Molly McKasson

From Pima County News:

Molly McKasson, writer, actress and former teacher and Tucson City Council member, will meet and talk with the public at Pima County Public Library’s next “Meet Me at the Library: Conversations with Arizona Leaders” on Saturday, Jan. 14.*

The event is 2-3:30 p.m. at the Himmel Park Branch Library, 1035 N Treat Ave., and is free and open to the public.

McKasson served two terms representing Ward 6 on the Tucson City Council from 1989 to 1997 and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1999 against Bob Walkup. She continues to be active in the community. Her writing has appeared in a number of local magazines and other publications. She has directed and acted in a number of theater productions, most recently “Circle Mirror Transformation” at Invisible Theatre in November.

Meet Me at the Library is an opportunity for people to meet and talk to elected officials and other community leaders.

Previous invited officials to this Conversations have been former UA President Robert Shelton, retiring Pima County Supervisor Ann Day (District 1) and current Chair Supervisor Ramon Valadez (District 2), State Senators Paula Aboud (LD 28), Linda Lopez (LD 29), Frank Antenori (LD 30).

I’ve known Molly for a number of years since she was our Ward 6 Councilmember, and attended the memorial service of her husband Rich Morgan two years ago. She is a very strong woman, who has a deep sense of community involvement.

1/11/12: Just received notification that this library talk has been cancelled. See note below.

*1/12/12: Molly’s talk has been rescheduled to Tuesday Feb.7, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Himmel Library.

All new show by the Invisible Theatre, to be performed at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway (west of the I-10):

“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m Home for the Holidays”
Dec. 19 and 20 only, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $42

Call Invisible Theatre at 520-882-0721 for information, purchase tickets online at www.invisibletheatre.com.

This is Steve Solomon’s sequel to his long running New York show “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy.” Sounds like the typical New York story about everyone seeing a therapist.

And coming up in January on the 14th and 15th, John Amos’ Halley’s Comet, also at Berger.

One night only, Wed, June 29 at 8 p.m. at Invisible Theater, 1400 N. 1st Avenue (at Drachman):

Join Tucson’s “Blues Divas” Lisa Otey, Diane Van Duerzen, and Heather Hardy and feel the “Power of Love” as they celebrate 100 years of classic sexy and sassy blues women from Ma Rainey to Etta James!

For more info log onto their website, www.invisibletheatre.com, or call (520) 882-9721 or email invisibletheatre@email.com.

A very visible (not invisible) force in Tucson for over 40 years…

The Invisible Theatre (IT) of Tucson, a 501 C 3 organization, is dedicated to producing quality theatre and arts education experiences for all facets of the community in an intimate setting that showcases local professional talent and guest artists. IT takes its name from the invisible energy that flows between a performer and audience, creating the magic of theatre. Started in 1971 as an arena for local playwrights , the theatre has expanded its programs to include adaptations of classics and recent Off-Broadway plays and musicals, while continuing to encourage new playwrights through both full productions and stage readings.

Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen, Associate Artistic Director James Blair, and Associate Producer Cathy Johnson, IT is strongly committed to community service and outreach programs. The company’s current season includes a six play Main Stage season, many special events, Project Pastime – an educational theatre program for the mentally challenged including a video workbook and seminars that encourage community dialogue.

And note that Susan spells her last name as “Claassen” not to be confused with my last name of “Classen”, though we now humorously consider ourselves “cousins”. I recently watched the Pastime Players perform at the Flux Gallery (at Plaza Palomino) and they are a group of talented and fun-loving high schoolers.