Presidents Letter - December 2025
Tis the season to be Jolly. So true. But for me, it’s also the season to be awed and enlightened. The NextStage players led by Cat Hampton and Kathryn Adkins outdid themselves with this year’s production of the Holiday show, Silver and Gold. It was an incredibly enjoyable hour of holiday song and humor. What blows me away though is the amount of not just talent but dedication, time, and effort that these productions entail. Director Cat Hampton was masterful in her direction, but she also wrote the play and arranged the music. Plus, she and her husband Larry provided the accompanying harp and drum and were responsible for the amazing set design!!! When prop master Shari Gallegos was injured, the cast seamlessly took on her responsibilities.
The entire production was possible because of the commitment made by 14 seniors. I can barely walk around the block, yet they spent days and hours creating the sets and costumes, memorizing lines and songs, and rehearsing. They then added several more hours and days traveling and hauling all the staging and costumes to eight different senior living facilities. Most of us have friends or family whose season became merrier and brighter because of the dedication and talent of our NextStage players.
My heartfelt admiration and thanks go to the following people who spread so much Christmas joy: Catherine Hampton, Larry Hampton, Kathryn Adkins, Ellen Mazaika, Christa Taylor, Lisa Carter, Lee Ann Gray, Carol Hales, Carolyn Crocker, Nancy Samsel, Claire Paul, Carol Bravo, Alan Gabel, and Jim Healey
Bravo and Cheers to NextStage Players!!!!!!
- Jan Maack
p.s. Don’t get me started on what it takes behind the scenes to secure a venue, make posters and ads, arrange for insurance… I don’t think there’s enough room for all of it, but believe me, if you have skills in any of these areas or want to try your hand at any of them, you would be eagerly welcomed.