BY, GARY MALICKI
An Ambitious Musical Coming to the Ray Evans Theater
The last time I interviewed Cattaraugus Country Living Arts Association’s (CCLAA) Rhayne Smith, she was a cast member in last year’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. That was last August. This time, this diminutive theater dynamo is taking on the role of director of the musical Tick, Tick… Boom! currently running as a movie on Netflix. The show will take place at the Ray Evans Theater in Salamanca, NY, the first two weekends in May.
She’s no stranger to local community theater. She did direct a few musical revues, A Christmas Show and 70’s Music Revue. And not only a cast member in Charlie Brown but has appeared as a cast member in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Assassins, Jesus Christ Superstar and Little Shop of Horrors at the Bradford Community Theater.
Tick, Tick Boom!.
She pitched the idea of Tick, Tick…Boom! to the CCLAA Board telling me that it’s a story that speaks to her generation. Based on an autobiographical musical by playwright Jonathan Larson, Tick, Tick…Boom! is the story of an aspiring composer in New York City worried that he might have made the wrong career choice while weaving his way through the pressures of love and friendship.
When I spoke to Rhayne last time it was over the phone. This time we sat across from each other at Katy’s Café in the village of Ellicottville enjoying a couple caramel macchiatos.
All the while speaking to her, I thought about how fortunate that there is so much entertainment all around us. Not only do the local bars and restaurants offer great local and regional musical talent, but there’s also plenty of opportunities to enjoy quite the variety of local theater.
The Ray Evans Theater, named for a songwriter who was born and raised in Salamanca, went through many changes throughout the years of its existence. Construction began in 1941 but because of a shortage of materials caused by World War II, it wasn’t completed until 1945. Currently the CCLAA presents two full-scale productions, one in winter and one in summer, plus occasional variety shows.
One of the most startling moments in my interview with Rhayne was when I asked her if she had any aspirations beyond community theater. That’s when she revealed suffering from stage fright. I did not expect that surprising response, especially from someone who has spent so much time on stage. We talked about that a little and both agreed that, after all, you’re really putting your body and soul out there when performing. I would think it takes an awful lot of courage to do so.
I was curious about how much rehearsal it takes to get it right. She said they rehearse for about two hours, three days a week for two months and that does the job. She also encourages her cast to run lines at home with family members and even repeat lines wherever they are, even in their car.
I asked her about some of the challenges involved in directing. Working around everyone’s personal schedules is always tricky so that all can be included.
When speaking to Rhayne I felt a sense of contained excitement in the way she enthusiastically answered my questions. She also comes to the task equipped with an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts.
She was thoroughly engaged throughout our time together as I talked to her about some of my own personal stage favorites like Camelot and My Fair Lady. In a way, I was hoping to drop a little hint as they make decisions of what to present in the future!
Finally, I asked her how she measures success with regard to the production and cast. She said the original play consisted of three cast members who overlapped roles. She wanted to open it up by adding extra cast members. She wants everyone to have a fun experience, and that sounds pretty good to me.
Tick, Tick… Boom! will run at The Ray Evans Theater, 10 Main Street in Salamanca on May 4th- 5th & 10th – 12th. Tickets available at the box office the days of the show or online at www.showclix.com/event/ticktickboom and visit the Ray Evans Theater on Facebook.
Thank you for your time and all the good info, Rhayne. Best of luck with the production.
Caption: Rhayne Smith, director of Tick, Tick Boom’
Large Quote; I thought about how fortunate that there is so much entertainment all around us. Not only do the local bars and restaurants offer great local and regional musical talent, but there’s also plenty of opportunities to enjoy quite the variety of local theater.