Reunion Theatre Group was formed in 2003 by a group of former Everett High School students in honor of their revered drama teacher, Bob Henry. The adults who were inspired during Henry's EHS teaching career, from 1958 through 1979, had gathered to pay tribute to the man who was such a touchstone in their lives, and before long a new community theater performance group was born.

Celebrating another accomplishment, RTG will present the first play at the new Community Performing Arts Theater in the Everett Mall beginning November 5. The comedy "Don't Talk to the Actors," written by Tom Dudzick and directed by Dave Francke, explores the hilarious backstage mishaps as the best-laid plans go awry for the cast and crew of a Broadway-bound play.

Running weekends November 5 through 14, performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Visit reuniontheatregroup.org for more information. Tickets can also be purchased at the Everett Mall Borders Bookstore.

To date, the Everett Mall is the first in the United States to provide a community performing arts space. Over the past several months, the Reunion Theatre Group and the Everett Symphony have transformed the Everett Mall's old movie theater into the Community Performing Arts Theater, with two stage areas and numerous rooms for rehearsals and small performances. RTG plans to donate all proceeds from the November 12 production of "Don't Talk to the Actors" to support the Everett Symphony's core cause--to celebrate, to strengthen and to heal the community with music.

Dave Francke, director of the RTG play, believes the new partnership with the Everett Symphony at the Community Performing Arts Theater will help sustain both organizations.

"I am very proud to be a part of the community theater that the Symphony has created. The creativity and innovation of this partnership has been amazing, with Ron Friesen, the Symphony's Artistic Director, rolling up his sleeves to build the orchestra risers, and now the risers will become our stage. I am excited to see what is coming as more arts groups call this incredible space their home. We might survive alone, but together we will thrive."

Friesen shares the benefits he sees in this partnership. "We are fortunate to have a resident theater company like Reunion Theatre Group join this effort. They have brought great energy to this project, and the volunteer efforts of Dave Francke have been invaluable to the renovation of the old cinema into a usable theater, rehearsal, and performance space."

This partnership strikes a chord deeper than just painting and cleaning an old theater.

The Everett Symphony, which almost went out of business this year, has emerged with a strong new business model, plans for expansion and a firm resolve to provide the Snohomish County area with affordable opportunities to experience the performing arts.