Elizabeth C. Butler

Still pinching myself that I got to have a second shot at my dream role (granted I’ll always be grateful for as many shots as I get!). It’s taken nearly forty years of my life, but I think I finally felt like an authentic woman on stage, instead of a girl wearing an “adulting” costume. I got incredibly lucky with this magnificent cast and creative team, who made it a truly collaborative process.

To Marc, who went off the recommendation of a mutual friend (well, and some hastily thrown together material), thanks for trusting me with this dragon to slay.

To Shraman, who could have easily said “That’s great,” said “That’s great, but what if…” and turned this score from a bear into a lion cub (still daunting, but less so!)

To Paige, our incredible intimacy director, who guided us with respect and patience, and helped us physically tell this story in a beautiful, natural way.

To Emily, who truly paced this show with her keen instinct for movement and telling a story through dance, when necessary. “Almost Real” was breath-taking to watch play out every night.

To our stage management team (Katelyn, Brielle, Bry), costume team (Lauren, Addison, Ski), and our designers (Bobbie, Ollie, Nixe, Ella, Kurtis): thanks for throwing together this beautiful little show in 2.5 weeks!

My incredible cast, for being so locked in throughout the entire process. Especially want to shout out these five members: Nalani who showed so many layers as Marge; Reese and Jay, for showing the reason Francesca stayed; Conor, for showing Bud’s heart; and lastly, my incredible leading man, Jon for being a true partner onstage. My Francesca was so lucky to fall in love with your Robert, and you made my job so simple.

“What a joy and what a gift and what a blessing.”

📸: James Gassen and Angela Dunlap