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.”