Dorset Players, Inc.
at the Dorset Playhouse
Quality community theatre since 1927
The Dorset Players are pleased to announce that they have once again received a McCarty Grant in the amount of $1,000 from The Stratton Foundation!
"The McCarty Grant Program was named in honor of Barbara McCarty. Barbara was committed to the community in which she lived. Barbara was a fund-raiser and advocate of community nonprofit organizations and was an inspired leader of the Stratton Foundation who passed away in 2007."
A Note from the President, Kevin M. O'Toole
Welcome! As the Dorset Players embark on their 82nd season of providing quality community theatre to the Northshire and beyond, I want to acknowledge you, the playgoer, who in this era of belt-tightening, continue to recognize and enjoy the communal feeling that can only be generated by attending a live performance.
Our first full-scale production this season begins with an old favorite, Arsenic and Old Lace, which the Players first mounted in 1986. Director Dom Degnon has marshaled a wonderful cast to bring to life the hilarious tale of murder, mayhem and elderberry wine that will have audiences rolling in the aisles. I will assume directing reins in December for The Patchwork Girl of Oz, a delightful musical adaptation of the classic children's story by L. Frank Baum. In order to offer young thespians an additional opportunity to spread their wings, The Missoula Children's Theatre Company will be returning in January 2010 to produce Jack and the Beanstalk. Once again, they will be conducting workshops in area elementary schools in the week leading up to the show.
In March, a very busy Dom Degnon will also direct Almost Maine, a comic and often poignant day-in the-life look at a tiny fictional hamlet in the "Pine Tree State". The month of April begins with the Players' Seventh Annual One-Act Play Festival. The 2009-2010 season ends in May with Guys and Dolls, the Broadway musical based on the stories of Damon Runyon. Guys will be directed by Steve Sinding and the Music Director will again be the talented Linda Hueckel. We also welcome newcomer Erika Schmidt as choreographer to show the cast through its steps.
Please look in the Vermont News Guide, The Manchester Journal, The Northshire Free Press. and this, our revamped website, www.dorsetplayers.org, for information about our shows and other special events that will be happening at the Playhouse throughout the season.
Successful seasons simply do not happen without the ongoing support and dedication of our many volunteers. Back in 1986, I auditioned for Separate Tables. I didn't get a part but did stay to help with the set. Back then, I am not sure that I knew a hammer from a nail, but a kindly Ray Purdy showed patience with me and over the years, under the tutelage of Ray, Alexa Corbin, Errol Hill, and a host of others, I helped with many more sets and found lasting friendships along the way. I also learned that details matter, whether it is making an interpretation of a character more specific or locating just the right toile pattern for a sofa on stage.
I invite you to consider, while enjoying our shows from those comfortable red seats, becoming involved behind the scenes. There are many roles to be filled in the Dorset Players, and I promise that you'll be welcomed with open arms like I was so many moons ago.
Finally, thanks to our many supporters and sponsors. Each year, people and businesses in the area purchase ads in our program, offer to sponsor a specific show, or donate items for our cafe. This year, we are making a special push to raise funds to prevent the devastating flood damage that occurred in 2007 even as we struggle to meet the increased costs of operating this wonderful facility. Our list of members is constantly growing. As a nonprofit organization, these memberships and other contributions are essential to our survival. Take a moment to fill out the membership form in the program or contact Sheila Conway, our office manager at dpi@vermontel.net or 867-5570 for additional information.
