Show numero dos: Theatre West presents Sally Spectre the Musical ‘A Children’s Horror Story for Adults’

A quick warning, there is only a side entrance door. Once you find it, you will think to yourself, “duh!” However getting there is a little tricky. For you gentlemen, swallow your, what I like to call “man-pride” and if a person is standing around ask him/her where the theatre is. I did and I found it quicker. It took me a while, granted I am not the brightest crayon in the box, so save yourself the trouble and ask.

This time I got to interview David P. Johnson and Rebecca Lane. Prepare yourself for what follows: David P. Johnson is the writer, composer, lyricist, director, choreographer, co-producer and co-sound designer of this show. Did I mention he’s also in the show? One may ask, “One man show?” Not quite. Rebecca Lane played the lead actress as Sally Spectre. I got to ask them about the creative process, something of importance to all artists I would assume.

He recounts: he was having lunch with Rebecca when she said, “Ugh. I could just put an axe in my head.” It didn’t mean much to him at first. Then, on his way home he thought what a weird expression. “Most people say, ‘I could shoot myself in the foot’ not ‘I could put an axe in my head.’” From that simple statement began the inklings and stirrings to what is now Sally Spectre the Musical. He wrote down the first version, had a reading and from that did a few revisions. Then, he entered the show into some competitions where it gained recognition and notoriety. It won awards. Therefore, he decided to refine it even more and present it at Theatre West.

I asked him the question of questions: “If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you first started out, what would it be?” He said, “Follow your dreams.” He emphasized how one needs to have faith, believe in one’s self and follow “your heart.” Granted, it seems cliché, however a cliché become meaningful when one experiences it and the cliché becomes a reality.  He and Lane say it is about doing what you love. Their love has become a reality. Sally Spectre the Musical is up and running.

Don’t mind me but the motivational speaker within me is about to be released. Not to overuse Disney songs but like it says, “When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires, will come to you.” You’ve got to work at it though. Set a goal for yourself, like Johnson did. Once you have a set goal all the little things will be decided for you.

For example, when I used Map Quest to look up directions to the theater two things were set: my starting point and where I wanted to be. Map Quest then filled in the little steps to get where I wanted to be. If you know where you want to go you will know what you need to do to achieve it. (Thanks to my vocal instructor Harold Clousing for that metaphor!) Johnson had a dream to put up his show and all the little steps consisted of readings and competitions until finally he reached the opening of his show.

The creative process is not only one for the artist but for humanity as, I believe, it was created and can be refined every day. Embrace it. Love it. Learn it. Be it. Interpret this as you may as long as it’s applicable to growth! Until next time, Adios!