A Dear Friend Remembered

On the evening of October 21, more than 60 people gathered in the Theatre’s mezzanine lounge to honor and remember Alex Marciniak as we dedicated his Kawai baby grand piano. Friends from Theatre North, HIT, and former members and participants in the Gogebic Range Players joined in an evening of celebration.  Musical performances by a number of Alex’s colleagues and friends were a much-appreciated feature of the evening. Our thanks to Dan Mykkanen, Maggie Hill, Jane Greunke, Jan Massie, Chris Kelly and Kathy Skolasinski for sharing their musical talents. The program included Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude (Opus 25 #15), a four-hands rendition of the Sinatra/Count Basie classic Fly Me to the Moon,  Cool from West Side Story, and All That Jazz from Chicago. We think Alex would have appreciated such a diverse program!

Alex passed away during the Covid pandemic. The consequent extended lockdown, meant large gatherings simply did not happen. This celebration of his extraordinary gifts to our community was long overdue.

Our thanks to everyone who came to the event to share stories of favorite times spent with Alex, and to other contributors including Loye Miller for his wonderful video production of show posters and cast photos, and Cara Matrella for her delightful grand piano, and candelabra cookies!  Thanks also to Iron County Community Credit Union for their help to underwrite the cost of the evening.

.