The sad news spread quickly this past weekend throughout the theatre community that Marianne Philbin, longtime Arena Stage head house manager and friend to audience members and staff as well, passed away on Saturday 13, 2010. A memorial service in her honor will be Monday, February 22 at11 am at Arena Stage in Crystal City (1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA).
She joined Arena Stage in 1987, and married fellow staffer Eddie Wieland at Arena Stage in 1996. In a new release today, Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith said “Marianne was a kind person and a great connector. This is a shocking loss, and we will all miss her. Our thoughts go out to Marianne’s family.”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Ms. Philbin’s memory be sent to Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington DC, 20024 or the American Diabetes Association.
Marianne was always a pleasure to work with. She will be well remembered. May the Blessings Be.
Marianne Philbin was a gracious lady. We always enjoyed ushering for her. She had a friendly manner, but was always on top of whatever was going on at the Arena. In addition, she was an artist who exhibited in the Washington community. We will miss seeing her! Ed & Miriam Kelty