“Jonah’s Years at PGT” is The Jonah Maccabee Foundation’s autumn fundraiser for 2013. Throughout November and December 2013, we’ll be remembering, mainly through the writing of his friends, some of the great fun and growing Jonah experienced at PGT. We’re hoping you’ll be inspired to help us provide other kids with similarly loving direction along the road to wholeness during their own childhood years. Please consider making your tax-deductible gift at jonahmac.org by Sunday, January 5, 2014. Okay, or any other time. Thank you. You’re the best!

Sarah Spangenberg remembers …

Sarah Spangenberg

Sarah Spangenberg has been a Philadelphia-based actress since graduating from The University of The Arts with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has worked at The Arden Theatre Company, REV Theatre, Big Apple productions, and The Eagle Theatre. This December, she will finally be going on birthright and can’t wait to experience Israel! 

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Jonah was by far the most free spirit that I ever met at PGT. He was just Jonah…take it or leave it. Together we performed in A Man of No Importance, Prince and the Pauper (Jonah worked backstage), The Secret Garden, Once on this Island, Grand Hotel and, of course, our graduating production, Hair.

PGT is a unique community where I had the privilege of watching all of my friends blossom into wonderful “almost adults.” I watched Jonah grow in each production and learned so much from his spark and energy. He brought an extremely contagious energy to every rehearsal process! I remember taking it in, and he always put me at ease. He definitely grew more into himself our senior year and while I was suffering through crippling anxiety, Jonah helped me in any way he could.

That year, we also worked together as counselors at PGT during the summer of 2008. I distinctly remember a large group of 4-5 year olds running around outside of Bet Am Shalom (a local synagogue on whose grounds the summer program was held) screaming and carrying on. I was so overwhelmed that I was about to pull my hair out. Jonah just sat back and laughed at me and then chased all the children around the garden.

Sarah and Jonah in “Hair” June 2008

That was just the thing about Jonah … he was always so calm and collected and never let anything phase him … no matter if we were learning how to waltz, speak in Irish dialects, or trying to make the “Little Theatre” children stop crying.

I will always miss him, but he forever holds a chapter in my memories of The Play Group Theatre. We all are a family. We all are one. And I will always “look at the moon” and think of him.

Sarah

P.S. Please give generously to our Autumn 2013 campaign at jonahmac.org. As always, we are ever grateful for your friendship and support.