Big thanks to Tony Pinizzotto for sharing so many fantastic photos and stories!

Tony was super helpful with clarification on how the actor schedule worked (up to five Northrups and 30 shows per day!), as well as more specifics regarding Emile Trimble‘s changes to the show in 1989.

He was a Northrup for both red and blue seasons (summer and fall) in 1989, and returned in 1990 as a Rat Catcher (strolling performer) and Northrup swing cast member.  The following year, Tony became the Theatre Area Stage Manager, which involved directing the Laboratory as well as 40 strolling performers.

I once got to perform a show for Gladys Knight.  She was SO SWEET!  She came up to the stage when most everyone had left, and had a huge hat, sunglasses, and scarf on (incognito?) and said “I just want to tell you personally that you were wonderful.  I really enjoyed the show.  Your voice is beautiful.  Okay, well, I gotta run.  Buh-bye.”  I was dumbstruck trying to process what had happened.  I still get goosebumps thinking about it.