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A Lot Like Christmas

Tribune photo by Jay Nolan

Members of the Masque Theatre perform parts of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" for patients, family members and staff at the James A Haley Veterans' Hospital Monday night.

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: November 26, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - Over the past 20 months, Rayanne Noss has worked hard to keep her emotions in check.

She curbs her tears during daily visits with her husband, Army veteran Scot Noss, at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

Noss suffered injuries in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

"I have a great faith in my God that he'll get better and better," said the Birmingham, Ala., native who has spent 14 months as an resident of the Fisher House, a complimentary on-campus residence for hospital patients' out-of-town family members.

Rayanne is grateful for a free place to stay and for the support she and her boarding mates receive from one another. She feels comfort in being able to "let down her hair."

There are other occasions as well that arouse her often-buried emotions, such as last week during an on-campus performance by the children in Masque Community Theatre's upcoming production of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," which begins Dec. 5 at the theater in Temple Terrace.

After performing several scenes and songs from the musical, the 42-member cast ended with a rousing rendition of "God Bless America." It brought tears to Rayanne's eyes.

As she stood behind the wheelchair where her husband gazed at the stage, she said how grateful she is to live in a nation and be at a hospital that cares so much for its injured soldiers.

Peter Reed, a Navy veteran from Palm Bay who is being treated for injuries from an explosion, was also among the attendees.

"The kids are great, and it's wonderful to see their fresh, happy faces," Reed said. "Events like these really help break the loneliness."

Ruth Kegel, a longtime Masque devotee who has performed in, directed and marketed numerous productions, introduced the play's director, University of South Florida senior Kayleigh Mollycheck, and the performers to the audience.

"We've been here a couple of times with different performances," Kegel said. "We always like to give back to you, who have given for us."

Mollycheck, of Riverview, who earlier described the members as dedicated and talented, has performed twice in Masque shows. This is her first try at directing.

"I've always been interested in directing, and it adds to my resume," said the 22-year-old performing arts major who aspires to appear on Broadway.

Madison "Madi" LoPinto, 13, of Temple Terrace, plays Susan Walker, one of the lead characters in the production.

"I feel very happy because I've never had a lead part," LoPinto said. "I also hope to make the veterans happy."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"

WHERE: Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace

WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13; 2 p.m., Dec. 7, 14

COST: $14 for adults; $12 for students, military personnel and seniors 55 and older; $10 for children 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at www.masquetheatre.net or at the door.

INFORMATION: (813) 983-1710

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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