Man of the Hour

Last night I had the pleasure to photograph at a benefit Roast honoring Lakewood Playhouse’s Marcus Walker. Marcus is truly one of the area’s finest artists and a damn fine individual. From the Lakewood Playhouse’s website:

“This is my tenth season with the Lakewood Playhouse and I look forward to the future, however, a great challenge has been presented to me.

I have been diagnosed with malignant metastatic melanoma-a very virulent form of cancer. I’m about three weeks into treatment, and am feeling good. My struggle for health is happening on many fronts from traditional chemotherapy and radiation to some naturopathic complementary treatments. There is hope that I will be included in a new immunotherapy trial for this kind of advanced stage-four melanoma.

I wanted all of you to know because I feel the patrons, students and artists of this theatre have become my associates and friends-my community over these ten seasons. And I hope you’ll continue supporting the Lakewood Playhouse through this season and for many seasons to come.” – Marcus Walker

The night was lovely. Tacoma’s theatre crowd showed up in droves to honor Marcus and show their financial support for Lakewood Playhouse. Urban Grace hosted the event in their super-cool sanctuary. The room was filled, spirits were high and a few folks even lost some hair in the process, most notably Tacoma Little Theatre’s Scott Campbell who lost his silky locks in good support of Marcus’ fight. Other notables: David Fischer, Christian Doyle, Alex Smith, Bob Reed, Leslie Foley, Samantha Camp, Bruce Story, Elliot Weiner, John Munn, Duncan Foley, Luke Amundson, Erin Chanfrau, James Venturini, Ali Criss, Jenifer Rifenbery, Scott C. Brown and Tim Millander. Of course Lauren Walker, Marcus’ wife  and Tacoma City Councilwoman, was also there to offer her support to her husband of thirty years. The two held hands and smiled nearly the whole time.

Good news! All images I took of the night can be purchased in support of Lakewood Playhouse’s “Friend’s Fund.” They come in two sizes: 4×6 prints ($10) and 5×7 prints ($25). The high-resolution slideshow is $50. I will make the donation to the theatre on January 1, so get your orders in before December 31. Check back on this blog on New Year’s Day for a report on the total amount donated.  Once again: all proceeds from the sale of these images and slideshow will benefit the theatre. Visit this secure gallery to get your stuff!

Thanks to all who came out. Marcus, we are fighting with you and for you. xoxoxox Jesse