Newton’s Cradle Audience and Participant Feedback

Posted on February 20, 2008 by Administrator

Categories: Newton's Cradle

Feedback from participants in Newton’s Cradle 2008

“I learned that everyone, big and small, are just as much important to each show no matter how big your part is or not. Especially in PHF, we are like family, and I was so happy with the results of our cast, because everyone was SOO talented, it was over whelming. So I learned that its does matter who I am.

The Patricia Henley Foundation worked us so hard to be the best we could, my life for the past to summers have been the PHF. This foundation makes me feel like I’m not just doing a little musical where I have maybe one line, it makes you feel like you are performing something important, something that will be with you and the people who see the performance forever. So I can’t even imagine a better youth theater program, honestly.”

“The people in the program really listened too. I know a lot of programs where the directors won’t really take into consideration what someone else is saying because they think that their contribution wouldn’t serve, but with PHF everyone really had a voice, which isn’t something that a lot of kids have today.”

“For a youth theatre program, this is by far the most professional level work that I think anyone could do. It’s not three directors babysitting a bunch of kids, but three professionals working with youth who want to pursue a career in theatre or whatnot, helping them to grow and expand.

It was the most fun and professional program I have ever done, and I have learned soooo much. I was nervous at the auditions, but I tried not to let it show. When I found out I was in the play I was jumping around my house. When I was in the car on the way home after the last show, I cried my eyes out because I didn’t want the experience to end.”

From the audience

We saw the Patricia Henley Foundation performance on Fri night and just wanted to congratulate you on having such a well spoken Dr. in your family (Dr. Gi Gi, yeah yeah).  We had a fantastic time and that was one of the best shows I have seen in a long time.

Unaccustomed as I am to the writing of theatrical reviews, and, rather, having been on the receiving end of them, I shall try nonetheless to convey my joy and admiration for the performing of “Newton’s Cradle”, a totally new and freshly conceived piece of work.

It sometimes happens that a so-called amateur, non professional production can surpass many produced by equally so-called career stage practitioners’.

This production of “Newton’s Cradle” is one of them.  An outstanding characteristic of the performance of those fourteen young people is the ability to laugh at themselves, and at certain circumstances of their lives, for instance when responding to the question of why is there a helicopter heard flying around the answer is “It’s my Mother…. ”, thereby putting the button on a discourse on maternal intrusion into everyday life.

The choreographer, director, and musician are to be heartily congratulated, as are the performers on an imaginative, vibrant, funny, and thoughtful rendition of the random thoughts and musings of our younger fellows on the planet. Wit is a rarity these days, we are thankful when we come across it.  Isaac would not only approve, he would be proud of you.

With best regards and congratulations,
George Gaynes and Allyn Ann McLerie.

The production of “Newton’s Cradle” at Center Stage Theater was wonderful.  My husband and I loved it.  It is an amazing production that reflects everything that we all went through growing up; insecurities, complaints, and real fears. It also addresses the issues of today’s youth and provided an insight into the struggles and concerns that teen’s face.

I want to thank you and the Patricia Henley Foundation for putting on the musical. The performance gives our Santa Barbara youth such a creative outlet that is inspiring, hopeful and much needed in our community. Their talent, passion and commitment were obvious to all who saw this musical.  My hope is that this production will be seen throughout the U.S. because of its relevance to all youth at this time.

Patricia Henley’s generosity and vision was clearly seen in the voices of the youth on stage; the commitment, talent and honesty they expressed was truly heartfelt.  I encourage you to take this to all secondary high schools in the area and to branch out from there.  There is much to be learned about producing such a show and in teens expressing themselves.  Thank you so much.

Yours truly,

Marty Blum
Mayor