MOSAIC IN THE NEWS

On Monday, August 18th, Mosaic Theatre along with the rest of South Florida lost a supporter and friend in Jack Zink. Mr. Zink, whom most people know as the long-time Sun Sentinel theatre critic, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 61.

I attended his moving memorial service on Monday, August 26th at the Parker Playhouse where I learned even more about a true visionary whose impact in this region is nothing short of epic.

Aside from his responsibilities as a journalist, he single-handedly saved the St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, was President of his condominium association, was involved in the American Theater Critics’ Association and founded the Carbonell Awards.

I remember the first time I met Jack, face to face. It was 2001, at our inaugural production of a play called Blood Moon. In walked this tall man, who I thought might bump his head on the ceiling. I knew that he was a major critic and I grew a little nervous (critics can be intimidating); this public icon had just walked into my theater. I walked in the opposite direction for a brief moment before turning back. I was a twenty-something year old and this man whose Friday column I had read, either in print or online every week during my professional life, walked in. As I picked up his press packet and handed it to him I said, “Mr. Zink, my name is Richard Jay Simon and here is your press packet.” He cocked his head back and with a gentle smile that I will always remember, said, “Call me, Jack.”

That was the beginning of my relationship with Jack. I will remember opening nights, lunches at 84 Diner, phone chats about productions or advocacy, his incredible intelligence and passion. He cared so much about this community.

As a critic, I felt he was always fair, even if he was wrong in giving us a not-so-glamorous review. He was a gentle soul whose passion for his work and this community was immeasurable.

I’ve been thinking a lot of how this community can honor Jack Zink. I think as individual artists or companies we have to continue doing the innovative work that will keep shaping this diverse cultural arts region into the place that Jack saw it becoming. We work harder when we tire and we shine in the face of adversity because that’s how Jack would have done it.

In our 2006/07 Season, Jack Zink presented “Silver Founder” awards at our annual fundraising Gala. I had asked Jack to share a few brief thoughts about Mosaic’s impact on the local arts scene. I expected that he would quickly chronicle Mosaic’s history before honoring the year’s recipients. In typical Jack fashion, he approached the podium with pages of notes, where he delivered a poignant speech nobody from the event will ever forget. I wish we would have recorded that, but we will all remember how eloquently he spoke about Mosaic’s impact on this community, its growth, value and incredibly bright future.

Last season, Mosaic Theatre began the tradition of granting “Spirit Awards” at our Gala to recognize extraordinary souls who help drive the mission of Mosaic Theatre and cultural arts in Broward County forward. Winners demonstrate excellence in the areas of leadership, creativity, commitment and passion for the arts.

Mosaic Theatre is proud to announce that from this moment forward, this magnificent sculpture and honor will be called the “Jack Zink Spirit Award.”

After Jack’s memorial service, friends and colleagues celebrated his life by drinking his favorite drinks, eating his favorite food, and discussing their favorite Jack memories. His favorite drink was a Bloody Mary. While I sipped one, or three, I decided that will be one cocktail always available at our opening nights.