Echo Times

Issue date: 12/9/09 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Armando Morales Esteemed former drama instructor Carla Zilbersmith (left) and her sun Maclen Zilber answer questions after a Nov. 20 screening of "Leave them Laughing."

On stage at College of Marin's Fine Arts Theater, Carla Zilbersmith grinned and waved from a wheelchair with the assistance of her 17-year-old son, Maclen Zilber. Tonight, the one-time COM drama instructor, with the personality to match her striking red hair, let him say the 'thank yous' to the near-capacity crowd gathered for a Nov. 20 sneak peak of "Leave them Laughing."

The film, billed as a "musical comedy about dying," and directed by Academy Award winner John Ziritisky, chronicles the singer and comedienne's life after diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Some feared Zilbersmith's poor health would keep her from attending, but on screen and during the question and answer segment afterward, spectators saw the same charisma and irreverent humor that made her so popular at COM.

"I hope the film didn't mislead people into thinking ALS is a party," Zilbersmith told the audience. "I'm a party on wheels, but ALS sucks."

Organized by film instructor Sandy Handsher and staff development program administrator Kathleen Kirkpatrick, the event provided friends, co-workers and fans the chance to view the nearly completed film before it officially screens at festivals next year. It also raised donations to cover the documentary's post-production costs, but most importantly for many, it served as a chance to honor Zilbermith.

"I wanted to raise money for the film, but I also wanted to make it a tribute to Carla in her College of Marin community," Handsher said.

Like the film itself, Zilbersmith's return to the venue where she taught and performed for 14 years, almost 18 months after ALS forced her to retire, etched an unforgettable impression of sweetness and sorrow.

"I was moved to see so many of my colleagues, many of whom I have not seen since I left COM," Zilbersmith wrote to the Echo Times. "I think that was the highlight for me."

Departed, but not forgotten, Zilbersmith's "rollicking spirit" remains part of the COM drama department, says instructor Robin Jackson, and people throughout the college have found inspiration in Zilbersmith's blog www.carlamuses.blogspot.com, where she reflects on life with ALS with rare frankness and humor.

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