Longtime Sapulpa Community Theatre actress, director, and board member Sherry Whisman passed away on July 17th. She was 82.
Whisman was a part of the Sapulpa Community Theatre for many years as an actress but more recently also as a director and board member.
Her last directorial endeavor, the popular “Flowers for Algernon,” was a sharp departure from the more common comedy shows that SCT fans are used to seeing, but under Whisman’s experienced guidance, the show was a complete hit, selling out all of its performances.
In a Facebook post, actor Heath Fritts—who acted in Flowers—paid tribute to Whisman. “I was a little nervous but Sherry made me feel at ease,” he said. “I will forever be indebted to Sherry for giving me my first break.”
Another actor and former board member, Steve James, described Whisman as “like a second mother to me. I never left a rehearsal, performance or board meeting without a big hug from her and her telling me she loved me,” he said.
Kerry Kavanaugh sat under Whisman’s directorial guidance for seven shows. She recalled the first time she was cast, in 2017’s The Rainmaker:
“She wrote me this email that was so kind and supportive, I knew then that she would be a great director,” Kavanaugh said. “And she was, but she became more than that—she became a dear friend.”
Kavanaugh went on to become not only a steady actress at the theatre, but a board member. She says that Whisman’s love for the theatre and her cast resonated with those who interacted with her.
“To quote from Wicked’s ‘For Good:’ ‘Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good.'”
Whisman’s obituary and funeral service details are forthcoming.
