March 22nd, 2025, A TLAB Presentation at Tandem School
February 1st, 2025, The Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse
Photo-Reportage
Passing over Afton divide and descending into the Shenandoah Valley, the sun shown brightly in blue sky. The mild temperature and beauty of the day proved to be a harbinger of a perfect day for the annual Branch Shakespeare contest at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton. The turn out would prove to be record setting with 25 member attendees. The mood was buoyant. The excitement mounting, as the program kicked off. The lower level of the playhouse was packed with contestants, their coaches, family members. The sense of great expectations filled the magnificent replica of London’s Blackfriars in the late Elizabethan, and early Jacobean, eras. The head of our Shakespeare Program, Fay Cunningham, did the honors of welcoming all, explaining the course of events to come, and thanking her counterparts at the American Shakespeare Center for their assistance. She then thanked Debbie Pruett, her predecessor, who together, organize the schools and their coaches. She thanked Melodie Hagspiel who served as the contest “cue captain,” should any falter with their lines. I might add, none of the contestants missed a line, or even a word.
And the winner is… Lyra Day Tusing, with a stunning performance portraying Julia, from The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 1, Scene 1, as well as Sonnet 29. There were so many strong performances, but Lyra shot the lights out!
From far left, 1st Place Lyra Day Tusing, Orange HS, next, Anna Winter, Nelson HS, 3rd, and far right, Madison Gifford, Fluvanna HS, 32nd . They received checks for $600.00, $400.00, and $300.00, 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Ms. Tusing will be off to NYC, Lincoln Center, in April to compete for the National prizes. She’s going to be hard to beat, and we wish her well. Go Lyra!
The competition was stiffest. The nine contestants were from Western Albemarle, Regents, Madison, Nelson, Miller School, Fluvanna, Orange, New Covenant School (Lynchburg), and Covenant went head-to-head.
L to R: Anna Winter, Nelson, 3rd; Lillian Amos, Miller; Madison Gifford, Fluvanna, 2nd (above)
L to R: Lyra Tusing, Orange, 1st, Ruby Helm, New Covenant, Christopher Albert, Covenant (above)
Judges and audience returned to the theater to hear them make general suggestions about where each of those performing might strive to further improve skills, noting that some, the winners, mastered more of those attributes. Their comments were edifying for the young thespians, the coaches, and the general audience. We thank them for their time and expertise.
After the awards were made, photo ops taken, ESU members went off to enjoy lunch together and tell tall tales. A fitting conclusion to a terrific mid-winter outing. Not pictured but part of the “lunch bunch,” include the Fords, the O’Donnell’s, Melodie, and the Williams.
A final bit of thanks to Fay (here pictured) and Deb for months and months of hard work leading up to this day. Those members who attended, were reminded of just how effective, how exciting, and how rewarding the Shakespeare Competition is, and just how impressive our young people can be.
“The play’s the thing.” Branch President, Phil Williams
January 25th 2025, A Burns Night to Remember at Glenmore
And finally, Lizzie McCowen, and her team created the most attractive table arrangements.
Guests began arriving, socializing, and enjoying the site of the beautifully decorated tables, all the while, taking in the resplendent dress of attendees – from tuxedos, to kilts, tartan sashes, sporrans, knee stockings, medals, and plaids. The dazzling brilliance of it all added to the expectation of the traditional beginning of Burns Night commemorations, the Piping in of the Haggis. Our Piper, Canadian by birth, was a professional piper, proved “to still have it.”
“Some hae meat and canna eat/And some wad eat that want it; / But we hae meat, and we can eat, / Sae let the Lord be thankit.”
There followed the service of the traditional “Bill O’Fare,” beginning with Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. In spite of the “mild” odor of its “offal” contents, mitigated by oats and spices, the Americanized version, duly “gentled”, proved to be quite popular.
John Crawford was seen carrying the Haggis about the room with a number hearty souls having seconds.
In order to ensure the gustatory happiness of the Bard’s American faithful, the dinner also included a Cock-a-Leekie soup, an Entrée of Filet Mignon and Crabcake (both cooked expertly and surprisingly excellent for so large a group). Dinner finished with a dessert of Berry Cranachan made with cream, raspberries, steel cut oats, honey, and whiskey. The ingredients are layered like a trifle. Truly, the Chef and his staff outdid themselves.
From table to table, the attendees were clearly charmed and in ebullient moods. A great vibe!The President arose during dessert to call the Chef and his Staff to join us for a toast to their culinary skill. He then asked the gentlemen to rise to toast all the Lassies, beginning with his own, ESU First Lady Marilyn, who he found, 55 years earlier, at the University of Edinburgh and married a year later. (A dam lucky bloke he could be heard to say.)
The evening then brought the highlight, Leslie Strachan’s thrilling, moving, presentation of, “The Immortal Memory: Robert Burns.” His skill, empathy, and visceral passion delighted the crowd with a taste of the greatness of Burns The audience was enthralled with Leslie’s altering between quoting Burns poetry and song ( Ae Fond Kiss, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Tam O’Shanter, and Auld Lang Syne), and biography of the complex young man who died early, age 37. Burns is thought to have fathered at least 12 children by four separate mothers. Seven of his children were illegitimate, including the first four by Jean Armour, before they were married in 1788. He also famously supported the Americans in their Independence War with England. Leslie brought the poet to life with power and great depth of understanding. His speech was spelling binding, alas, broken when all were asked to raise their wee glasses of whiskey, at each place, to the memory of a man whose influence would eventually become legendary and worldwide.
John Crawford then called for the traditional, “Gie them a Tune, Piper.” Piper Ian went onto outdo himself for 5 minutes with military tunes and then a few jigs. His performance was stirring, with feet tapping, and some hands quietly clapping to the pipes. Then John called forth Haley, who danced with grace and skill over the four quadrants created by two, un-scabbarded, swords. It had been nine years since she had last done this potentially hazardous Sword Dance. Clearly, her execution indicated that she had brought back her A game. Well done, Haley.
Ginna Kelly then took center stage to explain the origin of the most widely sung hymn in the world, and then led us all, accompanied by the Piper, in the singing of “Amazing Grace.”
The evening concluded, piper accompanied, with the eponymous Burns poem set to music, “Auld Lang Syne.”
“Should auld acquaintances be forgot, and never brought to mind… (Chorus) For auld lang syne, my dear/For auld lang sign/We”tak a cup o’kindness yet, For auld lang syne.” These words are sung the world over at New Years. Leslie brought to our attention the amusing observation that the tune had been mysteriously co-opted by University of Virginia fans, who long ago began the tradition of singing “The Good Old Song” every time points are scored on the football gridiron. While all had a good laugh at that reminder, regrettably Cavalier teams have given us precious few opportunities sing it in recent years. While there is always hope that that will change, what we can count on is inspired beauty of Robert Burns’ poetry and song, both in Broad Scots and English.
In conclusion, it is safe to say the spirit of “Rabbie Burns” is alive and well. It was truly a “Burns Night to Remember.” And until we all can gather again in his memory, I leave you all with a wish, “Lang may your lum reek.”
Cheers, Phil – Cville ESU Cville Branch President.
December 8th 2024, A “Dickens” of a Christmas at the Glenmore House
Hear yea, hear yea. Welcome to the Glenmore House, home of Ginna and Richard Claus kelly for a Dickens of an ESU Christmas Party.
And the Carol sing could not have been more fun. Richard outdid himself with ornaments for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Slung around one’s neck, when it was your day, you sang out. Too much fun. Mrs. Kelly Claus treated us with singing Silent Night, en Français.
And the President’s baritone-base, for O Holy Night, could apparently be heard from one end of the house to the other. No one is saying it was Pavaroti’esque, but it could be heard.
November 18th 2024, Partnering with Organizations with Goals Compatible with the ESU Mission
The Charlottesville Branch Co-hosted the University of Virginia’s Student Oratory Contest held in the iconic Dome Room of Thomas Jefferson’s Rotunda on Nov. 18th, 2024. The theme…
The winners are pictured below with the Contest Founder, Moderator, and ESU member, Mary Kate Cary.
November 14th 2024, Save the Date
TLAB – An ESU Philanthropy with Proven Result
Spotlight on Fluvanna High School
Drama Teacher
Charlottesville Branch sent three teachers to study in the UK last summer. One (Robert Schuster of Tandem School) went to the University of Edinburgh to study Modernism. Two went to study in London at the Globe Theater. One was Ethan Roberts of Lynchburg Christian School. The other, Craig Edgerton from Fluvanna High School. The spotlight here is on Craig. What has he been up to since returning from his summer program. Allow me to quote our TLAB Chair, Fay Cunningham.
“Our investment at work! Craig (at left wearing the All the World’s A Stage shirt) did a fantastic job in conducting a workshop for theater teachers across the state at the VADTF (Virginia Theater Debate Forensics Conference) this past September. His interactive method created an exploratory and enlightening approach on how to tackle Shakespeare and his literary works…very inspiring for all! It was great to witness Craig conveying what he learned as a TLAB recipient at The Globe in such a meaningful way!”
And Craig wasn’t through. Fay reports that Craig’s School just won First Place on Nov. 2nd in a regional theater festival with their play, Eurydice, with all number one rankings and a score of 100!. Fay went on to say, “In preparation for the next level of competition, they are presenting their play to the public on Thursday, November 14at 7:00, if interested. I’ll be there to support him.”
Well done Craig Edgerton. Next March, our TLAB recipients will be giving their report to the membership. We will let you know the details in plenty of time. Seeing is believing. Hearing is believing. Our TLABers rock. Our Shakespeare contestants rock. Cville Branch rocks.
Phil Williams – Charlottesville Branch President
November 8th 2024, Luncheon and Tastings with Fortified Wine
On an overcast and slightly chilly fall afternoon, perfect for a Madeira Tasting, members gathered in salubrious expectation. Upon arrival, they were greeted with a glass of Rainwater Madeira, about which they would hear more later, and some petits hors d’oeuvres including green olives, dark olive tapenade, toast points, and almonds. The First Lady, Marilyn, and “Cruise Director” and Branch President Phil greeted all as they arrived at the Greencroft Club.
In lieu of prayer, the program began with a salute, on the eve of Veterans’ Day, Remembrance Day in the UK, glasses charged, to all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, and a re-pledging of ourselves to the Founding Principle – One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.
Needing no introductions, all “Legends in their Own Time,” the head table guests were introduced, beginning with First Lady Marilyn, Grenelle Delany, Jane and John Dudinsky, Barbara Sieg and Brice Cunningham, Karen and Bryan Wright, and Chardon Jenks. Guests – Mark Lee (brought by Carol Kadner) and Vanessa Bijak (brought by Bonnie DeAtley’s) were introduced and welcomed.
Announcements followed: The Directory goes to press this week…Monday Nov 19th; the UVa Oration Contest – 5:00 at the Rotunda on Monday Nov. 18th, noting that the Cville Branch is a co-sponsor; Sunday Dec 8th – “A Dickens of a Christmas” at the home of Ginna and Richard Kelly-Klaus; Saturday Jan 25 – Robert Burns Night at Glenmore Country Club with a speaker, a piper, and a sword Dancer, and of course, the ritual parade of Haggis and Highland Single Malt; Saturday Feb 1 – Free, the Shakespeare Contest at the Blackfriars Theater, Staunton – followed by a lunch. Invitations will precede these events.
President Williams began the program with a brief discussion of the geographic, tropical, location of the Island of Madeira, and then played the famous “Have some Madeira, M’ dear’a” duo of Flanders & Swan.” From there, beginning with a food pairing, the members enjoyed a “dry” Sercial Madeira, which proved to be very popular. The story of how Madeira came to be a fortified, “cooked” or heated wine was told. From there, the other “noble” Madeira grapes, Verdelho, Bual, and Malsey, and their taste characteristics were dicussed. Most were so very plesantly surprised by by the sense that each of these white grape wines could be at once, sweet, but not too sweet, due to the very high acidity of these wines. Phil talked about choosing the right Madeira for the right occasion, and the right food pairing. The culture of these wines, the terroir, the trellis and canopy treatment of the vines, set on steep terraces, in the different micro-climates on the North and South of the island, and the difference of proximity to salt air and heat versus elevations had on final characteristics of the juice, was discussed.
Wine production methods, heated vats (Estufagem) versus oxidizing barrels (Conteiro), and where the wines were stored, moving from the hotter, more humid tops of the lodges to the relatively cooler, and dryer bottoms over the decades. In between presentations, much chatter and merriment was heard.
In due course, Phil began to talk about Madeira’s ceremonial role in the Founding of America. And then, it was on to Madeira in literature.
When it comes to longevity – like our members, Madeira lives forever, virtually indestructible.
And when it came to bid in the auction to support the Shakespeare competition, Bob and Judy Smith bought the Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve blended Madeira and the 2007 Colheita Malmsey. Karen Nuelle and Fielding Williams were the high bidders for the George Washington Special Reserve. The Branch wishes to thank them for their generosity and support.
Judging from the members’ spirits, one might safely surmise that a good, and educational, time was had by all. The trip from Portugal, to Spain, and now finally to Madeira, in an effort to instill an understanding of and appreciation for the Fortifed Wines of each of these countries, each culture, terroir, vinification techniques, has proved a genuine pleasure for the members. It certainly has been Phil’s pleasure to share his passions for these storied wines.
Next stop, a Dickens of a Christmas chez Ginna and Richard Kelly-Claus. The First Lady and I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings. While there is much sorrow in the world, there is also great joy, and many, many blessings. We thank the Almighty every day. Marilyn and Phil
October 8th 2024, Black Tie Kick-Off
Our annual Gala Dinner kicked off the season at Farmington Country Club with speaker Andrew Stauffer, Professor and Chair of the UVa. English Department, and author of his new biography Byron: A Life in Ten Letters. It has been praised as “the best short introduction to Byron available” (Jane Stabler), “Compelling, charming, and pleasingly scandal-packed” (Emily Brand), and “A delightful read” (Robert James Byron, 13th Baron Byron).
President Phil reports “First Lady Marilyn and I had the best time at this year’s Kick-Off Gala. The men looked dashing, well, close enough. The ladies looked happy to be in gowns, and the men were happy to see them dolled up. The Head Table was star-studded with The First Lady, Branch Angel Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, our speaker, Professor Andrew Stauffer and his fiancée, Megan O’Donnell, Vanessa Bijak, Jami and Zeb Bogdanich, and Georgia and Dr. David Clapham.”
The evening brought three new members to their first ESU event, Mary Jae Abbit Shuska, Constance Paradiso, and Gail Barber. Welcome! Professor Dick and Mary Howard brought their grandson and two of the grandson’s fellow UVa. History Majors. Great to have some youth with us for the evening.
Forth coming events were announced: Sunday November 10, “Have some Madeira, my ‘Dear’a;” Monday Nov. 18th, 5:30, Branch-supported Rotunda, UVa. Student Oratory Contest; Dec. 8th; A Dickens of a Christmas at the Kelly’s; Jan. 8th, ESU National Happy Hour, 4:00, “Churchill’s Citadel,” coming from Chartwell’s Curator in England online, and, Saturday. Jan. 25th, “Robert Burns Night,” Glenmore Country Club.
A moment of silence was asked for the victims of Hurricane Helene, and for the memory of Silver Screen and stage legend, Dame Maggie Smith. Dr. Clapham led us in a rousing toast to His Majesty, King Charles III. Branch President led the assembled in the singing of the National Anthem.
Clearly, the members were excited for the evening and seeing each other, in many cases, after so many months since the June Garden Party. But, let us hear about the evening headliner first.
Our speaker, Andrew Stauffer is Professor and Chair of the English Department at the University of Virginia and the President of the Byron Society of America. His subject was taken from his newest book, Byron A Life in Ten Letters (Cambridge, 2024). We were lucky he could take his mind off his fiancée to give, what was by all accounts, a sterling introduction in, as it were, the author’s own words. In a phrase, Lord George Byron was, “Mad, bad, and dangerous to know.” He was, as we learned, a fascinating man, an enigma in many ways, phlegmatic, brilliant, mercurial, and disturbed, who died, perhaps as some sort of redemption, in the cause of Greek Independence in 1824. Southern Greece would become independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1831.
June 2024, ESU Garden Party Photo Reportage
One cannot have an English Garden Party with at least a spot of rain. Mercifully, that is all the day brought. Otherwise, the weather was perfect, overcast (good for pictures), neither too hot, nor too cold. Below left, the hosts with the most, “Shriner Bob” and “Miss Kentucky Derby,” Cindy Ryan. To their impeccable hospitality, was added the cheerful service of President Phil, and the alluring taste of his Pimm’s Cup No. 1 punch, “best this side of the Thames.”
Added to the mix were the expertise of Bartender “Jimmy”, and in the kitchen, Chef Propriétaire, Ashley Seig Williams – a winning team.
The Charlottesville Branch set a Garden Party attendance record, with 102 RSVPs, reflective of the dramatic growth of the organization, thanks in large measure to Cindy, focusing on the Senior circuit, and Holly on new members in their 40s.
Guests streamed in by the dozens. Some could not get past the beautiful buffet. Others, went first to wet their whistles.
The array of colors and chapeaux were a sight for sore eyes. Properly accoutered, as one would expect, our members rose to the occasion with charm and elegance.
Some of the members have been on board decades, others as little as two days
(think Amanda Parks, above photos, right pc on right, sourced by Holly, above left pc on left).
In due course, all moved outside to conduct a short AGM to elect Officers and Board Members. The program began with a moment of silence for longtime and beloved member, John Ford, who passed away on May 23rd, after a hardfought battle against cancer for some three years. Your President had the honor of singing the Lord’s Prayer and offering the Eulogy for our dearest friend.
A bouquet of flowers was presented to hostess Cindy; new members were introduced. The members with guests then introcduced them. Prospective members we hope. The slate of Officers and Directors was presented by immediate past President, Dr. Julia Van de Water. With cheers going up with the mention of each name, the President concluded that the new team was installed by acclamation.
The biggest treat of the afternoon was the performance of budding actor, Jackson Davis, the Western High School finalist, and the winner of the 12-school Final Shakespeare Contest at Blackfriars Playhouse back in February. His winning performance was from Richard III, Act V, Scene 3, and Sonnet 71. He was introduced by Education Chair, Debbie Pruett. He brought his parents who were lovely, and so thrilled for their son for this ESU investment in, and experience for, Jackson. He did not disappoint. Members were enthralled by his performance.
When asked about his experience at the National Competition at Lincoln Center in April, his genuine enthusiasm and excitement were palpable. If his performance and testimony were not an inspiring invitation for members to head to Blackfriars to watch these young thespians strut their stuff the first Saturday in February….
Members were absolutely captivated. The Shakespeare Contest is the world-wide iconic ESU philanthropy for a reason. As Past President Patricia Taylor was heard to remark, “Get his his autograph while you can!”
There followed the traditional, glasses charged, hearty toast to King Charles III, with a hearty thrice-said hip hip Huzzah. The President then broke into singing the refrain from Rule Britannia, with members joining into the fun.
The meeting ended with the announcement of the winners of the men’s and women’s, first-ever, Chapeau Contest. Judges were “vetted” by President Phil and remained anoymous, to protect their health and well-being. The best ladies’ hat was judged by two lady members. The men were judged by two men. “Proper” Champagne was the gift. With this hat, Connie Hund won the ladies’ contest. By all accounts, the judges hit their mark with this creation. Connie was so excited, and immediately broke into the funniest acceptance speech, for which she received another round of applause.
Here they are, with First Lady Marilyn, relishing their victories.
And speaking of stylish, look at these oh so chic members.
By any measure, a grand success. We thank our hosts Cindy & Bob for opening their gracious home to the members for the Garden Party.
Your President and First Lady were so pleased that you came and seemed to have a splendid time. If not before, with your best finery on, we look forward to seeing you, if not before, at the Black-Tie Kick Off event at Farmington Country Club on Tuesday, October 8th. Following the Champagne Reception, and dinner, we will treated to an exciting presentation, by the new head of the University of Virginia English Department, Prof. Andrew Stauffer. He will be speaking about his new book on the storied Romantic poet, Lord George Byron. Until then, have a great summer.
Cheers, Marilyn and Phil