Last week the School of Theatre, Film & Television welcomed alum Craig T. Nelson back to campus for the re-opening of the Marroney Theatre. The storied actor, writer, director, and producer, whose many credits include the films The Killing Fields, Silkwood, Poltergeist, The Incredibles, and TV’s Parenthood and his Emmy-winning Coach, spoke frankly about the pursuit of acting in an hour-long Q&A with students. The industry veteran, whose career spans more than five decades, paid homage to the faculty who helped shape him, particularly Peter Marroney, who served as the head of our theatre department for 36 years.
At the opening of TFTV’s production of Sweeney Todd, Nelson welcomed a full house on the stage that now bears his name.
“Having my name associated with the theatre named for an early mentor of mine, Peter Marroney, is a humbling honor,” said Nelson. “I am incredibly grateful to “Murph” and her husband whose gift to the College of Fine Arts at the University of Arizona named the stage in my honor – thank you. To the students who will benefit from this renewed facility – follow your heart and dreams as you embark on a wonderful vocation that has given me so much.”
TFTV senior Grace Gebara (pictured right with Craig) plays a leading role in Sweeney Todd. “Performing for Craig felt surreal, and making the funniest man in Hollywood laugh is something I’ll never forget. After meeting him and getting to hear his story and career journey after his time at UA, I knew we had to pull out the stops. I feel like we did just that,” Gebara said. “We are all so proud of the show, and it’s an honor to get to present it on the Craig T. Nelson stage in the newly renovated Marroney Theatre. It’s amazing to be a part of this history. Bear down!”
