‘Theater community is special’
We chat with director Brian Sharp, who’s been involved with theater since the ’70s.
When the Dayton Playhouse kicks off its 60th anniversary season with a lavish production of the classic Broadway musical, “My Fair Lady,” it will be a proud moment for director Brian Sharp.
Sharp, who just turned 54, has been involved with the Playhouse for most of his life, starting in the early 1970s when it was located on Third Street in downtown Dayton. These days, the newly renovated theater is tucked into one of the Miami Valley’s most beautiful settings — Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. The Dayton Playhouse has become known nationally as the home of FutureFest, an annual festival of new plays.
“We do it all for the love of theater and the friends we make along the way,” says Sharp, when asked how community theater volunteers find the time to hold down fulltime jobs and still spend 15-35 hours a week at the Playhouse — building sets, making costumes, memorizing lines and running through scenes.
At the moment, he’s excited about bringing the classic ragsto-riches story to the stage Sept. 14 to Sept. 30. Iconic musical numbers range from “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “I Could Have Danced All Night” to “On the Street Where You Live” and “The Rain in Spain. “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated,” realizes Eliza.
Sharp recently saw the Broadway revival of “My Fair Lady” at Lincoln Center. “It hasn’t been seen on a community theater stage in Dayton for years,” he notes. “I think it’s a classic feel-good musical of a girl getting another chance at life, but I think the story is really about Henry Higgins and the softening of this very focused, mechanical, driven man. Rather than focusing on
the way Higgins treats Eliza, I am focused on seeing what Eliza’s presence can do to soften Higgins. I think the audience will love it. The cast is amazing!”
There are 28 in the cast, 15 in the orchestra and 14 on the production team. David Shough will play Henry Higgins; Brad Bishop is Mr. Doolittle and Sarah Viola, a San Francisco Conservatory of Music grad, will portray Eliza Doolittle.
We chatted with Sharp about his love for community theater and a lifetime of devotion to the Dayton Playhouse:
How did you first become interested in theater?
I grew up in Dayton and attended Dayton Christian School. The high school had a strong drama program under the leadership of Bob and Ruth Clements. They took us on trips to New York and I can remember seeing shows like “The King and I, ” “Annie” and “Evita” on Broadway. But my interest started even before that. I can remember being in shows in school and at the Dayton Playhouse.
What’s special about the Miami Valley theater community?
I grew up in a home with a father and older brother very interested in sports. I was NOT that kid! I had parents that knew there were other options for me, and encouraged my other interests.
The theatre community is special. These are people that don’t need to know a back story on you … they accept you right where you are … and you instantly become part of the family. Some of those people I met in the early ’70s are still involved today and have become very special friends.
What do you like about acting? Directing? And what are the joys and challenges of each?
I find joy in each. The older I get, the pickier I become about what roles get my interest. I know my limitations, and know that I am not ideal for just any role. There have been some real highlights — playing Edna Turnblatt in “Hairspray” and Bellomy in “The Fantasticks.” Sometimes being a member of the chorus is a perfect way to be involved and part of the production without the stress of lead roles.
Directing is very different. I love the auditions and filling of roles. I love to find the perfect cast … and watch them gel. As a director, I like allowing the actors to feel a role so that the direction and blocking make sense to them. In addition to directing many of the Dayton Playhouse musicals, it has been an honor to direct shows in partnership with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra at Dayton Masonic Center where we had casts and orchestra of over 100.
What is the role of the board and the board chair of a community theater?
A community theater board is a catch-all for the organization. Most of the community theaters in town do not have paid staff so the board has to handle all jobs — strategic planning, daily operations, ticket sales, artistic direction, volunteer coordination, set building, acting, directing, maintenance, trash man … you name it!
The board chair is the steering mechanism, keeping the organization on track and focused. I served The Playhouse a total of 16 years as board chair and I was on the board for a total of 20 years. I had the joy of partnering with great board members that were committed to the growth of the organization. There were some tough days but in the end the organization is stronger today than it has been in years.
What are some of the recent physical changes at the Playhouse?
We’ve completely overhauled the facility — completed a lobby renovation, replaced the stage surface and drapes. We’ve created a board room, resurfaced a storage building and added new HVAC and a commercial garage door.
We’ve also upgraded the the security system, put in new emergency exit doors, upgraded our computer systems and sound board, improved the auditorium and stage work lighting. Auditorium upgrades have included paint, carpet, new seating. All of this was accomplished while paying off long term debt and incurring no additional debt!
Making a difference
Sharp is the recipient of acting and directing awards from the Playhouse as well as its prestigious Lifetime Membership Award. “Brian doesn’t talk about it a lot, but the Playhouse board once held a meeting about turning out the lights and closing the doors for good,” says current board president, Mathew Lindsey. “Brian was a big part of the work over the years to steadily bring the organization back from the brink and then to the solid foundation we have today.”