The Rise of the House of Usher
⊆ March 29th, 2006 by courtney | ˜By Tim Treanor
So you’re sitting in your seat - excellent seat, second row center - watching Caroline, or Change and some cretin starts talking behind you. Well, they’ve reminded everyone to turn their cell phones off, and to put their candy away, but they forgot to say stop talking. And this guy is nattering on. What do you do?
If you’re Joel Markowitz, you know that some behaviors can’t be tolerated. So you turn around, peer into the darkness, hesitate - he seems like a big guy, and vaguely familiar - and then say, “Please, sir. Would you mind? I’m trying to watch the show.”
But then it’s the second scene, at that long, emotional soliloquy which starts the scene, and he’s at it again. Loudly. Even the actress - Tonya Pinkins - seems flustered. So, since you’re Joel Markowitz, you turn around again and in a steely voice say, “air, you need to stop, or I’ll have the house manager remove you.” And the loquacious man and his wife finally stop. Tonya throws a thank-you nod in your direction.
When the lights go up at intermission you turn around to see who this rude guy might be. And you find yourself looking at Chevy Chase.
“Sorry,” he says. “I wasn’t thinking.”
See, if you’re Joel Markowitz, actors and actresses show you respect. Big-time producers and directors care about what you have to say. And ask you to help them PR their shows This is because you represent The Ushers, a large organization of theater lovers, with members all over the country.
When Markowitz formed The Ushers fifteen years ago today, he had no idea that it would turn out like this. He had recently seen a particularly trying version of Miss Saigon. At the end, he turned to Bill Smith, who was accompanying him that day and said, “There’s got to be other people who need to suffer with us at these depressing British musicals.”
Shortly afterwards, he and Bill caught a beautiful production of The Secret Garden at the St. James. “This is too good for people to miss,” he told Bill. “We should find some way to share the experience with other theatre lovers in the DC/MD/VA area.”
So he went home and called the editors of the Post, the City Paper, and the Washington Blade and told them that he was forming an organization of active theater-goers. The Blade was interested. They sent a photographer, who took a picture of Joel holding some of his large collection of autographed Playbills.
The next week, 150 people called.
“I think of us as an organization of friends helping friends,” Markowitz says. “We carpool to the theater; we go to dinner together; groups of us will go out to the movies, attend other shows and get together for holiday meals.”
They have their biggest impact, though, when they go to the theater. “Our goal was to help the little guy out - the little theater. And we do help the little theaters get attention. We’ll volunteer to usher - ” hence their name - “and we’ll get the word out when there’s a good show.” If The Ushers decide to go to a show, they generally buy between thirty and a hundred tickets. “And we are a terrific audience. Casts wait for us to arrive because they know we are a great, loud, supportive audience. But, beware if the production is not up to par.”
Markowitz particularly likes the work done by MetroStage, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, Elden Street Players, and Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Elden Street - a community theater? “Some of the best musicals I’ve seen have been at Elden Street,” Markowicz says of the Herndon, VA. company, singling out their productions of The Who’s Tommy and Hair.
But Markowitz’ highest praise these days is for Toby’s Dinner Theatre. “Ragtime was far superior to anything I saw that year,” he says. “Thirteen Helen Hayes nominations - for a dinner theater. They’re intimate, funny, with beautiful costumes and fantastic cats, and in-your-face productions And that’s what we like: in-your-face theater.”
Though The Ushers is primarily centered in Washington - Markowitz estimates his core membership at 500 in the DC area- the organization has plenty of impact in New York. “We take 2 trips up there each year,” he says. “The reception we get is fantastic.”
He ticks off one astonishing stage door/back stage story after another. “We’re waiting outside at the the Neil Simon Theatre on a very cold night after Elaine Stritch’s one woman show and we hear her belt out ‘bring them in, it’s cold’ and the next thing she’s showing us around her dressing room…Tony Winners Vicky Clark and the cast of The Light in the Piazza and Marissa Winokur and the cast of Hairspray spending over an hour with us after their shows taking pictures, schmoozing and signing autographs…Richard Skipper (who does a one-man Carol Channing show) and Christine Pedi (who does the same with Liza Minelli and other Broadway divas in Forbidden Broadway) doing a private midnight ‘Carol and Liza’ cabaret for The Ushers…”
But he’s quick to point out that Washington theaters are as accommodating as their New York counterparts, if not more so. “Washington theaters will get us their schedules early, after swearing us to secrecy,” Markowitz says. “They’ll go to great pains to seat us together. They’ll make their casts and staff available to us for post-performance discussions and desserts after the shows.”
In return, The Ushers offer reliability. “When we had that recent February snowstorm, we were the only group that showed up for brunch at Bistro Bistro and Nevermore at Signature,” Markowitz points out. Every other group cancelled. The Ushers consider it a point of honor not to miss a scheduled theater date, Markowitz says. Being a Buffalonian, no snow storm can scare him away.
In addition to supporting local theaters, The Ushers do their best to support the people who make theaters work. “I’ve been able to point Broadway actors who’ve contacted me through our website and the many business cards Idistribute after Broadway shows, to theaters in Washington where they could find work,” Markowitz says, noting that Signature and Arena now use Broadway actors quite frequently. (The Ushers’ website is www.ushers.us.)
The Ushers have also championed the careers of local actors. “One of my best memories was having dinner at the West End Dinner Theatre,” says Markowitz. “Our waitress was a delightful and talented woman named Megan Lawrence. She was incredible as Sister Amnesia in Nunsense and we strongly suggested that she audition for Into the Woods at Signature. She did, and landed the role of Little Red Riding Hood, and won the Helen Hayes Award for her performance.” Lawrence has since gone on to carve herself a solid career in New York theater, appearing as Eponine in Les Misearbles (where she met her future husband) as Little Sally in Urinetown. She now is Gladys in The Pajama Game.
“Don’t be surprised if she wins the Tony this year. Her reviews have been fantastic,” Markowitz says
45 Ushers’ members and their friends are celebrating the group’s 15th anniversary this Friday, March 31st, by going to NYC for a theatre marathon where they will see 5 shows and a cabaret. Shows include The Light In The Piazza, Three Days of Rain, The Pajama Game, Three Penny Opera and Jersey Boys. They will also be seeing Tommy Femia in Judy Garland Live! at Don’t Tell Mama.
“This has been a sweet experience,” Markowitz says. “Dozens of couples have met through The Ushers. Hundreds of friendshiphave been formed. The Washington theater scene has grown from twenty-three stages to over a hundred in the last fifteen years, and it feels as though we’ve grown with them. Ushers’ events are not cheap but people keep coming back, and keep bringing their friends and family to events. They know they’re getting their money’s worth, and hopefully for another 15 years.”
March 29th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Congradulations Joel…Cheryl
March 29th, 2006 at 9:10 pm
It’s about time you got the recognition you deserve.
March 29th, 2006 at 9:22 pm
Thanks Tim for the wonderful article. Thanks to all of you who have supported the Ushers for the last 15 years. We are so lucky to have such exceptional theatre in the DC/MD/VA area. Joel Markowitz
March 29th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
What a wonderful tribute to you & the Ushers. I’m a rather new member, but already have had some great experiences and met some very friendly and welcoming people. Again congratulations! Annabelle
March 29th, 2006 at 10:40 pm
Super article and well-deserved kudos for Joel! Plus this is great PR for our wonderful theatres in the Washington, DC area. ~ Diane
March 29th, 2006 at 11:55 pm
Anytime The Ushers are at a performance, we feel them in the audience. Such a great showing of love and support. Hats off to all of you, and I look forward to seeing you all at Assassins and Into the Woods in the next few months!
Luv, SGS
March 30th, 2006 at 1:55 am
I always like reading your postings and following the activities. Now I have more free time I would like to be more involved in local theatre–proabably behind the scenes. Any suggestions for ushering to see plays for free or other ways to get involved in local theatre work? Thanks..Alicia
March 30th, 2006 at 8:07 am
Joel,
Congratulations Joel!… After reading this article, I feel even more priveleged ,joining you in New York this weekend.
March 30th, 2006 at 10:09 am
A much-deserved tribute to a hard-working man who’s done so much for local theater. There should really be a follow-up article about the e-mails and organizational skills Joel exemplified. Better yet, Joel–write a book. Maybe it will be made into a musical!
Thanks for all your work, your enthusiasm, tolerance–and intolerance for cell phones.
See you at Becoming George in April,
Wendy Leibowitz
March 30th, 2006 at 11:21 am
Congrats to Joel on such a fitting tribute. Thanks to Joel and the Ushers, I have seen some great theater locally and in New York- and have made some good theater-loving friends. It has been a blast meeting the casts after shows and discussing the performances. No one organizes an event with such attention to detail as Joel and that is why they are so enjoyable. May the next 15 years be even more fun!
March 30th, 2006 at 2:15 pm
Wendy- what a great idea…a musical about the Ushers!
Cheryl (the other Leibovitz!)
March 30th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
Congrats Joel. This is a great article. So when are you going to branch to Chicago?
Love from me and Susan
March 30th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
USHERS has been a wonderful group to belong. The group has done a superb job in supporting the local theater community and honing its members’ appreciation for the Arts. Its ubiquitous founder, Joel, always fosters a fun-filled and accepting environment for all the members and (non members for that matter)and he really goes out of his way to give each one a red-carpet welcome. If you are a theater afficionado and you have not been to one of the group’s biannual trps to Manhattan, then you are certainly missing out on an incredible experience.
March 30th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
Mr. Markowitz you handled that situation of the blabbering patron like a true gentleman. I stumbled upon the existence of your group in D.C. Theatre Reviews and was greatly impressed by what I read, and what you’ve accomplished. You have to have worked HARD, HARD, HARD to get that organization up to where it is today. And your dedication is admirable as well. Just this past weekend I was telling my cousin about your group. She and I are avid theatre lovers (and goers). Don’t be surprised if one day we both sign up for one of your group’s theatre outings. The theatre community has some real angels in its midst!
March 31st, 2006 at 10:05 am
Joel,
Congrats on the article. You are the best. Your love and enthusiasm for theatre is infectious. Your support and recognition of the pioneering, courageous, taking risks without a safety net productions that the small theatres do in this town is most appreciated. Keep spreading the good word.
Fondly, Carolyn
April 2nd, 2006 at 10:18 am
Joel Markowitz is a man on a mission: to further the enjoyment of theater with other theater buffs and to encourage theater owners, theater managers and performers to provide continuing high quality entertainment.
I met Joel Markowitz soon after he started the Ushers. When I was President of another social group interested in arts, history and cultural events, we heard of the rapid success of the Ushers. I invited Joel to a board meeting at my home so that we could learn how he achieved such rapid success with his group. He told us to work the phones: call people to invite, remind and encourage them to attend up-coming events.
His friendly manner, theater knowledge and, yes, persistance, have brought about a successful social group for theater lovers like himself. It is remarkable to me how tolerant he has been over the years, trying to accommodate the needs and whims of those attending his scheduled events.
He has spent many, many hours arranging events, obtaining tickets for great seats, arranging transportation for those without cars, leasing buses for trips to NY, making hotel and restaurant reservations, arranging for his group to have after-performance meetings with performers at theaters or in restaurants and inviting Ushers members to attend play readings, special TV nights and social gatherings at his home.
He deserves our everlasting thanks for continuing to pursue his mission: great theater for everyone.
April 5th, 2006 at 11:25 am
How this man does all he does is remarkable. I ran a group for 6 months and couldn’t handle all the work and complaining. Joel is always pleasant and has the best organizational skills I’ve ever seen. He arranged a ride for me to an Ushers’ event, made sure I was introduced to everyone who attended, arranged a ride home for me, and called me the next day to see if I liked the event. The respect the cast showed him after the show was so impressive. I had a great time, and I hope you will join him for future events. Congrats Joel and The Ushers. Keep up the good work.
April 6th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Congrats Joel and The Ushers. 12 years ago, I was a young actress from N. Carolina, and had just moved to the DC area. I called Joel up and asked him if he knew where I could audition and/or find work. He treated me to lunch and spent two hours going over all the theatres in the area and gave me contacts and their phone numbers. I couldn’t believe the amount of time he spent putting this together for me-a total stranger. He also sent me to a friend of his who helped me get some temp work until I got on my feet. What a generous man! Congrats Joel.
April 11th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Congrats to this fine group. I visited DC 2 years ago and called Joel and he invited me to see “Forum” at Signature Theatre. Although I called the theatre several times trying to buy a ticket and was told it was sold out for the entire weekend, Joel somehow managed to get me a ticket. Everyone in the group greeted me and we had such a pleasant dinner before the show. At dessert, after the show, some of the cast stopped by to say hello. What a thrill that was! Thanks Joel for making me feel at home and congrats on your 15th anniversary. John
April 11th, 2006 at 4:54 pm
Congratulations on your fine work Joel. You provide a wonderful service by informing theatre lovers about all the gems out there in the area (and elsewhere) and offering to get tickets. Thanks again.
April 12th, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Congratulations for a job well done Joel. What an amazing article! I especially liked the part when you chewed out Chevy Chase!
I am the Group Sales Manager at The Studio Theatre and I have to say that The Ushers make my job easy. They purchased over 50 tickets for “Fat Pig” and the upcoming, “Caroline, Or Change” I was really impressed with Joel’s ability to organize such a group. He worked really hard and the best part of all, he paid on time!
Congratulations again and lets here it for another 15 years!
April 14th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Congrats - Joel - well deserved….Barbara
April 16th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
I joined “The Ushers” quite by accident in (can it be?) 1994. But apart from the enjoyment of it, here, and on infrequent theater trips to New York, I marvel at the people who would have been unmet and the plays otherwise unseen. And for all the subscribers and all the people who “would have gone anyway,” I never would have ventured to some of these shows and so, I suspect, would the majority of people Joel brings into the theater. The sheer boost given to the theater community is in economic terms incalculable. Imagine trying to figure it out. Add this to the moral support and you have a story that begs for documentation. Lee Levine
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Great article! Congrats Joel and gang. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, you’re the best!!! Looking forward to seeing you all at Side Show at Elden Street this summer!