A Conversation with Super Fan Steve Pickett
Steve Pickett and Anna Pickett
There are fans, and then there are super fans. Steve Pickett is a super fan of Spells of the Sea, and he has every right to be. He is also a proud parent of Anna Pickett who directed the first podcast, and was assistant director for our Metro Theater Company production. Read below to learn why Steve is so passionate about this show and his daughter’s contributions:
“Meet Steve Pickett—one of Spells of the Sea and Metro Theater Company’s biggest fans! Steve is the father of Spells of the Sea co-writer and assistant director Anna Pickett. Professionally, Steve is a program manager who's been involved in social work, criminology, and security management during his career. We asked Steve about the development process of Spells of the Sea, the original podcast, his favorite moments of the show, and more.
What was one of your earliest memories of Spells of the Sea in development?
I vividly remember sitting on the uncomfortable typical-college-student-type sofa in Gwenny’s and Anna’s apartment in Austin when Anna (sitting on the lumpy end of the sofa) told Gwenny (sitting on the stairs leading to the second floor) that I was interested in hearing (and potentially singing) a song she had written for a musical she was in the process of developing into what would eventually become a podcast. Gwenny graciously agreed to send me demos of the song, along with a copy of the music and lyrics. Back in Dallas, I sequestered myself in Anna's room, listening to that song repeatedly for the better part of 3-4 days after becoming entranced by its opening line, "You're safe, Crank, back in your tower." That song was and is "Seafoam," and I've been smitten by this musical ever since I wrapped myself up in its words and devoted myself to following along as this hopefully hopeless and hopelessly hopeful man, H.S. Crank, unwittingly embarks upon a journey to find an end to his loneliness. Without question, I've fallen in love with Spells of the Sea, hook, line, and sinker (use of sea expression intentional).
What do you think of the stage version compared to the podcast?
Since I had fallen in love with the podcast after listening to it innumerable times, I was somewhat concerned when I learned that the podcast would be workshopped at Pegasus PlayLab at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in preparation for its world premiere at Metro Theater Company (MTC). I was worried that, if the podcast were abbreviated and/or modified to reach a younger audience, it might lose some of the heartwarming magic that had drawn me to swim deeply under its surface, beckoned by its captivating music and inspirational themes. After seeing Spells of the Sea three times over the course of its first weekend, I can honestly say that my concerns and worries were unfounded. The stage version has remained unquestionably loyal to the story and to the wonderful ideals that are interwoven throughout its songs and its words. The many people who influenced it at UCF and the many, many more who have influenced it at MTC have cared for this beautiful creation as if it were their own ... for in some ways, it is. The love and adoration that's been shown to this musical by so many kind, compassionate, and inordinately talented individuals has led to a month-long run that will enable many young people and young-at-heart people to be just as impacted by Spells as I.
What is one of your favorite moments of the show?
There are many moments that I consider favorites, but highest on the list are the songs "High Tide" and "Seafoam." "High Tide" captivates the audience so adeptly and so sweetly, and while listening, some in the audience might experience a hint of a tear in the corner of their eye if they listen closely enough to hear Crank sing, "In high tide, I'm found. What a beautiful sound that the heart makes when it unbreaks." Could it be that Crank is entertaining hopefulness? Has Finley caused him to believe that his broken heart can mend? Are we in the audience to believe that if we persist through our low tides that high tides may come? Hmm. "Seafoam" has been modified from a solo in the podcast to a trio in the stage version, and the manner in which Gwenny and Anna have brought these three characters (Finley, Dad, and Crank) together to pay homage to each other, to treasures within, and to the bond between fathers and daughters is overwhelmingly heartwarming (yep, shed tears during each performance here). During "Seafoam," we're reminded of heartache and alone-ness, but we're also reminded of the promise of family, even family that's found.
Why should people come see Spells of the Sea?
Spells of the Sea is what musical theater is all about. It's about the talent and the passion that theater professionals bring to their craft. It's about immersing oneself in a story in which one may find joy, inspiration, even Hope. Spells is about discovering courage and belief in oneself. It's about being reminded of how each of us is really good at something, even though it might take us some time to determine what that 'something' might be. Spells is about songs and ideals that remain embedded deep within our minds and within our souls long after we've left the comfort of The Grandel. It's my sincere belief that all who see this performance, young and even not-so-young, will be positively affected by its messages, even those that might not become obvious until one thinks back upon what one has experienced. Attendance at only one performance of this priceless gem is simply not enough.”
This post originated with Metro Theater Company.
