Karen Martin made theatrical history Saturday, touching the hearts of all who know her. She also turned the world into her own remarkable stage.
“There is no place I would rather be than on stage,” a surprised and emotional Martin said during a special presentation at Village of Bridgeport Recreation Center. She received the first ever “Spirit Award,” from the Villages Musical Theater.
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“This is historic,” said Sandie Hawthorne, vice chair of the VMT. “This is the first time we’re giving out this award and it might be the last. We may not do it again, but this one is for Karen.”
Martin, who has been suffering with pancreatic cancer for nearly four years, is a well-known actress and singer in The Villages. She was at Bridgeport Saturday to rehearse with The Villages Pop Chorus, and had no idea she would be receiving an award.
“We honor Karen because she is so special and we recognize her courage in battling pancreatic cancer,” Hawthorne said. “We’re here to recognize Karen’s spirit. She has shown us how to hold on to life and how to live life. No matter what, Karen is determined to stay active and alive in theater.”
Martin stood before nearly 100 members of the pops chorus who gave her a long and rousing standing ovation. Her husband, Charlie, came up to hug and kiss his wife after she accepted the award.
“I love you all and I’m so appreciative of the hugs and prayers you have given me,” Karen Martin said. “I see so many faces out there of the people who have given me the strength to keep on keeping on. It’s a joy to share our talent and support for each other.
“I know we will always be there for each other. And, boy, do we need each other.”
Despite her illness, Martin has been a regular on Villages’ stages. She appeared in such local productions as “The Music Man” and a few months ago in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
As always, Martin exudes a special glow on stage. No matter how small the part, or how much pain she is enduring, Martin has a knack to entertain people and make them smile. She possesses a glowing comic charm
“Karen’s talent is what makes her special,” said Bill Davis, chairman of The Villages Musical Theater who also leads the Villages Pop Chorus. “You combine her talent with her spirit and drive, and you truly have a special person. She inspires people.”
Carolyn Hoffman, a singer and actress, met Karen Martin just over three years ago when they were in “Fiddler On the Roof.”
“I never knew Karen before she had cancer,” Hoffman said. “But cancer never stopped Karen from working hard, getting on stage and making people feel good.
“Karen’s a real trouper and I mean that in the best, courageous sense of the word. She’s so vibrant and so much fun, you can’t help but love her.”
Love was all around Karen Martin on Saturday.
“Karen brings so much joy to everything she does but especially on stage,” said Carol Greenfield, her longtime friend and fellow actress and singer.
“When Karen gets on stage, you can see her eyes just light up,” Greenfield added. “She is always prepared; knows her part and people in the audience just can’t keep their eyes off her.”
Hawthorne directed Martin in “Music Man.”
“Karen creates energy on stage and she’ll be damned if she doesn’t play every role – no matter how small – to the best of her ability,” Hawthorne said. “Karen is proof, there are no small roles in theater.”
Helene Yelverton choreographed “Thoroughly Modern Mille” and was impressed by Martin’s fortitude to rehearse and dance, despite pain.
“I think the love of the stage and performing is what makes Karen so unique,” Yelverton said. “She is a very special lady.”
After the award ceremony ended, Karen Martin, regained her composure and sat with the singers in the chorus. She was ready to sing. The song was “Over the Rainbow,” and Martin seemed lost in the moment, singing with her friends and making the music come alive once more.
