Robert Natti Fund
Strategic Investment Fund for Gloucester StageIn his many roles as teacher, guidance counselor, and principal in the Gloucester school system, Robert was a man with warm wisdom that provided a positive influence on many in the Cape Ann community.
The Robert Natti Fund is intended to be a continuing resource to invest in the strategic future of Gloucester Stage and unlock the full potential of the Company’s mission across Cape Ann and the broader performing arts community.
Robert Natti in The Gloucester Story, circa 1953
Robert’s Impact on Cape Ann
Creating a welcoming home on Blood Ledge Quarry with his wife Lee Kingman Natti, acclaimed children’s book author and Folly Cove Designer, Robert left a quarry-sized impact on the culture of Cape Ann. Besides spending a lifetime as a beloved educator, he was a rollicking storyteller and a keen actor. He took great joy in reading to enthralled school children, performing on stage, and, for one season of local Hollywood stardust, appearing in the TV series Harbormaster filmed on Cape Ann.
He loved Cape Ann, on land and on the water, and for many summers he would chug out of Lane’s Cove in his boat, Pikku Kala, “Little Fish” in Finnish (which he spoke fluently). His boat may have been little, but, as with its owner, it punched well above its weight, providing hours of joy for those who accompanied Robert.
Principal Robert Natti as Ghost of Hamlet’s Father, High School Production of Hamlet, 1972
Robert Natti in May Blossom with Dave Murray & Janet Norton, 1951
Catalyst for Strategic Growth
In many ways, Gloucester Stage is also a small fish punching well above its weight. With the pandemic in full fury, the Company brought professional plays outdoors at Windhover Performing Arts Center – transforming the historic grounds into an exceptional venue for live theater, in person.
The response to that herculean effort has been tremendous, and it is with that creative spirit that Susanna Natti and Alan Willsky have made this $500,000 commitment to Gloucester Stage to help achieve the next phase of the organization’s growth. This gift and this fund are intended to be a catalyst for growth in the capital resources and artistic potential of Gloucester Stage.
“We envision this Fund providing long-term resources that reflect Robert’s dedication as an educator and inspiration to generations of young people in Gloucester, as well as his love of performing.
We hope that you will join us – and honor the memory of the exceptional Robert Natti – in supporting this Fund both this year and into the future.”