Stealing Bill
March 27, 2007 | Mischief
Back in college, everything revolved around Theater. All my friends were theater majors, including SB of course. I figured out early on that the theater kids were the coolest and that they had the best parties, so naturally, I wanted in. I eventually had a role or two, and I was up many a wee hour painting faux woodgrain, so I earned my place.
The chair of the Theater Department was Dr. Becvar. Hmm. Where to begin. I’m quite certain I can’t do this man justice, but I’ll give it a try. Picture a tall, skinny, Little Ceasar or a less crotchety Mr. Burns, in a cardigan with matching socks. Flamboyant, dramatic, and fabulous, he has awesome stories and a fiery temper. He smokes like a chimney and is a big fan of gin, and I can’t imagine him any other way. He’s one of those people who are just a CHARACTER, you know what I mean? He’s retired since we graduated and invites you to call him Bill, and for some reason you feel special.
Dr. Becvar was a theater pioneer of Tacoma and back in the 70’s was part of a group that founded Tacoma’s only (and recently folded) professional theater company. I worked at this theater for about two years. (This was the j-o-b I so lovingly detailed, you may recall)
When the theater closed down in financial ruin a couple of weeks ago, I went back to help a friend clean out her office. It was pretty sad. I put a lot of work into keeping that place open, too, and it’s a real loss to the community. When we were finished, we did something I’d always wanted to do while working there, we climbed out her office window and went out on the roof for a cigarette. Good closure and a great view.
As we were getting ready to walk out for the last time, I spotted the big, framed, photograph of Bill that used to hang in the hallway, leaning up against the wall among some other show posters. I worried that with the place closing down, who knew what would happen to it. With the best of intentions, I set about taping one of my cards to the back of it and asking to be called if it were getting thrown out, and that I would make sure that it got to the University. While I was writing all this out, though, it suddenly occurred to me, duh, I’ll just take it.
So I did. I stole Dr. Becvar.
When I got home, I exitedly reported to SB that I had committed a crime and that there was some particularly tasty booty out in my car. He was suitably impressed and informed me, screw PLU, we’re keeping it.
I can’t begin to convey how proud I am of myself.
And look! My nook problem is at long last solved.
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March 27th, 2007 at 8:14 pm, "peaches" Says:
This is frickin’ HI-larious. LOVE it. We just wrapped up a nice visit from the Melvers.
xo
h
March 27th, 2007 at 8:45 pm, tia Says:
what a rich picture. and yes, i’d agree,it looks quite nice in your nook. he totally looks like a legend. does it feel strange tohave his face there, like you do a double take and think someone’s standing there or something? good steal.
March 28th, 2007 at 8:51 am, Beth Says:
Love it.
March 28th, 2007 at 4:57 pm, Noreen Says:
This post couldn’t rock any more. I adore all the pictures. What sites to behold! The Tacoma view is breathtaking, the site of Becvar as your passenger sleighs me (wish I could have see Aaron’s face upon seeing that), and what a lovely and unique nook nicknack. Love it! And, I think if you aksed him, Bill would tell you he wants you to have it.
March 29th, 2007 at 12:04 pm, Jenny Says:
peaches: Hi friend! I have been enjoying the pictures of you and the Melvers on their blog. It looks like you guys had a blast.
tia: So far, he seems like a welcome spirit in the living room. It is just such a good score! Non college friends have just asked who he is, but whenever a college friend comes over, I get so excited waiting for them to notice it.
Beth: Hi there! I’m glad you approve.
Noreen: It WAS pretty fun to make him come outside and see him like that. I could have carried it inside, but what fun would that have been? I too, like to think that Becvar would be glad that we saved his image from destruction. Ans as for PLU, they can have it when we’re done with it!
March 30th, 2007 at 1:12 am, dahli Says:
what a treaty treat!
March 31st, 2007 at 9:31 am, KevinFreitas Says:
That’s a great story and image of Dr. Becvar. I had him for a couple film classes I took while at PLU and he was inspirational. Your description of him in-person is spot on and he didn’t exactly look like he does in that portrait when I knew him.
A worthy heist indeed.
March 31st, 2007 at 5:57 pm, Jenny Says:
dahli: I know!
Kevin: Yesh, this picture is fron the late 70’s-ealry 80’s, I think, which makes it even COOLER. There was another famously groovy one of all the founders together, but I don’t really know who’d want to hang that, you know? Sad.
March 31st, 2007 at 5:57 pm, Jenny Says:
Yesh?
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:43 am, hliv Says:
Dude where’s the cape?
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:18 pm, Jenny Says:
hliv: HA! I think this picture must be in the years between the cape wearing days and when we knew him, as he does not appear to have a bob.
April 2nd, 2007 at 2:50 pm, LSGP Says:
Wow. Just – wow. I am soooooo jealous. Though I have to say, it might get a little creepy with Bill following you around everywhere.
It helps that he looks a little stoned there…but no! he never partook of such things! Never!