September 2023
Into The Breeches
By George Brant
Vince Petronio, Director
Jeff Sullivan, Producer
Production Dates September 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and October 1
We have the perfect show to kick off The Players’ 115th season: Into the Breeches!, by George Brant. Originally commissioned by Providence’s own Trinity Rep., Into the Breeches! tells the true story of a playhouse in Rhode Island (sound familiar?) that continued performing during World War II by having female actors play all the male roles.
Directed by Vince Petronio, this hilarious and heartwarming play about what happens when we’re all in it together explores how theater can unite a community and expand our idea of who that includes. Into the Breeches! is a laugh-out-loud love letter to theater and all those who love it.
The cast and crew include: Paula Faber, Becky Minard, Mary Paolino, Marija Thomas, Emma Dunlop, Victoria Wilson, W. Grant Willis, Ray Fournier, Maxine Wolfson, Tootles Faccenda, Riley Nedder
From the Production Committee
Written By: Rachel Nadeau & Kevin Thibault
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
- Thornton Wilder
In curating the 115th season of The Players, there was a lot to consider. What do we want to bring to our audience? What will best represent us during this moment in time? What do we want to explore as artists, humans, and most importantly, friends? The answer wasn’t easy, at least not until we started to simplify what was already in front of us. Staring straight up at us we found a common thread to begin a conversation that could evolve and deepen over the course of the season.
Walking in the wake of a pandemic and reflecting on several seasons we’ve never anticipated, we wanted to celebrate and honor the tenacity of our community’s resilience in weathering any storm. Looking at the characters and stories that were pulling us in closer with their whimsy and poignancy, we recognized the same qualities as they fought their own battles. And so emerged a theme: Perseverance: A Journey Through Laughter and Tears.
We invite you to join us in exploring the human journey of perseverance. Why? When? How? To what end do we push ourselves further than we thought possible? Is it worth the sacrifice and struggle? Does laughter make it easier and possible to endure? Or do tears steel our nerves and ground us with renewed strength? Maybe it’s a little of both. We’re honestly not sure, but we’re looking forward to discovering the answer alongside you this season.
There is no better place to examine our own humanity than at the theater, among friends, old and new. Please come laugh, cry, gasp, and maybe even learn a few things on the roller coaster of human perseverance. We’ll be sure to save you a seat.
Benefit Nights
Mary Paolino
The Players’ Benefit Nights are a great way for community organizations to earn money while participating in a fun-filled evening with their coworkers or fellow club members. As the new Benefit Nights chair, I’m looking forward to providing members of the wider community with opportunities to see our fantastic productions, while at the same time providing revenue to their organizations..
Here’s how it works: On the Thursdays of production weeks, community organizations can purchase a half ($250) or full ($400) house to one of The Players’ productions. The best part is that they set the ticket price for their members, which allows the group to fundraise as needed.
And in addition to an evening of stellar entertainment, The Players provides space for food and drink for the occasion, to enjoy preshow and/or at intermission.
Current tentative dates available are:
• September 21 & 28 (Into the Breeches)
• March 14 & 21 (When We Were Young and Unafraid)
• May 16 (Wonder of the World)
If you know of an organization that might like to book a Benefit Night, or for further information, please contact Mary Paolino (mary.paolino@yahoo.com).
We look forward to hosting neighboring organizations at our Benefit Nights!
Green Room
Nancy Winokoor & Mark Lima
The Green Room is ready to kick off the new season! We will be starting with a scene study and monologue class for actors wanting to hone their skills or regular folks wanting to try their hand at performing with Vince Petronio at the helm.
Classes will meet every Saturday morning at 10:00am to 1:00pm from September 9 through October 28, 2023 (no class on October 7). There will be some required out-of-class rehearsal. Enrollment is limited to 12, so be sure to register early.
Walter Cotter is again hosting a year of Strictly Shakespeare for all you Bard buffs. The season begins on Tuesday, September 12,with Henry IV, Part 2, and continuing that reading on Tuesday, September 19. For those who are new to this popular program, the group meets on two Tuesday evenings a month at 7:00PM in the Green Room to read aloud from Shakespeare’s works. Individual scripts are provided. All are welcome. No experience necessary!
Construction activity to make the Barker Playhouse ADA-compliant was made possible in part by grants from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and by the Champlin Foundations.
Matching funds were provided by the Barker Foundation, the Sarah Minchen Barker Endowment, and you – our members.
From the President
Bonnie Sullivan
Whether or not you enjoy warmer temperatures, summer brings opportunities to celebrate friends and accomplishments, and people are more motivated to connect. What a gift! Summer is waning, but the break of a new season – in this case, Season 115 – lightens my heart!
Our Production, Green Room, and Vice President’s committees have outdone themselves to fill our calendar with opportunities for Players members, families, and friends to connect and enjoy shows, special performances, classes, and parties! And there is more coming! Keep in touch on our website.
In addition to all that, be on the lookout for two special fundraisers (more info to follow). In the meantime, mark your calendars for:
• October 28, 2023: Eden Casteel – Khan Artist, a sampling of songs made famous by Madeline Kahn, followed by an open mic. Come share the stage, Players!
• April 27, 2024: A big band soirée featuring local sensation ROMPS
Friends, I encourage you to lean in to The Players this season. So many of us have found lifelong friends through learning or honing theater and hospitality skills at 400 Benefit Street. Once I step through our doors, the rest of the world falls away for a while. I want each and every one of you to feel that way, too. See you at the theater!
The Players Needs You!
As a club, we are always cultivating volunteers. We have an immediate need to fill for Publicity. Specifically, we need someone with the skills to lead our vital communications efforts via the local press, our newsletters, social media – even distributing flyers around town. Also putting together a press packet for reviewers who come to our shows. As you can see, a flair for marketing would be a bonus!
If this sounds interesting, or you would like to get more information on this vital role in supporting The Players, please contact our General Manager Bill Whitehead, Jr. at players1909@gmail.com with your name or refer a friend!
From The Vice President
Make it stand out
Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 5 for our annual Presidents’ Reception, where we welcome our new members and celebrate all that is the magic of The Players.
Watch your email and check The Players’ website for updates.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Becky Minard and Sharon Carpentier
The Players’ DEI committee submitted and received a grant from The Rhode Island Council on the Arts to present a workshop in shadow puppetry, led by Roger Lemelin, our very own Puppet Master. During February break of 2024, 12 high school students from Providence, Central Falls and Pawtucket, will learn the elements of making a shadow puppet and creating a narrative, and through performance will demonstrate an art form that has existed in various manifestations since ancient times.
Sharon Carpentier, an artist in her own right, will be assisting Roger. In order to hone Sharon’s skills, Roger is spending some time teaching Sharon and Becky Minard, co- diversity chair, some of the basic skills that he will be teaching the students.
About Being a Stage Manager
Judith Clinton
To unravel this question, I turned to one of The Players’ esteemed stage managers, Eva Coffey. In response to my inquiry about her journey to becoming a stage manager, Eva recounted her captivating story.
Eva’s introduction to The Players happened a few years back when a friend took her to a production at Barker Playhouse. Enthralled by the experience, she attended another show, eventually becoming a member of The Players. As a new member, she embarked on an unexpected path – the world of props. Despite having no prior experience, Eva embraced the challenge for an upcoming show.
Her approach was methodical; she meticulously read the script, cataloging every mentioned item. The completion of her script-reading unveiled a lengthy array of props. Gathering these props became her next mission, and with guidance from colleagues and especially the show’s stage manager, she set about assembling them. This newfound passion led her to handle props for several shows, and her talent was evident. It was like being on a scavenger hunt. Lots of fun!
Eva’s proficiency in prop coordination led to her being offered a new role – Assistant Stage Manager. Without hesitation, she embraced this opportunity and soon found herself deeply engaged. Eva’s journey continued as she fulfilled the role of ASM for various productions. Rapidly mastering her responsibilities, she quickly climbed the ranks to become the Stage Manager for The Philadelphia Story, a remarkable accomplishment! This ascendancy aligns perfectly with Eva’s innate aptitude, shaped by her years as a statistician at the electric company – a job demanding meticulous attention to detail. After retiring, Eva sought purpose in her free time and was “bitten by the bug” after her Barker Playhouse visits and involvement with The Players. She relished contributing to theater and being part of a collaborative team, thriving in the artistic camaraderie behind the scenes.
When asked about the requisite skills for a successful Stage Manager, Eva’s response underscores the need for a genuine affinity for organization. The SM embodies leadership, self-motivation, and adaptability, adapting to ever-changing conditions. The SM shoulders responsibility for every aspect of a production, fostering a structured environment while remaining attuned to both people and processes. Safety, a paramount concern for Eva, positions her as a guardian to the cast and crew. Her watchful eye ensures everyone’s wellbeing; tardiness prompts her to ensure safe arrivals. Moreover, the Stage Manager serves as a bridge between the cast and the director, addressing concerns and channeling them to the appropriate party.
Central to a production, the Stage Manager oversees numerous facets, including:
Communication: Facilitating exchanges between directors, cast, crew, and designers through call sheets, updates, and announcements.
Blocking and Staging: Collaborating with directors to ensure consistent scene blocking and staging, maintaining precise notes for actors and props.
Cue Execution: Seamlessly coordinating technical cues like lighting, sound, and set changes during performances.
Technical Rehearsals: Integrating technical elements through cue-to-cue and dress rehearsals.
Backstage Management: Organizing backstage zones, from dressing rooms to prop tables.
Run Crew Supervision: Managing backstage tasks through pre-show and post-show meetings with the run crew.
Post-Production Responsibilities: Contributing to production wrap-up, aiding in set and prop removal, and participating in improvement discussions.
Adaptability and Problem Solving: Navigating dynamic changes in the production process with quick decision-making.
Emergency Preparedness: Formulating and communicating emergency procedures to ensure all stakeholders’ safety.
Script and Score Management: Maintaining annotated scripts for reference during rehearsals and performances.
Time Management: SM is a timekeeper once the show opens, coordinating with box office and lighting booth, etc.
Eva’s journey showcases that a Stage Manager’s role isn’t just about managing logistics; it’s about curating an environment where artistic visions flourish. If you think you’d like to try your hand at learning a new skill, you might consider starting with props, graduating to Assistant Stage Manager and then to full fledged Stage Manager, like Eva did. Everyone will help you learn and grow. The Players will not only support you in the process, they will welcome you into the family.
The Players Cookbook!
Our long-awaited cookbook, featuring more than 90 treasured recipes from Players members, and friends, is stil available. The cost is $35 each.
You can order your cookbook(s) by clicking here or emailing us. Cookbooks must be picked up at the theatre.
Remember: This is a fundraiser for the Raise the Roof project: $17 of the purchase price is tax deductible.
