THREE VIEWINGS

by Jeffrey Hatcher

There's a story behind every farewell!

A funeral parlor in a small Midwestern town is the setting for three darkly funny and touching short plays. Meet Emil, a respectable, mild-mannered undertaker; Mac, an upper-class drifter and jewelry thief; and Virginia, the suburban widow of a wheeler-dealer contractor.

Award-winning playwright Jeffrey Hatcher’s trio of incisively witty narratives explore the extent to which we all hold on to memories, money, life, and love.

The Community Partner Program at TAP is an initiative that seeks to engage with the local community by forming partnerships with non-profit organizations and local businesses. The program aims to foster a sense of community through collaborations that promote the arts and enrich the cultural landscape of the area.

The Community Partner for Three Viewings is We Are HOPE, Inc. This means that a portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on April 30 will go towards the community partner. We Are HOPE, Inc will have a table in the box office during the run of the show with more information and a place for donations.

We asked We Are HOPE, Inc a few questions about their organization. Read more by clicking the button below!

We chatted with Helga Bobb about her story and why she volunteers at Third Avenue PlayWorks.

How long have you been volunteering at TAP?

I have been volunteering with the theatre for about 15 years.

Do you volunteer elsewhere?

Yes, after retiring from the Sevastopol School District, I was a substitute teacher for several years. For the past 18 years, I’ve been volunteering at Lakeshore Cap. I help out at the food pantry, and I usually get there early to sort through produce. 

Why do you Volunteer at TAP?

I enjoy greeting people, being social and kind to others. One of the perks of volunteering at the theatre is getting to know other people and becoming friends.

What is your favorite TAP memory?

My favorite part of the evening is when the actors/actresses come out into the lobby afterwards, and I have the opportunity to get to know some of them. I provided housing to a few of the out-of-town actors, and getting to know them on a personal level was really nice. I cooked a spaghetti dinner one time and invited all the folks from the theatre. My kids live far away, so the theatre has always been a place to create additional memories. I came from Germany, and I still speak German, so I have fond memories of speaking German with James. Bob would also greet me in German. Hugs are always great too.

How would you describe an evening as an usher to someone who might be interested in volunteering?

Friendliness is key. Welcome people into the theatre, smile, and make them feel as comfortable as possible. Tell them to enjoy the show. For a personal touch, lead them down to their seats rather than point them in the direction they are going. Thank them for coming, and tell them I hope they had a good time. 

What other activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy baking, and I enjoy giving it away. Cookies and banana bread. Sometimes I deliver them to the post office. I also enjoy sewing, crocheting and doing puzzles. I enjoy gardening, and I always say, “God makes it rain so Helga goes in the house, and cleans.” I like to stay busy, and keep my hands occupied.

Thank you to all of our Volunteers!