Sponsor Spotlight: RMC Research Corporation
Allison Crosscup: Why did RMC Research first choose to support Writers on a New England Stage when the series launched in 2005?
M. Christine Dwyer: It seemed like a good choice for us because we had lots of readers on our staff with wide-ranging tastes. A number of us were used to passing our favorite books around and we had a little library set up in the office kitchen for borrowing. The Writers series was a comfortable choice for many people who might not have attended a dance presentation—didn’t require the planning for an “evening out.”
AC: Over the last ten years, numerous authors have participated in The Music Hall’s Writers series. Are there authors you have seen at The Music Hall who stand out to you as particularly memorable during this time and why?
MCD: So many! It was a real thrill for me to hear John Updike talk about writing; his sense of wry humor came through in his remarks and it was special to see him before he died. Who can forget David McCullough who was able to hold forth from center stage without notes and totally entrance us all? Back stage he requested special tunes from Dreadnaught and danced with his wife whom he clearly adores. To be in the presence of a genius like E. L. Doctorow or Doris Kearns Goodwin is thrilling. I haven’t typically read Margaret Atwood and Stephen King because their usual genres don’t appeal to me; however, I would rate their presentations as among the best. I think Margaret Atwood is one of the most dangerous, thrilling people I’ve ever heard talk—I think she knows no limits. I loved listening to Stephen King talk about writing—he was so relaxed and could have talked all night. I loved how so many folks in the audience knew his work when he said only a few words of their favorite lines.
AC: Who would you like to see participate in an upcoming Writers program?
MCD: I am really looking forward to hearing Stacy Schiff—I loved reading Cleopatra and think she’s a phenomenal writer. Having just finished All the Light We Cannot See, I’d love to hear Anthony Doerr. Ron Chernow is my current favorite history writer; I’ll read anything he writes.
AC: Why is supporting the arts important to RMC Research?
MCD: Our work takes us into a variety of areas that are all about community vitality—arts, education, media, family well-being, literacy, child development. So we have repeatedly seen the connections between the arts and thriving communities. We also need to solve problems and apply creative thinking—the arts inspire my thinking in ways that I can’t always explain. Our staff members often travel together and it’s lots of fun to have those discussions about shared arts experiences.
AC: Is there anything else you would like to add about being a Music Hall sponsor?
MCD: Portsmouth’s lively arts scene didn’t happen by accident but by the hard work and support of many people in the community. Everyone needs to do their part to maintain and grow what we have built over time. It’s been heartening to see newer businesses and residents step up to become sponsors and supporters—and there’s always room for more.