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You certainly can’t continue to rebuild Thomaston by cutting out its heart
Letter by Thomas Kenyon
Submitted Sunday, September 12, 2009

I’m very sad to see that someone has decided to start to dismantle the TOH (Thomaston Opera House) - a nice family feel, community theatre. The TOH is part of the life-blood of Thomaston itself.

Until last year, it had been several years since I’ve been to the TOH. My youngest daughter took kindly to theatre and after performing in large productions at both the Palace Theatre in Waterbury and the Warner Theatre in Torrington she was cast into the 2008 Christmas show, “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the TOH. It was such a great experience for her. The staff that ran the TOH made it feel like it was safe, and it was home. I was impressed by all the goings on that continuously took place in the building but most of all the array of ongoing plays in different stages of rehearsal throughout the building. Who could coordinate this? What a great job! Anyway, it had a great community feel. Although I was kind of envious that we didn’t have that set-up in my hometown of Waterbury, I was happy that our neighbors in Thomaston were not that far away.

My daughter Erika tried out for the summer show “Seussical the Musical”. She had a nice audition but so did many who made up the nearly 200 record-setting auditioners for that show. The theatre was alive and growing and brimming with confidence and I was anxious for my daughter. We were fortunate that the production staff cast my daughter into the show. We were not only thrilled for her because she made it into the show but that we as a family could continue our relationship with the theater. What an amazing feel it is as the people in charge: Sharon Wilcox and Jeffrey Dunn are always entirely approachable and helpful in any way.

As a family that feels connected to the TOH, we’ve helped to sell over $1000 worth of tickets for the two productions our daughter was in, ushered not only the shows Erika was in but also 2 other productions as well. We’ve worked hard to help break down sets, taken hundreds of photos for the TOH for them to use, as they felt necessary in marketing themselves. Also we’ve attended special marketing events that boast not only the TOH but also the town of Thomaston itself. I tell you this certainly not to gain attention for us, but to point out the excitement and growth that translates when you have a competent staff that helps to orchestrate a positive community theatre. We weren’t the only ones who have felt this way and subsequently we’ve seen other families respond in a similar manner.

Throughout all the rehearsals and performances our daughter has been part of at the TOH we’ve frequented several Thomaston establishments i.e. Black Rock Tavern & Restaurant (10 times), Crabby Al’s (4 times), Sunoco gas station (6 times), Duncan Donuts (4 times), Mona Lisa (2 times), Jillies Ice Cream (5 times), Corner Grocer (3 times). Although times are approximate, they are indeed truthful and represent what happens when just one family occasionally becomes part of the Thomaston community.

I’m very sad to see that someone has decided to start to dismantle a nice family feel, community theatre. It’s easy for the dissasembler to say that those left will have to work harder and rely on the volunteers that hold an interest in ‘this sort of thing’ to make it work. The truth of the matter is that it works because of the great leadership of Jeff Dunn, Sharon Wilcox, their staff and volunteers who are not stretched to critical limits. This theater, the TOH, which has been making great strides in a tough economy has been put in a hobbled position and asked to figure out a way to walk their way out of it. The surrounding businesses will subsequently see their revenues shrink and not everyone will survive. What does that do to Thomaston's bottom line? You certainly can’t continue to rebuild Thomaston by cutting out its heart.


Best regards,

Tom

My Letter to Rep. Willis.
(Click HERE to find your state representatives)
Written by Eric Wilczak
Submitted Saturday, September 12, 2009

Dear Rep Willis,

Recently, I wrote to you concerning the Governor’s proposal to cut funding for the arts. Today, I am writing you to express my concern over the decision on Thursday by the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Thomaston, to eliminate the positions of Executive Director and Funds Development Director of the Thomaston Opera House.

As I stated in my previous correspondence, the Thomaston Opera House has brought color to the lives of all those involved in it. I think the decision was made without a thorough examination of all the alternatives. I realize that Thomaston may not be a part of the area you represent, but I know for certain that many of its volunteers, patrons, and supporters come from the surrounding areas, including Torrington. When I see things this way, it makes me believe that the issue is not just a Thomaston issue, but a regional and possibly state issue. I fear that without the experienced direction of an Executive Director and without an individual whos sole purpose is to acquire funding, that the Opera House as many of us know and love it, will be doomed to die. Many of the volunteer talent may choose to go elsewhere, but for myself, I can say that things will certainly not be the same. The businesses in the area will certainly suffer.

Many of the volunteers have organized themselves in protest and plan on demonstrating Tuesday night in front of the Town Hall during the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting. Some will be out on Sunday asking for residents to sign a petition protesting the act and asking for an explanation. Others will be putting in more time and effort to keep the show going on, by working the box office, gift shop, and cleaning. They have even dedicated a website to their efforts: www.savethetoh.com.

As you stated, investing in arts and culture should be a component of our economic recovery. Therefore, I cannot understand how key personnel can be cut when they are needed the most. I hope that by writing to you, you may have some influence in bringing to light the reasoning behind it, and possibly be able to offer alternatives which can lead to a long term solution.

I sincerely appreciate your time and as always, your consideration.


Eric Wilczak

Letter to Selectman Martin
Written by James E. Donohue
Submitted, Saturday, September 12

Dear Ms. Martin,

I am contacting you concerning Thomaston Opera House and the two
individuals who were fired yesterday, Thursday September 10, 2009. Before
I get into this I would like to give you an idea of where I am coming
from:

My name is James Donohue and I am a freshman at UConn. At the age of
eight, I auditioned for my first production at a local children’s theatre
(C.A.S.T. Children’s Theatre in Manchester, Connecticut). I have been
there now for over eleven years and have been involved in all aspects of
the theatre.

When I was a sophomore in high school at East Catholic in Manchester,
Connecticut I decided to start auditioning out of my children’s theatre. I
first auditioned at the Little Theatre of Manchester which proved to not
work in my favor, and then took a year hiatus from auditioning in
community theatre. The fall of my junior year I was searching auditions
online for musical theatre and the first one to catch my eye was Thomaston
Opera House. They were looking for people to audition for “Annie Get Your
Gun”, set to open April 12th through the 27th. I immediately went to work
and prepared “My Defenses Are Down” to audition, less than week prior. I
went to auditions thinking that I would try, on the audition sheet I wrote
that I was expecting to get Ensemble, and then there was a slot to ask
what roles you did not want to get, I listed, “any lead role” because I
didn’t think I had the potential or skill to take on an actual role. After
I performed my audition, Gary Kingsbury (Director), pulled me aside and
asked if I would consider taking on the role of ‘Tommy Keeler’ and
naturally, I said I would definitely consider taking on this role. In the
end I got the role of ‘Tommy’ and this marked my first community theatre
production. Following the close of the production I stayed involved with
attending every performance I possibly could, spreading the news about new
productions, and volunteering as an usher.

This past spring I had the honor of being a part of “The Producers”,
directed by Sharon Wilcox. This production was worth every minute of my
time and I have never had so much fun with a group of people, as I did
here. With that being said, I have done everything in my power to promote
the Thomaston Opera House seasons through posters, e-mails, postcards, and
phone calls. I have sold hundreds of tickets to fellow friends, family,
and co-workers to attend the productions. To sum up the reason behind the
story I am telling you is that, Thomaston Opera House is my home away from
home, I travel more than eighty (80) miles for each rehearsal and
performance, and then spend hours upon hours working with the production.
In order for me, or anyone for that matter, to actually participate and
enjoy the time spent, is a perfect example, of how much Thomaston Opera
House means to me and anyone involved.

I am telling you this because I want to ask you to please reconsider your
decision regarding Thomaston Opera House and the two out of the four full
time employees you recently fired. Without these two individuals the
“backbone team” of the opera house is incomplete and will make the opera
house suffer greatly. I do not want to see this establishment fail due to
the decisions made this week and I do not want to have to leave a place
that I hold very near and dear to my heart. I thank you for your time and
concern on this matter. I also would like to thank you in advance for
taking time to read this letter. Again Thomaston Opera House is more than
a theatre; it’s a family and the keystone to a functioning and vibrant
Thomaston, Connecticut.

Sincerely,

James E. Donohue

Letter to Selectman Martin...SAVE THE TOH
Written by Jenna Jacobs
Submitted, Saturday, September 12

Selectman Martin,

My name is Jenna Jacobs and I am writing to you from New York City to offer my personal insight on your most recent decision to cut two essential staff members, Jeffrey Dunn and Kera Jewett, of the Thomaston Opera House. I grew up with a love of theatre in Litchfield, Connecticut and my options to pursue my passion were very limited. When I found the Opera House as a fantastic outlet, I found a home away from home. I am currently a music theatre student at New York University and plan on pursuing my dreams to get to Broadway. I have found the Opera House to be a very valid and imperative instrument in which I have had the opportunity to hone my talent and acquire performance experience.

Not only does the Thomaston Opera House offer its surface value--a fabulous source of the arts in a small town, a way for those involved to have an outlet doing something they love, a boost to many local businesses--but it offers personal happiness for those involved in making the theatre what it is. The professionalism exerted, the fun had, and the relationships formed inside the Opera House is invaluable. When I had to take a leave of absence my first year of college and had to return to Connecticut, I immersed myself into a show at the Opera House. The therapy found there cannot be described. My boyfriend and I were both heavily involved from then on--together and apart--and we then met our two best friends--one of whom is a current full-time employee of the Opera House, Ian Diedrich. The friendships that we have formed with Ian and his wife Emily is a friendship that we can owe solely to the Opera House. The Opera House gives people a chance to contribute to something good and form and keep lasting relationships. The camaraderie shown at the Opera House is a token of its importance in the town. I even went through a month of commute from New York City to the Opera House to partake in a show last year. Many people endure long commutes to be a part of that something special one can find there. Jeffrey Dunn and Kera Jewett are essential to sustaining the Opera House as a place where people want to come and be a part of the magic of the arts. Dunn has lifted the Opera House from the bottom up and is an important part of acquiring a professional reputation that can be heard all over the state. Kera Jewett has only added to Dunn's success. As incredible and professional and hard-working as the Opera House's current employees--Sharon Wilcox and Ian Diedrich-- are, they cannot do this alone. They will survive for a while because of the amazing support system of the people involved, but they will eventually need the source of the full-time positions you have cut. If you wish to keep the Opera House as an incredible source of the arts in Thomaston, you will need to see what a mistake it is to have cut Dunn and Jewett. It is most disappointing--especially to someone like me who wishes to make a career out of the arts--to start to find Thomaston as one of those blind institutions that cut and diminish the arts as a default. As you can see by the overwhelming response to your decision, the arts are much more important in our society than you seem to know.

During my summers off from college, I have not only been a participant of the Opera House but have been an employee (as a server) at Black Rock Tavern in town. I have a different insight into the effect of the Opera House on the town because I have had a first-hand look. The employees, volunteers, and patrons of the theatre have boosted the business of Black Rock Tavern tremendously. As I understand Chef "Red" Lanphear has expressed, Black Rock Tavern would be an entirely different business without the patronage from the Opera House. The Tavern owes a lot of its consistent business to the people who frequent the Opera House. There is no question about that. I have seen it with my own eyes. I have served my fellow actors/directors/volunteer s time and time again and have seen the effect they've had on the business. But, it does not stop at Black Rock Tavern. Businesses such as Pizza Pal, Hometown Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Patti's Place, Subway, and Red's Hardware, to name a few, have been frequented by the Opera House. What will happen to these businesses with the imposed increasing decline of the Thomaston Opera House?

I urge you to reconsider your decision and to step back and really take a look at the consequences of your recent actions. If I was not in New York City, I would be there with my fellow thespians at your town meetings. I applaud their actions to stand up for Jeffrey Dunn, Kera Jewett, and the arts. I will be in attendance at the Opera House's upcoming show, The Wedding Singer, in which I have countless friends and I hope that my patronage and this letter might make some small difference. Thank you for your time.

Jenna Jacobs

** My TOH statement from the 9/12 broadcast of Backstage, by request **
Written by Backstage with Johnny O
Submitted Saturday, September 12, 2009

For those of you who might not be aware, there has been much turmoil at the Thomaston Opera House within the past few days. Longtime executive director of the TOH Jeff Dunn and Funds Development Director, Kera Jewett, were relieved of their duties early Thursday morning by the Board of Selectmen in Thomaston. Now, I’m not about to make this a political thing, because I am no longer a resident of Thomaston, although I was for 35 years. But this decision came as a shock to me, along with everyone else that has ties to the theatre. The last news I was aware of was an agreement that the TOH had until June of 2010 to become a separate entity from the Town of Thomason and to run completely on its' own. How can this be possible if you cut the two people most responsible for bringing in the necessary finances and funds to make the transition happen? This makes me question the true motives of the Board of Selectmen. Taking away Jeff and Kera is putting the TOH on a path of failure. The Board has all but locked the doors on not only the TOH, but also the businesses that count on the many patrons the theatre brings into town throughout the year. Restaurants, retailers, gas station and the like, all depend on the TOH being in business.

I was informed that there was going to be a big gathering of people at the Board of Finance meeting Thursday night in Thomaston to support Jeff, Kera, and the TOH. The Board of Finance is where this all started due to a supposed growing debt between the Opera House and the town.

The turnout was amazing! I dare say that no other Board of Finance meeting in Thomaston ever drew such a crowd. There were no less than 70 people that showed up on just a couple hours notice, courtesy of emails and Facebook. Many could not be there physically, but were there in spirit. The meeting drew theatre people from all walks of life. It was a beautiful show of support for two very deserving people. I don’t think the board knew what to expect with that night’s meeting. This is BIG deal and a slap in the face to an organization that has done so much for the town’s identity. There seemed to be a bit of discomfort on some of the board member’s faces and pride on others as we all filed into the meeting. During the meeting, the one thing that sparked a loud groan from those in attendance was the announcement that First Selectman, Maura Martin, would not be in attendance, although she had originally planned to be there. She must have Facebook.


After the town business was discussed, the chairman reluctantly had to open up the meeting to public comment. The people stood up and spoke with passion about the decision to let these two people and what the impact of that decision will be for the beloved Thomaston Opera House. Residents and business owners of Thomaston made of the most passionate statements. Even one of the Board of Finance members, George Seabourne, voiced his disgust over this travesty and provided the crowd with his take on some of the expenses the town is constantly throwing at the TOH. It’s because of the Opera House that the whole town hall complex was completely renovated. It’s because of the Opera House that a brand new sprinkler system was installed and at NO expense to the town! John Quinn, a performer who met his wife at the TOH and who is scheduled to be a guest on Backstage before the end of the year, gave a great speech from the heart. Emily Diedrich raised the question of patronage to the TOH. Why will people continue to buy tickets when the stability of the organization is in question? Time is of the essence and we cannot allow that fear to sink in. Lou Guertin, an actor and Thomaston resident, asked the board if they’ve ever noticed how on any random Monday-Thursday evening, you could roll a bowling ball down Main Street and not hit anybody, BUT when a show is going on, the town is alive and vibrant. The restaurants are packed with people and people seem to be everywhere. Those were just some of the many people that spoke their minds that night. But it was the shear number of supports that showed up that really made a huge impact. And those supporters came from all over…Bristol, New Britain, Naugatuck, Waterbury, Milford, Manchester, Torrington, Winsted, and Waterford, even New York City to show their support!

We supporters did not show up to cause a riot. There were no outbursts and certainly no disrespect shown to the board or others in attendance. We just wanted them to know that this decision was a bad one and that the Town of Thomaston should be prepared for a fight. We supporters showed up because, even though there are many venues in the Northwest Corner of CT to perform in, there is none like the TOH. It is truly special. It’s the people, the atmosphere, and the history. Greats Ray Bolger and Enrico Caruso have graced its’ stage. People have been married on that stage. Some of musical theatre’s biggest shows, both old and new, have played to sold out houses there, as well as some of the greatest plays in literature. It brightens up the dreary winter blues with its’ warm feel good musicals, and gives you something to look forward to at the end of a long week. It’s good for moral and even better for the soul. It has shown children that Blues Clues can be more than a television program. It can be a living, breathing, multi-dimensional experience that you won’t find in video games, ipods or cell phones. Most importantly, it has helped create a true feeling of community by bringing people together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

I know that times are tough in Thomaston, BUT they are tough EVERYWHERE. Valuable services have had to be shut down in order to save money. The Opera House may not be important to everyone, and that’s fine, BUT it IS important to a lot of people and I do not see the good business sense in cutting out the legs from under the TOH when it is the one thing in Thomaston that does generate significant revenue for all the local businesses in town. Many towns would LOVE to have a gem like the Opera House. The town made a deal to give the Opera House until June 30th to start fending for themselves. That deal seems to have a lot of missing links, making this “deal” nearly impossible to come to fruition at this point in time. If the theatre closes, when would it ever open again?

After the town meeting, everyone that showed up in support of the TOH was invited to the theatre to have a rally of sorts and talk about the future, the plans to keep the theatre going, and how, if possible can we help Jeff and Kera get their jobs back. People are angry, but more importantly, people are now inspired! As Sharon Wilcox, the TOH Marketing Director said, “Tell me I CAN’T do something”.

On a purely personal note, I started my community theatre career at the Opera House in 1995 playing Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol. After that experience I have not looked back since. Most of my 14 years of theatrical credits have been in productions at the TOH, along with some of my fondest memories. I see the Opera House as “kind of a mythical place”. Seeing shows transform from near disasters to 5-star productions is pretty mythical. Like John Quinn, I met my wife at the Opera House too. Some of the finest people I have ever met have been because of that place. And it is because of the Thomaston Opera House and my theatre experiences that I sit here with you every week for the last 7+ years and talk theatre. It’s truly a mythical place.

I have been proud to call Jeff Dunn a friend since 1995. He has been at the TOH even longer than I’ve been involved there. We’ve even performed together on that stage. He is a lifelong resident of Thomaston. He knows the people that live there, most of them by first name. Since Jeff has been in charge, the TOH has flourished and seen it’s most profitable years. Jeff has raised the bar in community theatre around these parts. The shows get better each year. I can’t think of anyone more fitting and qualified to run that beautiful theatre and the thought of him being laid off this past Thursday sickens me.

Kera Jewett has been a fixture at the theatre for the last few years and has been responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Opera House. Every time I’d stop in to see the gang there or before the start of a rehearsal, there’d always be something that Kera had raised money for. “Oh, Kera got us money for that. Kera got us money for that too”. She has become a crucial part of the future and well being of the Thomaston Opera House and letting her go just doesn’t make sense.


Marketing Director Sharon Wilcox and Technical Director Ian Diedrich are now the lone TOH employees. As talented and driven as they are, they cannot do this alone. If you’re a fan of the Opera House, or even if you just hate the thought of that beautiful gem ever closing, get in touch with them. If there’s anything at all you think you can do to help with the Opera House, please call them at 283-8558. Plans are being put together now to make sure the theatre lives on, and hopefully, Jeff and Kera will make a return soon.

And I urge all the Residents of Thomaston to reach out; you can do more than any of us to get them back. Write to the Board of Selectmen and let them know that this is not acceptable. Until then our TOH army of volunteers will continue to fight and work to keep the theatre alive. We will not let the sound of silence be our final song.

Letter to First Selectman Maura Martin
Written by Amber-Lynn Dunphy
Submitted Friday, September 11th, 2009

First Selectman Maura Martin
Town of Thomaston
158 Main Street
Thomaston, CT 06787

Re: Thomaston Opera House

Dear Ms. Martin:

It has come to my attention that on this date the Board of Selectman for the Town of Thomaston has elected to cut the positions of Executive Director and Funds Development Director for the Thomaston Opera House. This is absolutely unacceptable.

In 2000 I auditioned and was cast in the ensemble of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Since that time I have been involved in at least two dozen productions as an actor, director, stage manager, light board operator, costuming assistant, and volunteer in a multitude of capacities. I have spent thousands of hours at the Opera House, many weeks spending more hours at the Opera House than at my full-time job as a paralegal. I have also brought countless numbers of friends and associates into Thomaston to attend shows as an audience member.

Whether the Board of Selectman acknowledges the fact or not, the Thomaston Opera House is a major part of the Town of Thomaston. I can personally attest to the fact that various businesses throughout the town thrive because of the Opera House. On almost any given night you can find people from the Opera House at establishments such as Black Rock Tavern, Pizza Pal or Hometown Pizza. The Country Grocer and Fuller’s 5 & 10 are frequented by the staff of the Opera House. The gas stations in town are frequent stops not only for gas, but for snacks and beverages before or after a rehearsal or performance. And the staff of the Opera House is at Patti’s Place nearly every day for breakfast and/or lunch. Without the Opera House, I guarantee that many of these places will lose significant business and many may be forced to close their doors, which not only means a loss for the business, but a loss for the town in terms of tax revenue.

I certainly understand that in this present economic situation, the Opera House may seem like an “easy” cut for the town budget. However, it will also be a major loss for the Town and for the people involved in the everyday activities of the theatre. There are literally hundreds of volunteers who have devoted countless hours to the Opera House and without this gem, we would suffer immensely.

Ms. Martin, I am personally aware that you have a number of family members who have been active at the Opera House over the years. So I know that this is something that not only would affect people you may not know, but even people you are related to. I beg that you reconsider the Town’s current view of the Thomaston Opera House.

In addition, I also implore the Board’s decision to cut the two aforementioned positions. Jeffrey Dunn has taken a theatre that was floundering for several years and turned it into one of the regions foremost community theatres. I can personally attest to the fact that there have been members of past casts who have traveled sometimes hundreds of miles to be a part of the Opera House’s productions. At every audition there are new people bringing their talent to the Opera House stage. The Opera House has even had actors who have either previously been or have gone on to be Broadway performers. As a result, audiences have come from all over the state and from as far away as Massachusetts to attend productions, many of them coming back show after show because of the caliber of productions the Opera House brings. If it were not for Mr. Dunn, this would not be the case and the Opera House would have closed down years ago.

As for Kera Jewett, since her hiring in 2008, Ms. Jewett has raised several hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Opera House. When a portion of the ceiling fell in 2008 and it was uncertain that the production that was in rehearsals at the time would be able to open on time, Ms. Jewett was able to secure financial assistance to fund a net to be placed over the ceiling to avoid any future issues until the ceiling could be repaired. The Opera House very easily could have stepped away and claimed that the ceiling is part of the Town Hall complex and, therefore, not something that they needed to repair. Instead they took immediate action to rectify the issue, therefore saving the Town thousands of dollars.

I could very easily write page upon page of the importance of the Opera House, Jeffrey Dunn and Kera Jewett to the Town of Thomaston, but I won’t do that at this time. I simply want to show my support for both of these individuals, as well as the theatre itself. For the past year the Town has seemed to have been extraordinarily against supporting the Opera House and with these two recent cuts, I felt very strongly that it is time you realized how important this theatre is to so many.


Very truly yours,


Amber-Lynn Dunphy


cc: Thomaston Opera House