Friends of Hexagon-chronicle

Friends of Hexagon

Chronicle Newspapers
February 14, 2005

Hexagon celebrates 50 years of hilarity
By Eleanor Gomolinski-Lally

Fifty years ago a group of young Washingtonians got together to explore the idea of putting on a play-just for fun. Among them was Charles Ilsley, a Navy pilot, who was a Princeton graduate and former member of the Princeton Triangle Club, an all-male group that put on satirical shows. He helped get the word out to people who might be interested. When more than 70 people appeared at a meeting showing interest, it looked as if the project might really take off.

Members of the group started writing sketches, skits, songs and music. One of the songwriters was Tom Lehrer, who was in the Army at the time. After opening night he apologized for not doing more, saying, "I didn't think it would HAPPEN." Since there seemed to be more females interested in the show, Charles managed to recruit several Marines from Quantico to help out. The headmistress at Holton Arms School allowed the group to use the school's auditorium. One of the members thought it would be necessary to make the show a social event for charity in order to get an audience. The American Cancer Society was approached. At first they refused, thinking they might be left with unpaid bills. Charles explained that he wanted to help them, but that they would be helping him by providing an audience. They changed their minds and got involved, and $2,600 was raised for the Cancer Society.

Once it was established that there would really be a performance and possibly a future for the group, Charles thought an obvious name would be The Hexagon Club-"twice as good as Triangle because we had girls. Lots of them." Charles became the first president but left the area soon after. Other members carried on, continuing the tradition of raising money for charities. Over the years Hexagon shows have raised well over $3 million for more than 40 major non-profits plus additional funds for a variety of smaller organizations. The membership has grown to more than 400.

As the organization grew, the shows became larger and more complex. Eventually the Trinity Theatre in Georgetown was acquired for performances. Now they are held at the Duke Ellington School for the Arts. In order to have space to construct and store scenery and props, a technical facility in Newington, Virginia was found. In 2001, a non-profit organization called Friends of Hexagon was established with the goal of providing Hexagon with a home base in a building large enough to support non-theater activities, thus reducing the cost of renting spaces for production-related activities and making it possible to pass more funds to the charities. The recipient of the proceeds from the 50th anniversary show will be FOH.

Hexagon is an entirely volunteer non-profit organization with open membership. Each show is completely original--written, directed and performed by members. Members design and construct scenery and costumes and perform all behind-the-scenes activities, working on stage crews, playing in the orchestra, tending the box office and ushering. Members come from all walks of life and are all ages, possessing a variety of talents. While the satirical nature of the shows is mostly political, there are often spoofs and jabs aimed at local issues and institutions, current trends in society and celebrities.

Hexagon shows always occur in March. Writers' meetings begin in the fall, auditions are held toward the end of the year and scenery construction and rehearsals begin in January and February. Throughout the year there are board meetings, social events and committee meetings. The Charity Committee works all year long with the recipient charity, which is expected to help sell tickets and take part in other activities. A group called Hexagoners performs for various organizations from May through October, using songs and skits from past shows. Some of these performances are in locations like Lubber Run and Mason District Parks.

Members take part in a contest to name the show each year. Last year's title was "Wee Puns of Mass Distraction." This year's show, "HEXAGON at 50: With Levity and Jesting for All," will run from March 3 through March 26. A special Birthday Party Show on March 5 features receptions before and after the show and a silent auction. The annual Congress Night will be held on March 16, when members of Congress will appear on stage in some of the skits. Each show has newsbreaks in which local media personalities deliver satirical news reports. For information about this year's show visit www.hexagon.org or call 202-333-SHOW.