06/03/2026
🎉Congratulations Rosemary and Denny! 🎭
⭐ Spirit of Mesier 2026 Gala Honorees Rosemary & Denny Evaul ⭐
Rosemary and Robert “Denny” Evaul have devoted decades to enriching the cultural and educational life of the Hudson Valley through theater, arts advocacy, historic preservation, and community service. Their extraordinary impact is undoubtedly most closely associated with the Masque and Mime Society at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, but their legacy can also be felt at numerous theaters throughout the area; the Grinnell Library; the Hudson Valley Railroad Society and other non-profit organizations. Through their work, they have brought magic to our lives - we are proud to name Rosemary and Denny as 2026 Spirit of Mesier honorees!
Rosemary became involved with Masque & Mime in 1969, advising, directing and producing high school theater for over 50 years. She was one of the founding members of the New York State Theatre Education Association, whose goal is to further the study of educational theater across the state. Rosemary believes that the arts are life, and along with Denny, they have guided generations of students both on and off the stage. Joining Masque & Mime in 1971, Denny became its longtime technical adviser, overseeing sets, crews, and production operations. When working on sets, Denny is part of the magic behind the scenes – he can always find a way to deliver brilliant results with limited resources! Inspiration comes from the adage - Life's three "A's": Academics for the mind, Athletics for the body and the Arts for the soul! Together, they created a safe and inspiring environment where young people can build confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships.
Rosemary and Denny continue to work in theater with the Queen City Stage Company; Marist College; and County Players at the Falls Theater in Wappingers Falls. Plus, the theater is extended to their home, too! The Evauls maintain a barn in their backyard - the “Evaul Emporium”—that is full of costumes, props and furniture which is loaned to school and community theater groups throughout the region, helping productions come to life!
Aside from theater, the Evauls have been devoted to the Grinnell Library, with Denny serving as past Board member of the library, and as current president of the Friends of Grinnell Library. He is also an integral, longtime volunteer with the Hudson Valley Railroad Society, supporting regional railroad history and preservation efforts through his activities as treasurer for 45+years, annual train show coordinator, and museum guide at the historic Hyde Park Train Station.
Congratulations, Rosemary and Denny! You have enriched our community, both on stage and off, by enhancing both the mind and the soul!
🍸 Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating Rosemary & Denny! Tickets to Spirit of Mesier Celebrates Magic Cocktail Gala are available at: https://www.wappingershistoricalsociety.org/spiritofmesiercelebratesmagic
