everyone the credit they really deserved. I found myself thinking of other things to contribute to the success of the show. Now I feel I can appropriately show my appreciation.
The music to the show was phenomenal! I was highly impressed with how the lyrics and music were put together to create a highly enjoyable sound. I know Jon Voinski played bass and also played a big part in the lyrics. Thank You Jon. Thank You to Mike Delgado with the underlying and menacing piano tune that set the eerie mood. I love that tune! Thanks Justin Bohr, who played guitar and helped immensely in putting the music together. Katie , Derek Forrest, & Brian Pawlowski thank you so much for your contributions. Hey - If you guys ever find yourselves recording that soundtrack can I have a copy? I enjoyed it that much!
I had the pleasure of working with so many wonderfully talented people. Jesse your dancing broke my spell! Thank you to the other dancers who helped - Jen Mehl, Mary-Kate. It was great working with Matt Cook, a person whom I truly admire for his natural comic ability and wit. Ryan Jordan, you helped plant the seed and we both watched as it took a life of it's own. Wasn't the flower we thought it would be huh? Nevertheless, I felt satisfied in letting it take on it's own shape. Thank you for you assistance in developing the concept of a story.
This letter was created as my written form of appreciation for everyone's dedication and hard work. It truly meant a great deal to me personally. I realize I have not mentioned quite a few people, please do not feel offended. I thank EVERYONE who has been involved in the show and I wish everyone the best!
THANK YOU...EVERYONE!
Michael Gambit Matson
