They say it takes a village. \u00a0We used to joke that we were a few villagers short. \u00a0That ended Friday night. \u00a0At the performance of The Greatest Showcase, our auditorium was filled to capacity with our community. \u00a0Our village. \u00a0We want to say how humbled, how honored, and how grateful we both are.<\/p>\n
Our Stout Theater students rose to the occasion as performers and tech crew, despite limited practice time. \u00a0Stout Theater alumni, who mentored, coached, and supervised their younger peers, made us smile, as we knew the torch had been passed. \u00a0\u00a0Also Olivia, who came back to train lighting tech and Hayder who came back to help run the sound, made the production possible. \u00a0And then there\u2019s Zeinab, the queen of the returning alumni, without whom neither of us would sleep at night.<\/p>\n
Our loyal supporters, many without kids in the show, came to see the latest production, even though they had no idea what to expect. \u00a0Their confidence in our productions, even though it wasn\u2019t a known show, was inspiring.<\/p>\n
It was truly a family affair. \u00a0Our new family from the summer program was in the house, as well as the families that have been sustaining us since the beginning. \u00a0The Lerinis, Doboses, and the Barakats, who travel in packs, no matter how young, working, helping, offering comic relief, and Mama Barakat, no matter \u00a0what, taking care of business. \u00a0We also heard the Bells loud and clear, accompanied by Brian on sets. \u00a0And then there\u2019s the Salha family. \u00a0Seham, if you leave, we will both quit, Rochelle, always playing back up, and Amen, stepping up with the choreography.
\nNot to be forgotten is our Stout family. \u00a0Mr. Oke, Stout teachers who came to support their students, and Sarah Wheble who always shows up to save the day.<\/p>\n
We called people on Friday, to come in on Tuesday to sew 60+ vests. \u00a0You know who you are, and we owe you dinner. \u00a0No one said \u201cno.\u201d \u00a0All of these people put their lives on hold for these kids, and for what theater does for young people and for all of us.<\/p>\n
We believe strongly in theater with a purpose. \u00a0Each of our productions is linked with a cause. \u00a0On a more somber note, this production was dedicated to the memory of Kevin Hunter. \u00a0With this production, we were able to return a little of the love he showed for theater at Stout.<\/p>\n
We think it\u2019s safe to say that after 5 years, with attendance and support toping any event we have witnessed in the Dearborn Public Schools, bar none, that our village is a thriving metropolis!<\/p>\n
From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you all!<\/p>\n
Rashid Baydoun and Lisa Cronin<\/p>\n\n\t\t