A LETTER FROM DIRECTOR, JESSICA BOWER

I believe it is important for an artist to stretch themselves, to step outside their comfort zone and take a crack at a discipline that feels challenging to them. I said yes to directing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because I knew if I held that belief, I would need to put that belief into action. I do not consider myself a veteran director. Even though I have been performing on stage since I was ten years old and studied acting at an intense college training program, I consider myself a novice director. I honestly felt apprehensive to take on this project. I thought, “Beth! Why would you ask me to direct something at this scale for you?! I don’t feel ready!” I have a feeling if she were sitting with me right now, she would say, “Jess, when do we ever feel ready?”

Beth Domann has been a mentor to me for over a decade not only because she has known me since I was ten years old, but also because she gets me. She has that ability, to see someone for who they are even before they know who they are. She was the education director at Springfield Little Theatre when I was a hungry musical theatre student in Y.E.S. Troupe. I reflected on those days and remembered feeling so much abandonment and fearlessness during those years. Perhaps ignorance is bliss, perhaps age and experience weather you and you become more fearful to try new things.

Yes, I was fearful to direct a mainstage musical. But I am so thankful I said yes because I have met some incredible artists while Springfield audiences get to experience this sweet story at a time when stories like this are needed to usher in some light into our lives. It is one of Beth’s favorite movies, and like me, she is a sucker for nostalgia. Any time I find myself chatting her up in her office we end up traveling down memory lane, and I see this cast making those special memories with each other now. Years from now these actors, crew, musicians, and creative team will say, “Remember when…?”

I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to work as a director with Springfield Little Theatre. While acting is still my focus and first love, I can see myself on the boards again as a director because I love the process and creating with incredible talent. Both our music director Carla Wootton and choreographer Alyssa Hakan are astonishing and brilliant. The scenic design by Chuck Rogers is beautiful, whimsical, and enhances the story in a lovely way. I am also thankful to my wonderful husband, Jamie Bower, for his fantastic lighting design and his help during this process. I feel lucky to have a partner who loves theatre and the arts. I feel lucky to have a space to create in this community. Thank you.