Mr. Saint says that a figure of $1.5 million has been "kicked around" and he did not dispute it.

Mr. Saint, the father of four children, should have no worries on that score now.

Mr. Saint said he had considered several other sites but they had all fallen through.

Clearly, Mr. Saint has his work cut out for him.

"I want to make this the best regional theater in the country," Mr. Saint said.

From 1986 through 1994, Mr. Saint lived out of a suitcase, directing in 36 states.

The board gave Mr. Saint complete control and committed to raising the money to develop new plays.

Mr. Saint said regional theaters should strive to produce more new works, despite the difficulties.

But why does she do it better with Mr. Saint as her guiding light?

Mr. Saint has also directed this production, the first presentation of the show in a regional theater.