LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Forest-
burgh Playhouse, the oldest professional summer theatre in New York
State

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions;
these institutions give positive definition to the profile and disposi-
tion of the communities of the State of New York and profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 65th Anniversary of the Forestburgh Playhouse, the oldest
professional summer theatre in New York State; this auspicious occasion
will be celebrated at the Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center's annual
fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Founders of the Forestburgh Playhouse, Al Maissel and
John Grahame, purchased the Kleb farm in Forestburgh, New York, in 1947;
by July 8, 1947, enough work had been done to transform the barn on the
property into a theatre, and the Forestburgh Playhouse, then called the
Forestburgh Summer Theatre, opened its first of more than 250 subsequent
productions, "Blithe Spirit"; and
WHEREAS, At its inception, John Grahame acted as Artistic Director,
stage director, and leading actor at the Forestburgh Playhouse; Al Mais-
sel acted as musical director and overall manager of the theatre; Aida
Grahame ran the Box Office and was Business Manager, while Sally Maissel
acted as set designer and author of children's shows; and
WHEREAS, For the first 25 years of its existence, the Forestburgh
Playhouse operated as both a theatre and a school; apprentices paid to
attend for the summer, and took daily classes in acting, speech, and
movement; they also spent many hours in rehearsal and many more hours
working building sets, costumes and props and performed in both the main
stage productions and the children's shows; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, the name of the enterprise was officially changed
from Forestburgh Summer Theatre to the Forestburgh Playhouse; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, the Forestburgh Playhouse was purchased by its
current Producing Director, Norman Duttweiler; by the summer of 1997,
the Playhouse celebrated its 50th anniversary with a record breaking
season; and
WHEREAS, The Forestburgh Playhouse is an integral part of the Forest-
burgh Theatre Arts Center, whose mission is to provide a venue for the
performing arts, specifically live theatre, music, and dance, for the
cultural enrichment of the people of Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, In furtherance of its mission, the Forestburgh Theatre Arts
Center operates a summer theatre whose principal, although not exclusive
focus, is on productions of American musical theatre; it nurtures young
theatrical talent by their participation in these theatrical
productions; develops and operates an educational theatre division whose
principal, although not exclusive focus, is to develop a relationship
with local elementary and secondary schools in Sullivan and nearby coun-
ties for the purpose of exposing the students to live theatre and
related performing arts; and develops a facility where playwrights,

composers, directors, and choreographers can explore new work without
overwhelming commercial pressure; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to both the Forest-
burgh Playhouse and Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Forestburgh Playhouse, the
oldest professional summer theatre in New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center, 39 Forestburgh Road,
Forestburgh, New York 12777.