From original cast member to musical director of I Can Dream Theatre
by Steven Atme
A lot has changed since I came back to I Can Dream Theatre (ICDT). I had the pleasure of working with founders Ada Masciarelli, Tricia Bartley and Michele Matthews as an original cast member in 2011. A year later, I was asked by the trio to take on the role of Michele’s assistant musical director. After helping with two productions, Dead...On the Orient Express and Saving Marvel, Michele retired, and the team recruited two people to run music and choreography for 2020’s potential production, The Dream Cabaret. Then, Covid-19 happened.
For three years, ICDT held their meetings over Zoom. Unfortunately, the two new recruits couldn’t continue because of other opportunities, and after some changes were made, Ada and Trish carried on with playwrighting, directing, making song and some choreography decisions. Hold up! Where was the musical director? Well, they thought of me as their last resource, like the famous line from Star Wars: “You’re my only hope.”
After some efforts to finalize the position, and after lots of discussion, I agreed. It was a nice “welcome home” moment, honestly.
The production titled The Godfather’s Wonderful Life was inspired by two iconic films, The Godfather and It’s a Wonderful Life. The funniest coincidence for me was before ICDT, I was involved with the Summit School Players when they did their 2010 production, The Godfather: A Family Reunion, which was based on The Partridge Family. I played Dean Martin.
Ada and Trish provided me with songs to study, direction and tools for singers and arranged vocalization. I showed up for rehearsals once a month and then biweekly before the show a year later. It was a major success on February 9 and 10 at the Eric Maclean Center for the Performing Arts. The whole team did an amazing job with their performances. What a strong comeback! I was especially thrilled to see the singers shine.
It was a major success on February 9 and 10 at the Eric Maclean Center for the Performing Arts. The whole team did an amazing job with their performances.
During rehearsals, I would tell them they would never know what strong abilities they had until making attempts and strengthening them. Even a tiny technical adjustment can create a major impact. More importantly, I would tell them that you must have passion, confidence and happiness. Connect with the music, understand and interpret it in your own way because it shows who you are.
This advice applies to everything! The team demonstrated it all, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. And I’m proud of myself, going from being an original cast member to musical director.
Steven Atme is a pianist and composer, gives private piano lessons and is a public speaker, enlightening on his experience growing up and living with autism.
