Last week, I went with my husband and a couple of friends to North Seattle Community College to see Taproot Theatre’s holiday production, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. It was delightful.
It was also the same play they presented in 2006.
Now, Taproot hadn’t planned to re-run a previous year’s holiday show. They’d planned to present the world premier of John Longenbaugh’s Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol. But then there was the fire.
For those of you who don’t know, in late October a fire destroyed the building next door to Taproot’s mainstage theatre (the building, incidentally, that housed the Green Bean Coffeehouse, where I wrote my book and hosted my book launch party) and caused severe damage to parts of Taproot’s theatre. So, while the show must go on, it had to be a different show in a different venue.
Hence the re-run. Hence North Seattle Community College.
Hence this post. Doug and I have had season tickets to Taproot for four or five years now (this annual purchase ensures we’ll have at least five dates in the coming year!), which means we’ve probably seen close to 30 plays there. Some of them I have adored (Enchanted April comes to mind). Some of them have made me laugh–hard (The Farndale Avenue A Christmas Carol, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Foreigner). Some of them have made me cry (Tuesdays with Morrie). Some of them have made me think (The God Committee; Doubt). Every last one of them has been great: great acting, great sets and costumes, great sound and lighting design.
Because Taproot has brought such delight to my life, I’m hosting this little blogathon to help them out in their hour of need. The letter I just got from Taproot’s Artistic Director says they need $240,000 to balance this year’s budget and cover the anticipated gap between what insurance will cover and what they’ll need to be up and running again for the 2010 season.
Now, I can’t give $240,000. I can’t even give $240. But I thought I’d have a little fun with what I can give–and let you help me. For every comment I receive on this post (one comment per person, please!) between now and Christmas, I’ll donate $1 (up to $50) to Taproot. Since I’ve never received more than ten comments on any single post, I’m going to need your help.
First, leave a comment (“I love live theater!” would work if you can’t think of anything else. Or, I’d love to hear about your favorite play-going experience, at Taproot or elsewhere.)
Second, send the link to this post to your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, anyone you think might be interested in helping a worthy cause (without spending a dime of their own money!).
Third, if you’d like to make a donation to Taproot, I know they’d appreciate it. According to Google Analytics, there are 40 of you out there reading my blog on a regular basis (thank you!!). If each of you gave just two or three dollars, together we could give Taproot a nice triple-digit donation! You can make a donation via PayPal on the Taproot website or there’s always the good old check-in-the-mail option.
Alrighty, then. Bring on the comments!
December 22 update: Thanks to the generosity of Herb and Esther Arden, Adam Bailey, Scott Cummins, and Tiffany Werner, each comment will raise $5 for Taproot’s reconstruction efforts after the fire! December 28 update: With 45 comments at $5 per comment, we raised $225 for Taproot! Many, many thanks to those generous souls (above) who matched my donation and to each of you who left a comment.
leaving my comment… show me the money! Well, since I am so very special and one of your favorite people, and because my very presence is worth it, I want you to donate 2 dollars.
That’s right, I’m worth double. *wink* And don’t you dare put finger quotes around ’special’ when you read this later…
also — I know how much you love that theater so I will donate too.
My first date with my husband was a Taproot show, The Cotton Patch Gospel. It’s one thing I really miss from living in Seattle.
You’re up to $3 now! Thanks for the hard work you put into this blog and your writing – you are appreciated!
And now up to $4, how exciting! Thanks for doing this, Kimberlee.
Big fan of Taproot…and saw the 2006 Christmas Show too! Way to go, Kimberlee. -Steve
I heart Taproot Theater. I’ve always enjoyed their shows (through the years I’ve probably attended one per season) and the spirit behind them. But, they have a special place in my heart since I’ve gotten to know Pam. Pam sits behind me in the church choir and by listening to her beautiful voice, I actually hit my notes. She and her husband founded Taproot and have kept the lights on all these years. Watching her graciously walk through this painful experience shining Christ’s light has been an inspiration to me. I’ll match whatever you send in, Kimberlee, so God’s provision can multiply to bless this wonderful group of hard-working people.
This is a great idea Kimberlee! I’ve only been to Taproot twice and once was with a load of middle school kids on a field trip. It was a terrific experience – which is about the best review one can get!
I live in Greenwood and I know everyone in the community misses the Taproot and all the other businesses that were lost in the fire. Anything that would help them get up and running again would be great!
Thanks for this Kimberlee! Though I rarely get to the theater, I do love seeing these live shows. Hopefully John and I can get to a Taproot production in 2010 – I’ve heard great things!
Okay Kimberlee, in honor of your literary marketing brilliance, we will match your offer ($1per/50max) and I encourage others to do the same. Taproot is fantastic live theater, an incredibly well-run organization, and needs to turn a horrible fire into a time of opportunity. Not exactly easy in this economy. To track your progress, I will also bookmark your very smart blog in my reader – so watch that hit counter crank up. Let the buzz commence…
Way to go! More power to you!
Woohoo! I get to be comment #11! Yay for Kimberlee! You are so creative to help us point friends and family to Taproot and to your blog… I am truly impressed! I have seen only two lovely performances at Taproot (sorry to forget the Tittles, they were a little more obscure…) and love that thrill one can only derive from live theatre. I will donate in honor of grandparents that passed this year and were avid theatre goers!
Theater nerds of the world Unite! Long live Taproot!
Way to go Kimberlee!
XOXO
Taproot has been my opening to the world of theater for the past few years. I’m saddened to hear of the fire. I think they’re plucky to keep going the way they do.
Hi Kimberlee,
I still remember a traveling show from Taproot that came to WWU 19 years ago–it was amazing!! Thank you for doing this!
Susan
Hi Kimberlee,
Great thing to do on your blog (and I enjoy your blog.) I’ve never been to Taproot but with your endorsement, we will go.
Thanks for doing this Kimberlee! I’ve enjoyed our dates at Taproot all these years…
Thanks for supporting Taproot!
Great idea, Kimberlee. My favorite Taproot show was Godspell, which I know is retro and totally out of date. But I love some of the songs. I don’t know if I’m worth $2 like Jen says she is, but I’m wondering if perhaps I’m worth $1.50. Or maybe $1.25. Just for writing on your blog from the other side of the world.
I have never been to Teapot let alone Seattle, but I know how priceless Theatre is to Patrons, Cast, Crews and even sponsors. I am a college Friend to Peter and saw this posted on his Facebook, so thought I would stop in and at least help out.
As anyone, who has worked in or around theatres know the show will and must always find a way to go on. I am happy to hear that even though it was a back up rerun that a Christmas Show did continue.
I wish you guys the best and You let me know where to send contribution and I will donate a matching $50 bucks. There is never a price to high to keep a community theatre running.
Break a Leg and wishing you guys the best future.
–Adam Bailey
adamb.bailey@gmail.com
I heard about the fire from my mother and I got this post from Peter on Facebook so here I am. I love theater and I am just I glad I can do something, even if it’s just a little $1 something to support Taproot and the Noltes.
I love Taproot! Hurrah for all these people helping support Taproot! Very good to read what everyone’s written so far.
Taproot is a wonderful theater. I also remember their “Godspell”. It had quite an affect on our girls. We all loved that show. They continue to produce great shows worth seeing. “Enchanted April” was another favorite. Thanks for drawing attention to their need.
I heard about the fire from my son (Jake Harbour, TD at Lipscomb) and about your blogathon from Peter Nolte who was with Jake at ACU. Thank you for supporting Taproot.
What a wonderful idea! Thanks for bringing this to our attention. It’s fantastic to see local theatre supported like this — may the arts continue to challenge and inspire us as Taproot has for many years.
23 posts down!!
Taproot is one of my favorite theater companies of all time, and I try to go almost every time I am in the Seattle area. Their productions are always incredible.
Taproot is a great theatre, filled with great people. Thanks for doing this!
forewarding to a few people, and will be checking in on occasion. its good to support the arts, thanks cornielia ….
Found out about this from Fiacha. Good luck!
All about supporting Taproot. This is a nice thing to do.
The Noltes are my second family. I grew up across the street from them. As a result, I grew up going to Taproot theater plays and participating in acting camp. I love the Notles and I love Taproot Theater. Thanks for supporting them!!
I love Taproot! When you attend Taproot you are confronted with issues that cause you to think about life with purpose. It isn’t just a show to entertain. Every performance fills you with more insight to enrich your life.
Thank you, Kimberlee, for taking this bold step! —- Tiffany, Thank you, for your gracious response.
Kimberlee – thank you so much!! As someone who has greatly benefited from Taproot Theatre (as an employee, met my husband there, grown as an artist, blessed with co-workers who are dear friends) I am so humbled by your love, energy and creativity to help Taproot. Thank you, friend!
Kimberlee, this is a TERRIFIC idea!! Taproot will get a lot of exposure from this blogthon. Since I’m your MOTHER, I should be worth at least $3.00!!!!!!!!!! It’s been fun reading these comments–so this is what the world of blogging is all about. I must say, it is truly interesting to connect with so many people. If I would turn my computer on more often, I just might have some more fun. I am so proud of you and Jen!!! The two of you, and your families, are making a positive impact on our world. Love you lots!! (No, you are not hallucinating!! I am actually responding to a blog request, but you may not hear from your Dad!)
Hi Kim! I’m more than happy to leave a comment in order to further your efforts to help Taproot. Although I’m not familiar with it, I do love live theater myself. One of my fondest memories is of when the Schmidt family was visiting and we all went to see “Les Mis”. I thought Mark (around age 12?) would be bored to tears, but he was on the edge of his seat the whole time and I do believe that the experience gave him even more of a passion for music than he already had! Merry Christmas to you and your wee family!
Kimberlee,
You are my first and I hope it works! As a friend of your mom’s I am happy to try blogging for the first time ever. Your theatre sounds delightful! I wish you and the troup all the best in your fund raiser! Good Luck. Merry Christmas to you and your whole family.
Wow! I am inspired. I didn’t know you had a blog, and I didn’t know about Taproot. The next time I’m in Seattle I’d like to see their performance. Yea! for community theatre. I hope they get rebuilt soon.
What a great thing to do – to encourage local community theater with a positive message for our lives. From the blogs above it appears to be an important asset to the community. I will match the $50 contribution. Can I send it to you by check??? Love to you, Doug and the children. Herb and Esther.
Hi Kimberlee,
I am one of those who hasn’t blogged until now; however, I talked with your precious Mom today at church, and she said she had sent me an email about your support of the Taproot Theater. I have heard so many good things about you from your Mom who loves and respects you very much, and I honor your support to the theater arts.
Hey, another Taproot lover here
Great idea, we were so sad to see all of the destruction caused by the fire. Hope you get double, triple the blogs.
Love ya, Donnie and Ann
We went to see the production, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” with Kimberlee and Doug. It was one of the highlights of our Christmas Season this year. We a certainly looking forward to their recovery and attending many of their productions this coming year.
Here’s to five dollars to Taproot!
An acting class at Taproot was one of the first things I did upon graduating college and living again on the west side of the mountains…
Kimberlee, I may be too late with my comment for your official “blog-a-thon” but I wanted to thank you for your support of Taproot. I live in Greenwood and have been very saddened by the loss of the theater and the adjoining businesses in our community. Some people may not be aware that in addition to bringing thought-provoking plays to their main stage, Taproot also provides outreach to the community through their traveling theater group. I have seen several wonderful Taproot productions at the middle school where I teach, in which they tackle tough topics (in front of a tough audience) with integrity. I look forward to welcoming them back home when the curtain is ready to rise again.
[...] we get to the best books of the year, I want to give you all an update on the Taproot Theatre blogathon: there were 45 comments on the post, which means that – thanks to the generous matching [...]
Still taking comments? Or are you done? I think you should challenge each person who left a comment to pledge a $1 per comment too, just like my buddy Scott Cummins did.
From a former Taproot employee . . .