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Tony Humrichouser Artistic Director Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
F
or centuries, theater has provided its audiences with a means to escape the imperfect world in which we live. And during tumultuous times, theater is a place that can offer perspective and inspiration and aid in healing, says Tony Humrichouser, the artistic director of the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. “Now we have an even higher charge,” Humrichouser says of the Civic’s role. “We must listen and understand that Black lives matter. Then we must find stories to tell that reflect all experiences on our stages.” Humrichouser, who first arrived in Kalamazoo in 1986 at the age of 19 as a student at Western Michigan University, is no stranger to the Civic’s role in the community. He performed in Brighton Beach Memoirs and had high regard for the position of artistic director. Through the years, he has acted, directed and taught professionally in cities such as Chicago and New York, working with many household names, but he says he always knew he'd return to Kalamazoo. He is engaged to actor Stephen Wallem, of Nurse Jackie fame, and the couple split their time between homes in Kalamazoo and New York City. What brought you back to Kalamazoo after all these years? Kalamazoo has always felt like home to me. In fact, every time I dream about being on stage, it's on our stage. It is a special place. (continued on page 37)
38 | ENCORE OCTOBER 2020
