There are four extraordinary American artists I have to thank more than anyone for this, and they are Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, James Michener, and particularly Josh Logan. They were incredible men and they seemed to teach me, particularly, that I wasn't only an artist but I was also a citizen, and the work that we do in these musicals or in any of these plays is not only important in terms of entertaining people, but our country was a pretty great place, and perhaps it can be a little better, and perhaps, in fact, we can change.

And for this I am very grateful to the Lincoln Center Theater, which is really the best theater on the planet, let's face it; and to André Bishop in particular, whose idea it was to do this, and to Bernie Gersten, to Ira Weitzman and to their incredible staff and board. To my amazing cast, who in their spirit of rebelliousness and joyfulness really guided me all the way. To my designers, who are my very, very best friends in the world, to Bernie Telsey Casting, to Ted Sperling, Christopher Gattelli, my assistant Sarna Lapine, to everyone in the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and to everyone at the Intiman Theater in Seattle. To all of them and, particularly, to my wife, Kristin, who is my collaborator in art and life, and to our daughter, our heroine, Lucia. Thanks everybody.