At the time of this publication, we’re looking forward to the upcoming LP Theatre production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As we wait, we’re looking back on Ms. Kathy Weber’s long directing career at Lake Park, which ended in November. We cover her final production, Plaza Suite, elsewhere in this edition.
Ms. Weber has directed fifty different plays in her over twenty years at Lake Park. After letting that incredible fact sink in, consider some of the major productions she’s spearheaded recently: The Drowsy Chaperone, A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas, and Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Ms. Weber described “the best part of my day” as working with all the incredible casts in so many different shows (none of which can be considered her favorite, since they were all top-notch).
Ms. Weber took great pleasure in getting to know what she called “some of the most creative, eclectic, talented kids on campus” for so many years.
Brinly Wilson (LP ‘24) appreciated how these productions were enjoyed even by those who claimed to dislike theatre. Wilson also pointed out the great diversity LP Theatre brings to the stage.
“When Ms. Weber has a plan,” Brinly remarked, “she makes it happen, which is always really rewarding to be a part of :).”
Ms. Weber may not consider any productions to be her favorite, but Brinly and Java Lane (LP ‘26) both agree on Big Family Christmas as bringing home the top prize.
“It was my second show and the cast was amazing,” Java said. “No one, in heart at least, can be better than [Ms. Weber].”
Java said the department picks great directors based on all the positive feedback each show receives. There is definitely a buzz throughout the auditorium in every production, no matter the topic.
Frankie Molfese (LP ‘25) picked Plaza Suite as a favorite because of the close bonds the actors formed during production, noting the great value of comedic performances. Frankie is grateful for those roles that made the audience laugh (and the cast try not to).
“Ms. Weber has picked shows that some of us have never heard of and are not commonly known, which truly teaches us the value in thoroughly exploring what the world of theatre has to offer,” Frankie said.
Many students credit Ms. Weber with helping grow their acting careers, whether it was learning voice projection, providing complex roles, or simply confidence-building, actors from many different playbills remembered her influence fondly.
Sentiments like those expressed by the many actors and colleagues Ms. Weber has worked with over her career should allow her to retire grateful for leaving the theatre better than she found it. Which is, as “Man in Chair” said, about simply entertaining the audience. As Ms. Weber reflects on her final curtain call, she “will miss the connections [she has] made with these warm, interesting people” from over a score of dedication.