Gilmore Gala set for Friday and Saturday
By Robin Haynie/Playwright-in-Residence
Do you ever wonder how many lives you touch? Putting together the Gilmore Gala to honor my mentor and friend, Dennis Gilmore, has had me asking myself that question.
Dennis Gilmore was the Executive Director of the Athens Little Theatre and later Henderson County Performing Arts Center for the better part of 1988 to 2014. Dennis shared his love for theatre and community with everyone that sat in a seat, sewed a costume, poured a concession drink, or took to the stage. He also championed the YES, Youth Excellence on Stage program that launched enumerable young actors into professional acting careers at regional theatres, touring companies and on Broadway.
Of course, Dennis did not just focus his attention on the future entertainers. He continued to encourage and stay closely connected with YES alum that became teachers, attorneys, parents. The qualities that all these individuals gained from their time with Dennis were work ethic and teamwork. Things that Dennis instilled with humor, heart, and a fair amount of sarcasm.
So many of these fortunate souls that knew, and loved Dennis Gilmore have shared what a great loss his passing was for them. That shared loss was the impetus for the Gilmore Gala. A committee was formed by Christian Stokes, Cheyenne Whorton, Kara Davis, Allison Martin and me, all former HCPAC actors, to create a festival that would bring together all those that love Dennis to share performances, memories, and laughs. We had plans that felt ambitious for me, as show director, until we added Ami Hickmon, Tess Steddum, David Young and John Wilson to the production staff. What really turned the Gala from a dream to a reality was the 50-plus actors from 1988 to 2014 that agreed to return and perform. Many of these performers work professionally in entertainment today. Others will be shaking off the cobwebs to revisit some of the greatest moments of their lives. Some performances will be familiar, others will be those dream solos as a love letter to a man we all love.
There will be a Cabaret on Friday night at 7 p.m. that includes some of the most amazing songs, sung by some of the greatest voices ever to grace our stages. On Saturday there are two opportunities to enjoy the show, a 2 p.m. matinee and a 7 p.m. show.
The Saturday shows will consist of music, scenes, comedy, and memories that will include mashups of old shows. Imagine if you will, multiple Dorothy’s. We’re not in Kansas anymore! The Gilmore Gala will also give the community and HCPAC devotees that did not know Dennis Gilmore, the opportunity to better understand the legacy he created, because it is now theirs.
So please join us Friday, August 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 14 at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. for some amazing memories, laughs and entertainment. Tickets are $20 for adults /$10 for students and $35/$15 when purchasing seats for Friday and Saturday. Tickets are on sale now at HCPAC.org or call the theatre at 903-675-3908. If you are unable to attend but would like to honor Dennis with a donation, you can do so at hcpac.org.
(This piece is from the HCPAC newsletter)
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