Longtime residents of Traverse City will remember when the only summer theater in town was done at the Cherry County Playhouse, which has since moved on.  This summer, however, has brought out an unprecedented amount of theater activity, with both actors and backstage workers from our ranks involved in seemingly record numbers in various projects, from "Greater Tuna" and "Grease" at the State Theater to Turner Sato's improv comedy troupe,"Disturbing the Piece" at Holiday Inn's Shimmers Lounge, to Riverside Shakespeare's production of "As You Like It" in Hannah Park, and David Ritchie ("Summer and Smoke") presenting his original play, "Fatal Apology" (written under the pseudonym "Wy David") at the Milliken Auditorium.  Some performers have been involved in more than one show, with rehearsal schedules being juggled to fit individual needs.  There also have been performing opportunities for individuals such as Nan Worthington doing chamber music for Unitarian Universalist Communication of Grand Traverse and Mark Staycer (remember his Herod in the 1988 "Jesus Christ, Superstar"?) doing his occasional one man show as John Lennon  in various engagements and open mic appearances.  The Dungjen brothers and Bill's wife and new mom, Susan should be included, with their concerts in the park.  For sports enthusiasts, the Playhouse softball team is in their third (or is it fourth?) season.  And to think that 20 years ago theater doer extraordinaire Gary Garrison was told by Playhouse members, "Nobody wants to do anything in the summer".       

If  all this isn't enough, Tim Hall's Tempest Entertainment has been active with mystery shows and with a new motion picture project involving many Playhouse actors, executive producer being yours truly.  It is a very ambitious undertaking, involving many area locations.  So if you see a video camera pointing in or near your direction in late August, it isn't the tv news guys (provided that the man calling the shots has a shaved head)

 Some special congratulations are in order amongst all of this, particularly to Ashley Frost, who had her first full fledged lead as Sandy in "Grease", after having been Nellie Forbush in a school production of "South Pacific" and understudying Peter Pan.  A welcome to newcomer Sarna Salzman in her debut as a Shakespeare in the park thespian (we would hope to see her on an indoor stage soon).  I would also like to express appreciation to Kristie George and Sam Reese, who have enjoyed the challenges of backstage as well as onstage work, broadening their young skills as theaterdoers in a variety of ways.  Sam was a definite help to me during my directoral debut in the spring and has participated as stage crew and spotlight operator (these two attractive youngsters look good when the spotlight is on them).  Kristie's mom, Dale also has seemingly found a home away from home in the costume room, where she and sam's mom, Julie Kelly have worked on several shows together.  Dale hasn't entirely ruled out acting, though, which is welcome news.

 Our first production this fall is the Jeff Daniels comedy, "Escanaba in Da Moonlight", which is being directed by Upper Peninsula raised George Beeby, with a talented combination of old and new faces, including comedic scenery chewers Bart Ingraham and Robert (the Wizard) Roush (Lord Robert has been taking on some delightfully scruffy roles of late).   Nicolle Girard is working on her tan for the dark complexioned Indian woman.

 Amidst the fun and excitement, there was a sad note - the recent passing of Gary Bolton's daughter, Erika.  Although she never did any of our shows, there was a special feeling among Playhouse members of support as she struggled for a year and a half with leukemia.  On the day she left us there was a moment when a set change during "Grease" did not go as planned - a staircase that normally moved with ease did not budge, despite Kristie's efforts.  Perhaps this was meant as a time for all theater activity to momentarily cease, so we all could reflect on this courageous young woman's much greater struggle with something equally unmoveable and be inspired in our own personal struggles with whatever.  Rest in peace, Erika.