MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Submitted by Don Patterson – The Marshfield High School Drama Club and Music Department will present; Matilda the Musical on April 13–15 on the stage at Marshfield High School Auditorium. The cast and crew will be carrying on a long-running tradition of excellence. The show will be the first one on the stage since the death of longtime director Mr. John Bittrich, who passed away on February 25.
Although John had been retired for several years, the MHS Drama Club was never far from his eyes or thoughts. Although his seats changed from Row M to the top of the house, John seldom missed a performance until moving to the Colonial Care Facility in Colby. Even though physically no longer capable of attending the show in person, John was always interested in what was happening in his beloved program.
Mr. B’s story began when a classmate at the University of Wisconsin mentioned to him that her father, the principal at Marshfield High School, needed an English teacher and a drama instructor. As John told the story, that is how he met Mr. Russell Knapp. He said the only thing he asked Knapp to do was show him the theater. The rest, they say, is history.
That was 1960; John F. Kennedy would be elected president in the fall of that year; The Sound of Music tied with Fiorello for the Tony Award; and the Beatles were still a few years away from appearing on stage with Ed Sullivan. Throughout his 50-plus year career at MHS, John went on to direct many top-name musicals, including; Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Camelot, plus so many more. His Drama Club also performed a non-musical show every year. Some of his favorites included; Arsenic and Old Lace and Death Takes a Holiday.
I will never forget the long photo sessions, taking photos of nearly every scene. Sometimes from multiple angles so that John could decide what he liked best. In most cases, we would end up with between 2,000 and 3,000 images for each play. In case I missed something, John was always there with his camera as a backup. At the end of the year, John and I would put together a music video highlighting each of the actors shown at the end-of-year drama banquets. The awards presented to his performers were always the highlight of that event. Over the years, many talented young adults gave their time and talent to make the MHS Drama Club one of the best.
Even if that were all John accomplished over 50 years and 100-plus on-stage performances for his lifetime, it would make him a legend. That was not enough for him. He was dedicated to the Marshfield football program as well. He filmed for the coaching staff for many years at home and on the road. His two of his sons both played football. His youngest son, Tyson, even played at the WIAA State Championship game at Camp Randall Stadium.
His ability to work with various levels of students in the classroom made him even more remarkable. Many of his drama students were self-motivated and driven to success. That was not always the case for every student in the classroom. I fondly remember a story John told many times about one particular student. I, too, had the opportunity to work with this student in my class. It would not be a stretch to say that this young person was challenging. John and the student reached a consensus allowing the student to sit in the hallway when the student felt they would be disruptive to the class. According to John, the student did not take advantage of the situation and did a great job with self-discipline. John was so proud when he told me he was the only teacher invited to the graduation party for this young person. It demonstrated how the right person can make a difference in a young life.
Mr. B was also the booming voice of graduation for so many MHS graduates. The pace and clarity as he called each name demonstrated his desire to achieve perfection. No parent ever feared they would not hear their son or daughter called as they proudly crossed the stage.
I could tell so many more stories that John shared along the way. A couple too personal to share which impacted the lives of my family members. Stories about his time in the Navy and serving in the Korean Conflict. His stories of surviving not one but two airplane crash landings. Stories about playing basketball with members of the Green Bay Packers, Stories of hunting with family, friends, and former students—I could go on and on about his involvement in UW-Marshfield Drama; and Community Theatre; or that he is number 45 on Marshfield’s Top 150 list of most notable persons in Marshfield history. We shared many tales over many lunches over the years. Mr. John (Jack) Bittrich lived a remarkable life. He was caring, considerate, compassionate, and dedicated.
The booming voice may now be silent, but his life story will live on in the hearts of co-workers, students, and so many others who experienced his talent on stage. Rest in peace, Mr. Bittrich congratulations on a life well lived. You, my friend, will be missed.
A Celebration of Life and Remembrance will be held at the Holiday Inn in Marshfield on Saturday, May 6, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Memorials can be directed to The John (Jack) Bittrich Memorial Scholarship for the Arts (theater, music, visual art, dance, and creative writing) at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation.
By mail:
Marshfield Area Community Foundation 211 E 2nd Street Suite #2
Marshfield WI 54449
Checks should be made payable to:
John (Jack) Bittrich Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
Or online at:
www.marshfield.foundation
Click the green “DONATE NOW” on the top right side of the page
Enter “John (Jack) Bittrich Memorial Scholarship for the Arts” in the search bar and follow directions.
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Author: News Desk
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