Marilyn Butters

Patron Spotlight: Marilyn Butters

Marilyn Butters

Marilyn Butters has been a long time patron of the arts at Mary Washington. She’s attended show choir performances, concerts, and, of course, theatre productions in our very own Klein Theatre. For our third installment of Patron Spotlight, UMW Theatre asked Marilyn for an interview!

UMW Theatre: What was the first show that you attended in Klein Theatre, and what was that experience like for you?

Into the Woods (1995)

Into the Woods (1995)

Marilyn: The first college production was Into The Woods in 1995- I sat in the first row and I was  mesmerized by the quality of the voices of the singers and the high level of acting ability. The first time I was in [Klein Theatre] was with the summer Fredericksburg Theater Company in the ’80s and it may have been A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

UMW Theatre: What has been your favorite production since that first show, and what makes it your favorite?

Marilyn: I loved Godspell as it was set on the campus of UMW and I thought that was a clever way to grab the audience and tie it to today. The UMW fountain set was so well done. The singers were really good! But it’s hard to leave out Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Sweeney Todd.

 

Godspell-16-5x7

Godspell (2004)

 

UMW Theatre: How would you describe UMW Theatre’s place within the Fredericksburg community?

 

Marilyn: I view it as a partnership in which the community benefits while supporting the growth of the students– The college is sharing its resources through the department, displaying its many talents, while the community gets to enjoy the easy access and a variety of theatrical genres.

 

UMW Theatre: If you could shadow a faculty/staff member for a day to see their process, who would it be?

 

Gregg Stull, Producing Director of UMW Theatre

Marilyn: Gregg Stull! My experience with the Backstage Pass program has opened my eyes to the complexities of his role as a professor, director, mentor, and creative genius. His responsibilities seem endless and I have followed the successes of so many of the students he has guided via the information included in UMW performance programs as well as literature that has been mailed.

 

UMW Theatre: How would you describe your interactions with the UMW Theatre faculty/staff?

 

Marilyn: My interactions with the faculty and staff have been extremely positive, particularly through the Backstage Pass program. I have been overwhelmed by the dedication of all the professionals I have been exposed to  – after each opportunity I am left with the strong impression that each really loves what they are doing and especially appreciates sharing it with the community. I always leave feeling “Those lucky UMW theater students – they have such passionate and dedicated instructors!”

 

UMW Theatre: We always say there are no bad seats in Klein Theatre, but do you have a favorite place to sit?

 

Marilyn: I agree, but I always request an aisle seat half way back.

 

UMW Theatre: What production(s) would you like to see UMW Theatre tackle in the future?

 

Marilyn: Any Shakespeare production and for a musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet.

 

UMW Theatre: Now for some fun questions! What is your favorite candy?

 

Marilyn: Butterfinger bars.

 

UMW Theatre: What is your favorite word?

 

Marilyn: Happy.

 

UMW Theatre: Least favorite?

 

Marilyn: Negative.

Marilyn in Klein Theatre (in an aisle seat half way back) =)