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From Pearl Ahnen, Glenn, MI. Dear PPVP, I know that Charley Burkett and his lovely wife, Mary, were devoted to the theatre from the get-go! Charley directed my play, "Rose's Passion" in May, 2002 and did a terrific job. He was compassionate, tender, strict and always had an eye for what would make good theatre. I was very happy with the results, and also with Mary's contribution to the work. Paw Paw players staged three of my plays, two one-acts and "Rose's Passion." I'm very grateful to these talented individuals who directed and performed in them. Thank you so much Paw Paw. I have a story about Charley as a director. I went with my daughters for them to audition for "Fiddler on the Roof" in 200?. There were only a few women of the appropriate age there to audition for Golde and I was not one of them, but Charley came over and asked me to read. "Just read. You can do that much." I was always the type who was happy to hide in the chorus and never craved a main role. Because of Charley, I was forced out of my comfort zone and had a fun summer and a rewarding, memorable experience playing Golde. Bonnie Davidson I remember auditioning for "Our Town" for Charlie - I had hoped to get the role of one of the mothers but Charlie asked me if I would be interested in auditioning for the role of the narrator. I was surprised because I had never seen a woman do that role and I've seen Our Town a lot! So I said why not - I auditioned - he cast me and we were on the way! It was a lot of hard work to get the dialogue down and to present it in a narrative way but Charlie was always encouraging me and it was a thrill to do the role. I also remember playing the Mayor's Wife in The Music Man and Charlie made me this crazy crown to wear in the gymnasium scene where Eulalie (the Mayor's Wife) leads the group in Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean. It was great and generated laughter from the cast and the audience. Gail Somerville, Portage MI Charlie will be missed dearly. The one thing I can truly say about Charlie (and Mary) is that because of PPVP, for which they founded, I was inspired to pursue a theatre career that I've been in for over 25 years! The fact that it is still in existence today is a testimony to their vision and hard work. The communiy at large owes a great deal of thanks to the Burketts and espically Charlie for all his time and effort in guiding PPVP forward to where it is today. Thank you Charlie and Mary. And thanks PPVP for providing such a wonderful asset to the community. Douglas Bennett As founder of the Paw Paw Village Players, Charles Burkett was a friend, mentor and guiding spirit. His loss will be deeply felt, but his vision for nearly 40 years will live on. He directed and acted in more productions than we can count. When the Village Players needed a theater, Charlie saw the potential in this building, originally the First Baptist church. Not only the the Players get a permanent home but Charlie also saved one of the oldest buildings in Paw Paw. It is no understatement to say that Paw Paw will not see the likes of Charlie Burkett again. We will miss you Charlie - in the tradition of the theater we say to you - "Break-a-Leg" ! Sal Compagna I attended the memorial services for Charley Burkett. I was sobbing and laughing through the whole thing! As a wise man once said, "That's how you know you've got a good show. Make 'em laugh, make 'em cry, startle them, comfort them, educate them, just don't bore them". I get the distinct impression that Charley Burkett never spent much time being bored. He had a fascination with life and people, possibilities and potentials. Charley gave his all in whatever he was doing and had a real talent for helping others find ways to stretch and grow. We miss you Charley. Roger C Henderson
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