Comments, Thoughts and Stories from fellow Thespians and Friends of Beth Ann O'Hara
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Beth Ann O'Hara has one major flaw - she doesn't know when to stop. I have worked on very few productions with her that she didn't want to "tweak" the set up to 45 minutes before curtain. She never lets the phrase "that'll do" enter into her conversation or her mind set ... and she won't let you do it either. Thank you for pushing me to the brink and for taking me beyond where I thought I could go. - Lacy Long
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A simple thank you to Beth Ann... I wouldn't have met my other half without the New Thalian Players.... for that I'm indebted - Sara Scheiner
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I will always be grateful to Beth Ann O'Hara and the organization that she founded. She was the first person (other than my mother) to believe in my singing and acting abilities. She really brought out the best in me and saw past my weak auditions and put me in roles I had only dreamed of playing. Thanks for being a wonderful director, friend and mentor. As the British would say, "God Bless your cotten socks".
Love, Maggie Burgess Murphy
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What a thrill it was to visit the NH Theatre.com Website to see Beth Ann O'Hara named as the 2004 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It could not have been given to a better, more deserving person than BA. Beth Ann is the personification of all that is good in Community Theatre. I remember the first time meeting her at a New Thalian audition, and then getting to know her at the subsequent rehearsals. What a caring, loving, maternal woman she is. No matter how you felt, it was inevitable that seeing Beth Ann would cheer you up.
Whether it was a kind word, an offering of food, her sweet smile, or hugs bigger than life itself, you always felt good around BA. As for the quality of theatre she produced... her proof was in the pudding! I learned a great deal about the art of, and the importance of character development from Beth Ann, and I'll always be grateful to her for that. I could go on and on with accolades for this magnificent woman, however time and space is limited. I love you Beth Ann. Congratulations on your lifetime achievement award! - Brett Mallard
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Although she is very well known for her accomplishments in theatre, what Beth Ann taught me transcends the stage. Through actions and examples I was shown how to teach, lead, and inspire others to do more, accomplish more, and still enjoy what we are doing. Her charisma is inspiring, her strength a lesson for life, her passion is contagious, and her talent is at a level to which I always strive to match.
Thank you BA, for all that and more -- Joe Vago
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Beth Ann O'Hara is one of the most generous individuals I have ever been privileged to know. Through sickness and health I have never met a woman who personified grace and love as succinctly as Beth Ann does. She has a way of expressing herself that is unlike any other I've witnessed and I am truly honored to be the recipient of her critiques and suggestions.
I rarely see an actor wait with bated breath to learn what notes the director has to give, but Beth Ann's total adoration of people and respect for the art remove any hint of criticism as she works with an actor to transform and inspire them to reach new heights. Her perspectives are precious and wise and I know many feel blessed to be able to work with her. - Barbara Lawler
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I first became aware of BA's compassion and big heart when we were being a couple of Jewish mothers to our costumer and dear friend, Tim Slatte. This gracious lady made Tim's final months comfortable and
free from care. Besides the hands-on care, she handled his affairs and at the end even arranged his funeral. When family members arrived in town, Beth Ann saw to it that they all had comfortable accomodations. From that time on, I became very involved with the New Thalian Players - choreographing and musically staging Beth Ann's productions. It was a very happy and fulfilling association.
In 2000, when Beth Ann's health no longer would allow her to put on the quality productions she was known for - she asked me to take over the management of the New Thalians. Beth Ann remains as Artistic Director and lends her most welcome expertise to our shows.
Her only instructions to me were: 1. Always remember to let people know when they are doing a good job. and 2. Touch the person you are talking too either by holding a hand or putting an arm around their shoulder - as it gives comfort.
Yes, Beth Ann is truly a people person. Always ready to listen to a problem, give comfort or a helping hand when needed. She considers the New Thalians her family and we were all treated accordingly. It has been an honor, a privilege and a distinct pleasure having this lovely lady in my life. -- Betty Thomson
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When I was in high school, I would sometimes park my car in front of the school, and sleep in the back seat for the duration of first period Chemistry. I could do this safely for a certain amount of days without
having my Chemistry grade drop one letter. At the end of the grading quarter, however, I realized I forgot
to include in my calculations the time I skipped an entire day of school to rest for "Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". I had already been a "C" Chemistry student, but since I was an extra day over the absentee mark, I would have wound up with a "D" unless I could justify one of my absences by 3:00pm that day. I would like to thank Beth Ann firstly for being home when I called her in a panic,
and secondly for generously agreeing to write an explanation note for my "Joseph" absence. Thirdly,
for living in a place that I didn't get lost driving to.
She also matched me up with my First Love as a dancing partner. That rocked.
Once, during a summer NTP barbeque, I dispensed an armada of emotional sentiments onto her lap and
thanked her for giving me a second family. She told me I made her day, and the thought that I made her day made my own day. We had a mutual day-making experience.
I like her. I think we should keep her. - Aaron Compagna
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Since 1968, I have worked with quite a few community groups in many capacities in the southern New Hampshire region. My hands-down favorite from every possible point of view is the New Thalian Players, and the reason is Beth Ann O'Hara.
My first direct contact with NTP was the auditions for "The Pajama Game" in the fall of 1995. Everyone from NTP was so encouraging. Well, I did get cast - not in the ensemble, but as the lead - Babe Williams! I was astonished and very humbled at the hugely warm reception from the entire "PJ Game" cast, crew and NTP organization. I have been an active member ever since and thoroughly treasure all the people I've worked with and played with and am extremely proud to find myself considered a part of the NTP Family.
The soul, wit, artistic aesthetic and ethical essence of the NTP are "wo-manifested" in its matriarch, Beth Ann O'Hara. I had previously directed productions for other organizations, however, since working that first production with B.A., I have done my best to emulate everything about her as a director, performer, mentor, and friend. I can only hope that I have succeeded to even the smallest of measures.
With B.A.'s retirement to an "Emeritus" position, my fervent hope for NTP as it moves into the future is that we all remember from whence we came and constantly ask ourselves, "What would Beth Ann do, or say, or whatever." If we can do this, the future of NTP will be as bright and rosy, as warm and loving, as creatively challenging and rewarding, and as welcoming as its past.
Brava, B.A., and congratulations on this richly deserved honor. God bless you and keep you with us for many years to come. - Catherine Andruskevich
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My short interactions with Beth Ann O'Hara were an enriching experience that made me keenly aware of theatre's ability to put us more in touch with our own humanity and the importance of character in acting. I did not do more than one production with her, but I am grateful for that one. - Greg Tarsa
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For me, the mystique always begins when Beth Ann enters the room. The atmosphere simply changes from being just another meeting or rehearsal and takes on the air of a very special family gathering. This “family feeling” likely originates from Beth Ann’s personal greetings and hugs, in combination with a maternal dispensation of assorted mega-doses of heart-felt appreciation and affection, offbeat humor, and occasional soul-nurturing console (when needed), for everyone.
Our group frequently responds by sharing special enthusiasm, energy, and focus with each other that often translates into technical skill and artistry in the performance. It’s been said that this “family feeling” is the glue that holds the New Thalian Players together. I think it’s true!
Congratulations Beth Ann on receiving this 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award. As for me, I am honored and pleased to be a member of the New Thalian Player family. - Jack Trommer
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I have probably met Beth Ann O'Hara about five times in my life, and already I have to acknowledge her as one of the most encouraging and supportive people I have ever met in theatre - in New Hampshire OR Los Angeles. My show JUDY'S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS has just completed it's second holiday run in L.A., where it was nominated for Best Musical (LA Weekly) and the prestigious Ovation Award as World Premiere Musical. All well and good, but "JUDY" might not have never seen it's FIRST holiday run, if it weren't for Beth Ann's vision and enthusiasm. She SO deserves this award. - Jim Webber, Pasadena CA
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Beth Ann O'Hara has filled the role of Director, Producer, Writer, Costumer, Set designer, Theatrical coach, and all around mother figure to many in the Granite State theatre community. 
