Category Archives: In Other News

The Passing of Joel Lind

MCP_Joel LindJoel Lind died early this morning after suffering for the past 6 months.  Many of you know Joel. He was larger than life. Joel was a talented actor who probably worked with every theater group in greater Cincinnati but he considered Mason Community Players his home. Joel was an ACT representative, a cheerleader for Community theater , leader of MCP trivia team , a wordsmith and had a photographic memory for music after years in the radio business. A celebration of Joel’s life is being planned for April or May and we will post details when more information is available.

His children Dara and Evan request In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ACLU of Ohio, the National Park Foundation, or the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

-From Gail Randolph

Leave a comment

Filed under In Other News

The Passing of Mary Haas

FLI_Mary HaasIt is with heavy hearts that Footlighters announces the passing of one of our founding members, the incomparable Mary Haas.

Mary was an accomplished director, actor, grant writer, fundraiser, and lifetime board member of Footlighters. Along with her beloved husband Don, the Houcks, and Mario Pitocco, she was part of the group that purchased the Salem United Methodist Church that became Footlighters’ beautiful Stained Glass Theatre. Mary was a champion of all community theater and an integral part of ACT Cincinnati, OCTA, as well as Village Players of Fort Thomas for many years. We are forever grateful for her contributions, both artistically and financially, to Footlighters.

We would not be the organization we are today without her. We miss her already.

Service information to follow.

Leave a comment

Filed under In Other News

The Passing of Skip Fenker

CMT_Skip FenkerFrom Cincinnati Music Theatre

To all our community theatre friends and family, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend Skip Fenker. His joy and passion he had for theatre was shown in every production he has been a part of. He has been part of the CMT family for over 20 years. Let us cherish all our dearest memories we shared with him. We love you Skip, may you rest in peace.

Please join us for a Celebration of Skip’s life at Tillie’s Lounge on Dec. 10th.

From Spring Grove Obituaries

Edward “Skip” Fenker, Jr. Obituary

Edward Allen Fenker, Jr., affectionately known as “Skip” by his family and friends, took his final bow on November 26, 2023, leaving a legacy filled with creativity, a passion for theater and love for puppetry that touched the hearts of many. Skip, the son of Edward Allen Sr. and Marian Ruth (nee Schultz) Fenker, is survived by his brother David Fenker, sister-in-law Amy Valle Fenker, nephew Danny Fenker (Dana), great niece Maeve Fenker and countless friends who will miss him deeply.

Skip’s theatrical career was renowned, directing over 50 shows and earning nearly 30 awards, including an Emmy nomination; a much deserved salute to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent.

As a master puppeteer, writer and designer, his creative brilliance and nimble hands brought to life characters for Larry Smith Puppets, Wayne Martin Puppets and Heiken Puppets – enchanting audiences locally and across the country. His ability to infuse puppet characters with emotion and personality was nothing short of magical, leaving indelible memories for those fortunate enough to have seen his work.

However, it was Skip’s talent as a theater director that truly set him apart. Over the course of his journey, he directed an impressive array of more than 50 shows, each production bearing the mark of his creativity and visionary leadership. His innate ability to bring a script to life, coupled with his fiery passion for perfection, transformed every performance into a masterpiece – earning him the admiration and respect of those on and off the stage.

Skip’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of so many. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your final curtain call may have come, but you will be beautifully remembered. May your spirit continue to shine brightly in this world through the life you lived and the art you so passionately shared with us all.

“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” Peter Pan

Family and friends will be gathering at Tillie’s Lounge on Hamilton Avenue on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life also is being planned for early 2024 to honor his legacy.   www.springgrove.org 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Edward “Skip”, please visit our Tree Store.

Leave a comment

Filed under In Other News

The Passing of John Anthony Falkenbach

MISC_John Anthony Falkenbach-Beavercreek Community Theatre

BCT is devastated by the unexpected loss of a treasured family member. We are shocked and saddened by the passing of John Falkenbach this morning. If you were involved in Dayton community theatre, or OCTA, you knew and loved John. John’s contributions to Dayton theatre were enormous and BCT will not be the same without him. We will share any information about arrangements as they become available. Rest well John, to say you will be missed is an understatement.

– Obituary from Littleton & Rue

John Anthony “Tigger” Falkenbach, 65, of Dayton, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023. He was born on July 23, 1958, in Mansfield, Ohio, the son of John C. Falkenbach and Mary Ann (Torlina) Hudson.

John’s journey through life was marked by a profound love for the arts, and his passion for theatre was unmistakable. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in the class of 1976 and was an alumnus of Ohio Northern University. He worked as a financial consultant/ accountant for over 40 years, most recently working for Robert Haff International and was assigned to various companies throughout the Miami Valley Region during his 16 years of service.

However, it was the stage that truly captured Johnnie’s heart. He was involved in community, educational, and professional theatre for almost 50 years. He was active onstage and behind the scenes where he was a director, lighting designer, producer, actor, and techie. He was a cherished member of the following theater communities: Beavercreek Community Theatre (BCT), Dayton Playhouse, Troy Civic Theatre, Xenia Area Community Theatre, Dayton Theatre Guild, Little Theatre Off Broadway, and the Springfield Civic Theatre. He was a 51-time Daytony winner including 40 awards for Lighting Design and four for Set Design. John was inducted into the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame in 2018. He was the Treasurer on the BCT Board of Directors and was active in the Ohio Community Theatre Association for over 35 years serving in many capacities. Among his favorite productions were “Company” and “Godspell,” where he shared his talent and creativity with countless audiences.

Johnnie was instrumental in opening the first Little Caesar’s Pizza franchise in Springfield, Ohio. He loved the character, Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh, and enjoyed playing Chess, cards and games with his family and friends. Johnnie is credited with inspiring his siblings, niece and nephews to also sing, dance and perform.

Johnnie leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity. He is survived by his loving mother, Mary Ann Hudson, stepmother, Carol Falkenbach, as well as his siblings: David Michael (Debbie) Falkenbach, Mary Beth (Mark) Goodin, and Gary Joseph (Rita) Falkenbach. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law Robb Butterfield and nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart: Bradley, Jeremy (Caleb), Seth (Matt), Kayla (Mike), Justin (Julie), and one great nephew Syre, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, John C. Falkenbach and sister Amy Butterfield (Falkenbach).

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, December 1st, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME, with a service to begin at 7:00 p.m. Following the service, a meal will begin at 8:00 p.m. in The Landing at Littleton & Rue, providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together, share memories, and celebrate John’s life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.

Leave a comment

Filed under In Other News

OCTAFest State Convention Awards for Cincinnati Music Theatre

CMT_logoKINKY BOOTS

  • Merit in Acting as George – John Michael Durnil
  • Merit in Ensemble – The Cast
  • Excellence in Musical Accompaniment – The Orchestra
  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance as Lauren – Rebecca Wall
  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance as Charlie Price – Robert Breslin IV
  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance as Lola/Simon – Garrett Klaas

Leave a comment

Filed under In Other News