LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Transcription

1 The Florentine Players Newsy Letter ***January 2016*** LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT by Molly Anderson It's been a tough winter for the Florentine Players so far. With the loss of one of our closest family members, there is a void that will never be filled. Sparky was as dedicated as they come. The Florentine Players provided him the love and laughter and joy that every person needs. Jim gave us light both on the stage and in our hearts, and we gave Jim joy. What a wonderful partnership we had. While the earth is recharging under a blanket of snow, we're ramping up our schedule for This year's melodrama is going to see a return of a classic, written by another one of our stars watching over us, Jeff Frolio. Chris Discovers Florence, or, The Days & Nights of Columbus is being polished up for a new audience under the direction of Derek Kowal. I'm sure it will be a funny, fantastic, gigantic, humongous, more fun than a barrel of monkeys success. But before we get to that, please come out on February 6 and enjoy the Fourth Annual Battle of the Improv Allstars! The traveling trophy comes back, and a fine set of comedians will leave their blood, sweat, and tears (of laughter) on the stage in an epic battle to claim it. This 18 and over show has been a success for the past 3 years and we're always happy that Tracie Mauk can rustle up a fine roster of ridiculous people. See you then,

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3 MELODRAMA 2016 Chris Discovers Florence Or The Days and Nights of Columbus May 12-14, 2016 It s been almost a quarter of a century since The Florentine Players presented this original melodrama by Jeff Frolio. This is a tribute to Jeff who contributed, as author, actor... etc, in the production of many melodramas over the years. Perhaps the most favorite is this delightful journey into Christopher Columbus, the 5 th, 6 th, or whatever, landing in the quaint little town of Florence. Chris crew is a throwback to the Caniglias, and includes Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, the Patron Saint of Plagiarism. Nuns in Florence??? Well there is, of course, a villain whose goal is to steal the massive treasure chest brought by Chris... so perhaps a nun will be needed after all! The villain also plans to steal the heroine, a beauty and musician of sorts. Join us as we enjoy the frivolities of this infamous crew who stole the hearts of audiences 24 years ago. Tryouts, Monday and Tuesday, February 15, and 16, 7pm, 2016, Florence City Hall

4 En Memoriam - S. James Herron (Jim) 7/16/ /19/2015 S. James Jim Herron was born on July 16, 1947 in Omaha, NE to Marion E. Little and Stanley Herron. He is the oldest of 6 children. Jim also loved the Arts and Music. In the 1990 s he volunteered at the Omaha Community Playhouse as the stage manager, the sound and lighting and worked on making sets for the musicals. For the last 10 years he devoted his spare time with the Florentine Players. He was very involved within all aspects of this company. For a period of time, he was the President and Membership Chair. He also did the lighting for all of the shows and melodramas for which he got his nickname Sparky. Florentine Players and their wonderful family was his home away from home. He was also a member of the Theater Arts Guild (TAG). On August 30th, 2014, Jim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage 4. His first symptom was the loss of peripheral vision on the left sides of both eyes.he had brain surgery in September to remove most of the tumor, he then went through several rounds of

5 radiation and chemotherapy. Jim had several setbacks along the way. He got through every bit of it with dignity and unrelenting composure. In early October 2015, Jim began to have complications and soon after was notified that he had multiple tumors and there was nothing more the doctors could do for him. Jim passed away on Thursday, November 19th, 2015, with his 2 devoted sisters, Lisa and Deb, by his side. "Big tears and deep sighs overcome me as I think about the loss of Jim. 14 years ago he joined the merry band of the Florentine Players. I will miss your subtle wit, humor and smile." Diane Lemen We know who will be lighting up our skies Jim will be greatly missed RIP Sparky /luvya Grace Gozzola A truly kind and gentle man who will be greatly missed. Laura Hayden So sad he will be greatly missed. Laurie Farris Very sad. We're all going to miss him. Jeffrey Lowe How sad. He was such a nice guy. Heidi Lowe This morning at 3:30 the physical world lost a great guy. We all know that Sparky ascended into Heaven. Please remember his sisters Deb and Lisa in your prayers as they are the ones left to deal with everything Rick Quistad Jim Herron was a gift to the Florentine Players. He had an abundance of talent, knowledge, and a wonderful ability to govern the Players through several terms of office. To say he will be missed is major understatement. Here's to Jim!!!! Carol Hodges He was a very kind and smart man and he will be greatly missed. Linda Leimbach Jim Herron was a truly wonderful person. Many of us knew Jim as the quiet man who sat in the tech corner making us look vibrant on the stage. But there was so much more to Jim. Jim the son who started working hard at a young age to help support his family after his father's passing. Jim never stopped working hard. Jim the decorated war Veteran. Jim the faithful Scooters patron who knew all of his baristas well. During Jim's final show with the Florentine Players last August, I had the honor of giving Jim rides down to the hall every night during Hell week. It was a great time to listen and share stories. If I would have known that those would be the last conversations we'd have, I would have asked so many more questions. I miss Jim. People still ask me questions about Players business and my first inclination is to ask Jim. I don't think that will ever go away. We miss you Jim. We love you Jim. Thanks for being part of the family. Molly Anderson

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7 Memories of the Florentine Players Caroling Party 2015

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