Theatre Arlington rolled out the bronze last night, not records, but medallions for their Walk of Fame, celebrating 10 artists who've taken their Texas beginnings to larger stages and screens—a crowd among which Broadway and television are common milestones, according to Theatre Arlington's press release. Kicking off with a reception at 6:30 p.m. before the opening night of "I'm Proud of You!", the Walk of Fame nods to talents like David Coffee, a stalwart Scrooge across state lines, and Denise Lee, a recent Arlington addition with a cabaret and a few television credits under her belt.
Among the names engraved for eternity are Cheryl Ford-Mente, whom you might recall from the cable TV talk show “Around Arlington,” and Jim Johnson, whose baritone has echoed from Arlington productions to voicing characters for anime and video games—he's also hit up A&E’s western “Longmire” for a stint as the Cowboy Poet, the animating enthusiasm for the arts in Arlington is palpable, it's shimmering under the spotlight of recognition for those who have honed their craft within its walls and taken it to dazzling new heights. Max Marquez, for example, has gone from Theatre Arlington's technical director to tending to the electrical needs of smash-hit "Hamilton" on Broadway, with Max's current endeavor being the musical “Purple Rain.”
Also getting a nod is Bryan Stevenson, a name known for lighting up local theaters and national Boy Scout conferences alike, now serving on panels for the United Institute of Theatre Technology, his handiwork is part of what makes the stage shine, and Shannon McGrann, whose Arlington roles have offered a stepping stone to roles like Carrie Fisher on ABC and Vada Oswald in “Fatal Deceptions: Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald”; McGrann’s resume also lists television series such as HBO Max’s “Love & Death” among her credits. The silver screen, the bright lights, the heart of the story—it's found in careers like these, which speak not only of personal triumph but of the fertile grounds from which they sprang.
The event also served as a precursor to the staging of a play about the endearing friendship between journalist Tim Madigan and children's television icon Mr. Rogers, titled "I'm Proud of You!", the production is adapted from Madigan's book and promises a run full of nostalgia and warmth at Theatre Arlington through August 24, reminding audiences of the pure, simple connections that often fuel our grandest adventures.
