Roy Stevens: An honor to help celebrate 50 years of superb Modesto theater
As Modesto Performing Arts begins its 50th anniversary season with “Oliver!,” I would like to express my congratulations to Paul Tischer, all the musical directors, choreographers and thousands of performers who have contributed to this community treasure for five decades.
I made my own MPA (Modesto Youth Theater, in those days) debut in the 1970 production of “Oliver!,” as a member of the workhouse gang and had no idea this would lead to participation in 16 musicals over 10 years and then to a successful international performing career through the skills learned … and the $50 MYT scholarship for Fine Arts lessons!
It was an honor to donate my time to organize the MPA 50th Gala Concert on April 22. I thank the hundreds of past performers who traveled from all over (even Russia!) to participate on-stage or as enthusiastic audience members. I especially thank my partners, Candy Chamberlain as music director, and Debbie Holtzclaw, as choreographer and organizer of the MPA 50th Dancers, whose exciting performances contributed so much to the success of the show!
Here’s to many more decades of successful performing arts in Modesto!
Roy Stevens, Modesto
This story was originally published June 12, 2017 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Roy Stevens: An honor to help celebrate 50 years of superb Modesto theater."