A Night in the Spotlight celebrates eight decades of Theatre Woodstock

The Woodstock Collegiate Institute string ensemble entertained the guests during cocktail hour. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Theatre Woodstock’s 80th anniversary celebration, A Night in the Spotlight, was an evening reflecting legacy.

The gala was recently held at the South Gate Centre and provided an outline of Theatre Woodstock’s history spanning over eight decades, starting from its beginnings as Woodstock Little Theatre. There were posters listing significant milestones for the community theatre company including its productions from decade to decade and costumes from previous productions on display.

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione opened the celebration with congratulations to Theatre Woodstock on its monumental anniversary.

"Local theatre brings people together in a way few other things can,” he said.

Speeches from Theatre Woodstock President Emil Wijnker, newly appointed general manager Patti Baker, and granddaughter of founding member Edie Smith, Jennea Smith, reflected on its multi-generational impact on their own lives and the community.

"Throughout my involvement in Theatre Woodstock, what has constantly been obvious to me is the Theatre is a place to belong. Whether it be on stage, backstage, front of house, in the control booth, the green room, behind the sewing machine, or wielding a hammer, paintbrush, baton, musical instrument or glue gun, there is a place for everyone who would like to be involved,” said Wijnker. “I discovered this as a teenager and saw it shine through within my own children."

Guests enjoyed performances from recent Theatre Woodstock productions The Music Man JR., The Addams Family Musical, and Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Before dancing the rest of the night away, attendees got a sneak peak performance from the upcoming Dracula: A Chamber Musical.

More information about Theatre Woodstock, including upcoming productions, can be found online at www.theatrewoodstock.com.