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Between early 1970's and 1990 Theatre one offered stellar seasons of dedicated theatre productions, the tradition
followed the following years. In those years the theatre department at College of the Desert led by Director Terry Nicholson
and Wendy Willson produced big show stopper production to raise money for the Cultural Center with stars like the wonderful
Nehemiah Persoff and Ruta Lee.
But Theatre one also produced some smaller scale productions that showcased the local talent. The company had a revolving
door and many people came and went, but many spend several years working in every aspect of the threatrical process and several
took their knowledge acquired beyond Theatre One.
Next year will possibly bring an end to the Theatre One tradition as longtime leader Terry Nicholson retires from the College
of the Desert Faculty. We figured it would be a great time to see if we can reunite some of you who made the magic happen
then, and reunite for a send off of our Theatre one.
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| The Director is in... |
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| Terry Nicholson during Christmas Is...w/Gina Jimenez and Margaret Xitgo. |
Doug Smallwood passes away, after fight with cancer.
October 7, 2003 Our dear friend, and brother and super techie Doug Smallwood passed away yesterday
after a long fight with cancer that debilidated a strong and jovial man. Doug has been fighting a cancer that took a hold
of his spinal cord and paralysed him wel over a year ago, and finally claimed his life. Doug will be buried on Monday October
12th in San Bernadino. Doug worked on two dozen productions at Theatre one between in the 80's and 90's, and was the ultimate
Techie. He will be missed...alot.
Shirley Nicholson Passed away on July 2nd.
It with sadness in our hearts that we have to announce the passing of our Theatre mother Shirley
Nicholson. Terry's mom passed away Wednesday evening July 2nd, 2003, after a short but grave illness. She will join Blackie
and continue their time together.
Terry and family spend the last month at her side, Jennifer Thurston Becker also paid a visit the
week before her passing.
Shirley was a great part of Theatre One, in multiple aspects, from Assisting Terry in the production
to the concession stand. She will be missed by all who's lives she touched, she was the greatest lady of all.
Below the e-mail I got from Terry....
"To all of you who touched, and were touched by the life of my mother:
With
sadness, I must tell you that Mom passed peacefully away this evening.
Over the past several weeks, each of you were mentioned
by her with much love.
She had a great deal of time to set her life in order, and to review fondly her many experiences
with you.
She asked that I pass on to each of you her love. She also wanted you to know that she was glad to pass
quickly, without suffering.
She had the best of care, and truly passed in peace.
With loving regards,
Terry"
In Memoriam
In our research to find the talented players in the extensive group of people who dedicated their times and efforts to
Theatre One we have come to the sad understanding that some are not with us anymore. The website is dedicated to their memory.
- Alexander Stewart - technical Director,director, and actor
- Mike Hester- Sound designer and technician
- Robert Allen- Gourmet cook and food preparer
- Gary Colandro- actor
- Jon Olsen- Musical director
- Annette Riding-costumes
- Alex Dreier- actor
- Bruce Lismond- actor, musician
- Norman "Blackie" Nicholson- Actor, concessions
- Ron Hamm-actor, make up artist
- Michael Cruickshank- director and teacher
- Melanie Hawk- Orchestra "Christmas Is..."
- Ed Brucks- Theatre friend and party host.
- Paul Jacobs, actor
- Doug Smallwood, actor, techinician
- Shirley Nicholson, Director/production assistant, concessions.
- Wayne Davidson, Musician
- Cecil Riding, actor
Undoubtedly in our further research we will see this list grow, we would appreciate if anyone has information about former
cast and crew members that have joined the great Theatre in the sky so we may pay homage by dedicating this website to their
memory.
sincerely
Peter Huender(webmaster)
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