Catawba College's Blue Masque Hall of Fame inductees were honored as part of the college's Homecoming Weekend activities Oct. 24-26.
This year's Blue Masque Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception were in Hedrick Little Theatre at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 24. Those honored by Catawba in 2014 for their meritorious work in the theatre arts include David Newell, theatre design and production company owner and director; Donna White Cory, professional musical theatre and dance teacher/choreographer; Tim Ross, theatre, radio, television, and film professional; and Fred Inkley, Broadway musical theatre star.
The purpose of the Catawba College Blue Masque Hall of Fame is to recognize and perpetuate the noteworthy theatre tradition of Catawba College by honoring and memorializing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to this tradition. Inductees into the Hall of Fame must have either attended Catawba College as a full time student, been employed at Catawba as a full or part time faculty/staff member, or contributed to the success of the Blue Masque by performing outstanding service as a volunteer.
David Mueller Newell was owner, director, and manager of ATTCO, Inc. in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1968 until 2005. His theatrical design and production company served theatre, film, conventions, tradeshows, and various other production based needs throughout the Pacific. ATTCO has offices and production shops on three of the islands and employs over 90 technicians. A 1961 Catawba College graduate in drama, Newell also attended graduate school at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash.
Cory
Donna White Cory currently teaches master classes in musical theatre for the University of Cincinnati, is director of the dance program for the Bishop's School in La Jolla, Calif., and is guest instructor/choreographer for Ballet Pensacola in Florida, as well as Idyllwild Arts in Idyllwild, Calif. Cory's other professional experience includes work at numerous California theatres and educational institutions, such as the La Jolla Playhouse, the San Diego Academy of Arts, and San Diego's Globe Theatre. A 1982 Catawba College theatre arts graduate, she also holds the M.F.A. in theatre from the University of Mississippi.
Ross
Tim Ross has performed in over 50 equity/professional theatre productions, appeared in twenty-three feature films, eight television shows, and done twenty-five commercials. Calling Charlotte home, Ross has also been with WFAE public radio for the past 15 years. He is the main fill-in for their morning and afternoon news shows, as well as the producer of Charlotte Talks, a popular WFAE radio show. Ross is a 1986 Catawba College theatre arts and speech communication graduate.
Fred Inkley has performed on Broadway in the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and in its national touring company.
Inkley has also acted in the original Broadway casts of The Addams Family and A Tale of Two Cities. Other New York and national tour appearances include Beauty and the Beast (the Beast), Annie (Broadway revival), Of Thee I Sing, and The Boys From Syracuse. Inkley is a 1988 graduate in musical theatre from Catawba College.
At 7:30 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 24, immediately preceding the 8 p.m. Hall of Fame induction ceremony, current and former Catawba theatre arts students will present a talent showcase, also in Hedrick Little Theatre. Admission includes the showcase, induction ceremony and a reception following.
