The Courier Journal, Friday, February 13, 1987
A chill supper will run from 2:30 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at Providence Retirement Home, 701 E. Spring St., New Albany. The cost will be $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. There will be games and entertainment, including a performance by the Holy Family Theater Group at 2:30 p.m.
A chill supper will run from 2:30 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at Providence Retirement Home, 701 E. Spring St., New Albany. The cost will be $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. There will be games and entertainment, including a performance by the Holy Family Theater Group at 2:30 p.m.
The Courier-Journal, Wednesday, March 18, 1998 (this was an OCR scan by the CJ so some text may be fragmented and out of place)
Lip-sync show gives disabled woman chance to shine
The public has one more chance to see Kathleen Crumbo and the show's other performers on April 4 at Holy Family in a benefit for Catholic Charities. That performance will include some of the songs the Holy Family members did in their own show, which is performed annually six times from November to February. Crumbo said she joined the Holy Family group four years ago when invited by members.
"They give her something to look forward to," her mother said. "Most handicapped individuals do not have friends that come and pick them up and say, 'Let's go for a ride.' "It's meant a lot to me as her mother, and I see the enjoyment that she gets out of it the excitement the week before the show, the anticipation of seeing all these people that are in the show ... the friendships that she has made throughout this."
What many in the audience may not know is that getting on stage and doing lip-sync is just one way in which Crumbo has demonstrated an independent nature. She lives next door to her mother and stepfather. "She doesn't let many things stop her, even though she is disabled," Ann Marie Bostock said. "She cooks and cleans and does her own dishes." A graduate of Pitt Academy in Louisville, Crumbo works part time at a Clarksville clothing store and enjoys bingo games at Holy Family. The acceptance she has received from Holy Family's lip-sync performers and other show members typifies the church's close-knit style, Nobby Bostock said. "Besides being the name, we are a family," he said. . . .
. . . Crumbo's next number in the show was the one she had put in the most hours of practice for a medley from the movie "Hercules" involving elaborate movements and precise lip-synchronization. "It didn't seem like a lot up there, but when you consider all those moves and expressions and everything that you have to do, that is a lot that you have to remember," Bostock said. "But she just really enjoys being a part of it." The nearly perfect performance came from hours of practice all by herself every day, then practice with the group on Sundays after church, said Nobby Bostock, Crumbo's stepfather.
He had another explanation for her success as a lip-sync performer: "She's a big ham." Crumbo grinned at that statement. The crowd applauded during many parts of lip-sync shows at Holy Family Catholic Church Feb. 20 and 21, but never more than when Kathleen Crumbo entered the stage in running garb and portrayed a Special Olympics athlete during a recorded Garth Brooks song.
Crumbo, 25, who has Down's syndrome, struck a chord with the audience gathered for the annual fundraiser put on by members of the New Albany church. "You could hear the crowd how pleased they were," said Crumbo's mother, Ann Marie Bostock, after watching the number on videotape in the family's home near State Street in New Albany. "The crowd just really appreciated it. They can know that, even though she has a handicapped, she can do what everyone else does.
Lip-sync show gives disabled woman chance to shine
The public has one more chance to see Kathleen Crumbo and the show's other performers on April 4 at Holy Family in a benefit for Catholic Charities. That performance will include some of the songs the Holy Family members did in their own show, which is performed annually six times from November to February. Crumbo said she joined the Holy Family group four years ago when invited by members.
"They give her something to look forward to," her mother said. "Most handicapped individuals do not have friends that come and pick them up and say, 'Let's go for a ride.' "It's meant a lot to me as her mother, and I see the enjoyment that she gets out of it the excitement the week before the show, the anticipation of seeing all these people that are in the show ... the friendships that she has made throughout this."
What many in the audience may not know is that getting on stage and doing lip-sync is just one way in which Crumbo has demonstrated an independent nature. She lives next door to her mother and stepfather. "She doesn't let many things stop her, even though she is disabled," Ann Marie Bostock said. "She cooks and cleans and does her own dishes." A graduate of Pitt Academy in Louisville, Crumbo works part time at a Clarksville clothing store and enjoys bingo games at Holy Family. The acceptance she has received from Holy Family's lip-sync performers and other show members typifies the church's close-knit style, Nobby Bostock said. "Besides being the name, we are a family," he said. . . .
. . . Crumbo's next number in the show was the one she had put in the most hours of practice for a medley from the movie "Hercules" involving elaborate movements and precise lip-synchronization. "It didn't seem like a lot up there, but when you consider all those moves and expressions and everything that you have to do, that is a lot that you have to remember," Bostock said. "But she just really enjoys being a part of it." The nearly perfect performance came from hours of practice all by herself every day, then practice with the group on Sundays after church, said Nobby Bostock, Crumbo's stepfather.
He had another explanation for her success as a lip-sync performer: "She's a big ham." Crumbo grinned at that statement. The crowd applauded during many parts of lip-sync shows at Holy Family Catholic Church Feb. 20 and 21, but never more than when Kathleen Crumbo entered the stage in running garb and portrayed a Special Olympics athlete during a recorded Garth Brooks song.
Crumbo, 25, who has Down's syndrome, struck a chord with the audience gathered for the annual fundraiser put on by members of the New Albany church. "You could hear the crowd how pleased they were," said Crumbo's mother, Ann Marie Bostock, after watching the number on videotape in the family's home near State Street in New Albany. "The crowd just really appreciated it. They can know that, even though she has a handicapped, she can do what everyone else does.
Holy Family show turns 20.
The lip-syncing is fake, but the friendships and fun are real
Special to the Courier Journal by Deborah J. Hennessey, 2004
For 20 years, the Holy Family Theater Group in New Albany has put on lip-sync shows for live audiences.
The performers wear costumes to look like the original artists, or they dress to fit the theme of the songs they are "singing."
It began in 1984, when two Holy Family Catholic Church parishioners, Janice Scott and Jackie Colin, showed a friend, Kathy Wilt, also of Holy Family, a video of a lip-sync show. Scott and Colin thought it would be a great fund-raiser, so they searched for people in the parish to participate. A group of 20 to 25 people performed their first show, "The Country Revue," in December 1984 at the church. A pitch-in dinner for 600 parishioners followed.
It was so popular that the group repeated the show on weekends in January and February 1985. Later that year they were invited to perform at the Corydon County Fair before more than 1,000 people.
The theater group even made it to Broadway, on April 16, 2000 — Louisville's Brown Theatre on Broadway.
Some shows have drawn up to 600 people, but Wilt, one of the 10 directors, estimates that, on average, a performance brings in 300 to 400 people.
This year's show is "Start Spreadin' the News." The show includes a variety of songs and dance routines and has more than 80 participants. The performers range in age from 21 to 83.
Each May, the directors decide on a theme and in June and July they get together to make a list of songs and ideas. A committee selects the songs and gives the performers their parts at a pitch-in dinner at the end of August.
Practice begins in September and the performers are ready in November for the first performance of six.
Cast members Barrett and Mary Briscoe, Jon Michael Bartley and Wilt have been involved for the entire 20 years. The Briscoes' and Wilt are among this year's directors.
Three families in the production span three generations.
Wilt's family is one. It includes her father and mother, Frances and Mary Geswein; her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Darris Knear; her husband, Butch; and their two sons, Chris and Jeremy. Fifteen husband-wife teams and several parent-child (or children) combinations will perform.
Wilt performs in five numbers. One song, "Everyone Dance Now," is a high-powered number that includes her sons. She, her husband and sons also perform in "Chicago." The shows have been very popular and after the first few, "people started begging us to do another one, so we wrote another one and another and now we do six shows a year," Wilt said.
Harold Lohr, 83, has been a parishioner at Holy Family since 1954 and has been with the show for 20 years. This year he portrays Willie Nelson, braids, headband and all, in two songs. One is "Whiskey for My Men and Beer for My Horses," a duet with Nobby Bostock as Toby Keith.
Lohr, of, New Albany looks forward to performing, saying "it gives me something to do." "I get to know a lot of people and have a lot of companionship. You get to talk to a lot of different people," he said. Lohr also performs in "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything," with Frank Dolan and other cast members. "Frank and I do a lot together," Lohr said.
Dolan, 81, was in the original show and has only missed performing with the group on two years. Singers he has portrayed include Eddy Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, George Jones and Elvis Presley. "I like the camaraderie and being with the people," he said.
For the pirate number, Dolan was decked out in a red-and-white striped shirt, black pants, a bandana, a skull necklace and the most important equipment for a pirate — a sword. He also performs a solo, "Give My Regards to Broadway," dressed in tails and a top hat.
Most of the songs performed come from Broadway shows or musicals. They span musical history from the 1940s to the present and include performers from Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly to Kelly Clarkson.
Some performers started out helping out with lighting or working backstage as children while their parents performed. When they turned 21, they got into the act.
Kathleen Crumbo, 31, whose father is Bostock, has been in the show 10 years. She is a guitar player in Willie Nelson's band and appears as a dancing nun in "Nunsense." Crumbo, who has Down syndrome, said, "I like being a nun and I love to dance."
"She has been involved for quite a few years. You can see her blossom and she has more confidence," said Jon Michael Bartley.
Bartley is from New Albany and performs in several numbers, including a duet with his son, Joseph Michael Bartley. They portray Billy Joel and Garth Brooks. "Actually, I was a pretty shy and backwards type person," Bartley said. "The first year, I was behind the stage and then they talked me into going out onto the stage," he said.
Two sisters, Cindy Black and Julie Hallal, are performers and directors.
Black, 42, of Jeffersonville, became interested after her father took her to a show 18 years ago. For two years she watched from the audience while recovering from a back injury. The third year she joined the cast even though she could barely walk. She said being in the show gave her something to do to get her through a tough time in her life. "This group nursed me back to health," she said. The theater group is "small enough you can make those relationships, these people are my family — my extended family."
Julie Hallal, 32, watched her sister from the sidelines and knew she wanted to be up there too.
"I used to come and watch my big sister and beg to do it, even though I was not 21. Then I started helping with choreography with her dance routines," Hallal said. This is the Georgetown resident's 12th year. "This group is like family and my husband (Jared) and I met here and did an act together," she recalled.
Carrie Boquiern, 29, has performed for three years after watching from the audience. "I saw it for two years and everyone was having so much fun and it looked like a lot of fun," she said.
The lip-sync shows began as a way to help the parish, but they also have helped other groups. The show has been performed at Floyd Memorial Hospital, Indiana University Southeast, several Louisville hotels, area festivals, and at several benefits for nonprofit organizations. But now performances are limited to Holy Family.
"This is a big portion of my life — being a part of this," Hallal said.
The lip-syncing is fake, but the friendships and fun are real
Special to the Courier Journal by Deborah J. Hennessey, 2004
For 20 years, the Holy Family Theater Group in New Albany has put on lip-sync shows for live audiences.
The performers wear costumes to look like the original artists, or they dress to fit the theme of the songs they are "singing."
It began in 1984, when two Holy Family Catholic Church parishioners, Janice Scott and Jackie Colin, showed a friend, Kathy Wilt, also of Holy Family, a video of a lip-sync show. Scott and Colin thought it would be a great fund-raiser, so they searched for people in the parish to participate. A group of 20 to 25 people performed their first show, "The Country Revue," in December 1984 at the church. A pitch-in dinner for 600 parishioners followed.
It was so popular that the group repeated the show on weekends in January and February 1985. Later that year they were invited to perform at the Corydon County Fair before more than 1,000 people.
The theater group even made it to Broadway, on April 16, 2000 — Louisville's Brown Theatre on Broadway.
Some shows have drawn up to 600 people, but Wilt, one of the 10 directors, estimates that, on average, a performance brings in 300 to 400 people.
This year's show is "Start Spreadin' the News." The show includes a variety of songs and dance routines and has more than 80 participants. The performers range in age from 21 to 83.
Each May, the directors decide on a theme and in June and July they get together to make a list of songs and ideas. A committee selects the songs and gives the performers their parts at a pitch-in dinner at the end of August.
Practice begins in September and the performers are ready in November for the first performance of six.
Cast members Barrett and Mary Briscoe, Jon Michael Bartley and Wilt have been involved for the entire 20 years. The Briscoes' and Wilt are among this year's directors.
Three families in the production span three generations.
Wilt's family is one. It includes her father and mother, Frances and Mary Geswein; her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Darris Knear; her husband, Butch; and their two sons, Chris and Jeremy. Fifteen husband-wife teams and several parent-child (or children) combinations will perform.
Wilt performs in five numbers. One song, "Everyone Dance Now," is a high-powered number that includes her sons. She, her husband and sons also perform in "Chicago." The shows have been very popular and after the first few, "people started begging us to do another one, so we wrote another one and another and now we do six shows a year," Wilt said.
Harold Lohr, 83, has been a parishioner at Holy Family since 1954 and has been with the show for 20 years. This year he portrays Willie Nelson, braids, headband and all, in two songs. One is "Whiskey for My Men and Beer for My Horses," a duet with Nobby Bostock as Toby Keith.
Lohr, of, New Albany looks forward to performing, saying "it gives me something to do." "I get to know a lot of people and have a lot of companionship. You get to talk to a lot of different people," he said. Lohr also performs in "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything," with Frank Dolan and other cast members. "Frank and I do a lot together," Lohr said.
Dolan, 81, was in the original show and has only missed performing with the group on two years. Singers he has portrayed include Eddy Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, George Jones and Elvis Presley. "I like the camaraderie and being with the people," he said.
For the pirate number, Dolan was decked out in a red-and-white striped shirt, black pants, a bandana, a skull necklace and the most important equipment for a pirate — a sword. He also performs a solo, "Give My Regards to Broadway," dressed in tails and a top hat.
Most of the songs performed come from Broadway shows or musicals. They span musical history from the 1940s to the present and include performers from Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly to Kelly Clarkson.
Some performers started out helping out with lighting or working backstage as children while their parents performed. When they turned 21, they got into the act.
Kathleen Crumbo, 31, whose father is Bostock, has been in the show 10 years. She is a guitar player in Willie Nelson's band and appears as a dancing nun in "Nunsense." Crumbo, who has Down syndrome, said, "I like being a nun and I love to dance."
"She has been involved for quite a few years. You can see her blossom and she has more confidence," said Jon Michael Bartley.
Bartley is from New Albany and performs in several numbers, including a duet with his son, Joseph Michael Bartley. They portray Billy Joel and Garth Brooks. "Actually, I was a pretty shy and backwards type person," Bartley said. "The first year, I was behind the stage and then they talked me into going out onto the stage," he said.
Two sisters, Cindy Black and Julie Hallal, are performers and directors.
Black, 42, of Jeffersonville, became interested after her father took her to a show 18 years ago. For two years she watched from the audience while recovering from a back injury. The third year she joined the cast even though she could barely walk. She said being in the show gave her something to do to get her through a tough time in her life. "This group nursed me back to health," she said. The theater group is "small enough you can make those relationships, these people are my family — my extended family."
Julie Hallal, 32, watched her sister from the sidelines and knew she wanted to be up there too.
"I used to come and watch my big sister and beg to do it, even though I was not 21. Then I started helping with choreography with her dance routines," Hallal said. This is the Georgetown resident's 12th year. "This group is like family and my husband (Jared) and I met here and did an act together," she recalled.
Carrie Boquiern, 29, has performed for three years after watching from the audience. "I saw it for two years and everyone was having so much fun and it looked like a lot of fun," she said.
The lip-sync shows began as a way to help the parish, but they also have helped other groups. The show has been performed at Floyd Memorial Hospital, Indiana University Southeast, several Louisville hotels, area festivals, and at several benefits for nonprofit organizations. But now performances are limited to Holy Family.
"This is a big portion of my life — being a part of this," Hallal said.
April 16, 2000 Performance at the Brown Theatre in Louisville
Sound of Silence
Feb. 23, 2004
By RENEE PFEIFER
Staff Writer – Indiana University Southeast
To lip sync means to synchronize the movement of a speaker’s lips with an audio sound.
Not only does the Holy Family Theater Group put on a very loud and musical show, they do it with complete silence.
The year was 1984 and Holy Family Catholic Church parishioners Janice Scott, Jackie Colin, and Kathy Wilt came up with a great way to celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. Their great idea was to put on a lip-sync show — no singing, acting, or dance experience required.
In December, 35 Holy Family parishioners, led by Scott, Colin, and Wilt as directors put together a “Country Review.” What started as a one time thing got to be so popular, the group booked more shows in January and February of 1985. At the beginning, the theater group started out with very simple costumes and easy music routines to lip-sync to. Now, the show has turned into a full staged production. Preparations and planning of a theme and story-line have been added to make the show more entertaining.
What music is chosen to lip-sync to and who is going to be in which acts are all started in the summer before. The show itself has evolved from three directors to 10, from a basic show with basic props to a large crew of lighting and sound technicians, and from 35 cast members to more than 80.“It’s like a family.
Children have all grown up together, several worked backstage and are now onstage. Everyone is there through good and bad, joy and sorrow, weddings, births, and funerals of family members,” said IUS alumni Mary Briscoe, one of the first parishioners to join the theatre group. Briscoe and husband, Barrett have been in the show all 20 years. They and several other families have many generations of children in the show all ranging from different ages between 21 and 83.“Being involved has been half my life —getting engaged, getting married, and having a baby — they’ve been through it all with me. It was cool to have that extended family,”IUS graduate, Julie Hallal said of the other cast members.
With each song comes a variety of entertainment. Acts range from look- a- likes to skits to intricately choreographed dance routines. In the past the show has portrayed and imitated many popular musical acts such as N Sync, Britney Spears, Madonna, Jimmy Buffet, Willie Nelson, and Janet Jackson. What Briscoe liked most about being in the Holy Family Theater group was “friends sharing faith and fellowship. It’s fun but also a way to give back to the parish.”
Being the 20th anniversary of the Holy Family Lip Sync, the show entitled “Start Spreadin’ the News” will definitely offer a wide selection of new acts and popular old acts from previous shows. The last two performances of “Start Spreadin’ the News” will be on Feb. 27 and 28, 2004. Call for reservations at 941-0091.
Feb. 23, 2004
By RENEE PFEIFER
Staff Writer – Indiana University Southeast
To lip sync means to synchronize the movement of a speaker’s lips with an audio sound.
Not only does the Holy Family Theater Group put on a very loud and musical show, they do it with complete silence.
The year was 1984 and Holy Family Catholic Church parishioners Janice Scott, Jackie Colin, and Kathy Wilt came up with a great way to celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. Their great idea was to put on a lip-sync show — no singing, acting, or dance experience required.
In December, 35 Holy Family parishioners, led by Scott, Colin, and Wilt as directors put together a “Country Review.” What started as a one time thing got to be so popular, the group booked more shows in January and February of 1985. At the beginning, the theater group started out with very simple costumes and easy music routines to lip-sync to. Now, the show has turned into a full staged production. Preparations and planning of a theme and story-line have been added to make the show more entertaining.
What music is chosen to lip-sync to and who is going to be in which acts are all started in the summer before. The show itself has evolved from three directors to 10, from a basic show with basic props to a large crew of lighting and sound technicians, and from 35 cast members to more than 80.“It’s like a family.
Children have all grown up together, several worked backstage and are now onstage. Everyone is there through good and bad, joy and sorrow, weddings, births, and funerals of family members,” said IUS alumni Mary Briscoe, one of the first parishioners to join the theatre group. Briscoe and husband, Barrett have been in the show all 20 years. They and several other families have many generations of children in the show all ranging from different ages between 21 and 83.“Being involved has been half my life —getting engaged, getting married, and having a baby — they’ve been through it all with me. It was cool to have that extended family,”IUS graduate, Julie Hallal said of the other cast members.
With each song comes a variety of entertainment. Acts range from look- a- likes to skits to intricately choreographed dance routines. In the past the show has portrayed and imitated many popular musical acts such as N Sync, Britney Spears, Madonna, Jimmy Buffet, Willie Nelson, and Janet Jackson. What Briscoe liked most about being in the Holy Family Theater group was “friends sharing faith and fellowship. It’s fun but also a way to give back to the parish.”
Being the 20th anniversary of the Holy Family Lip Sync, the show entitled “Start Spreadin’ the News” will definitely offer a wide selection of new acts and popular old acts from previous shows. The last two performances of “Start Spreadin’ the News” will be on Feb. 27 and 28, 2004. Call for reservations at 941-0091.
25th Anniversary History 1984-2009
Author ?
25 years ago, "Footloose" was in the theaters, the Cosby Show was in our living rooms, and Holy Family Church was hosting a fellowship night with entertainment for the parish community.
That single event with look-a-like celebrities developed into a ministry, and the Holy Family Theater Group was born.
The initial lip sync entertainment was a borrowed idea from St. John Starlight Catholic Church. Jackie Colin, Janice Scott, and Kathy Wilt took on the roles of directors and began our six run show season.
One of our earliest acts, The Pointer Sisters, performed locally and won a trip to Hollywood to perform on the TV show, "Putting on the Hits".
The popularity of our acts resulted in invitations to perform elsewhere. Taking our show on the road was sometimes a challenge, but resulted in charitable organizations benefiting from our hard work. The good memories from our road shows outweigh performing on tiny stages, poor sound systems, and dressing areas no bigger than a closet.
One memorable performance occurred at the Grand Theater in New Albany. It was a benefit performance for parishioner Kim Cook, who eventually lost her battle with cancer. It was remarkable evening as we "sang" our hearts out for the Cook family and their supporters.
The pinnacle for our Theater Group happened in 2000 when we performed at the Brown Theater in Louisville, Ky. Not only did the technical crew at the Brown praise our skills and performances, but we can boast that we performed on Broadway. (The Brown Theater is located in downtown Louisville on Broadway.) It was a fantastic night and we felt like celebrities in the Big Apple.
Over the years a mission statement was developed to define ourselves and the commitment to how we would give our time, talent, and treasure back to the Church.
The donated monies benefited not only outside charities, but improvements around the Parish.
The Theater Group also inspired Youth Ministry to sponsor a high school Lip Sync show which took place for several years. The middle school students continue the tradition with a yearly performance. And St. Martha Parish in Louisville began their annual show after witnessing our annual fun.
In addition to the entertainment on stage, building relationships with one another became part of our mission statement. Our practice times are filled with laughter and stories as we work on our "singing" and dance routines. These friendships lift us up, and our sense of community gives the word "Family" a whole new meaning.
Children of our earliest cast members who initially work backstage come back to join in the fun on stage when they turn 21. Our youngest cast members weren't born when the Theater Group held its first "Country Review" in January of 1984.
The Theater Group brought together two couples who married, has witnessed a number of births, and in the circle of life, has supported one another through the death of loved ones.
Over the past 25 years the Theater Group has lost 5 dear friends. In September of2008, the death of two returning members, Doc and Frank, left us with holes to fill and hearts to mend. As we celebrate our 25th milestone, we feel their love and presence.
From our humble beginnings, no one knew that the longevity and diversity in this ministry would mean so much to those involved. While story lines for the show were created to add dimension and variety, we've continued offering a variety of acts and music styles to appeal to all ages. Over the years we also added 3 family nights and adopted an earlier starting time.
In honor of our 25th year we salute our first show with a Hee Haw segment. This year there are some returning acts, while some old ideas and songs have been reintroduced in a new way. We salute the first high school youth show with the song, "Rhythm Nation". But as always, there are new acts to keep us current and appealing to all ages.
Throughout it all, our consistent belief is that God has blessed this ministry in many ways. We praise him before each meeting, practice, and show. Cast and crew alike believe we are using our gifts in service to Him, allowing all to feel welcome in our community. We are also grateful to a parish community that allows us space to provide you with a night of fun.
We hope you also feel welcome as we celebrate our "Silver" Anniversary. We thank you for your support, laughter, and applause throughout the years. As always, we look forward to your return visit and hope you bring friends back with you.
God has blessed us in this ministry and so have YOU!
The Holy Family Theater Group
FRIENDS WE REMEMBER:
Walt Colin: Prop designer/Construction/Painting
Ken Duke: "Bridge over the River Kwai", "Natural Woman"
Jim Carpenter: "Sit Down Your Rocking the Boat”, "I Believe in America", "Standing on the Comer" "Some Gave All"
Ray "Doc" Nolan: Porter Wagoner, "Secret Agent Man", "Just a Swinging", ''Nolan, Nolan, Nolan", "Monster Mash"
Frank Dolan: George Jones "Staying Alive", "Goodbye Cruel World", Elvis University, Pirate
ROAD SHOWS:
Brown Theater Corydon Fair
Floyd Memorial Hospital Galt House
Grand Theater
Harvest Homecoming Huber's
IUS
Providence High School
CHARITIES AIDED:
Holy Family Parish/School
Holy Family Youth Ministry/Athletics Catholic Charities
C.J Smith Ministry Fellowship Noah's Ark
Providence House
St. Elizabeth's
St. Vincent dePaul
DONATIONS to HF:
Chairs/Tables - Song Books - Stage Curtain - HF Sign
Ice machine - Risers
Gym Door - Water fountain - Tree trimming - Ditch Work
Author ?
25 years ago, "Footloose" was in the theaters, the Cosby Show was in our living rooms, and Holy Family Church was hosting a fellowship night with entertainment for the parish community.
That single event with look-a-like celebrities developed into a ministry, and the Holy Family Theater Group was born.
The initial lip sync entertainment was a borrowed idea from St. John Starlight Catholic Church. Jackie Colin, Janice Scott, and Kathy Wilt took on the roles of directors and began our six run show season.
One of our earliest acts, The Pointer Sisters, performed locally and won a trip to Hollywood to perform on the TV show, "Putting on the Hits".
The popularity of our acts resulted in invitations to perform elsewhere. Taking our show on the road was sometimes a challenge, but resulted in charitable organizations benefiting from our hard work. The good memories from our road shows outweigh performing on tiny stages, poor sound systems, and dressing areas no bigger than a closet.
One memorable performance occurred at the Grand Theater in New Albany. It was a benefit performance for parishioner Kim Cook, who eventually lost her battle with cancer. It was remarkable evening as we "sang" our hearts out for the Cook family and their supporters.
The pinnacle for our Theater Group happened in 2000 when we performed at the Brown Theater in Louisville, Ky. Not only did the technical crew at the Brown praise our skills and performances, but we can boast that we performed on Broadway. (The Brown Theater is located in downtown Louisville on Broadway.) It was a fantastic night and we felt like celebrities in the Big Apple.
Over the years a mission statement was developed to define ourselves and the commitment to how we would give our time, talent, and treasure back to the Church.
The donated monies benefited not only outside charities, but improvements around the Parish.
The Theater Group also inspired Youth Ministry to sponsor a high school Lip Sync show which took place for several years. The middle school students continue the tradition with a yearly performance. And St. Martha Parish in Louisville began their annual show after witnessing our annual fun.
In addition to the entertainment on stage, building relationships with one another became part of our mission statement. Our practice times are filled with laughter and stories as we work on our "singing" and dance routines. These friendships lift us up, and our sense of community gives the word "Family" a whole new meaning.
Children of our earliest cast members who initially work backstage come back to join in the fun on stage when they turn 21. Our youngest cast members weren't born when the Theater Group held its first "Country Review" in January of 1984.
The Theater Group brought together two couples who married, has witnessed a number of births, and in the circle of life, has supported one another through the death of loved ones.
Over the past 25 years the Theater Group has lost 5 dear friends. In September of2008, the death of two returning members, Doc and Frank, left us with holes to fill and hearts to mend. As we celebrate our 25th milestone, we feel their love and presence.
From our humble beginnings, no one knew that the longevity and diversity in this ministry would mean so much to those involved. While story lines for the show were created to add dimension and variety, we've continued offering a variety of acts and music styles to appeal to all ages. Over the years we also added 3 family nights and adopted an earlier starting time.
In honor of our 25th year we salute our first show with a Hee Haw segment. This year there are some returning acts, while some old ideas and songs have been reintroduced in a new way. We salute the first high school youth show with the song, "Rhythm Nation". But as always, there are new acts to keep us current and appealing to all ages.
Throughout it all, our consistent belief is that God has blessed this ministry in many ways. We praise him before each meeting, practice, and show. Cast and crew alike believe we are using our gifts in service to Him, allowing all to feel welcome in our community. We are also grateful to a parish community that allows us space to provide you with a night of fun.
We hope you also feel welcome as we celebrate our "Silver" Anniversary. We thank you for your support, laughter, and applause throughout the years. As always, we look forward to your return visit and hope you bring friends back with you.
God has blessed us in this ministry and so have YOU!
The Holy Family Theater Group
FRIENDS WE REMEMBER:
Walt Colin: Prop designer/Construction/Painting
Ken Duke: "Bridge over the River Kwai", "Natural Woman"
Jim Carpenter: "Sit Down Your Rocking the Boat”, "I Believe in America", "Standing on the Comer" "Some Gave All"
Ray "Doc" Nolan: Porter Wagoner, "Secret Agent Man", "Just a Swinging", ''Nolan, Nolan, Nolan", "Monster Mash"
Frank Dolan: George Jones "Staying Alive", "Goodbye Cruel World", Elvis University, Pirate
ROAD SHOWS:
Brown Theater Corydon Fair
Floyd Memorial Hospital Galt House
Grand Theater
Harvest Homecoming Huber's
IUS
Providence High School
CHARITIES AIDED:
Holy Family Parish/School
Holy Family Youth Ministry/Athletics Catholic Charities
C.J Smith Ministry Fellowship Noah's Ark
Providence House
St. Elizabeth's
St. Vincent dePaul
DONATIONS to HF:
Chairs/Tables - Song Books - Stage Curtain - HF Sign
Ice machine - Risers
Gym Door - Water fountain - Tree trimming - Ditch Work
Theater group sets stage for fellowship
Jan 14, 2009
Dale Moss, Louisville Courier Journal
Teresa Lowe agreed to pop corn. She stayed to play a pepperoni pizza.
Daisy Lane is not Broadway, and members of the Holy Family Theater Group at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany entertain one another as much as anyone else. The goal is as much fellowship as it is rave reviews. Just ask Lowe, among 75 or so active in the group's 25th year.
"It gave me a place," she said. "It made my parish home."
In the large parish, more parishioners indeed now better know each other. They celebrate joys and share sorrows. Rehearsals serve as reunions, a backyard-picnic atmosphere kicked off each time by a prayer circle.
"It gives us a bigger connection to the larger church," Cindy Black said.
Like Lowe, many surprise themselves, as well as others, by getting up on stage. Some bring experience, but many do not.
"When they put on makeup, put on a costume, they become that character," said Mary Briscoe, involved since the beginning. "They really turn it on. It's fun to watch people blossom."
They lip-sync and then some. They perform stories, an emceed production to recorded music. Theirs is a variety show, to say the least. Group original Mike Bartley re-enacted the infamous chair toss of former Indiana University men's basketball coach Bob Knight. Briscoe has played a man, and her husband, Barrett Briscoe, has played a woman. And yes, roles include food.
"I've still got the costume if anyone needs to borrow it," said Lowe, a four-year member and proud graduate from the concession stand.
Several members are disabled, and there is a job for everyone. "If you don't want to be on stage, you won't be put on stage," Bartley said.
Besides, why not get more use out of all those props and outfits? Hundreds may attend and, as Barrett Briscoe notices, returnees are routine. But as Mary Briscoe said, "Now we'd probably do it without an audience."
The show has gone on the road, a performance in Louisville's Brown Theater in 2000 a highlight. The group's home is Marchino Hall at Holy Family, its regular run three weekends per year. Only donations are asked -- $5 for adults, $3 for children of high school age or younger -- with proceeds spent on everything from hymnals to needy people's health-care expenses.
"It's our ministry," said Nobby Bostock, in his 23rd year.
The group depends on new members to reach new milestones. Black is among those who wonders how best to assure the future. The group tries to ask less of members, to be ever-more welcoming.
As Lowe said, though: "I don't think everybody realizes the blessings that come with it. They only see the commitment."
For the 25th season, the group revives an original "Hee Haw" segment, along with twists on other blasts from the past. The next shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday (family night) and Saturday (for ages 21 and over, because beer is sold). Other performances will be Feb. 20-21.
Holy Family is at 129 W. Daisy Lane. More group information is at www.holyfamilynewalbany.org.
Jan 14, 2009
Dale Moss, Louisville Courier Journal
Teresa Lowe agreed to pop corn. She stayed to play a pepperoni pizza.
Daisy Lane is not Broadway, and members of the Holy Family Theater Group at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany entertain one another as much as anyone else. The goal is as much fellowship as it is rave reviews. Just ask Lowe, among 75 or so active in the group's 25th year.
"It gave me a place," she said. "It made my parish home."
In the large parish, more parishioners indeed now better know each other. They celebrate joys and share sorrows. Rehearsals serve as reunions, a backyard-picnic atmosphere kicked off each time by a prayer circle.
"It gives us a bigger connection to the larger church," Cindy Black said.
Like Lowe, many surprise themselves, as well as others, by getting up on stage. Some bring experience, but many do not.
"When they put on makeup, put on a costume, they become that character," said Mary Briscoe, involved since the beginning. "They really turn it on. It's fun to watch people blossom."
They lip-sync and then some. They perform stories, an emceed production to recorded music. Theirs is a variety show, to say the least. Group original Mike Bartley re-enacted the infamous chair toss of former Indiana University men's basketball coach Bob Knight. Briscoe has played a man, and her husband, Barrett Briscoe, has played a woman. And yes, roles include food.
"I've still got the costume if anyone needs to borrow it," said Lowe, a four-year member and proud graduate from the concession stand.
Several members are disabled, and there is a job for everyone. "If you don't want to be on stage, you won't be put on stage," Bartley said.
Besides, why not get more use out of all those props and outfits? Hundreds may attend and, as Barrett Briscoe notices, returnees are routine. But as Mary Briscoe said, "Now we'd probably do it without an audience."
The show has gone on the road, a performance in Louisville's Brown Theater in 2000 a highlight. The group's home is Marchino Hall at Holy Family, its regular run three weekends per year. Only donations are asked -- $5 for adults, $3 for children of high school age or younger -- with proceeds spent on everything from hymnals to needy people's health-care expenses.
"It's our ministry," said Nobby Bostock, in his 23rd year.
The group depends on new members to reach new milestones. Black is among those who wonders how best to assure the future. The group tries to ask less of members, to be ever-more welcoming.
As Lowe said, though: "I don't think everybody realizes the blessings that come with it. They only see the commitment."
For the 25th season, the group revives an original "Hee Haw" segment, along with twists on other blasts from the past. The next shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday (family night) and Saturday (for ages 21 and over, because beer is sold). Other performances will be Feb. 20-21.
Holy Family is at 129 W. Daisy Lane. More group information is at www.holyfamilynewalbany.org.
Holy Family dancer, 93, just won't act her age
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
By Cynthia Schultz
Special to The Courier-Journal
Alice Eugenia Dowd "Gene" Cartwright, 93, lip syncs Carol Channing's "Hello Dolly!"
The theater group at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany has put the final touches on a lip-sync show that will commemorate its 22nd season.
But one of the 50 performers in this year's fund-raiser is in a class by herself. Alice Eugenia Dowd "Gene" Cartwright, 93, is believed to be the oldest performer to ever grace the Holy Family stage.
In the show, Cartwright is flanked by six men as she impersonates Carol Channing and lip syncs "Hello Dolly!" She also is part of a hula number for which she created her own choreography. "My brother would call me a ham," said Cartwright, who will turn 94 on Jan. 29. "I've danced all my life."
Few people knew her age, but "it's better now, before the obit comes out," she quipped.
That type of humor and her vigor have made Cartwright a hit with the cast, said Jared Hallal, one of the six directors and host of the 24-act show, "Star Struck," which will re-open Jan. 20-21 at the parish. "You wouldn't think she is that age," Hallal said. "She tells so many funny stories that you think would happen to a 35-year-old."
Cartwright's stylish clothes, jewelry, painted nails and perpetual smile belie her age. She still drives her 1990 Oldsmobile, clogs with a group that meets weekly and takes ceramic lessons. She also goes on outings with friends, including a monthly visit to a riverboat casino in Evansville.
"She is a joy and a hoot to have with us," said Cindy Black, one of the show's directors. "We all wish we could be like her" in the golden years. "She is such a free spirit."
After her 1930 graduation from New Albany High School, Cartwright worked an assortment of jobs. In 1942, she married Donald J. Cartwright, a soldier from Fort Wayne. She met him at a Fort Knox dance.
By the early 1950s, they were living in California. "I was furloughed from the New York Central in Indianapolis," Cartwright said. She was widowed in 1977, one year after she retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in Los Angeles, where she did clerical work. Her husband worked in a factory. They had no children.
Cartwright returned to New Albany 10 years ago to be close to her brother, Tommie, who has since passed away. "I live by prayer," Cartwright said in response to a question about her philosophy on life. "I couldn't live without prayer and my God."
Regarding her health, she said, "I don't have a personal doctor. I've been healthy so far. I know where my heart, lungs and hip bones are. So far, so good."
note - Nine years after this article and at 103 years of age Gene performed in the 2014-2015 show. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2015.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
By Cynthia Schultz
Special to The Courier-Journal
Alice Eugenia Dowd "Gene" Cartwright, 93, lip syncs Carol Channing's "Hello Dolly!"
The theater group at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany has put the final touches on a lip-sync show that will commemorate its 22nd season.
But one of the 50 performers in this year's fund-raiser is in a class by herself. Alice Eugenia Dowd "Gene" Cartwright, 93, is believed to be the oldest performer to ever grace the Holy Family stage.
In the show, Cartwright is flanked by six men as she impersonates Carol Channing and lip syncs "Hello Dolly!" She also is part of a hula number for which she created her own choreography. "My brother would call me a ham," said Cartwright, who will turn 94 on Jan. 29. "I've danced all my life."
Few people knew her age, but "it's better now, before the obit comes out," she quipped.
That type of humor and her vigor have made Cartwright a hit with the cast, said Jared Hallal, one of the six directors and host of the 24-act show, "Star Struck," which will re-open Jan. 20-21 at the parish. "You wouldn't think she is that age," Hallal said. "She tells so many funny stories that you think would happen to a 35-year-old."
Cartwright's stylish clothes, jewelry, painted nails and perpetual smile belie her age. She still drives her 1990 Oldsmobile, clogs with a group that meets weekly and takes ceramic lessons. She also goes on outings with friends, including a monthly visit to a riverboat casino in Evansville.
"She is a joy and a hoot to have with us," said Cindy Black, one of the show's directors. "We all wish we could be like her" in the golden years. "She is such a free spirit."
After her 1930 graduation from New Albany High School, Cartwright worked an assortment of jobs. In 1942, she married Donald J. Cartwright, a soldier from Fort Wayne. She met him at a Fort Knox dance.
By the early 1950s, they were living in California. "I was furloughed from the New York Central in Indianapolis," Cartwright said. She was widowed in 1977, one year after she retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in Los Angeles, where she did clerical work. Her husband worked in a factory. They had no children.
Cartwright returned to New Albany 10 years ago to be close to her brother, Tommie, who has since passed away. "I live by prayer," Cartwright said in response to a question about her philosophy on life. "I couldn't live without prayer and my God."
Regarding her health, she said, "I don't have a personal doctor. I've been healthy so far. I know where my heart, lungs and hip bones are. So far, so good."
note - Nine years after this article and at 103 years of age Gene performed in the 2014-2015 show. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2015.