Seattle Fire Department Assistant Chief A.D. Vickery gives the Chief's Coin to Scott Nolte, who had just expressed appreciate to Vickery and Foreman Steve Timian (right) Photo by Liz Ragland.
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The Phoenix now painted on the mural where the Elinor Roosevelt building once stood marks an emotional rebirth and recovery of a community. While that particular building is burned to the ground, right next to it, Taproot Theatre has been rebuilt from the studs up. With monumental effort on the part of the theatre staff and community, Taproot returned to the Seattle arts scene with opening night of The Great Divorce on January 29.
This has to be the only show I have ever attended that received a standing ovation before the show actually started. From, the instant Artistic Director Scott Nolte came to the stage, the audience was brimming with emotion and joy to see the theater back up and running. To express their enthusiasm, they greeted the announcement "We're back!" by standing to their feet in applause.
Nolte called Seattle Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Vickery and Foreman Steve Timian (who oversaw the construction project) up to the stage. He express his appreciation to these men, as well as to the many firemen present on the day that Taproot Theatre and surrounding buildings were severely damaged by fire. Many of the firemen had been present before the show, but had to leave on a call before they could actually stand in the theatre they had helped save. Ah, the call of duty. Nolte presented both men with bouquets but then the tables were turned. Assistant Fire Chief Vickery took out a small coin which he referred to as the "Chief's Coin." This honor is typically reserved for service within the Fire Department, but can be given for extraordinary acts of heroism or service to the community. Assistant Chief Vickery felt that Director Scott Nolte and the Taproot Theatre staff had greatly contributed to the community, and wished to honor them with the presentation of this coin.
The Great Divorce runs until February 27. Tickets are on sale now.
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