When Brian Wagner first encouraged me to read the script for Veronica’s Room, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. All I knew was that it was by the author of Rosemary’s Baby, and that it had some pretty formidable plot twists. After finishing it, I was both horrified and excited! Directing a comedy or drama is one thing, but trying to get a live audience to feel genuinely scared is a unique challenge.

I knew I would need an incredibly strong cast to pull this off, and I was fortunate enough to have a very large audition of talented people to pick from. I think you’ll agree with me when I say I have assembled five of the most talented actors in Fort Wayne, including the shockingly talented young newcomer Isabelle Pifferitti. This cast has been giving me chills since the very first read-through and I can’t wait to share them with an audience.

Veronica’s Room is the second show I’ve directed at Arena, after 2016’s Wait Until Dark. Through the process of directing, I have learned that putting on a show is definitely not a one-man job. So many people have volunteered their time, efforts, and talents in order to make this a spectacular experience for everyone involved. Just as The Woman in Veronica’s Room says, “the more hands there is, the less work there is.” I am truly grateful for the support and dedication of the team of friends and family that I’ve assembled for this production.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that this show is being sponsored by Gregory Manifold, in memory of his late husband, Terry McCaffrey. Unfortunately, I never had the honor of meeting Terry, but I have heard so many wonderful things about him since joining the Arena Dinner Theatre community. In 1985, when Arena produced Veronica’s Room for the very first time, Terry was cast as The Man and went on to win the Arena Award for Best Leading Actor for the role. I hope that we’re doing his legacy justice.