Allen Pontes

I went to high school with Alan we were in the drama club and shared quite a few plays together. One of my favorite memories was when a group of us in the drama class had went to Ashland Oregon, we raise money to rent a Winnebago to drive there the laughter the good times going to The Shakespearean festival was a blast. He had sent me a video that he had taken during a rehearsal that I was in.
You will be missed I have a lot of wonderful memories you were always so kind and a great sense of humor my condolences goes out to the family as well as his theater family.

I first met Allen Pontes at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival when we were both cast in Julius Ceasar. I had been out of theatre for a decade when I auditioned, and was cast as Brutus. Allen was Marc Anthony. He was a great cast mate, even as we were bitter rivals onstage, on separate sides of a civil war. I recall marveling at his stage presence and commanding voice. After the big act of assassination near the end of the first half, Allen had a long monologue. At the Land Park Amphitheater, port-a-potties had been set up on the street at the top of the amphitheater. With patrons safe in their seats, it was a good time for me to sneak up and use the facilities before intermission. I can still recall his voice booming through the night as a walked down through the botanical garden that bordered the amphitheater. It was magical. Later I auditioned for Allen was was cast in the delightful farce, the Explorer´s Club at Main Street Theaterworks. in Jackson. What fun, like being in summer camp. I was lucky to perform there a few times, and was also cast by Allen in his amazing radio show recreations as part of the annual MSTW fundraisers. This was Allen at his absolute best, since as an aficionado of all things Mercury Theater and Orson Wells, he knew exactly what what he wanted, and had amazing vintage radio equipment and foley devices that Julie Anchor handled expertly. It was always a great time and the patrons seemed to enjoy the shows. Allen always treated me as a respected peer and I always had great respect for Allen and the choices he made to live a life in art. It´s not an easy one. I will miss him greatly. Sending deepest condolences to all who loved him. Rest easy, friend. "This was the noblest Roman of them all.. his life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up to all the world and say: this was a man." -Julius Ceasar

Allen and I worked together in the theater, first at The Magic Circle in Roseville and later at Main Street Theater Works. He was a terrific actor and director and a joy to work with; but oh, what a friend! He and I could talk about anything. We used to have chance meetings at the grocery store when he was in my neighborhood to visit his parents, and we always wound up talking for a long time. Whenever I went to his apartment to pick up a script, it turned into party for two. His love for his family and friends was always front and center. He shared his talents so generously; it must have been exhausting, but complaining wasn't his style. Like so many others, losing Allen at such a young age and to a cruel disease broke my heart, but the memories of his beautiful smile, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will always stay with me.

Allen was my baby brother. I loved him so much. We always assumed I would go first since I was 11 years older. Cancer is such an awful grim-reaper. I will miss him the rest of my life. Rest in Heaven, dear brother.

After a friendship that spanned 25 years, I have too many wonderful memories to count, but some of my favorites were everytime we were onstage together. We shared the stage in 13 full-length plays , dozens of one-acts, 12 live radio shows, and countless school assemblies. But most of all, Allen was my very dearest friend, and just hanging out and talking with him, laughing together, planning our next big project and adventure are memories I will cherish forever.