2010 Marquee Club award honorees recognized by the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County

"There are two definitions and spellings for the word marquee," began Pat Potter, emcee for the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County's annual Marquee Club dinner April 27 at the McDonald Marlite Center in New Philadelphia. Potter explained that the Marquee Club award is given to those who have exemplified extraordinary commitment to the Little Theatre over the years. "Marquee refers to a billboard where one's name is up in lights. But the definition for the spelling "marquis" is a title of nobility. I really think I like the marquis definition better, for it represents this great honor more accurately."

The first honor was given posthumously to Bill Hanson, founder of Dover Conveyor Company. Hanson was actively involved in pulling businesses together to build the theatre almost 50 years ago. He was well known not only for his involvement in the theatre performances, but also for his trademark of coming to every opening show night dressed in a tuxedo. Said his daughter, Andi Hanson, who accepted the award on behalf of her father, "My father was known as always being quite a character."

Iona Craft was also given a posthumous award. Craft, who passed away in 1991, "was one of the founders of the theatre, and she was definitely a leading lady," said Potter. "We really owe the founders for making the theatre happen. Without it, we would still be players, but we would have no place to play. Iona will always be known for her great talents."

Since there are no known living relatives of Craft, anyone who may be related to her should contact the theatre to receive her plaque.

Rex Huffman introduced Doug McIntire as the next honoree. "Doug came to the area originally as the general manager for Trumpet in the Land," explained Huffman. "He says the most beautiful thing he found when he came to the county was the Little Theatre."

"It is a shock, and a great honor, to receive this award," responded McIntire, noting that his family, including his wife, two sons and daughters-in-law, and two grandsons, had come to share the evening with him. "When I moved here, finding the Little Theatre was so fabulous. What fun we've had." The honoree went on to mention many past greats of the theatre who had profoundly affected his time with the organization.

The final honoree of the evening was Edith Whitehouse Lewis, a well-known and accomplished area pianist and piano tuner, as well as actress.

"Edith has a wonderful ability to get down any part at all in which she has been cast. She has wonderful accents," said Potter. "At one time, she was a professional actress in Chicago. She was friends with such other great actresses as Jessica Tandy and Rita Moreno. However, she said she was never too fond of Nick Nolte."

At the Little Theatre, Lewis played lead roles in Steel Magnolias and Mame, as well as On Golden Pond and other shows. She won Ohio Community Theater Association awards for excellence in acting, along with other awards. She has also directed such shows as Miracle Worker, Lost in Yonkers, 1940s Radio Hour, and Rumors.

"Edith is one of the most giving and loving people I know," stated Potter. "When we say that Edith can trip the light fantastic, we mean it."

"I will always be grateful to the Little Theatre for the many opportunities they have given me to do what I love," said Lewis on receiving the award. "It has been an honor to be one of you."

Potter closed the evening by saying, "The Little Theatre offers so much to the community in everything we do. We have wonderful actors. Our challenge is to let more people know that we're here, and that we're good."

Rodgers and Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing is currently appearing on stage. For more information on the Little Theatre, go to www.thelittletheatreonline.org, or call the box office at 330-343-4012.