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On November 6, 1957, a group of people met to form a dramatic theater. Betsy Rogers presided as plans for membership and a name was voted on. She became the first president of the Falmouth Theatre Guild. Ms. Rogers was a drama major at Emerson College and a member of the Newport Players Guild. Betsy acted in a number of college plays, "Winterset", "Family Reunion", "The Man Who Came to Dinner", "Candida", are just a few. Betsy also designed sets and costumes. She worked with the Newport Department at NBC-TV and did some fashion styling for television. She worked with the Newport Casino Theater for two summers. Ms. Rogers played the part of Ellen in the Falmouth Theatre Guild's first production, "Goodbye My Fancy", directed by Richard Ladenberg. She followed in the production of "There's Always a Murder" and played the part of Katherine Horton, directed by Kitty Baker. "Wake Up Darling" featured Ms. Rogers in the part of Martha. She then did lighting for "Light Up the Sky" and "Dial M for Murder". When "The Women" was presented she played the part of Mrs. Wagstaff. Then again did lighting for "Mr. Roberts", "Jane Eyre", and "The Philadelphia Story". She played Vera Charles and Mrs. Gilbreth in "Cheaper By the Dozen", then back to lighting for "The King and I" and "My Fair Lady". Betsy Rogers will always be remembered as the "mother of the Guild". Without her efforts and determination, the Guild would not be what it is today. Thank you Betsy Rogers. |
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William D. Steele directed many of the earlier shows for the Falmouth Theatre Guild. He was the Managing Editor of the Cape Cod Standard Times in Falmouth. Earlier in his career, Mr. Steele had been with the Associated Press in San Francisco and on the Editorial Staff of the Ashville N.C. Citizen-Times. During WWII he served with the Third Infantry Division. He was born and raised in Fairhaven and attended Fairhaven Schools and North Hampton Boys School in New Hampshire. Following graduation he enrolled in Brown University in Providence, and then joined the service. Following service, he continued his studies at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine. He received his Masters Degree at Stanford. Bill passed away at the young age of 39. The Falmouth Theatre Guild named its first scholarship fund to honor him in 1964. Bill directed the following shows for the Falmouth Theatre Guild: Stalag 17" (Dec. 1960); "Dial M for Murder" (Mar. 1961); "The Women" (May 1961); "Mr. Roberts" (Nov. 1961); "The Philadelphia Story" (May 1962); "Auntie Mame" (Nov 1962), and "Advise and Consent" (Nov. 1963).
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Kitty was there at the beginning, making the Falmouth Theatre Guild a reality. She was a board-director in 1967 (3 years) and 1958 (3 years), served as President in 1960-61, 74, 75 and 76. Vice President in 1968, treasurer in 1972, 1973, 1975, Ways and Means Committee in 1967, 1974 and Scholarship Committee in 1965. When the Guild moved into Highfield Theater, Kitty was presented with the key to the door in 1960. In addition, she directed "The Pajama Game" (67), "Dial M for Murder" (61), "There's Always a Mystery" (68), "Fumed Oak (60), "Cheaper by the Dozen" (63), she was assistant director for "Staglag 17" (60), "The Kind and I" (63). She was on stage for many performances including "Wake up Darling" (59), Fumed Oak (60), "Light Up the Sky" (60), "The Women" (61), Mr Roberts (61), "The Philadelphia Story (62), "Auntie Mame" (62) and several others. Her latest show was "Sugar Babies (93). Her many talents took her from Box Office, sets, costumes, make up, publicity, etc. If it needed to be done she was there. As a writer for the Cape Cod Times, she has given us much praise and support. Thanks for everything Kitty, we love you.
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Gil Rapoza started in the guild in 1960 playing a prisoner in Staglag 17 and has continued to be active in the guild productions ever since that day. He has shared his talents on stage as well as behind the scenes and directing. According to records he has had a hand in over 70 shows. His talents were of course not only on stage but as a director in shows such as La Cage Aux Folles in 1995, Damn Yankees in 2001 and Victor/Victoria in 2004. When Gil took on the challenge of directing a show he immersed himself in it wholeheartedly doing set design, choreography and costume design. Many of the shows he was in he could be seen singing and dancing. He has also designed a half dozen program covers and would decorate the house inside and out. Gil is a retired school teacher and still spends so much of his time doing things for Falmouth Theatre Guild. At the present he is on the board of directors and our historian. He isn't done yet as he is scheduled to direct Nunsense A-men in December of 2006. |
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 We all loved Lucy. Her talent, dedication and loyalty to our theater can not be measured. Easy going, fun loving, she made you feel important and special whether you were a lead or chorus. She was a teacher and administrator for 24 years in Falmouth Schools. Loved by her fellow teachers and students, her contribution to education was enormous. She was Musical Director for many musicals produced. Over (69), Sweet Charity (70), Hello Dolly (72), The Wizard of Oz (92), Sugar Babies (89), Gypsy (95), and pianist for many other shows. Her last performance was Babes in Arms in 1996. Her passing was a great loss to all of us. "We miss you Lucy." |
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Ray has been a long time loyal member of Falmouth Theatre Guild for many years. He has contributed so much both on stage and off that it would be impossible to list. Ray joined the Guild in 1974 in the production of “The Music Man.” This was the beginning of his love for the Guild. He was on stage for many shows including “South Pacific,” “Showboat,” and “Chicago” just to name a few. His favorite place was as Director and Producer for many shows which led to his receiving a number of A.C.T.E. (Association for Community Theater Excellence) awards, including their Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to theater Cape wide. His first directing experience was “Girl Crazy.” followed by “Because Their Hearts Were Pure”, “Sugar Babies” twice and “The Boyfriend.” Ray was always involved in all aspects of the production including sets, costumes, producing and special effects. His many years on the board were very valued by everyone in the Guild. He built and designed the costume house and spent many hours making it functional. When not on stage, he was always in the audience, front row. He was a Theater Angel for many years and we all love and appreciate all he has done for us. There are still times people ask him for advice because if you need a unique costume or prop, Ray will let you know just how to go about making it...or, better yet...he will make it for you!
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 Eugenia O'Connor joined Falmouth Theatre Guild in 1981. She came from Melrose where she was a junior high school teacher. She was with the Melrose Community Players, and the Quanapoiwit Players before coming to Falmouth. During her Falmouth days she starred in "Applause", "Arsenic and Old Lace", "The Gin Game", "Follies", "The Wizard of Oz", "La Cage aux follies". She won and ACTE award for her direction of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (90-91). In addition she directed "Lend Me a Tenor", "A Wonderful Life", "No Sex Please We're British" and Nunsense I. She was a board member for many years. We all miss her great talent, professionalism and loyalty.
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Highfield Theater, 58 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA 02540
Box Office 508-548-0400
Mailing: P.O. Box 383, Falmouth MA 02541
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