Summer Theatre at Hope

They have been using the repertory format at Hope for their summer productions for 33 years. Little did we know when we moved here that they had just started that format (summer of 1972). We have always been interested in the theatre and so were drawn to HSRT.

My brother Jim took a master's in technical theater and taught it at Mt. Lebanon (near Pittsburgh) for many years. He also was selected for the staff at the PA Governor's School at Bucknell University for many summers. Bucknell is where he met such notables as Dr. Glory Van Scott...who is a whole separate topic and Kevin Bacon who was a student there. Jim is the link that kept us going to shows so that we and our kids could learn to enjoy theatre. He was in shows in high school, the Airforce, college...in fact I remember one of Aleene's and my first dates was going to a show at Slippery Rock to see Jim either in the cast or a set he designed, etc. In fact, Jim met his wife, Nancy, at SR and she was on crew there, too. It is no wonder they produced two very talented daughters who both have done stage stuff either in community-type theatre or as in Shannon's case, professionally, after getting a MFA at the Cincinnati Conservatory. So Jim gets credit for sparking some of our interest. But I digress.

Last night was a show entitled BEDROOM FARCE which was close to number 100 of the shows we have seen at Hope over the years. We may have gone to one show in 1972...not sure, now...but I know from the second summer we lived here we have gone to at least two and most seasons four shows there. They are great. They have a smattering of professionals and some interns in the company which makes for delightful entertainment. I am not going to write a review of the show since that is not my forte. I know what I like and I know why I like it.

The show last night was in the 50th percentile of my favorites from HSRT. You have to remember that when we first started going I thought they were all perfect. As we attended more and more I began to get opinionated and critical. I am not sure that the quality slipped; I just know I would have stronger opinions. But put one actress up on stage and I go gaga...yep, Susan Erickson (Collacci). The Play Bill said she is back for season 17 this year...so do the math...she has to be 40-45 now...and can no longer play Maria in the Sound of Music. Susan has the most clear soprano voice I have ever heard live...and I have heard a bunch. She was in the quartet that did Pump Boys and Dinettes years ago on the small stage and that is where I really got turned on to her. That show is work. It is high power, loud and if you didn't like on facet of a persons voice PB&D would drive you nuts. I loved it. I loved her part in it because she was so on and worked so hard and never lost a tone (it wasn't pitchy as Paula Abdul would say.)

Enough on Susan....she is back The Spitfire Grille and we will see her then. She is also directing. I remember taking Amy to the Quilters when Aleene was gone somewhere (correct me if I am wrong, Amy) and dear Amy who had to have been in her early twenties had to calm me down in my expressions over Susan...and Quilters is a drama, not a musical.

Anyhow...we are in year 32 at HSRT and have three more shows to see...and I am anxious to see them. One other note. In 1974...the end of my first year of teaching...I took two courses at Hope to fill in some gaps in my education since I found myself teaching English (Language Arts). One was Intro to Theater which required that we work in the properties room for 10 hours. I did that and made pieces for the Wells Fargo wagon for Music Man. Brad Williams who was the legendary properties guy, puppeteer and director was my supervisor. Brad was killed in an auto accident about 8 or 10 years ago...he was probably the most talented person I ever knew (present company and family excepted)...even if very briefly.



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