The Rainmaker: A Director's Dream

When choosing a show to direct, so many things play into the decision to do so. There are the logistical elements (i.e. does this fit into my life, time-wise? Will it be difficult to commit?), but more important are the artistic ones: Does the story interest me? Are there actors who can handle the roles? What do I do with the piece to make it my own, while honoring the integrity of the work? 


Every once in a while, a show comes along that answers those questions quickly and easily. For me, The Rainmaker is one of those shows. Not only is it a rich and beautifully written piece, but I have been fortunate enough to have a cast that embodies the characters fully and with gusto.

A director’s dream.

From the minute the show was cast, I had the idea that these actors needed to have a stage space that was intimate enough to allow their nuanced-yet-dramatic performances to shine. By seating the audience on the stage itself (instead of using the house seating that is in the space), we are bringing the actors and the text up-close and personal. This is the kind of theatre that many actors relish, and directors like me long for. A director’s dream.


Working with a group of designers that I not only respect, but am challenged by allows all of us to bring a heightened sense of drama to The Rainmaker. With bold colors in lighting, and sound design that is as environmental as the dry, parched setting of a dustbowl-era farm, this story is being told with grit and honesty that is indicative of those tough times. It also has a wonderful sense of humor to it. It is an honor (and a bit of a stroke of luck) to have such a piece, and group to work with.

Truly, a director’s dream.

 

-- Stephen Genovese is a founding member of the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble as well as the Director of the Rainmaker, coming soon to Theater Wit .


Tickets now on sale - we look forward to seeing you soon.