Backstory:
Since it opened in 1947, the Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, New York, has been in existence for some 63 years. My connection to them lasted over twenty-five of those and was a long fruitful one. There I was to meet so many lifetime friends and artists who would become part of my theatre family and partners in crime. I acted, directed, and produced. Designed sets and helped build them. I was a tech as a backstage person, also designing and running the sound and lights of shows. No job too small. So, I was an usher taking tickets and serving coffee at the concession stand. Plus, at the same time having my own theatre Troupe ‘The Nasty Attic Players’ with whom I would put on plays. I would have been hard pressed to have the high theatrical qualities of my own productions without this symbiotic relationship with the ‘Mother-ship’. You see, since I did so much work on the rather thankless and less glamorous sides of productions. I was afforded the privilege of borrowing and using props, set furniture and costumes from the very large collections of these depts. I, of course, was also in a great position to find actors and keep a finger on the pulse of our local theatre world.
The award winning lighting designer Mike Gnazzo. My close friend and technical partner for many theatrical endeavors.
Upon leaving to come back and live in Gibraltar, I was honoured to be given the much coveted Elm-Leaf award for my many years of work for the theatre.
I was also awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Mayor on behalf of the town of Nyack, New York. For my ‘Outstanding and devoted service to the citizens and my artistic contribution to the community of the Village of Nyack’.
Set Designer extraordinaire Bob Olsen.
In memoriam.
As of this writing, it’s been eleven years since my dear friend Bob Olsen left the building. He was one of my first friends at the Elmwood playhouse. Unfortunately, I was living back in Gibraltar when he died and was unable to attend his funeral or memorial service. So, instead, many months later, I created ‘Channeling Quentin Crisp’ and performed it at ‘A night for Human rights’ here in Gibraltar. The first in a small tour which included a trip to the USA and The Elmwood playhouse where Bob and I had played.
