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 April 16, 2005 |
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Island Observer Nancy and Worth Howe's passion and love of theater infected an entire generation of Roosevelt Islanders, including me. The Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance reached out to the entire community and gave us all the gift of song, dance, theater, and friendship Through the Years, which happens to be the name of our farewell show to thank Nancy and Worth for all they've given to us. Their kindness and generosity of spirit touched all of us in the community. I've witnessed painfully shy children taking center stage and becoming "Roosevelt Island Idols," thanks to the warm and nurturing environment Nancy and Worth's tutelage provided. I've seen children, who might never have met, forge lasting friendships while having fun, while learning solid professional technique, and some of the best American musical repertory has to offer. Many of these same children become respectful and appreciative audiences, while some have gone on to follow their artistic dreams as a career. We probably send more kids to LaGuardia than any community in the City each year. I still ask myself, "How did Nancy do it all these years?" Somehow, she managed to put up three different shows for each age group, some with three alternative casts. Worth, an inspired costumer and set designer, magically created castles out of pipe dreams - or was it pipe cleaners - sometimes literally! I always loved dress rehearsals, when the sets were finished, and everyone was in costume and makeup for the first time. You had to admire the man's genius. It was glorious! What I especially loved was the opportunity to work with both children and adults on our benefit shows. We'd bridge generations, sometimes three or four. I loved seeing people stay late to watch someone else's rehearsal and to applaud a job well done. That was special! I remember standing backstage and watching my fellow players make us all laugh and cry, even after seeing their scene through two months of rehearsal time. And all through, hearing Worth's booming baritone urging us to be "faster and funnier" than we ever thought we could be. And Nancy's matchless eye and ear as director. And personally being given the chance to play some great character roles I could only dream of performing elsewhere. In Japan, people who are genius at their art are referred to as National Treasures. Certainly Nancy and Worth Howe will always be thought of as Roosevelt Island Treasures by all those who worked with and alongside them. Thanks, Nancy and Worth, for everything you gave to us and what you did for love.
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