ITVS: Talkback


			SUMMERSTOCK

Tell us what you think about SUMMERSTOCK.

Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly and join the discussion.

10/05/2003
Lynn Chaplin-Noe
latrfc@aol.com
Canoga Park, Ca

I just returned home from church, put my feet up, ready for a derserved rest, flipped onto public television and found myself in SUMMER STOCK......AGAIN! It brought back my one glorious summer at Starlight Musicals in Indianapolis (many original Broadway shows, t.v. and film to credit since), circa 1964. That was the beginning of my professional career, which, is now passed it's 4th decade...by a lot and I'm still producing, directing and acting. What a fun trip back to the most Divine "Grind" in our profession, "stock". I admire the Colonel for his tenacity and love of theater. Yes, his kids have lost the theater "bug" and his talented daughter Holly, is so blessed to be directing and carrying on the family name. Hey, Holly, forget the tree and go hug the old man, then move that little theater passed it's imaginary boundaries. Kudos, and don't stop now....you're on a role!

10/05/2003
latrfc@aol.com
canoga park, ca

I just sent you a note regarding how much I enjoyed your documentary and failed to acknowledge the producer of the documentary. It really did convey the agony and ecstacy of 'stock" in a very real light. I suggested that Holly take this theater and move it out into a new level of expression. How about outreach? I see a venue that has such history and vitality and there is always a community outside the theater that needs to learn. What Jonathan said about "community" could be a key to the new face of your establishment. This is too complex anidea for a casual email, but I would like to discuss with You, the documentarian and Holly, the Artisitc (holistic) Director regarding a possible "face lift." for your sacred space. All theaters are "sacred." Thanks, so much, Lynn Chaplin-Noe

08/22/2003
Robert S. Telford
RSTELF@cs.com
Long Beach, CA

Eben: I noticed the scheduled docu on the "Pioneer Playhouse" and tuned in hoping to pick up on someone I knew almost fifty years ago. Little did I suspect it would be his life story. What a tribute! First, your wife must be an angel. She and my Jodi would get along just fine. Second, you have a batch of talented, wise children, not the least of whom is the one who put together that miracle of a documentary. I hope you realize how good they all were to you, despite all. I regret I never got to the Pioneer Playhouse during all those years we worked together in SETC. What's happened to SETC? Are we the only two still alive? I just passed my 80th, so most of them are probably gone. Ted Kehoe is, died only months after he retired, which certainly says something. What about the others? I'd like to hear from you via e-mail so we can finish out our histories and I can see how the SE is going. Did you know Bob Porterfield wanted me to direct a season at the Barter? I had to back out the last minute when the Virginia Museum Theatre took me on in 1958. Your staying power is impressive. Bob Telford

08/21/2003

I loved Summerstock and was wondering what happened after the 50th season. Are they still in business? What new plays have they done?

08/20/2003
P. Macklin

Juneau, AK

This was a well done production. I especially enjoyed the perseverance of the theater founder - that's what it takes to do theater. I thought all actors did summer stock - if it is disappearing that is too bad, especially for all the community members who come to watch the shows.

08/20/2003
Col3132@nni.com

I've just watched the amazing story of The Pioneer Playhouse and the very talented Henson family. I'm 19 years old, and studying theatre currently. The really shows what it is like to have theatre pumping through your veins. I found it to be inspiring and it made me want to be apart of it all. I think it's great that programming like this is on the air and hopefully it will help to bring a spotlight back on dying summer theatre programs like Summerstock, giving it a rebirth of sorts drawing actors from a new generation like mine. Colleen, Pennsylvania

Emerson K St. John
emersonstjohn@newyork.com
Burgin, Kentucky

This show helped me realize just how important it is to keep summer theatres up and going. It was put together very well, and showed all the aspects young actors have to go through in professional theatre. This program should be aired several more times. Robby Henson is a very talented young producer and director, I hope to see more of his work in the future. Thank you. Emerson St. John

Kimberly Hinkle

I recently taped your program on SUMMERSTOCK, and just watched it last night after being away on vacation. It brought back many memories of my acting days in Kentucky. I grew up there and did lots of shows during my summer breaks. I hope other theaters will document their shows and help others realize how important it is to keep this business going. Mr. Henson has captured the true passion of this industry, and my hat is off to him for his collaboration. Sincerely Kimberly Hinkle.

your program on summer stock was terrible. it was nothing more than a family arguing about there family business all summer. keep private shows like this off the air. they used bad language and on public tv that should not be allowed. why waste our money on shows that on benefit a select few. the sound was poor, and it was hard to hear and the camera was too jumpy. hope to see better shows than this during the summer. mike in brunswick, georgia

grant j.collins
jandjcollins@hotmail.com
washington dc

Interesting take on summer theatre. My days were not so cheery. My parents did this kind of work, and I had to leave with them every summer and go to different towns and stay several months and watch people smoke pot, drink and do lude things. Some of those things should have been included on this program. Maybe this will help other parents keep their kids from going into this line of work. Grant J. Collins, dc

Samuel Martin
sammartin@mail.com
Tampa, Florida

I just watched your summerstock show. Very Good. My girlfriend and I both work summers in theater, and my theater coach taped your show for me. I was amazed how this is just like all of our lives. Every theater person goes through these same situations. Hope you all make more shows like this. Sam

Robby Henson, Producer

This weekend the Pioneer Playhouse is just finishing its 53rd summer season. Many of the same actors have returned. Col Henson is in the hosptal for knee replacement, but should be back and cracking the whip next summer. For more info on the theater, visit its web site at pioneerplayhouse.com or email at pioneer@mis.net.

		Home \| Now Showing \| Programs \| For Producers \| International \| Community \| News \| Pressroom \| About
	Contact us at itvs@itvs.org Copyright © ITVS