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In an all volunteer organization with a long history, it is almost impossible
to say "without this person there would be no organization." Perhaps it takes
two. And no two people have been more critical to Alpena Civic Theatre's development
than Bill and Sue Maxwell. Present at the rebirth of ACT in 1963, (see our
history) they made major contributions each and every year
since.
Both Bill and Sue wore many hats serving as officers, board members, directors,
actors, set builders, lighting technicians, costumers: they took reservations, worked
box office, promoted the Theatre, wrote constitutions, sold season tickets, worked with
city council, shoveled debris, fed the old coal furnace and mopped floors. They remained
faithful to the organization in all it's ups and downs working well with the dramatic
personalities such a group produces. They are mediators, creators, unselfish givers.
Besides all the hard work, Bill and Sue lent unique qualities to ACT. Sue's good humor
and sense of fairness often aided board members in finding the right path. One
of its greatest supporters, Sue "sold" ACT wherever she happened to be. Sue didn't seek the
spotlight, so many of her contributions are known only to organizational insiders. But
that seems ok with Sue. The health of the organization and producing good Theatre was the
important thing.
Bill brought a special zest to ACT. He knows so much about the literature
of the Theatre, past and present. With his knowledge, his taste and his
daring, ACT performed some of the finest Theatre: plays usually avoided
by typical community groups as too demanding of both cast and audience.
We have been treated to such gems as "Waiting for Godot," "The Firebug,"
"The Three Penny Opera," "Was He Anyone," "Arms and the Man," "The Bald
Soprano" and "Arcadia." And there would have been no Gilbert and Sullivan
productions done here without the efforts of Bill and Sue, true lovers of
G. and S. They shared that love with us.
Bill's acting roles were many! His characterizations ranged from Nathan
Detroit in "Guys and Dolls" and the father in "Fantastics" to his various
memorable characters in "Thurber Carnival" and to the one character
no one else could have done so well - Ubu in "Ubu the King!" Unforgettable
. . . At ACT that's Bill and Sue Maxwell.
To both of you, with thunderous applause, we dedicated the 2004-2005
ACT season. Thank you for being there.
Sonja Titus Alpena Civic Theatre |
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Copyright © 2004-2007 by Alpena Civic Theatre & William L. Morrison, Site Designer & Webmaster. All Rights Reserved. |