As many of you may know, the choice of director is key to having a successful production-especially when you’re working on a new play, as this is. The story behind this is-Emily Mann, the artistic director of the McCarter Theatre was going to direct the piece. About six months ago she phoned me to say that her schedule was such that she didn’t think she had the time necessary to do the play justice-she was to direct a revival of her critically and commercially acclaimed play “having our Say,” plus a new Edward Albee play she was slated to direct was headed to Broadway. She told me that she still planned on producing the work, but didn’t think she could direct. Bummer…but what can you do? I could only think of one person that would understand the piece, in its complexities and in its rhythm, and that was Des McAnuff.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McAnuff on several occasions, and I always dug his energy. He was the one responsible for bringing my musical “The Seven” to the La Jolla Playhouse when he was the artistic director there. I didn’t know if he had the time to direct the play, due to the fact that he runs the biggest theatre in Canada, and frequently produces and directs on Broadway. But all you can do is ask right? And after reading the script and working out his schedule, I am happy to say that he has signed on to direct the world premiere of “Fetch Clay, Make Man.” Rehearsals begin in December for a January 8th opening. I’m excited to work with Des on this project.