Next up for the Children's Theater:
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Thomas Nelson Zbyszewski graced the stage of the Merc Playhouse from 2010 to 2013, with roles in nearly a dozen productions. On August 19, 2015, Tom perished while fighting the Twisp River wildfire. He was one month shy of his 21st birthday.
Audiences remember Tom's performances as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, and in Alice in Wonderland, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, all productions of the Merc's Children's Theater. Tom was also an active member of the Liberty Bell High School drama club, and appeared at the Merc in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Fools, Who Dunit...and to Whom? and Choices. To honor his memory, the Merc has established the Tom Zbyszewski Children's Program Fund. All donations to this fund will support children's theater, scholarships and other youth programs at the Merc. To support the program send a check: The Merc Playhouse PO Box 425 Twisp, WA 98833 Include "In memory of Tommy Zbyszewski" on the memo line. |
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From Julie Wenzel, former Artistic Director, Merc Playhouse, 2009-2013
What do I say about Tommy? I knew him even before he was in shows at The Merc. I met him when I came into Mrs. Orme's class to do theater games with the kids and assist some in her productions. Right from the beginning I sensed his dedication. When he became involved at The Merc, his dedication, commitment and follow-through were some of the things I most appreciated. He was a busy guy, juggling many activities, but I never felt like he wasn't 100% committed. He was a very popular member of our casts. Several times he was the oldest boy by a few years. It would have been easy for him to ignore the younger boys or be irritated by their antics. The opposite was true. He went out of his way to engage them and become friends with them. He was a shining inspiration. He made his mark on the Methow Valley by playing Bilbo in The Hobbit and he really stole the audiences' hearts by playing the King Of Hearts, cowering behind his crazy Queen in Alice in Wonderland. Part of the joy of doing children's theater is watching the transformation kids make as they become comfortable on stage. Tommy was no exception. He found a home in the theater and those of us who had the privilege of being in his theater family are lucky indeed. Tommy, you will be missed more than you could ever know. I hope somewhere you are performing under the lights!
From Jane Orme, former director, LBHS Drama Club
Tom loved being on stage. The audience saw a part of him within the characters he played and was drawn right in. He gave all of us his heart and soul and we are the better for it. He certainly made me a better teacher and director.
What do I say about Tommy? I knew him even before he was in shows at The Merc. I met him when I came into Mrs. Orme's class to do theater games with the kids and assist some in her productions. Right from the beginning I sensed his dedication. When he became involved at The Merc, his dedication, commitment and follow-through were some of the things I most appreciated. He was a busy guy, juggling many activities, but I never felt like he wasn't 100% committed. He was a very popular member of our casts. Several times he was the oldest boy by a few years. It would have been easy for him to ignore the younger boys or be irritated by their antics. The opposite was true. He went out of his way to engage them and become friends with them. He was a shining inspiration. He made his mark on the Methow Valley by playing Bilbo in The Hobbit and he really stole the audiences' hearts by playing the King Of Hearts, cowering behind his crazy Queen in Alice in Wonderland. Part of the joy of doing children's theater is watching the transformation kids make as they become comfortable on stage. Tommy was no exception. He found a home in the theater and those of us who had the privilege of being in his theater family are lucky indeed. Tommy, you will be missed more than you could ever know. I hope somewhere you are performing under the lights!
From Jane Orme, former director, LBHS Drama Club
Tom loved being on stage. The audience saw a part of him within the characters he played and was drawn right in. He gave all of us his heart and soul and we are the better for it. He certainly made me a better teacher and director.
