Stoneham Theatre Marathon Team Hosts CARBO-LOADING DINNER 4/14

On April 19th five runners will set off from Hopkinton, MA with their hearts pumping to beat the band. Landers Symes, Lee Griffiths, Matt Chapuran, Mike Elmer, and Weylin Symes formed Team Stoneham Theatre last summer to run the Boston Marathon. They will be competing in the Marathon in support of Stoneham Theatre, including its popular young company's educational programs, and the American Heart Association, in honor of Gavin Symes, a brother and friend who passed away last year from a heart attack.

The Carbo-Loading Dinner with the Runners is sponsored by Georgie D's Restaurant & Piano Lounge and will be held at the theatre on Wednesday, April 14th, at 6 pm, before that evening's Emerging Stages timely production of "Marathon" written by Edoardo Erba, adapted by Israel Horovitz, and directed by Josiah George. Tickets to the dinner, which include the performance, range from $40-$45. Tickets can be purchased at the Stoneham Theatre Box Office by calling (781) 279-2200, open Tuesday through Saturday, 1-6 pm, or online at www.stonehamtheatre.org. For more information please contact Kelly Gaudet (781) 279-7885, x101 or kelly@stonehamtheatre.org. The theater is conveniently located at 395 Main Street, Stoneham, in the center of town and close to several exits off of Routes 93 and 95.

Gavin Symes was a husband, a student, a lawyer, Stoneham Theatre board member, and most importantly, a father, devoted to his kids, Grace and Henry. He was also the best friend and identical twin brother of runner Weylin Symes, Producing Artistic Director of Stoneham Theatre, and younger brother of runner Landers Symes. Gavin's heart disease, like that of many, remained "silent" until it was too late. Stoneham Theatre's Marathon Team was formed as a way to encourage individuals to push their doctors for more comprehensive testing, especially if there is a family history of heart disease. The Team is essentially running for their lives - and yours.

Landers Symes (from Rockport), Lee Griffiths (from Boston), Matt Chapuran (from Jamaica Plain), Mike Elmer (from Andover), and Weylin Symes (from Newburyport) have all pledged to raise a minimum of $5,000 each by April 19th and the theatre has already reached 75% of its goal of $50,000. Donations can be made online by going directly to www.stonehamtheatre.org/dev_marathon2010.html. The funds will support the theatre's operations with a portion directed to the American Heart Association. Donations can be made in various levels to support a specific runner. Stoneham Theatre will award a prize to one randomly selected donor who supports the runner who crosses the finish line first.

Go Team!

Further Background:

More personal information about Stoneham Theatre Marathon Team and its mission can be found at http://stonehamtheatre.org/dev_marathon2010.html, where Weylin Symes states:

"Why does anyone try to run a Marathon? Stupidity, ego, naivete? For me, it's all of those but also a way to help deal with the terrible loss of my twin brother and best friend last year. Over the past year I discovered I have some of the same health concerns that he did (not surprising since we're identical twins). Because of my brother and my own health problems, I was very afraid of exercise for the six months after his death. Running the Boston Marathon is a way (albeit a rather extreme one) for me to face my fears over my own health and to prove to myself that I can continue to live a full and active life. And, as much as I'm not sure I understand the idea of running a race in memory of someone, I think that is part of it as well. Sometimes just doing something (even running a race) feels good when faced with something as final and incomprehensible as the loss of someone so close. And the fact that I get to share this experience with my older brother makes it even more special. Also doing this for two causes I believe in, Stoneham Theatre and the American Heart Association just adds an extra layer. So, somehow this race is for Gavin. Here's hoping my achilles tendons hold up!"

Stoneham Theatre, a professional non-profit theatre, produces a rich mix of high quality work that appeals to the diverse tastes and interests of the region, provides year-round comprehensive arts education for young people, and offers everyone the opportunity to examine the world through the experience of live theatre.

Through the creation of inspiring live theatre, the young company at Stoneham Theatre develops life skills of confidence, self-discipline and collaboration, preparing individuals for future success. Theatre professionals teach diverse year-round programs for ages 3-18, in an inclusive professional theatre environment.

As a nonprofit performing arts organization, Stoneham Theatre depends on the support of individuals and organizations to fulfill its mission of providing quality, affordable and accessible performing arts and educational opportunities to our communities.

Weylin Symes serves as the theatre's Producing Artistic Director. www.stonehamtheatre.org