Once upon a time there was a children’s theater company. Then all the children grew up and the director had to find something for them to do as young adults. He chose Romeo and Juliet, and the rest is herstory.
In 2007 Rosie Sumner joined Community Shakespeare to play the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, a role reserved for generations of the world’s great actresses. That was just the beginning of her storied career: from the Fool in 2008’s King Lear, to Duke Senior in As You Like It, to a star turn as Prospera in The Tempest; from non-Shakespeare roles including The Laramie Project, Shakespeare in Hollywood, and On The Razzle, to voice-acting pandemic performances in an isolation booth for 84 Charing Cross Road and A Christmas Carol…. This is just a partial list. The pictures here are worth about 12,000 words.
Rosie’s gifts include a powerful voice, a musical ear, epic stage presence and a fearlessness that allows her to improvise Shakespeare if she goes blank. She has an awareness of her stage surroundings, an alertness for the business of stagecraft, and a keen mind – delving deep into text, in a constant search for the best performance – and did I mention her terrific sense of humor?
But above all, Rosie is a generous actor: whether at the center of the play or in a character role, or in a silent part Shakespeare never wrote but which Rosie brought to life for me, she shares not only the stage but her wit, wisdom and her huge heart.
Several generations of Lopez Island youth have had the privilege of working with Rosie, little knowing how rare her tutelage is. But they long remember having had a relationship with her: a true friendship. She feels privileged, she says, “to get to hang out with” the youth actors and make plays with them. The privilege is all theirs, Rosie. And mine.
The 2021 season is dedicated with love to Roseamber Sumner, with deep gratitude for her steadfast love and devotion to her craft, to the art of theatre, and to the company of Community Shakespeare.
Richard Carter
December, 2021
