Director's Note:

I have been asked on many different occasions why I chose to direct A Few Good Men. My answer to that question has changed throughout the process of this show. It has gone from something superficial, to an answer much more worthy of actually appearing in a director’s note.

Originally, I would reply with something to the effect of “Have you ever seen anything Aaron Sorkin has written? It’s better than Shakespeare!” As anyone who has seen The West Wing (which I have watched twice now…. yes, all seven seasons) or Charlie Wilson’s War can tell you, Sorkin’s writing alone is reason enough to produce this show. From the quick, technical dialogue to the actual choice of words on the page, his writing is poetry.

If you had asked me “why this show?” a month ago, I would have said something a little different. I would have replied with a discussion on the meaning of the show. Why is Kaffee so touchy about his father? Why does Jo feel the need to stick her nose where it really doesn’t belong? Did the characters in the show act in a manner unbecoming a marine? These are all interesting questions to ponder when studying this show, and I hope you do, but my answer to the question has changed again.

Q: “Why did you decide to direct A Few Good Men, Chris?”
A: “Because it is the only show that could have brought together the personalities and talents present in this cast and crew.”

I’m not normally a sappy person, but I think this merits mentioning. I have learned more about the theatrical experience through the people involved in this show than many people learn in a lifetime. Thank you cast and crew, and thank you for coming to see this show. Without you, this kind of experience wouldn’t be possible for people like us.

Thanks,
Chris Wheelahan