Lake Forest Friends Reunite during "Damn Yankees" at CenterStage

The year was 1966 and students at Lake Forest High School were performing, “The King & I”.  Fast forward to 2014 to this summer’s CenterStage in Lake Forest production of, “Damn Yankees”.  What do they have in common?  Friends June Entwisle Miller (Lake Bluff) and Bob Sanders (formerly Lake Forest) played opposite each other in that 1966 show.  Years later, with Bob having spent most of his adulthood in New York City, they are reunited again on stage – this time in “Damn Yankees” at Gorton Community Center!

Both Bob and June remember fondly the vibrant theater arts community that existed in Lake Forest years ago – a community of educators and theater lovers who formed Group For… which later became CenterStage in Lake Forest, now in its 43rd Season. Bob recalls performing in the very first CenterStage production of, “Bells Are Ringing”, before moving to NYC for a professional career in acting, scenic design and video production and editing.

June went on to a career in music education and performs in a variety of theaters on the North Shore.  The entire family has been involved with numerous CenterStage productions over the years.  June’s husband, Dave Miller is a founding member of CenterStage and retired several years ago from Lake Forest High School, where he taught and was manager of the theater.  Thanks to Dave’s guidance and the continued encouragement of LFHS - technical directors, lighting, sound and set designers, set builders and running crew who were trained at LFHS, spend their summers with CenterStage, further honing their skills. 

Bob & June both remember with admiration, Jay G. Criche, who taught and directed many shows at LFHS and was a founding member of CenterStage. Both recall with fascination, Jay’s tutorials on the essential truth versus reality and the illusion of art.  CenterStage has named an annual scholarship to a LFHS student in memory of Mr. Criche.  June remembers with fondness, the dedication and determination of Brooks and Jackie Smith who saved Gorton from demolition years ago, turning it from a school, into a community center.  This also afforded CenterStage its home and a space to stage nearly 100 productions over the past 43 years.

Bob’s visit in February to see his mother had an unexpected “twist” when he fell at the grocery store resulting in a serious leg injury.  Forced to remain in Lake Forest to heal and receive physical therapy, Bob says his real “therapy” began the day he auditioned for “Damn Yankees”.  Speaking about director, Mark Amdahl Taylor, Bob states, “Mark is building a team – like the coach in a locker room – his positive and professional manner is relentless and encouraging.”

And so, these dear friends, separated over forty years ago, invite you to celebrate with them their joy of the theater….of creating art….and working together.  Meet your friends and neighbors at the ballpark for the 43rd season musical presented by your local community theater, CenterStage.  “Damn Yankees” runs July 25-August 2 at Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Visit www.CenterStageLakeForest.org for tickets.