By Laura Leavitt
Pat Ganz has seen Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre through a few changes… In the 55 years she’s spent serving the arts community of Hamilton, she’s directed many shows, including this month’s comic caper Nuncrackers.
“I have taught workshops for new directors, to help them get ready for that role,” says Ganz. “I can see things because of my experience, so I was able to share what I know.”
Ganz is just part of the dedicated core membership of the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre, an organization that has brought independent theater to the Hamilton area for 61 years. At the beginning, they produced at least two shows a year, with this year’s season including 4 shows.
“In 1957-1958, it was the Little Theater of Hamilton, working through the YWCA,” says Ganz “A group that wanted to expand the offerings of the theater got together, wrote a constitution, and formed the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre.”
They’ve moved over the years, performing at George Washington Junior High and finding a long-time performance home at the Parrish Auditorium on the campus of Miami Hamilton, starting in 1973.
While they still perform in Parrish Auditorium, the theater group needed a place to call their own as well. After nearly 50 years, the theatre got a permanent home for their rehearsal space, costumes, and props at The Palace Theater on South Third Street.
“For a long time, we had trouble finding rehearsal space,” says Jane Winkler, current chairperson of the GHCT Board and long-time participant. “They got a committee together and scouted available buildings. We landed on this one, and we did the fundraising we needed to do in order to make it happen: a lot of people donated and a lot of people helped to work on the building to get it ready.”
Both Ganz and Winkler point to drive and dedication as major elements of the success of the group, which has been in existence longer than most local theater companies.
“You have to have someone who can spell ‘commitment.’ You have to have a love for the theatre, but it can’t be all about you,” says Ganz. “The attitude should be ‘you’re doing a play? How can I help and be a part of this?’”
“You need people who are willing to work behind the scenes: doing sets, lighting, passing out programs,”Barb Winkler, current GHCT Board Secretary, adds. “It’s sometimes easier to get actors than behind-the-scenes help.”
This year, Ganz’s production of Nuncrackers is a comedic performance that is sure to add a special twist to your holiday traditions.
“This is a formula-driven comedy, so it isn’t a shocking conclusion, and if you went to Catholic school or were taught by nuns, you’ll especially enjoy it,” says Ganz. “It’ll give you a leg up on the humor, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the show.”
In Nuncrackers, the children are raising money by creating their own TV program, interacting with the Nuns that run their school along the way. There are tender moments in between many goofy hijinks that are sure to warm the audience’s hearts.
While Nuncrackers will be a hit this December, Ganz actually remembers a different holiday play as being especially impactful in the past.
“My favorite show I ever directed was It’s a Wonderful Life,” says Ganz. “The audience started a standing ovation during the second-to-last song, and just kept standing and clapping through the last song and curtain call. I’ll never forget that – they really got it. It was the most magical moment of my theatrical career.”
Winkler adds that nearly every show contains one of her favorite moments in the theater world: opening night.
“I love opening night – there’s nothing like having a full audience for the first time,” says Jane. “I just love it. It’s magic; you have the jitters before the curtain opens! Then you are right into it, and it just falls together. So cool.”
Interested in getting involved behind-the-scenes or on the stage with Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre? Visit ghctplay.com. Nuncracker tickets are available for $17 each on the website as well for December 4-7, 7:30pm, and December 8, 2pm.