I’m Tony Caselli. I’m a professional stage director, and Artistic Director of the Williamston Theatre, in Williamston, Michigan.
On this journal, I spend a lot of time talking about running a theatre and directing, as well as a lot about my wife and kids, my love of baseball and science fiction, and a great deal of other things. For more info about my directing, check out the Directing Info tab in the menu above.
I also spent some time in a coma a little while ago, so I talk a lot about celebrating life, because I feel like I’m playing my Bonus Levels now!
Feel free to join in, I’d love to chat!
CURRENT WORK
Same as most people: waiting out the pandemic. Oh, also trying to figure out how and when to reopen the Williamston Theatre for full productions, and what to do until we can manage that.
UPCOMING WORK
TBA
RECENTLY DIRECTED SHOWS:
900 Miles To International Falls
by Annie Martin
January/February 2020
This was a great show to work on, a big epic tale of science fiction and humanity and mothers, sons and war. Annie Martin delivered a fascinating story that asked questions of all of us, and explored the lengths mothers will go to for their children.
A Hunting Shack Christmas
by Jessica Lind Peterson
November/December 2018
We got such a great response from this production – a big, broad comedy with a lot of heart, it tickled audiences like crazy this holiday season! I was lucky to work with a fabulous cast and production team, and the show wound up as the second highest seller in the theatre’s 13 years of life!
As the holidays approach, Charlie heads up to the hunting shack that’s been in his family for generations, hoping for the peace he needs to sort out his life. Instead of the solitude he was looking for, he finds himself buried in snow, unexpected family, beef jerky, a crazy internet romance, and more snow. Can he sort it all out in time for his wedding anniversary? A riotous comedy featuring deerheads, passive aggressiveness and great big jars of unidentifiable pickled things. A Michigan Premiere!
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Silent Sky
by Lauren Gunderson
September/October 2018
Audiences LOVED this show, and I loved making it with the amazing actors and production teams I got to work with. Such a gift, to make something that moved people so much!
Based on the true story and science of early 20th century female “computers” at Harvard Observatory: Astonishing discoveries await Henrietta Leavitt as she maps distant stars in galaxies beyond our own. But this brilliant, headstrong pioneer must struggle for recognition in the man’s world of turn-of-the-century astronomy. In this exquisite blend of science, history, family ties, and fragile love, a passionate young woman must map her own passage through a society determined to keep a woman in her place.
Significant Other
by Joshua Harmon
Michigan State University Summer Circle Theatre
May/June 2018
I had a BLAST working on this show with the MSU team! This play concerns the lives of four friends in their late 20s and their search for relationships in the 21st century. Jordan is single, and finding Mr. Right is much easier said than done. While surrounding himself with his close group of girlfriends, it comes to pass that the only thing harder than looking for love is supporting the loved ones around him.
“How do you make life work for yourself when you feel that you’re not living the life you’re supposed to be living or want to be living?”
Doublewide
by Stephen Spotswood
Williamston Theatre
March/April 2018
Doublewide is a heartfelt and resonant comedy about a blue-collar family’s elusive dreams, and just how far they will go to hold on to them… and to each other. NATIONAL NEW PLAY NETWORK ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE!
Beau Jest
by James Sherman
at Williamston Theatre
Nov/Dec 2017
This is a gentle, hilarious romantic comedy by James Sherman. Audiences and critics loved the show – the cast was terrific, and we had a wonderful time working on this piece. I got to work with Cultural Consultant Frannie Shepherd-Bates and learned a ton about several beautiful Jewish holiday traditions, which was new and exciting for me. Plus I got to stage it in the round, which was a ton of fun.
1984
by George Orwell
adapted by Michael Gene Sullivan
Williamston Theatre
February/March 2017
“War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.” These are the slogans used to control a society very much like ours. Orwell’s terrifying novel of a government and society gone wrong has been hailed as one of the world’s classic pieces of literature. It’s also been referred to as a grim warning of things to come if we’re not careful. Can love exist in a world where we’re only allowed to believe what the powers-that-be tell us to believe? This show won Best Play from Encore Michigan, and David Wolber (who played Winston) won Best Actor for his work!
Pulp by Joseph Zettelmaier
Williamston Theatre
September/October 2016
In 1930’s Los Angeles, washed-up PI Frank Ellery takes on the strangest case of his life. A noted literary agent has been gruesomely murdered, and the four suspects are his remaining clients, all writers for different pulp magazines. Frank dives into the mystery, and his world turns upside down as life begins to imitate literature. In this new comedy, science fiction, romance, adventure, and horror combine with one down-on-his-luck gumshoe who’s about to learn what really lurks between the lines. Audiences and critics praised this National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere, and it was nominated for Best Play by Encore Michigan!
Rights of Passage by Kitty Dubin
Jewish Ensemble Theatre
October 2016
An evening of scenes taking us through the many stages of life, filled with love, loss and, the question “Traditions exist for a reason… buy how closely do we have to follow them, and why?” This beautiful show had a terrific run at the JET! Check out some of the gorgeous pictures in my “Show Photos” section.
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Wonderful slideshow!! Had I that many folks in my fan club, my head would swell beyond belief. But you deserve it, Tony, and Bill and I are thrilled that you continue to do so well. You were missed greatly!! Emily and Bill Haggerty
Emily, thank you so much – you guys are the best!
Hi babe, lotta love for you there! Mine and Sheri’s picture is not there. We love you and get to see you looking so well.
Mary Ann, I found that picture, it’s in there now! Thanks a TON! Hope you guys are well.
It was so much fun watching everyone get their shirts and post pictures… my favorites are the babies and the pets and men in shorts standing in the snow. And it was also amazing being part of the online community that developed around you… it was such a hopeful and reassuring thing to see. And best of all… here you are posting! We really can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.
Mary, you’re amazing! I agree – the whole community that developed was simply astounding, and overwhelmingly wonderful. Thanks for being a friend!
TONY! This is so fantastic, I can hardly believe it happened – is happening. I am not a Facebook junkie and knew very little of this but am thrilled that not only have you recovered physically but you’ve received such a massive gift of love. With a drop more of that love – Toni
Hi Toni! Thank you for the kind words – it’s been an adventure! 🙂 I hope you’re doing well!
We bought shirts, but I left them in Florida. So happy you are doing well!!!
Barb, thanks so much for your support. You guys are amazing!
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Hi Tony! I accidentally wound up here looking for a different Caselli. Incidentally, I’m a respiratory therapist in Ventura, California and happen to know a little about your ARDS complication. I’m grateful and humbled to understand what you AND your family went through AND you survived! January to March on a ventilator is no picnic (glad you don’t remember) and all the complications that can come with it. Kudos to the good Lord, your medical team, ancillary staff and of course your family and friends. Respectfully Kevin Raabe
Kevin, thank you so much for stopping by, and for your incredibly kind message. Your work as a respiratory therapist must be rewarding – it’s wonderful that you’re able to help people in that way. I am so, so grateful for all of the amazing people who helped me during my illness and recovery, and I know you’ve got countless people grateful for you for the same reasons! All of you folks are real heroes, making such a difference in so many lives. Thank you!
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