By Margie Taylor July 26, 2024

This week it seemed fitting to talk about the passing of Tina Cafeo who was a part of the downtown theaters in Conroe and left her earthly life July 10 in Conroe. She taught voice lessons and drama to youth and adults over the years who not only learned from her but treasured the impact she made in their lives by the memories they left on a website honoring her, TinaTheStarMaker.com.

She was married to her husband, Manny, for 42 years and he too was a director for Conroe’s theaters. 

She performed on stage in Nunsense at the Crighton theatre, directed by Manny in the 90s. She then had a role in Annie, Chicago, and many other productions. Most recently she directed Spamalot in December 2022. 

The Montie Awards, started after the 2011-2012 season, were the end of season awards like the Academy Awards for the local theatres presented to recognize the theatre volunteers that dedicate themselves to the performing theatre in downtown Conroe. It is a night of glitz and glamour with musical numbers from each show played for the audience throughout the night highlighting both The Players Theatre Company at the Owen Theatre and Stage Right from the Crighton Theatre. The Monties gave out 25 awards from Best Set Design to Best Musical Show of the Year. Each award was $900 each, created by local sculpture, Craig Campobella. 

In 2017, Tina Cafeo won the Monte for Best Show of the Year (Mary Poppins), Best Director and the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Through the years, Tina worked with theater stars from local to Broadway, opera stars, television stars, writers, screenwriters, theatre owners, pianists, and professional stage managers, but her impact was huge in Conroe. 

Thank you for enriching the lives of many and especially those in Conroe, Texas. You made a very evident mark that will be felt for generations to come. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date. 

Upcoming events in the Conroe area:

Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat will perform at the Crighton Theatre August 1-4 in various times with the Jim Bingham Youth Summer Camp. The youth have rehearsed all summer to bring this show to the community. Tickets at CrightonTheatre.org. 

The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County will have a Saturday Pioneer Adventure on August 3 for kids 5 years of age and older at 1pm. Paint rocks with the Heritage Sewing and Craft Club. Parents encouraged to participate and RSVP (936)539-6873. 

Visit our local downtown restaurants for live music performances. There is live music in one or more venues every night of the week and they are walking distances apart. We have new shops open and ready to show you summer bargains and a line of new merchandise to move you from August to November and beyond. 

The Back-to-School Tax Free Weekend is Friday, August 9- Sunday, August 11. See the details: https://bit.ly/3SlL0xE. 

Be Safe! Shop Local. 

Margie Taylor may be reached at margie@taylorizedpr.com. 

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