Alice Stewart Payne

The Muni has lost a dear friend with the passing of Alice Stewart Payne on Monday, June 26, 2006.

Many organizations in Springfield benefited from Alice's involvement and Muni was certainly one of them. Alice was a member of the original Board of Managers in 1964 and served as Secretary of the Board for many years.

She worked diligently behind the scenes for over 40 years in many capacities at the Muni including managing the Box Office and handling memorials. She served as a Trustee for over 30 years and provided encouragement and guidance to Board members, directors and volunteers with wit and candor. She mentored many throughout the years and was always gracious.

We will miss her very much and will think of her often. When you visit Muni, stop by the Box Office which is named in her honor, enjoy the wonderful productions in a beautiful setting, and thank Alice for her vision and dedication

Nathan Cooke

The Springfield art and theater community also mourns the loss of Nathan Cooke who passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2006.

Nathan was a talented performer and artist. He helped design the magnificent sets for Muni's 2005 production of "Beauty and the Beast" and served as Artistic Director for that show. Nathan also designed the set for this year's production of "Chicago".

For the past two years he was responsible for Muni's production at First Night, which provided wonderful entertainment as well as a preview of the season's shows. Nathan was professional and passionate in his work. In his bio in last year's "Beauty and the Beast" program, Nathan quoted Walt Disney; "In order to make good in your chosen task, it's important to have someone you want to do it for. The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements but rather with the things we do for people we love and esteem, and whose respect we need."

We are so fortunate that he unselfishly shared his many talents. His courage and optimism were inspirational and he will be deeply missed.