Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Exceeded All Expectations


I wanted to see Million Dollar Quartet because Johnny Cash and Elvis songs reminded me of my parents and growing up. 


We rarely get a babysitter and my husband kind of begrudgingly agreed to go with me. The music just blew us away.  I leaned over a couple times and said, "It's like Johnny Cash is RIGHT THERE." The music and personas were so real. It was a great experience and a really fun time together, as we don't get out too much! The show exceeded all expectations!
Katie Batten
Appleton, WI

Entrance 21 with the Grand Kids


I have had many special moments at the Fox Cities P.A.C. but the most enjoyable for me were the times I was able to include the four grandchildren. We were at Entrance 21 for Mary Poppins with the family and they loved it. This year we are back at Entrance 21 for Elf, and the grand kids are very excited. The two older boys, 14 & 15, have been to many shows with us, and it is wonderful that we have that opportunity right here in Appleton.

Walt Zerrenner
Greenville, WI

She Still Talks About Clifford


When our daughter was born in 2009, I couldn't wait to take her to the Center for a show. I always loved seeing the little ones come through the building holding hands, yelling as loud as they can in the lobby and seeing the never ending pile of stairs to climb.

Last year, when Elsie was a little over 2 years old we went to see Clifford the Big Red Dog - LIVE! I told her Clifford was going to be at the place mommy works, and she was amazed! She was immediately engaged from the minute they came on stage (she's never sat still that long!), and she loved clapping and singing along. My favorite part was when they asked what the kids' favorite colors were, and she looked around in amazement at all of the kids announcing their favorite colors. Then about 30 seconds later she yelled, "Jingle Bells!"

She still talks about it whenever we read a Clifford book, wondering if he's going to be at my work that day. It's a memory I'll never forget and hopefully the start of a love of performing arts for her!

Kristin Schroeder
Graphic Designer at the Fox Cities P.A.C.
Greenville, WI

Together as a Family


One of my favorite memories of the Fox Cities P.A.C. was seeing the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra with my family. My parents have always encouraged an appreciation for the arts in our household when we were growing up, and one of our favorites was the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra. Being able to see them live and together as a family is something we will always remember. It’s experiences like these that make the Fox Cities P.A.C. such a great asset to this community!

Cassie McDonald
Green Bay

A Wonderful Experience



When The Lion King was playing in 2007, my husband (who had ALS) and I attended the play. As my husband was unable to raise his head, we were seated on the Dress Circle accessible seating area. The volunteer on duty would turn my husband's wheelchair to help him see the animals entering. He also would tell him which side of the stage to watch. It made his last trip to the Fox Cities P.A.C. a wonderful experience.

Carol Grossman

Guests Make it Special


From day one I have loved volunteering at the Fox Cities P.A.C. I volunteer a lot through other organizations and volunteer activities, feeling good knowing I helped others in need with my use of time, talents or donations. However my favorite is volunteering for the Center.

As a volunteer I love to see the faces of children coming in for the first time all dressed up for their night out, hearing comments from other guests about the beautiful facility or the intermission comments about how “awesome the show is so far.” Especially during Wicked when everyone comes out right after "Defying Gravity" – so many guests had tears in their eyed, which of course would cause me to tear up (just try to look professional as you’re wiping tears from your eyes). Even just helping someone find their way around can be an experience based on their questions and comments.

A standout moment for me was a couple years back when we had an “oldies” group in – I believe it was the music of Glenn Miller or something like that. I was assigned as a volunteer on Family Circle. On the end of one of the rows sat an elderly couple. At intermission he talked to me a bit. He was 84 and his wife was 82. They were celebrating their 60th anniversary. It was so cute just watching those two, he would sneak his arm up around her shoulder every once in a while and snuggle like two kids in school. I had a smile on my face all night watching them.  How cool to be a part of not just a night out, but an “experience” that could take them back to a time in their lives that was obviously so special and filled with memories.

It’s the interaction with the guests that make it special.

Kathy Ducharme