In Memoriam:
Harold "Hal" Holzer
1947 - 2022

FROM HAL:
Good Morning.  If you’re reading this, you need to know I’ve moved on and have been ready to do so for quite a while now.  Praise be to God, my Lord and Savior has called me home
So, here’s everything you need to know about me – no worries… there won’t be a multiple choice test at the end.  
On October 25, 1947, I was born in Pottsville, PA as Harold Raymond Holzer, son of my precious and loving parents, the late Naomi “Nonny” Holzer and Harold “Mickey” Holzer. I graduated from Pottsville High School in 1965 and from Kutztown State College in 1969, with a Bachelor’s degree in math education.  I assumed the nickname “Hal”, while obtaining my Master’s degree in Theater, from Villanova in 1975.  At that time, I was teaching math at Spring-Ford Middle School, where I taught from 1969 to 2003 and was also the drum & color guard instructor, play director, and briefly editor of the school paper. I also taught part-time at Montgomery County Community College, from 1977 to 2008.
I am survived by my brother Bob and his wife Kim, of Port Carbon, PA, by my niece Jennifer Stamm and her son Gage.  I am also survived by my cousins Beverly Munz and Kathleen Piccioni and their families, by Kim’s son Scott and his family, by my beloved cat Gucci, and by decades of cherished and treasured friendships, who brought so much love and support to my life.  But none more than my lifelong best friend, Marty Johnson, with whom I shared a stage and math classes, as far back as 1965, at Kutztown State College. Together, as friends, we tackled the challenges of being gay in a straight world.
I always felt incredibly blessed to have had two careers, teaching and a theater avocation, each bringing me great immeasurable joy and allowed me to give back to the communities where I lived.  It is decades overdue to finally thank some teachers who shaped my life, especially theses three inspirational math teachers, Miss Discavage, Mr. Bill Flynn, and Mr. Benjamin Liddle.  To have all this and a vibrant spiritual life, currently guided by the wise and compassionate Dave Hakes, Pastor of Daybreak Community Church, is almost an embarrassment of riches.  It is at Daybreak Community Church that I also played drums and sang with the church’s praise team for 14 years.

My other passions, were disco, country-line and tap dancing, marching bands, being a member of the Reading Buccaneers drum and bugle corps, band front rifle and flag instruction, drumming, aerobics, travel, and days at the beach.  My highest profile activity was community and school theater.  At my beloved Forge Theater, of Phoenixville, I was involved in over 100 productions as an actor, director, musician, set designer, and board member. Professionally, as a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I had several minor roles on TV and film,   but most noteworthy was directing an East Coast touring company of Into the Woods, starring Jo Anne Worley and working with Alec Baldwin on an actor’s workshop production of Inherit the Wind.  My artistic efforts were often rewarded as best production and best director at Forge Theater, the Barley Sheaf Players and the Bucks County Playhouse school theater festival.

None of this would have been possible without the impossibly wonderful gifts from my God of family, friends, talents, opportunities, and the ability to be vulnerable, compassionate, giving, devoted, and authentically appreciative of all those treasures. No gift so important as family and especially none more important than my Brother, Bob. Together we have always been there for each other and for our loving parents, in their waning days. He’s been with me on every step of my journey, since my August 2018 cancer and stroke diagnosis.  He and I talked every night, ending each call in prayer, especially with The Lord’s Prayer. Bob always called me his Hero…. I called him my Rock.  I believe in my heart of hearts there is no better Brother – may he have a long and healthy life and many years to enjoy his loving family.
Well, it is time to sign off… On to bigger and better things with my God… and a wonderful family reunion that awaits.   So, until we meet again. 
Love,
Hal
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Hal’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Forge Theater, 241 First Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.  Doors will open promptly at 5:15 p.m.  There will be limited seating and for everyone’s safety, masking will be required.  For those unable to attend in person, consider the following two (2) virtual opportunities:
YOUTUBE:           https://youtu.be/2Hn1qt5yZrM
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In Memoriam:
Brian Scott Schwartz
​1977-2021

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Forge Theatre is saddened to announce that on Monday, March 8, 2021 after experiencing a medical emergency, the passing of Brian Scott Schwartz.

Brian was active with Forge for quite a few years where he served as a Board Member, Actor, Director, His first show at Forge was 1776 followed by The Rocky Horror Show; Company; The 39 Steps; Avenue Q;  Man of La Mancha; The Full Monty; L'il Abner; The Drowsy Chaperone; Cabaret; Don't Drink the Water; COVID Christmas and many more at Barley Sheaf Players of Exton; The Barn Playhouse in Jeffersonville PA and Playcrafters of Skippack.  

Brian was our Box Office guru and many of you will remember him as your contact for Membership or Season Tickets, and even more recently, the one you email or call when you have trouble logging into the Virtual performances. In addition, Brian served on the Board in charge of membership and chairman of the chair fund, as well as chairing the theater renovation project where he worked closely with other Board members and volunteers. His attention to detail and meticulous ability to ensure follow-up made him an invaluable asset to Forge Theatre and the Board of Directors.  

He enjoyed Quizzo, karaoke, was a true fan of the Eagles and the Phillies, had a love for concerts, and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family the most; especially his nieces and nephew. Brian truly loved being an uncle. But mostly, he cherished the time he was able to spend with the love of his life, Kelly Fitzgerald (Forge Past President) whom he married in October 2019.

Per the family, Brian loved the arts and request in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Brian’s name to your Local Community Theater of choice or one of the theater’s where Brian was active. In addition, if you you would like to donate, a Go Fund Me account (link found at the end of this email) has been set up to assist Kelly with unexpected expenses. 

The Forge Board of Directors has arranged a ZOOM link for those who wish to continue with COVID-19 social distancing and wish to attend the services virtually. 

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VIEWING and FUNERAL MASS Information
9:30 am - 11:00 am; Saturday, March 13, 2021
Saint Philip Neri Church
437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA

FUNERAL MASS to start promptly at 11:00 am following Viewing

In Memoriam:
Helenrae Grover
​1932-2020​

Forge Theatre sadly announces the passing of longtime member and friend Helenrae Grover. Helenrae was one of the Founding Members of Forge and was instrumental in helping to secure our permanent home on First Avenue. A “formidable presence”, she wore many hats at Forge, including board member, director, producer, actor, and make-up artist (yes folks, “back in the day” a make-up assistant was assigned to apply an actor’s individual make-up plot for the show’s entire run.) In paying tribute to Helenrae for her many contributions to Forge and our Phoenixville community, some longtime members would like to share their fondest memories, thoughts, and experiences with those who never had the pleasure of knowing and working with Helenrae.

Jim Kelsh recalls directing Helenrae in Forge’s revival of Arsenic and Old Lace during our 25th Anniversary Season. Not initially cast, she graciously stepped in as Aunt Abby three weeks prior to opening (having previously played the part here years earlier). She “stopped the show every night along with Eleanor Kachline (Aunt Martha). Helenrae and her husband Bill were and are wonderful people – still formidable, but a joy whenever you saw them. I miss her already.”

Nance Brown expressed how “enjoyable it was working with Helenrae at the Phoenixville Bookworm” and called her “quite an asset to Forge.” Linda Blystone adds “She was a very talented, hardworking woman who always spoke her mind. Glad she was able to be involved with Forge.”  Bob Goretski states “She was a tough lady but always treated me respectfully. When we were cast as husband and wife in Our Town, she haughtily told me ‘I have children older than you.’ ” Denise Wisneski worked with Helenrae on a benefit youth performance of the old musical melodrama No, No, a Million Times No. “She was such a perfectionist and so detail oriented. She brought out the best in those young actors and made it an enjoyable experience.”

Helenrae expanded her talents beyond the walls of Forge. Every year she wrote an original play for a community Good Friday service which was interspersed with music, movement, and scripture. She also produced, casted, and directed the annual event, calling upon her Forge friends to help perform. Says Lew Osterhoudt “I waited every spring for her call to pick up my script for that year’s production. Great memories.” Adds Jim Kelsh, “I treasured doing that for her. When my phone would ring around February and she was on the line I would say ‘Is it Easter already?’”  Jan Swarr insists “She was the only director with whom I would never disagree. When she made me do the same thing scene over and over again I would lovingly smile and say Yes Ma’am. I respected her that much.  Once she cast me as Pilate’s wife quipping ‘she was haughty and stuck on herself. I figured you could carry that off.’ As a board member she would staunchly hold to her principles, always reaching for the highest good.”

Hal Holzer recalls directing Helenrae in some of her most memorable and Anvil award-winning roles including Curious Savage (Anvil), The Trip to Bountiful (Anvil), Steel Magnolias, and Goodbye Charlie. She was also an award-winning director, having won an Anvil for directing her first musical at Forge Fiddler On The Roof. Hal admits “She was very opinionated but honest to a fault, on stage and in life. She was the presence of history among us, an excellent parliamentarian with sound advice on theatre values and boundaries.”

Forge Theatre extends our heartfelt sympathy to Bill and the entire Grover family, and we wish them comfort in the coming months. We are grateful to Helenrae and all our Founding Members for their dedication to our theatre in laying down the foundation and fundamental principles of Forge Theatre. As Jan Swarr so aptly quoted, “because I (we) knew her, I (we) have been changed for good.”