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SPECIAL PROGRAM

The Westfield Athenaeum Presents “The Two Roberts” in Dramatic Readings of Two Holiday Classics

Westfield residents Robert Lehan and Robert Plasse will be appearing as “The Two Roberts” at the Westfield Athenaeum on Wednesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. in the Elizabeth Reed Room, presenting dramatic readings of some holiday classics. Mr. Plasse will be reading The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry. Mr. Lehan will be reading A Child’s Christmas in Wales, by Dylan Thomas, among other works.

Robert Lehan received his BFA and MFA in Directing from Boston University’s School of Theatre Arts and intended a directing career. He became a professor of theatre arts however, and for 32 years he directed a lot of college plays and taught most aspects of theatre including acting and playwriting. He spent many seasons working in summer stock and also wrote a baker’s dozen short plays. He continued to dabble at writing over the years, winning several awards along the way. Now retired and a Professor Emeritus, he devotes more time to scriptwriting.

Lehan’s very first short play, The Procedure, was produced by the Provincetown Playhouse in 1962. A Matter of Character, The Waiting Room, and Lovesong were Gassner Award winners. The Waiting Room, Lifeguards, Lovesong and a childrens’ work, Three Fables, are published by Pioneer Drama Service. (Lifeguards was given Pioneer’s Best Play Award in 1973 and was featured in Dramatics Magazine) all four are produced around the country with regularity.
Other plays remain unpublished but have been widely produced around the country and off Broadway. Five Fables recently won a Beverly Hills Theatre Guild Award and will also be published by Pioneer as soon as he completes the rewrites they requested.
Some years ago Lehan played Dylan Thomas in the bioplay, Dylan in a New England Theater Conference competition and got himself an award for his effort. His reading at the Athenaeum will be a kind of return visit to the poetry of Dylan Thomas.

Robert Plasse is a Professor in the Human Services Department of Holyoke Community College and has a small psychotherapy practice. Plasse has also worked as an arts administrator, a social worker and as a professional actor. Born in Springfield, educated at Cathedral High School, Holy Cross College and Fordham University, Plasse moved to Westfield from Manhattan, where he directed a program for homeless persons living with AIDS and substance abuse. Since coming to Westfield, he has found “that there is indeed ‘life after New York City.’"
As Incorporator/President of Westfield on Weekends, Inc, Plasse has donned a Santa suit, has flown in a helicopter high above the city and appeared as the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Elm King and Father Frost. As Managing Producer of The Shows at Piccolo's, he has also helped to introduce area residents to all kinds of live performances - from cabaret to Elvis. In 2004, Plasse was named by Mayor Richard Sullivan, Jr. as a Volunteer Citizen of the Year.

“The Two Roberts” will be appearing free of charge, in conjunction with Westfield Dickens Days. For more information, please call the Westfield Athenaeum at 413-568-0638 or visit www.westath.org.