State Thespian Competition: "Moses Supposes"

"Chet was a wonder, he actually had a smile that could brighten a room, drew such attention and admiration without any effort, and could light up a stage with the style and class of actors from an earlier era. I'll never forget his voice either. I have many memories of Chet from Buchholz drama – rehearsals for 42nd Street, cast parties, and (my personal favorite) his rehearsals with Michael Testa for their competition number, "Moses Supposes" (I was the "professional" button presser for the cassette player for their rehearsals, districts, and state competition performances). I do remember Chet and Michael panicking the day of their highly-anticipated, state competition performance in Tampa, when they realized their tap shoes had no traction on the slick tile floors of the building. They practiced the number over and over in the hall around the corner from the room they were set to perform in, each of them slipping again and again. Mrs. Rodgers even rushed to a store to purchase adhesive grips for their shoes – but it didn't help. I don't remember who slipped in that room during the performance, but I seem to recall it was Chet, near the end of the number, I think. But afterward, he handled it better than I ever would have. Chet knew how to laugh – at himself, at life, and it inspired those around him to laugh – I've always admired that about him. I wish I could see that performance again. He always seemed to get so much enjoyment out of it, as he seemed to in everything he did on stage and almost everything I saw him do off stage! He was so talented. But Chet's talent for the performing arts was always eclipsed by his warm and generous nature. I seem to recall at Chet's memorial service, his friend Craig Copeland sharing a story about asking Chet about why it is that everyone loved him so much. Chet's response was that he always tried to say something nice to everyone he spoke to. It is that characteristic of Chet that has stuck with me and been a big influence in my life. I never knew Chet as well I would have liked, but I knew him well enough to never forget him."
-- Matthew R. Kear