Viewpoint: NSMT needs public’s support
Let’s not let the North Shore Music Theatre become another victim of this down economy.
All I’ve heard lately is doom and gloom. The Stock Market keeps sinking lower, businesses are closing and people are losing jobs. The news that the North Shore Music Theatre could close was the coup de grace.
How sad to think that this place that gave pleasure to so many people is on the verge of shutting its doors forever. I can’t even fathom such a possibility.
My love affair with NSMT goes back many years, to the time when it was just a summer stock theater. I can recall sitting on deck chairs under a huge tent that was kind of open on the sides and back. On a nice night, it was terrific; when it rained, it wasn’t always that comfortable, but no one complained.
As time went on, what was a tent turned into a permanent structure which eventually allowed for productions during more of the year. I can even recall attending Shakespearean performances in late spring, which piqued the interest of high school students and their teachers.
Under Jon Kimbell’s watch, the scope of productions stretched. Some of the shows were more intellectual than others, some quite humorous, and some even touching on controversial themes. For several years, Kimbell dared to produce shows that focused on the diversity theme, stories that taught a lesson.
Sometimes, we didn’t always like Kimbell’s selection, but one thing was certain, they were all done with finesse. Acting and actors were always professional and scenery spectacular. It was also a place where new shows could make their debut, some even going on to Broadway.
And, though some of the annual productions weren’t exactly what we all liked, what Kimbell did was educate his audience and raise the bar for those who attended. They allowed us to stretch as people; and that’s good.
Barry Ivan, who took over as artistic director and executive producer, came in this year at a difficult time. Kimbell was a tough act to follow, but Ivan, no stranger to the theater, was up for the task. The only thing that wasn’t, was the economy. It’s been a tough year financially for all of us; the theater has felt it in spades.
Right now, the theater needs a half million dollars by the end of January to keep its doors open and as much as $4 million by late spring to ensure there will be a next season.
I, for one, cannot even conceive of this excellent resource’s closing. First of all, it would deprive us of good theater. It would also hurt young people who could benefit from children’s programs like those who have done so before. Many youngsters have gone through these programs and learned so much. What a thrill for those young people who have had a chance to interact with Equity actors, learning their craft from the professionals.
Programs have helped foster self-confidence in lots of children, helped them to grow and even opened new careers for them. What a shame to lose all this. How sad for all of us.
but, as they say, it isn’t over ‘til it’s across.
“We need our collective community to come together in support of this theater,” said Barry Ivan, in a press release. “We’re appealing to the public to help us keep this artistic jewel alive. Every dollar contributed would be an investment in our ability to carry out the financial and creative strategies we believe will ensure the theater’s future.”
Now, the theater needs your help. You, too, can subscribe to the Save Our Theater campaign by sending a tax-deductible donation to the theater through its Web site, www.nsmt.org, or by sending a check to North Shore Music Theatre, P.O. Box 62, Beverly, MA 01915.
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