[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1247-E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         LITTLE THEATER HONORED

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Little 
Theater of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This week the Little Theater 
will celebrate its 75th anniversary; it is believed to be possibly one 
of the oldest community theaters in the country. I am honored to have 
been asked to participate in this important celebration.
  The Little Theater has been providing quality entertainment in 
Northeastern Pennsylvania since it was organized in 1922. The Theater's

[[Page E1248]]

original founders were some of the most prominent families in the area, 
including Mrs. Simon Long, Mrs. Frank G. Darte, Mrs. Ernest G. Smith, 
Annette Evans, Daniel W. Davis, Todd Rippard, Bernard Burgunder, 
Brandon Gearhart, Raijean Breese, and Leonard Parkhurst. With no 
building of its own until 1957, the first performance of the new group 
was performed at what was then Wilkes-Barre High School.
  The Little Theater was established for the purpose for the purpose of 
stimulating local interest in the performing arts. In addition to 
producing first-rate shows, the Theater provides training for people of 
all ages. The Theater has sponsored a workshop specifically for high 
school students for the last 12 years.
  The Little Theater stage has hosted such noted artists as actor James 
Karen, Tony Award-winner Santo Loquasto, film designer Maher Ahmad, 
founder of the Pennsylvania Ballet Society Barbara Weisberger, and even 
Judge Harold Flannery and the late Congressman Daniel Flood and his 
wife, Catherine.
  The Little Theater's tradition of excellence is continued today by 
General Manager Walter S. Mitchell Junior. Artistic Director Ann Marie 
Kopec, and Technical Director Christine E. Rook. Their efforts are 
supposed by the current members of the Little Theater's Board: Joe 
Lucas,. Bonnie Biros, Barb Wilson, Lisa Y. Fink, Deb Kolojejchick, Mary 
Ann Ulichney, Chet Newhart, and Marge Dewees.
  Mr. Speaker, the Little Theater has produced more than 300 Broadway-
style productions since its inception. It is the only community theater 
in Northeastern Pennsylvania with full orchestration in its musical 
productions,. I am extremely pleased to be able to join with the 
community in thanking the Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre for 75 
wonderful years. I send my sincere best wishes for the little Theater's 
continued success.

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