When we produced our first season at the Players in 1996, we could not have guessed that we would still be here producing our (lucky) thirteenth season as well as the 75th Anniversary of the Players in 2008. We’re proud of the work that’s been accomplished, prouder of the growth the theatre has achieved and proudest of the audiences that have joined us on the journey.

The ten shows we will produce this year, starting in June with The Ascending Stars Harvey, and closing in September with stage and film star Lindsay Crouse in The Belle of Amherst run the gamut between classic (Our Town starring the ageless James Whitmore), and contemporary (2005 Pulitzer prize winning Doubt: A Parable) , traditional (Noel Coward’s comedy Private Lives) and experimental (the two-man tour de force comedy Stones in His Pockets), as well as personal (Nobody Don’t Like Yogi, an in depth look at the great catcher Yogi Berra starring David Howard) youthful (Second Company productions of Hansel and Gretel and the musical Cindy Reilly) and political (the sharp, witty satire An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde). Each show will also have a common thread: a commitment to the legacy of excellence started in 1933.

There are many exciting events throughout the region planned to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. We start with a special Cabaret with Lucie Arnaz, and continue with special performances, workshops and exhibits through November. We hope you can join us for some or all of these exciting events.

Thank you for helping make the first 75 years possible. We’ll see you at the Players this summer as we move toward the next 75!

Gus Kaikkonen
Keith Stevens