Patterson marks retirement by writing a show about life
By Tami Lange
July 22, 2013
409
Todd Patterson is going through some significant changes in his life – chief among them his recent retirement from Wooster High School.
Patterson, who taught at WHS and also served as Drama Club director and Performing Arts Center manager, also is the moving force behind Woosters Summer Stage, which last year brought the musical Annie to life on the WHS PAC.
There were already plans to try another show this summer, when Patterson found the State Teachers Retirement System guidelines prevented him from being in the school building until at least 60 days after retirement.
So, he said, he got to thinking, Do you want to do a show? Do you want to take the summer off?
The production team agreed they wanted to build on the momentum of Annie, but needed a place. Since the Wayne Center for the Arts was a partner in the 2012 production, Patterson said, WCA executive director Robb Hyde offered use of the South Walnut Street facility, which has a small, but serviceable, stage and auditorium.
But to find the right show? Patterson came up with an idea – hed write one himself.
Thus, Life: A Musical Journey was born. It will be performed July 25, July 27 and July 28 at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on the 27th and 28th. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children 12 and under. Tickets can purchased by calling the WCA at 330-264-ARTS.
The show is a review of sorts, Patterson said, with show tunes and some classic standards, mixed in with original scenes and vignettes. The reality is that we all have those songs that take us back to important moments, he added.
It also allows for participation from all ages of performers: children going through phases of development, adulthood, the challenges of raising kids, middle age and the twilight years.
Going through the creative process has presented some exciting challenges, Patterson said. Its frustrating at some stages and anxiety ridden.
The upside, he said, is there is no other production to compare it to and it continues to be a work in progress, although, he said, Its done. Its done in my head.
Helping him move the concept through the production stages are the Summer Stage production team: his daughter, Emily Patterson and Toni Shreve – musical directors, Stephanie Musselman, choreographer and Joe Bruch, stager manager. Brett and Kristi Hiner assisted in the writing and editing process.
Emily Patterson, who currently serves as WHS director of vocal music, is happy to be working with her father, who, she said, is good with coming up with ideas and being imaginative. The cast of 35 performers has shown tremendous faith in being part of something new. With any other show, you have all the material (up front), she said. This is totally new. We can make it whatever we want. We can add something or subtract something and make it really great.
Both father and daughter also will perform in the show, a partnership which Emily Patterson hopes will continue during her fathers retirement. Todd Patterson, for his part, said he would like to get back on the stage.
Profits from Life: A Musical Journey will go to the WCA, Patterson said. Partnering with the Summer Stage team is great, Hyde said. The production team and cast are working incredibly hard. Its also wonderful to have it all happening at the Wayne Center. The more theater, the better.
