On Stage, Once More
Each attendee at the April celebration of UNH’s theatre and dance programs had one thing in common: a love of the arts and lots of memories.
And, says organizer Stephen Gianotti ’74, a sense of gratitude.
“Each of us was here to give thanks and to celebrate our beloved Theatre and Dance Department and the faculty and staff that gave us such a high-quality education and a transformative life experience,” Gianotti says, noting that both UNH staff and alumni volunteers were a big part of the organizing of the weekend celebration. “This event was an example of what the Theatre and Dance Department taught us all: Coming together with a common purpose with each of us doing our part to the best of our ability makes magic and history happen. For me this was the most powerful part of this experience.”
The celebration was a musical and theatrical performance in two acts, featuring songs such as “Willkommen” from “Cabaret,” “Who’s That Woman?” from “Follies” and more. There were also somber moments, with in memoriams for alumni, faculty and staff who were part of the theatre and dance community.
Gianotti notes that attendees were impressed by the amount of interest and participation from current UNH students. “They brought a beautiful energy to the entire performance.”
What is it about their UNH experiences that keeps theatre and dance alums — whether a stagehand, a director, a singer or an actress — so connected? Gianotti thinks he has an answer.
“The performing arts create intimacy between the performers and the audience. But what usually goes unnoticed is the intimacy that occurs amongst the performers, musicians, dancers, stagehands, directors and choreographers. I think we actually make new neuro-pathways, creating a home of sorts in both our brains and our hearts. Six decades of alumni had four years each of this … how can we not be filled with rich and grateful memories that shape us to this day?”