In Memoriam:
Jeffrey "Jeff" Greenspan
1949 - 2023
Jeff Greenspan passed away March 19, 2023 at Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital, after a very short fight with advanced stage pancreatic cancer. Although Jeff was only an active member since 2018, he was a true Forge volunteer. At the time of his passing he was currently working as Assistant Director/Stage Manager on Forge's Shakespeare in the Trailer Park. He volunteered where needed as a Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Hospitality greeter, crew and more. Jeff was a longtime Board member of ESTA-Eastern States Theater Association Inc. where he was the Treasurer and also volunteered as Timer for the regional festival. Jeff left an indelible memory everywhere he went. Born and raised in Brooklyn NY on Brighton 1st Path, it was there that Jeff was introduced to the artsh when His mother would take him to Broadway to see the big productions. In addition, with his gang of friends, “The Pathboys,” he would sit on the stoop or stand on the street corner singing Doowop. For anyone who ever sat next to Jeff during "Smokey Joe’s Café" (to name two of his favorites) they got serenaded with harmony from Jeff. (It didn’t matter to him that you were an audience member or if you were an actor backstage getting ready to go on!) He loved DOOWOP thus his nickname Doowopking.
Jeff never knew about community theatre growing up, it was only Broadway, but in 1989 he met his wife Marsha, she introduced him to the world of community theatre and volunteering. He decided then if he was going to get time to spend with her outside of work he better learn about the theatre. He developed a love of stage managing by learning from two of the best Helene Neidig and Amy Walton. From that point on he honed the skills any pro would recognize by reading, watching and discussing with friends and then started noticing everything that went on in a production. He was a volunteer at Chapel Street Players in Newark DE; The Barnstormers in Ridley Park PA and most recently in the last few years Forge Theatre in Phoenixville PA. He was blessed to go to Liverpool NS with Audrey Cefaly’s Fin and Euba (directed by Ruth K. Brown) and to AACTFest 2019 with Forge Theatre’s production of The Dixie Swim Club (Nance Brown, director.) Jeff always made the actors feel like they were STARS (it started with his first of 8 annual Rocky Horror Shows that he stage managed and continued even now after his passing with the last production he was working on as AD/SM, Shakespeare in the Trailer Park at Forge Theatre . The cast made sure they were “Jeff perfect” with their lines (he believed the playwright’s words were meant to be said as written, not paraphrased.) Before the show the cast starts with “I’m a Star!” in the green room. He always recognized great work and didn’t hold back on giving praise, as most recently seen in MD at the MCTFA festival. Jeff was a diehard Dodgers and Wilmington Blue Rocks fan, he learned how to balance theater and baseball (it wasn’t easy but he did it!) and besides his wife, he loved his four fur kids—Jazmin, Stachia, Lola and Precious.
As Horatio said in Hamlet (and Doughnut in SITTP): ‘Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’
Jeff never knew about community theatre growing up, it was only Broadway, but in 1989 he met his wife Marsha, she introduced him to the world of community theatre and volunteering. He decided then if he was going to get time to spend with her outside of work he better learn about the theatre. He developed a love of stage managing by learning from two of the best Helene Neidig and Amy Walton. From that point on he honed the skills any pro would recognize by reading, watching and discussing with friends and then started noticing everything that went on in a production. He was a volunteer at Chapel Street Players in Newark DE; The Barnstormers in Ridley Park PA and most recently in the last few years Forge Theatre in Phoenixville PA. He was blessed to go to Liverpool NS with Audrey Cefaly’s Fin and Euba (directed by Ruth K. Brown) and to AACTFest 2019 with Forge Theatre’s production of The Dixie Swim Club (Nance Brown, director.) Jeff always made the actors feel like they were STARS (it started with his first of 8 annual Rocky Horror Shows that he stage managed and continued even now after his passing with the last production he was working on as AD/SM, Shakespeare in the Trailer Park at Forge Theatre . The cast made sure they were “Jeff perfect” with their lines (he believed the playwright’s words were meant to be said as written, not paraphrased.) Before the show the cast starts with “I’m a Star!” in the green room. He always recognized great work and didn’t hold back on giving praise, as most recently seen in MD at the MCTFA festival. Jeff was a diehard Dodgers and Wilmington Blue Rocks fan, he learned how to balance theater and baseball (it wasn’t easy but he did it!) and besides his wife, he loved his four fur kids—Jazmin, Stachia, Lola and Precious.
As Horatio said in Hamlet (and Doughnut in SITTP): ‘Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’
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
Hal’s Celebration of Life service was held at Forge Theater, 241 First Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
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
Hal’s Celebration of Life service was held at Forge Theater, 241 First Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
In Memoriam:
Brian Scott Schwartz
1977-2021
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 has been set up to assist Kelly with unexpected expenses.
A viewing and funeral mass were held on March 13, 2021 at St. Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill, PA.
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 has been set up to assist Kelly with unexpected expenses.
A viewing and funeral mass were held on March 13, 2021 at St. Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill, PA.
In Memoriam:
Helenrae Grover
1932-2020
