The Newton Theatre community lost a sizeable talent, director, and friend last week with the news that Jonathan Thorne had gone home to be with the Lord at the young age of 46.
Jonathan has been a staple at The Roxy theatre for many years, where he acted in many roles, directed numerous productions, was an active board member, as well as serving stints as president and vice president of the board. Not to mention, he knew everything about that theater like the back of his hand.
But the most important role that Johathan served for the Newton Theatre Company was the role of introducing children, and some adults, to the art of theater. If there was a role that he was born to play, it was to be a teacher and encourager. Jonathan was actively involved in most children’s and youth productions, either as director or assisting, teaching his “Theater Kids” how to project their voice, how to easily learn their lines and songs, and most importantly, “Don’t you miss your cue to come out on that stage”.
My family only had a few years to get to know Jonathan, but I’m thankful we did. At the ripe age of 49, I was encouraged to dip my toes into taking part in a musical. As a rookie, I was afraid that all the “normies” wouldn’t much care for all the mistakes I’d eventually make, being that I’d never took part in any kind of production. However, Jonathan was one of those that encouraged and gave great advise that I truly appreciated.
Another thing I learned about Jonathan was he was a true character, on and off stage. He was hilarious, sometimes when he wasn’t even trying to be. And he was also one that would be straight up with you if something wasn’t working. But in a humorous, Jonathan way.
When it comes to musicals, we both sang in the tenor section, except he was proficient in reading music and knowing his part, while I’m just not. I’d always make a point to be near him in rehearsals so I could hear the part and sing along. And in many instances, my spidey senses could feel his eyes roll into the back of his head as I wrecked his beautiful tenor vocal with my offkey dog yodeling.
A true testament to Jonathan’s reach was the many posts on Facebook last week that shared how much he meant to so many. From current theater kid parents to some grown up former “kids”. And every one of them repeated how his encouragement, expertise, and friendship was such a big part of their life. He was that dude!
If we can take any solace from last week, it’s that Jonathan’s last task on this earth was going through a full rehearsal with his “Theater Kids” for the upcoming Christmas play, “The One and Only Santa Claus”. For weeks he had bragged about how great a job his kids were doing.
The show will go on, and you can bet he wouldn’t’ have it any other way. I can even hear him say it:
“Don’t you cancel that show!”
