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We have lost the patriarch of a very extended family. Think of the friendships and relationships (not to mention real families!!) that have been formed through Court House Players. Like a father, Dick sometimes during rehearsals said things that may have hurt my feelings, but I always realized later that it wasn't personal and that his comments helped me improve as a performer and as a person. Like a father, he balanced the criticism with compliments and praise. I guess that's why I kept going back for more. I have Dick (and Meryl, Kitty and Ann) to thank for helping me grow from being just a member of the chorus with one line to having leading roles and a solo. The self-confidence that I gained through CHP has helped me in other areas of my life as well.

George and I can also thank Dick for bringing us together through CHP. The first time I noticed George during "Annie" was when Dick had a "shoe to throw" at him about a set piece that wasn't in place in time, and George threw it right back at him! Who was this man who dared talk back to Dick?!!... Thank you Dick for your vision and for friends, a marriage, and a creative outlet!

Anne and George Rhodes

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Dick gave me my first role in a CHP production, after a 15 year hiatus from the stage. I only had the opportunity to do a few shows with him, and it saddens me that I'll never work with him again. He was a demanding presence, always fine tuning, always pushing, always squeezing every last drop of opportunity from a scene. The challenge of rising to his expectations was electrifying and, ultimately, gratifying. Someone said at his memorial celebration that he was a real "professional," and nothing could be more true. But beyond that, he made professionals out of us; he made us - so many housewives, salesmen, office managers, teachers, students, etc. - look and feel like we were pros. It is an undying source of pride for me to have been part of a Dick Lusher production. When I received my first "Dickie," he gave me the ultimate compliment calling me the "find of the century." Right back at you, Dick. I'll miss you.

Carolyn Molly

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We first met Dick and Meryl in 1980. We sailed up the East River two miles and the fellow whose dock we got out on took us to meet them as they were potters too. By the first day in Mathews we had keys to their house, use of their kiln and wheel, and a job offer at Stage Craft. Of course then we got involved in building sets for the players, doing painting, lights and sound, in the good old days a real adventure in keeping it going. Dick always got Volunteers. He hadn't started throwing shoes then, just threw hissy fits the week before the dress rehearsals, which always got your attention, and a good dress rehearsal.

Steve and Jane Witmer

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I first met Dick lusher during the production of KISS ME KATE eons ago..., the year foggy... I remember commenting to him that I couldn't comprehend how he got so many people on one stage! The sets, costumes, the immense scope of the production blew me away. Here in this undiscovered territory, this Tidewater area... this river community. Wow! I could never find the same enthusiasm on my side of the rivers (two rivers away)... I've tried... believe me I've tried.... but I kept tabs on the Court House Players' activities... it kept going... I was envious. The participation over my way (Lancaster Players) by the CHP has been inspirational. And lifesaving in a way and when I decided to play a part, venture out, look for something I was missing, I did so with great relish and enthusiasm and a thousand other expletives and adjectives. When I think of the PETER PAN experience... I don't dwell on the event, the fall, the heart, the circumstances... but on the incredible effort and unity of the people... who, basically were there because of and due to Dick. Yes! The production was thrilling to me... The energy incomparable. I have said my many personal thank yous... for my life... yet never had the chance to thank one man. Somehow he created, molded, taught, loved a group of wonderful individuals and talent that still amazes me. And it continues to grow and everyone that reads this needs to commit to his vision, continue the work... just keep doing, creating. I visited, if you can really call it visiting, Dick and Meryl the night before he died. I just felt the need to see him, although I really didn't know him. What does one say, there in ICU to anyone?  I said my name. A week later I celebrated his life and vision at a thrilling event. The sunset perfect. The tributes, the music. I thank Dick and all of you. You have welcomed me like I've never been welcomed before. Made me feel at home, wherever home is. Maybe this is my generic thanks to all of you, but it's also a homage to someone who really shared the same ideals and standards and vision of excellence as me. I wish I had known  him better... You folks are lucky! Maybe I do know him better now. Go figure! Life! Stay with it. I want to join you again somewhere down the line. Dick would like that. No more now... Overly sentimental. Love you!

Also... Karl Brubaker... you ROCK BUDDY!

I saw a Lost Boy (Soraya)  in my neck of the woods last week and Mrs. Darling (Amy) a month ago. It was cool. Made me smile. Thanks to all!

Randal Tyler

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Funny that I, of all people, should be so late in sending something in for Dick's tribute. I'm seldom at a loss for words. I've thougt a lot about what to say. There's so much and yet not enough. Tom and I first met Dick and Meryl in January, 1989. By the Spring we were in our first  CHP show, "Guys and Dolls", and we haven't stopped since! I'd done some community theatre before, but not in a long time, and was dying to get back into it. What a wonderful experience it was! Little did I know then how much I would grow to love and respect Dick Lusher. He taught me so much about this craft that I love. I'll never forget my surprise and delight when he asked me to co-direct "The Odd Couple" (female version) with him. He had enough faith in me to turn me loose as a director. But he was always there when I'd call with questions or problems. And there were always questions and problems! Who will I call now? I can just hear him saying, "You can do it, kid!" There are only two real regrets that I have. The first being that I wasn't there when the curtain fell. I left Dick 20 minutes before he died. What an honor it would have been to be there. But, knowing Dick, he probably waited for me to go. The other is that there was still so much he could have taught me. Why didn't I pay closer attention, or ask more questions of this genious of a man? Thanks, Dick, for everything. For your patience and sometimes your impatience, your masterful direction and designs, your mentoring, your confidence, your hospitality, your humor and mostly, your love. We'll miss you.

Kitty

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