After 32 years, Dr. James Panowski is retiring.
MARQUETTE -- Throughout his career at Northern Michigan University, Dr. James Panowski has played many different characters.
He's the director of the Forest Roberts Theatre, and he directs one show, himself, each year. He's also a professor and the founder of the First Nighters Club, a booster organization for NMU's theatre programs.
"As I say to people, The Phantom of the Opera will close eventually, and I think 32 years is a pretty good run," said Dr. Panowski.
But, Dr. Panowski has also played some other characters, unbeknownst to him.
"Dr. P. is the greatest teacher, mentor, friend, professor that I can safely say this...that I've ever had the pleasure of working with," said Ben Filipowicz.
"You know, some people call him old fashioned, and then other people think he tries too many new things," says Ella Bartlett. "It's pretty funny. He's got a lot going for him."
After Dr. Panowski retires officially at the end of April, he says he plans to write a book and travel overseas. However, Marquette will remain his home and the theatre his passion.
During his time at NMU, Dr. Panowski has worked with hundreds of students and has directed around 50 shows. Shakespeare's The Tempest will be his last.
"The Tempest was the last play that Shakespeare totally wrote himself, and many people feel that through the character Prospero, the magician, who gives up the art of magic, Shakespeare was saying goodbye to the theatre; and so it seems to be a perfect swan song for Panowski," Dr. Panowski said.
The Tempest opens on April 22 at the Forest Roberts Theatre.
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