Edinburgh Fringe performers say show must go on in memory of teacher

The first rule of showbusiness is that the show must go on – no matter what.

But when Paul Andrew Perez, the head of drama at an American college preparatory school, died suddenly, the last thing his students wanted to do was put on a show.

“It was such a shock for everyone,” said Samantha Richter from St John’s Country Day School in Jacksonville. “Mr Perez was a very special man.

“I used to suffer from severe stage fright and the first time I did a show was at an ice hockey game and he kept telling me not to slip on the ice – anything to distract me.

“He was always there for the students.”

Paul’s colleague in the drama department Todd Twining agrees.

“We lost a professional and I lost a friend,” he said.

But Paul loved Scotland and he especially loved Edinburgh and the Fringe.

The drama teacher had been to the festival 15 times and put on many shows for young people.

He championed young performers and believed in giving them the experience of being part of the world’s greatest performing arts festival.

So Todd set about completing the musical Paul had begun – The Idiot’s Guide to Breaking Your Own Heart.

He wrote new songs and worked with the students to complete the show.

Parents, staff and students worked with the school and Paul’s Infinity Repertory Theatre Company to find a way to take the show from the US to Edinburgh for a short run.

They were also supported by Greenside Venues in Edinburgh who helped them put on the show.

“In the face of heartbreak and uncertainty, these young performers and their creative team have shown remarkable resilience and dedication,” said Darren Neale, Greenside’s director.

“Paul Perez was a passionate advocate for the transformative power of theatre, and this production is a beautiful tribute to his legacy. We’re honoured to host a show that so clearly embodies the spirit of the Fringe.”

The show opened in Greenside’s Riddles Court space this week.

It follows the story of a young man who has a school assignment to work out what he contributes to society.

The lyrics from one of the songs sum up their own story perfectly: “Don’t be sad that I’m gone, but be happy I was here.”

After an emotional run at the Fringe, they believe Mr Perez would have approved.

“I think he would have been proud of us,” said Samantha.

“It’s definitely felt like a spiritual experience to keep him so close in this place that he loved.”

Some of his former students even flew in from the US to see the show and support the cast.

“I know he’d have been very proud,” said Todd.

“I’m sure he’s looking down on us right now. Extremely proud and laughing.”