Friends of Theater February 2020 Newsletter

Message from the FOT President

The first day of spring semester classes was on January 21, and it is amazing how much has already happened in the School of Theater.

Auditions were held for the spring season on January 22 and 23, with call-backs and cast selections made within days. On January 28 the designer presentations and first table read for Women of Lockerbie was held. What an amazing experience that was for those of us who attended. All I can say is get ready for an incredible emotional ride. You will not want to miss this play.

Kudos and bouquets to the Mason Cabaret: Celebrating the Great American Songbook at the Harris Theater from January 1 to February 1. Every year this fabulous ensemble, under the direction of talented faculty/professionals James and Erin Gardiner and maestro Joe Walsh, wows the audience with its performance. We love the good old songs and hearing them performed by these terrific young people makes the future of American Musical Theater look very bright indeed.

Be sure to check out the invitation to Broadway and Beyond: An Evening with Lisa Vroman.  This will be a very special evening with a celebrated Broadway star. Reservations will go quickly for this event—the most elegant one the Friends of Theater has ever planned. We are so grateful to Joe Walsh and to Sherry Watkins for making it all possible.

There is a very special event coming up. The Friends of Theater’s First Annual Women’s History Month Showcase will happen on Thursday, March 5, 2020 in Theater Space. Conceived and directed by School of Theater senior Kayla Schultz, this evening of monologues and scenes from works by female playwrights will highlight women in theater and their achievements and feature a cast of Mason students. We are particularly excited by this event because, as the brainchild of one of our students, it is a perfect example of the creativity and motivation of the students in the School of Theater and why your support of these future theater professionals is so critical. More details to come!

Put the next Chili Chow-down on your calendar. We will be feeding the cast and crew of Men in Boats on Saturday, March 21 and can use lots of help. Contact any of the Board members or Alice Magelssen-Green (amagelss@gmu.edu) if would like to pitch in. I guarantee you will enjoy the experience.

Be sure to check out Mack’s list of upcoming events.  It is a very busy season and you won’t want to miss any of it.

Paulette