Auditorium's artistic director ends run with 'Children of Eden'

By KENYA WOODARD
Staff Writer

PALM COAST -- Since 1989, Mary Beale has overseen every theatrical production performed by Flagler Palm Coast High School's FPC Players.

At a recent rehearsal for the group's latest production, the musical "Children of Eden," it's clear that Beale is passionate about her job.

She effortlessly moves from one task to the next, from giving directions and adjusting costumes to critiquing the choreography and reviewing the score with musical director and longtime collaborator Alana Fitzgerald.

For Beale, however, the moments leading up to the play's opening Thursday night are bittersweet.

After "Children of Eden," Beale will step down as FPC Player's artistic director and pass the responsibility on to Flagler Palm Coast drama teacher Tom Whatley.

Beale said much consideration went into her decision and she leaves the position with mixed emotions. But the timing is right, she said.

"When you get to a point when you can do it with your eyes shut, it's time to switch to something you can't do as readily," she said.

Beale said she's ending her tenure on a high note. "Children of Eden," a Stephen Schwatz musical loosely based on the biblical stories of Adam, Eve and Noah, is a fun production to direct, she said.

As a bonus, Beale is directing senior students and principal players, Justin Register and Kyle Carlson, in what is one of their best performances, she said.

And snagging Flagler Superintendent Bill Delbrugge to conduct the orchestra through the play's 43 songs has been rewarding, she said.

Delbrugge, a former band teacher and jazz enthusiast, said the experience has been "exhilarating."

"It is incredible and this group is very talented," he said. "It's a big honor."

Beale said the school's theatrical performances have come a long way since she directed her first production, "Adrift in New York." She counts "Fiddler On the Roof" among one of her favorites.

Beale said she's most proud of helping those initially shy and reserved students blossom into fine actors.

"I get great satisfaction from the individual achievement of individual kids," she said.
Beale's students and colleagues have high praise for her.

"Working with Ms. Beale has always been fun to do," said Kyle, who plays Adam and Noah. "She's probably one of the best directors."

Justin, who plays Father (God), said he was initially hesitant to take on the role because it involves singing. It was Beale who encouraged him to do it in a style that was comfortable for him, Justin said.

"She leaves character development to us," he said.

Fitzgerald said Beale's foresight and dedication brings life to a production.

"This lady can envision things I could never see," she said. "She sees things long before it comes to the stage."

Beale, who started teaching at Flagler Palm Coast in 1987, will continue teaching junior-level honors English literature at the school.

Beale said she's looking forward to retirement in a few years but will remain involved with school theater.

"This has always been my calling," she said.