JOANN AND GERRY REESE

For Joann and Gerry Reese, Broadway Rose is more than a night at the theatre–it’s a tradition they’ve been sharing for more than two decades. Since becoming season subscribers in 2003, they’ve introduced countless friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers to the magic of live theatre, turning opening nights into a cherished gathering filled with unforgettable performances and lasting memories. Their story is a reminder that the best theatre experiences are often the ones shared.

Q: How long have you been Broadway Rose subscribers, and what first inspired you to purchase season tickets?

Joann & Gerry: We have been season subscribers since 2003. In 2002 I saw an advertisement for The Will Rogers Follies at the Deb Fennell Auditorium, so we decided to get tickets. We absolutely loved the show! That led to tickets for the next play and the next. After that becoming season subscribers was a no brainer.

Q: You've made it a tradition to bring friends to the shows. How did that tradition begin, and what do you enjoy most about sharing theatre with others?

J&G: When we decided to become subscribers, we chose opening night for two reasons. First, it would force us to leave work on time on Fridays, and second, it gave us the opportunity to see friends who attended that night. When those friends decided to no longer be subscribers, we picked up their seats to use as an opportunity to invite friends and family. We enjoy sharing the performances with others and showing them theatre is fun. Visiting over Baskin and Robbins ice cream after the show may also have something to do with the evening's fun.

Q: Have you introduced any friends to Broadway Rose for the first time through these outings? If so, what has their reaction been?

J&G: At first everyone we brought as guests (friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, church members) were new to Broadway Rose. Each and every one of them were impressed with the caliber of the performances, and many chose to become season ticket holders.  We continue to introduce new friends to Broadway Rose, but we also enjoy using the extra seats as a way to spend time with family and longtime friends.

Q: Do you have a favorite Broadway Rose memory or a particularly memorable show experience you've shared with your guests over the years?

J&G: Yes. In 2008 Broadway Rose produced Les Misérables, which is Gerry's favorite musical. At the Fundraising Gala that year we signed him up for a walk on role, which turned out to be a misnomer as he played a dead body during the iconic barricade scene. It was the perfect role.  No words and no movement for sixty seconds. He got to wear a puffy shirt and share a stage with Douglas Webster, Leif Norby, Joe Theissen, Meredith Weber (now Gordon), and fellow dead body Lisa Francolini. He had a ball! Framed and hanging proudly in our family room is the production’s poster signed by Douglas Webster, our theatre tickets, the Oregonian article and promo photo, and a photo of Gerry and Lisa in costume.

Q: What keeps you coming back season after season, and what would you tell someone who is considering becoming a subscriber?

J&G: Quality, quality, quality, in all aspects of a production. Over the years there has been a nice variety of traditional musicals, revues, and new works. We also appreciate feeling welcomed and appreciated no matter what type of function we attend at Broadway Rose. We tell others they don't have to go downtown to see a Broadway caliber show. Season tickets are reasonable with package options, parking is free, the environment is friendly, and they'll leave a show glad they went.

Q: How has attending Broadway Rose together become a part of your lives and friendships?

J&G: Because we've shared Broadway Rose with most of our friends and family, they frequently ask what shows we've recently seen or what's coming up, and they tell us if they've ordered tickets to a show. We also look forward to attending special events like Sneak Peek, Meet the Cast, Sips and Stories, Curtain Up!, and of course the Annual Fundraising Gala. After the new season is announced at Curtain Up!, opening nights are posted to the calendar right away and that starts the conversation about who to invite to each show. I also send the new season list to a group of neighbors and former neighbors (all former guests), for a vote on which show they would like to see as a group. I order the group tickets and coordinate a pre-show dinner location for visiting and catching up. This will be the group's eighth year coming together to enjoy an evening out at Broadway Rose.

After more than 20 years as subscribers, Joann and Gerry’s enthusiasm for Broadway Rose hasn’t faded. From favorite productions and special events to organizing annual theatre outings with friends, they’ve built a community around the joy of live performance. Their advice is simple: you don’t have to travel far to experience Broadway-quality theatre. Sometimes the best seats in the house are the ones that become the setting for lifelong traditions.