Last October’s RAISE THE ROOF NORTH COUNTRY alumni weekend fundraiser was a BIG, BIG success! The RTRNC effort was explicitly a follow up to the wildly successful spring time RTR in NYC.

NEWS BREAK: The WVAA board has just reported on the distribution of the funds raised in the spring RTR and it speaks volumes of the commitment alums have shown to our beloved institution. Those of us who were up north this past summer were well aware each and every day of the grand contribution that RTR made in very practical terms: the tool area in the new North Shop, the accoutrements in new dressing room wing, and the tents and tables in use on the Camp, theatre and shop grounds!  Thank you RTR and WVAA!

Back in October, carloads of alums made the trip “back home” on the weekend of the 20th for the two show gala evening at the Inn at Whitefield. The Inn was abuzz raucous fans, supporters, volunteers, board members and friends for a celebratory victory lap of appreciation for Season 47. Dame Joanne Jacaruso was incredible. She and her staff provided that friendly, one-of-a-kind Inn approach that makes us all feel like we have just walked into a holiday party!   Mary Jane Chase opened up her lovely home for the visiting alums.   Alums Jennifer Neuland-Gerlach, Francis Kelly, Colin Keating, Bethany Aiken, Mark Bradley Miller, Nathan Brisby, Tessa Faye, Sarah Kleeman, Ethan Paulini, Brandi Varnell, Alaina Mills, Brad Heikes, Taryn Herman, Meghan Pearson, Brendan O’Brien, Justin Parks, Catherine Carter, and Chris Carter were all present.   The weekend celebration began on Friday night when the group gathered at the Inn and feted the reunion. After midnight we walked the theatre grounds, stopped in the open area where Birch Hill once stood and shared a song in the pitch black, warm autumn night.  

NEWS BREAK: We also saw the concrete footing for the enclosure of the water tank (which is now complete); and the fill process beginning on the west side of the North Shop which will be Gibbs’ new paint area!  Alongside the Shop, a new Gibbs approved, enclosed lean-to addition is to be constructed this spring for storage of major scenic and stage pieces. TD Bethany Taylor and I are asking for folks to come up pre-season this year as we have a lot of “stuff” to move and organize and many hands would be a Godsend.

Back to the weekend: Saturday morning the group made its way to Grandma’s and then convened by noon at the Inn to prepare for the evening shows. First step: open up the New South Wing and North Shop for tools, platforms, flats, microphones and stands, sound board, lights, stools, keyboard, and set pieces to convert the main room at the Inn into a warm cabaret space. By four o’clock most of the set up was complete and all the songs (including four group numbers) had been rehearsed.   At 7:00 pm on Saturday night RAISE THE ROOF NORTH COUNTRY began. While Joanne and her staff served desserts and replenished drinks yours truly took to the stage to share a letter Gibbs had written for the occasion (just prior to the show the alums gathered as I read an additional and private note he had penned to them). The letter shared a poignant anecdote from the Old Barn, contained a large check dedicated to improving the lobby space, and voiced a toast to the Weathervane and its future! (Much applause followed)

NEWS BREAK: At this time the plans for the lobby including the proposed box office and/or ticket office are on the agenda for later this off season! Presently the Board is fully committed to continuing work on fund raising for both the capital and annual fund campaigns. In addition, the remaining construction punch list and North Shop Storage Lean-To are top priorities after winter ends and spring time construction is feasible.

Following Gibbs’ letter, and keeping with RTR tradition, the players entered dressed in varied ensembles of black and red.  The audience hooted and whistled with big applause when the fifteen performers and two musicians entered.  Everyone in that room was thrilled to be back together. The opening number included the reading of letters sent by RTR originators Nicole Lewis and Kevin Smith Kirkwood. With Colin and Bethany splitting duties at the keyboard, solos and duets were offered up with the performers’ personal remarks interspersed throughout. Highlights include: Brad and Nathan’s sweet “Being Green”; Jennifer’s provocative  “Patterns”,  Brandi’s speech  of thanks, Mark and Ethan’s “Lily’s Eyes”, Tessa and Alaina’s funny and endearing remembrances, Francis’ historical and biographical recap, Colin’s jamming “Lucky”, Taryn’s touching “Blackbird”, and Sarah’s soaring “Back To Before” . Again, keeping with RTR tradition the entire ensemble returned to the stage for the rousing finale of “Brand New Day” (THE WIZ). Applause and bows were followed by a heartfelt encore of “Safe Journey Home”(MOOSE CAPADES). Standing ovation and tears followed! Between shows the visiting continued throughout the Inn and Joanne provided food for the alums. Then it was on with the second show and the Mixer or Act Three to follow which was a chance for meeting and greeting and toasting. On Sunday morning everyone was joined by a number of Board members, volunteer and friends for Brunch at MJ’s. One final toast to the Weathervane future was made and the weekend was officially a success as Board President Dan Salomon thanked all for making RAISE THE ROOF NORTH COUNTRY a grand Victory Lap!  

NEWS BREAK: Plans are afoot for three alum weekends this year so we can all gather again and carry on our many wonderful traditions and rekindle our connections with each other and this very`RTR, this summer with a revival of the WVAA weekend in Whitefield, and next October with a second annual RTR NC.  We can’t do enough to stay connected, share our kinship, and gather as a community to RAISE THE ROOF! Consider yourself invited!!

Here’s to the season and A GrrreAT 48!!

Jacques Stewart ‘87