Chehalem Players Repertory

Double Space: Women Photographers and Surrealism On view now at NOMA

Here is another nod to our beloved James Halliday who changed address this summer. We loved Jim and Jim loved Karen and Karen loved Jim so. And without Jim and Karen there would have been no CPR. He starred in a number of CPR productions but, the one that gave him the most joy and sold out as soon as it was announced, was - Love Letters (starring Jim and Karen). They performed this show numerous times, and it was a fundraiser favorite.

It amazed me to learn Karen had no prior acting experience until she appeared in our production of An Empty Plate In the Cafe de Grande Beouf opposite Jim. She was of course -- perfection. And...Jim's 90+ y o mom came to rehearsal every night, sat in a lawn chair shroud in a quilt to combat the freezing conditions (no heat at the Masonic Lodge) and doled out advice such as, "Let them kiss at then end there."

Those seven years in the valley doing theater in a tiny black box (and a Masonic hall) were a magical time made possible by a magical couple. And although Jim has moved away, I am forever grateful and honored and damn, I am so fortunate to have known the love of these people. Break a leg Jim.