theater Edition - In Memory of Carrie Gorn

Carrie Gorn – 4/13/75 – 1/29/25 -

Carrie Gorn was a devoted mother and wife, a lover of theater, a theater publicist, a political wonk, a dork, and, above all, a great person. She was one of the fiercest advocates for theater in Philadelphia. Thanks to her tireless work, many theater companies were able to be discovered, reaching both new and returning audiences.

In a time when arts funding is under threat and diverse voices are often silenced, we need more people like Carrie Gorn in this world.

If you would like to her her family please visit her GoFundMe Page.

Carrie and her husband Chad

From Brett Mapp about this photo, "This photo is from the happiest day of my life, the day I married Morgan Hugo 

This photo should have been taken in May 2020, but Covid

This photo should have been taken in September 2020, but Covid

This photo should have been taken in May 2021, but Covid

This photo was taken on September 5, 2021

This photo could not take place indoors, because of Covid and the mask mandate coming back

This photo is from the courtyard of Theatre Exile 

This photo shows the love Carrie has for Chad

This photo shows the love Carrie had for Morgan and me

This photo takes place in a area that she loves, a Theatre

Carrie loved her family, her friends and theater and especially Philly theater

I want to remember her from this day when she got to be surrounded by her loves

 Today and tomorrow I will look at this photo and think about one of the saddest days of my life

The day I lost my friend, my theater sister."

Carrie with Brett Mapp and her husband Chad

From Brett, ""A friend is someone with whom you dare to be yourself."

Frank Crane

Carrie Gorn was more than a friend, she was my theater sister. I can't count the numbers of shows we have seen together or the hours of conversation we had about shows. Our last conversation was about Lost Boys the Musical. I don't have words to express how much I am going to miss our conversations. I was going to see her this Friday night for Opening Night of EgoPo Classic Theater.

There's no football this weekend, see a show in honor of my friend, my theater sister."

A TRIP To NYC

Carrie and us always talked about the Broadway plays in NYC. Last week, we took a day trip to NYC to see It's a Wonderful World, a heartwarming musical about Louis Armstrong’s life. The show explores his relationships with his four wives, the racism he faced, and his journey to becoming a legendary musician. Starring James Monroe Iglehart, the production is set to close on February 23, 2025—so there’s not much time left to catch it! (Though I have a feeling it will go on tour.)

We also went to the Museum of Broadway. It was so cool to learn about Broadway History, what happens backstage, and see costumes and set pieces from some of our favorite Broadway shows like "Rent" ,"Hamilton" and "Company." They also had an exhibit on Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers Of Broadway.

It was very inspiring to see one of Philly's Playwrights and Pulitzer Prize Winner James Ijames portrait and bio.

Support Theater Exile

Speaking of NYC, if you want to support Theater Exile and have a chance to win a trip to the city, now is your opportunity! They have a raffle, and  tickets are just $25.

• 2 Tickets to a show on Broadway - Valued at $600

• A 2 night stay in a signature suite at the historic Hotel Edison + Breakfast For 2 (Friday, April 25, 2025 through Sunday, April 27, 2025)- Valued at $2040

• 2 Tickets to the Broadway Museum- Valued at $50

• 4-flex Pass Membership to the Atlantic Theater - Valued at $260

• A $250 Giftcard to the legendary Tavern on the Green- Valued at $250

• Wine tasting for 2 at City Winery - Valued at $50

Upcoming Show that is On the Mapp!

There are few people in the city who have supported the arts like Carrie Gorn. In her memory, see a theater performance in honor of her.

From January 31st to February 23rd, , Interact Theater Company is going to have the world premier of the play, "QUIXOTIC PROFESSOR QIU:" by Damon Chua

From the website, "Inspired by real-life cases of Chinese American scientists being targeted for allegedly carrying out economic espionage, this satirical play follows a fictitious math professor, who finds himself scrutinized by the FBI and his own university colleagues, while simultaneously navigating a delicate relationship with a childhood friend in China. As the screws tighten around the unwitting Professor Qiu, he is forced to choose between his birth country and adopted land, between loyalty and self-preservation."