The Lakewood Playhouse intends to name a new managing artistic director as early as next month. The previous director, Marcus Walker, died March 11 of melanoma after serving 10 years in the job.
Board member Duncan Foley said about two dozen people applied after a national search. He said the board plans to hire someone in late December or early January.
“We’re moving along, but it’s not as fast as we hoped,” Foley said.
Meanwhile, the theater is making two permanent additions to honor Walker.
On Oct. 28, the eve of what would have been Walker’s 54th birthday, family, friends, city officials and theatergoers gathered for the unveiling of a private street in front of the Lakewood Playhouse as Marcus Walker Way.
The owners of Lakewood Towne Center approved the change, and the City of Lakewood installed the street sign.
“Now when you drive up to the playhouse, Marcus will always be here,” said John Munn, who assumed Walker’s job until a successor is hired. Munn has applied for the permanent job.
The theater also sold bricks for a third donor wall that will include a dedication plaque in honor of Walker. The plaque will include a likeness of Walker. The money will pay for the theater’s operation.
Munn said about 100 bricks were sold.
The playhouse’s production of “Oliver,” based on Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist,” opens Friday.
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