Remembering Andrew McLaglen

Andrew McLaglen – Photo Courtesy SJCT

When we say local talent around here we really mean it. The caliber of artists in our midst can be breathtaking. Late last month we lost a shining star, Andrew McLaglen, the Hollywood director who came to make his home here on San Juan Island. Here to remember him is Susan Williams, Artistic Director for San Juan Community Theatre, herself a cornerstone of our theatre community.

In late August, 2014 our beloved friend Andrew V. McLaglen passed away.  His death brings a sense of loss to our Theatre community and a time of contemplation as well.
 Andrew’s contribution to San Juan Community Theatre was unparalleled. 

I first met Andrew when I was playing Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on Orcas Island.   When the evening’s show was over, I was told two guys wanted to talk to me and were waiting in the auditorium.  I walked out wondering who in the heck would be on Orcas that would want to see me, and there stood this great looking, very tall guy with a big smile, Andrew McLaglen, standing next to a shorter guy, also with a big smile, Ernie Gann.  

You could have knocked me over with a hat pin.  That was the first time I met Andrew, and the meeting was a fortuitous one for me.  In 1992 Andrew cast me in Shenandoah and later asked me if there was a role I would love to play and I told him, “Yes, Yelana in Uncle Vanya.”  He simply said,  “Let’s do it,” and we did.  I can’t think of anyone else who would have done that, and in so doing he gave me an experience any actress would savor.

As our friendship grew, I was amazed by a generosity of spirit that extended to everyone who walked in his path.  Andrew loved directing — after all, that was his world in Hollywood — but his ability to transfer that love to our community stage was inspiring to me.   Although he never lost the taste for saying such things as “Action” or “Hit your mark,” he settled into our Theatre and enjoyed, I should say, loved every minute of it.

After Shenendoah, “Big A,” as we liked to call him, directed a series of 17 plays.  Plays that brought in some of our largest audiences and plays I will never forget.  My two personal favorites, Death of a Salesman and Lost in Yonkers, featured some of the best performances I have ever witnessed on the Whittier stage.  Then there were the comedies.  Big A had a heart for comedy and his Neil Simon plays had us laughing.  A lot.  

Andrew became president of the Theatre’s Board of Directors in 1996, and I had the privilege of serving on the Board during his term. They were difficult years for San Juan Community Theatre.  We needed positive leadership laced with a loving heart, and Andrew provided that.

Andrew loved his work at San Juan Community Theatre, and he loved the people. All of us.  We were all part of his world and he ours, and his passing marks the loss of an era.   With that loss we are all reminded that we can, in our own way, preserve his legacy by simply remembering to appreciate life, art and people; to do what we feel passionate about; and to share our passions with like-minded souls. A simple recipe for a rich and rewarding life. 

Thank you Andrew, thanks for everything.  We will miss you.   

Susan Williams

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