Munn Leading Lakewood Playhouse Through End of 2010-11 Season

The Lakewood Playhouse faced an obvious decision when managing artistic director 's role began to recede well before his death on March 11.

The last play he directed, was one of the playhouse's most successful stage performances. It symbolized Walker's effort in financially revitalizing the theater from near bankrupt to a sustainable, premier community theater. During Walker's 10-year tenure, Lakewood Playhouse Board of Directors Duncan Foley said the budget increased approximately tenfold.

Preservation and continuation of a functioning theater will be the focus of temporary managing artistic director John Munn. Walker and the board of directors chose Munn because of his close relationship with Walker and experience in managing a theater staff and directing shows.

Munn has 33 years of theater experience in various capacities, including acting. He started his own theater in the 1990s and worked at The Tacoma Little Theater and another others in Pierce and King counties.

"It's my job that the quality stays the way through the transition," he said.

Before the 2010-11 season ends, Munn will take the lead in directing "Lion in Winter," written by James Goldman, followed by the classic musical thriller "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler.

You can read about both plays here.

The new season is expected soon, Foley said, but naming the new managing artistic director could take months.

"Walker was a fixture of the community," Foley said. "We're going to look at what little things need to be tightened. We're not trying to higher a replacement within the next week. It takes time and that time is mourning time."

The entire playhouse staff came to grips about eight months ago when Walker publicly announced his diagnosis with metastatic melanoma. Foley said the staff rallied as a result and took responsibility when Walker's cancer became terminal approximately two months earlier.

"All the pieces are already in place and we are already moving forward," he said. "The next 100 miles of road are being designed and built."

Managing a community theater's finances is always at the forefront. Foley and the playhouse are currently working to finish the $50,000 electrical system and prepare for next season's lineup.

Foley said this coming season is budgeted but the Playhouse's survival will depend—like it always has—on the quality of the performances.

"Yeah there will be big shoes (to fill)," Foley said. "But they will be filled."

Munn echoed his comment.

"This is not a sinking ship," Munn said. "This is a ship moving forward."