Players Pen: Company's traits shine through storm

Each opening night I contemplate these things: camaraderie, teamwork, collaboration, dedication, passion, joy, cooperation, communication, enthusiasm, eloquence and unwavering commitment.

These are just a few of the traits I see in Players company members. Each and every time we close one play and spend the following 72 hours preparing for opening night, the conviction to these ideals shine forth through the various actions of company members around me.

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success" — Henry Ford

The events of the past week brought these ideals, and even more, to fruition. Within seven days we closed the run of "Dial M for Murder," took down its set, installed another, ran tech and dress rehearsals, received kudos and standing ovations for "Lend Me a Tenor," began rehearsals for "Outside Mullingar" and pulled together as a cohesive unit to pick up after a storm and carry on through a power outage. Is it any wonder I forget what day of the week it really is?

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision" — Andrew Carnegie

During this eventful week I was reminded of what makes Peninsula Players so wonderful — its company members. Sunday, Aug. 2, many in Door County felt the potency of Mother Nature as a storm blew in from the bay with 60-mph winds, falling trees ultimately leaving 12,000 without power.

"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link" — Unknown

Peninsula Players also was left without power. Several of us on staff had been through the storm of 2011 that left Door County without power for three days and we burst into action. Assessment was taken of damage — a few branches and trees blown over — but very minimal property damage and clear roads. Radar and warnings were assessed. Any more threats? Once an all-clear was given, a mighty team went to work.

"Regardless of differences, we strive shoulder to shoulder ... Teamwork can be summed up in five short words: 'We believe in each other'" — Unknown

An auxiliary generator we have on property was warmed up and connected to the pressure tanks for the water pump and the office phone system. The emergency lighting tote we keep was put into action, and lanterns and flashlights were distributed. Management heads met to assess – is it safe to perform, and shall we? Once the decision was made we broke into teams to address what needed to be done. What was needed to run the show? Knowing our industrial generator could keep minimal stage lights, house lights and path lights functioning, a performance plan was drafted. A second auxiliary generator could run a laptop with sound effects and power speakers. The cast and crew were called together to go over any adjustments they would need to perform.

"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it" — H.E. Luccock

Plans of action were coordinated and the administrative and production teams went into clean-up and preparation mode. Cars were moved to strategic locations in the parking lots to provide extra lighting. Patrons phoning in were assisted — "Yes, we can move you to another night if you like." We had enough electrical power to function safely and an immense amount of tenacity to thrive. We rigged lights to the generator so patrons could see along the paths. We shopped for additional battery lanterns to light dark spots on property. We gathered wood for the bonfire. We assigned flashlights and created luminaries with sand-filled mason jars and tea lights to line paths. We swept, cleaned, laughed and smiled.

"A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!" — Unknown

The skies cleared and appreciative patrons came. Having sat in the darkness of their home or hotel, they were glad for a reprieve. Some were heading home or stayed in not wanting to travel, and we helped them with gift vouchers for a return visit. Once again this amazing company of people pulled together to create something special.

"A single leaf working alone provides no shade" — Chuck Page

"Lend Me a Tenor" is on stage through Aug. 16 and John Patrick Shanley's newest work, "Outside Mullingar," begins Aug. 19. For tickets or more information on our preshow seminars or backstage tours, call 920-868-3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com. Maybe I'll see you by the bay, where the sun sets, the curtain rises, and where each and every company member shines.

Audra Baakari Boyle is business manager for Peninsula Players, where she has 21 seasons worth of onstage and backstage tales to share.