Theatre News
Stratton's 85th Anniversary Gala
Stratton celebrated its 85th anniversary with a dinner and entertainment on February 20 at the Fay Club.
Fitchburg Cultural Alliance Honors Janet Cragin
Longtime member Janet Cragin was recently honored with a tribute at the Fay Club from the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance for her many years of service to the arts and culture in our area. The FCA executive board arranged for several citations from elected officials, including Senator Jen Flanagan and Representative Stephen DiNatale. Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong designated February 9 as "Janet Cragin Day" and the FCA has created the "Janet Cragin Scholarship," which Janet will oversee. Stratton members joining the honors, which also included Mayor Wong, Fitchburg Superintendent of Schools Andre Ravenelle, Representative DiNatale and former Mayor Dan Mylott included Bob Blake, Pam Sontag, Terry Lynch, Rachel and Virgil D'Onfro, Sally Cragin and Chuck Warner.
Stratton's Annual
Meeting
Stratton Players held its annual meeting and election of officers on August 30. Congrats to Board Members Janet Cragin (running for her second term) and incoming Board members Becky Lantry and Warren LaRoche. Dorothy Cormier is alternate. Everyone enjoyed good company, and a delicious meal from the Bootlegger restaurant.
The Miriam Lehto Drama Scholarship
We are pleased to announce this years recipient of the Miriam Lehto Drama Scholarship:
Andrea Rutkowski
This scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior of Fitchburg High School who has shown a heartfelt commitment to the performing arts either onstage or behind the scenes. Miriam Lehto was born in Fitchburg and graduated from FHS in 1931. She acted and directed in the Fitchburg Finnish Theater and spent 70 years acting and directing at the Stratton Players. She was loved by generations of theatergoers. This scholarship is given in memory of a great lady of the stage.
Previous recipients of this award are:
2008 - Cassie Cook
2007 - Mary Heline
2006 - Nicole Raheja
2005 - Michael Valeri
2004 - Brandon Kelly
2003 - Amy Demar
Stratton's Annual
Holiday Party
February 2008
After postponing twice because of the snow, we finally were able to celebrate the holidays - in a snowstorm. We still had a great turnout! Everyone enjoyed the "Wrap the Crap" Yankee Swap. Lots of nice crap got swapped, good food and drink was consumed, and merriment ensued.
Stratton Playhouse's Building Improvements
BUILDING COMMITTEE NEWS – Thanks to Steve D’Ambrosio and Amy Newberg for continued improvements, refinements and repairs to our jewelbox of a theater. Just since September, these include: receiving our Building Occupancy permit from Fitchburg. The inspector had suggestions for keeping our building safe and up to code, which we have on file. The battery in front door emergency exit lamp was replaced.
Our water meter was replaced on 9/26; now the town will monitor water usage without having to come by and physically inspect the usage. Our furnace has needed regular servicing, and will probably need more during the season. And, most exciting for our performers: the make-up room has received a make-over. This included: the removal of the air-vent that extended a foot into the room above the front mirrors; new dry-lock paint, new mirrors, and a vinyl covering for the make-up table area.
The November 4 barn cleanup was a big success and a dumpster’s worth of
broken set pieces and unusual materials have been removed. However, we are
facing another enormous building project: the replacement of our furnace
which stopped working a few weeks ago. We will need to improve the duct work
(currently inadequate for the building’s needs) as well as purchase and install
a new furnace. We have gotten quotes from three different businesses and are
moving forward on this essential appliance. Other activities include: organizing
the attic costumes. There are now large labels hanging from the racks, and items
have been categorized and will now be much easier to find and return.
Stratton Wishlist (cont’d) Cordless screwdrivers! Coffeemaker
Thanks Rachel!
See Pictures of the Improved Green Room!
Marj Lucier
1929-2003
The history of Stratton Theatre is rife with Grande Dames who made the footlights burn a little brighter. Helen Stratton, Fay Crocker and Miriam Lehto now belong to the ages. Joining this assemblage of theatrical guardian angels is Marj Lucier. Her four decades of dedication to the Stratton Players was recognized recently by the awarding of a life-time membership. Actress, director and playwright, Marj trod the Playhouse boards in The Old Boy a mere three weeks prior to passing. Her courage, determination and talent were an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to work with her or watch her perform.
Miriam Lehto
1913-2003
The "Grande Dame" of Theatre
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Stratton's jewel,
Miriam Lehto. Miriam died after an illness at the Highlands in Fitchburg on
January 5.
Born in 1913, she would have been 90 years old this summer. Miriam has been
actively involved in all aspects of the Playhouse since 1931 - over 71 years of
devoted service. Her love of our tiny theatre was truly apparent.
A private family funeral will be held, and there will be a memorial service this
Spring at Saima Park. We will keep you posted on the details as we get them.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to the
Stratton Theatre in Miriam's memory. We are most grateful for that
generous gesture.
Miriam was truly one of Stratton's pillars and will be sorely missed by all.
Read the Sentinel and Enterprise article
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The Claire Secino Roy Memorial Display Case
Claire Secino Roy, an avid fan of the Stratton Playhouse, recently passed on, and her family wanted to do something special in her memory. The family made a generous donation to the theatre in her name. One of our board members, Victor Dupuis, came up with the idea to have a glass display case made to hang outside of the theatre. The display case would house pictures of the current show. A plaque is inscribed at the bottom of the case, dedicating it to the memory of Claire. The Stratton Players have fond memories of Claire, and are very grateful for this generous gift.
