January 2024
God of Carnage
By Yazmina Resa
Jeff Sullivan, Director
Samantha Hudgins, Producer
Production Dates January 26, 27, 28, & February 2, 3, 4, 2024
Winner of three Tony Awards including Best Play.
A comedy of manners – without the manners! A playground altercation between 11-year-old boys brings together two sets of parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. But the diplomatic niceties of “civilized society” begin to fray as the meeting progresses, proving the adage that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The cast includes David Crossley, Joyce Leven, Joel Sugarman and Eve Kerrigan.
From the Production Committee
Written By: Rachel Nadeau & Kevin Thibault
We are at the midway point of the season with the running of God of Carnage. Jeff Sullivan is busily directing the actors for a great show.
The production committee is gearing up to prepare a season for Players 116th season, and at the same time finalizing plans for auditions for our last show of the 115th season, Wonder of the World. The committee and director, Richard Griffin, will be screening actors on February 26th and 27th at 6:30pm in the Green Room. There will be possible call backs on February 28th.
In the meantime, When We Were Young & Unafraid is already in rehearsal under the direction of Morgan Salpietro and Samantha Hudgins as Stage Manager. The play synopsis: In the early 1970s, before Roe v. Wade, before the Violence Against Women Act, Agnes has turned her quiet bed and breakfast into one of the few spots where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge. But to Agnes’ dismay, her latest runaway, Mary Anne, is beginning to influence Agnes’ college-bound daughter, Penny. As the drums of a feminist revolution grow louder outside of Agnes’ tiny world, Agnes is forced to confront her own presumptions about the women she’s spent her life trying to help.
Benefit Nights
Mary Paolino
Both benefit nights were fully booked for our fantastic production of “She Loves Me, directed by Joan Dillenback.
The November 30 show was enjoyed by the Rotary Club of Providence and their guests. On December 7, the Barrington Lions Club delighted in the wonderful musical.
Many first-time visitors to Players complimented our fine theatre and the hospitality they received.
Both Benefit Nights are fully booked for our next production, God of Carnage, however, we still have two more shows after that. For more information on these fun evenings, contact me at mary.paolino@yahoo.com.
Green Room
Nancy Winokoor & Mark Lima
The Green Room activities are kicking into gear this winter. But first, we have postponed the Directing Class until the spring to make it easier for folks to get ready and make it to the theatre. Be prepared to come see Love Letters on February 16, 17, and 18. Three pairs of actors will be presenting this two-person gem, so, each show will be a unique performance. Friday night will have Ian Hudgins and Samantha Hudgins, Saturday night is Dave Crossley and Nancy Winokoor, and Sunday’s matinee will be Walter Cotter and Liz Messier. The Players have done this show on the main stage, but this is a first for the Green Room.
Then, get ready to hear some wonderful a cappella singing in a show called No Pit Crew. What do you get when you mix together your favorite Broadway show tunes, a cappella doo-wops and talented voices? Why, the No Pit Crew, of course! Rehearsals are currently under way for performances on March 2 at 7:30pm and March 3 at 2pm for The No Pit Crew Presents: Harmony and Hope. Selections in the concert include songs from Carousel, the a cappella musical In Transit and the TV show Smash. Mark your calendars - you don’t want to miss this unique musical production! Stephanie Whipple has prepared a selection of songs that will please your ears. The Group includes a host of The Players’ voices spanning the spectrum.
This show is directed by Stephanie Whipple and produced by Karen Besson. Both shows are presented on the Green Room stage. This is a free event.
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
Happy 2024! I hope you had a chance to enjoy time with special people over the holidays. The Players’ December was filled with both joy and sorrow.
Our audiences were blessed with the joyful revival of the musical She Loves Me. In addition to a stellar cast and crew, we thank Director Joan Dillenback and Musical Director Joe Carvalho for the nostalgic and lovely idea. Thank you Dan Clement and scenic painter Sharon Carpentier for creating a jewel box of a set, and even providing falling leaves and snow! A tip of the hat goes to Julia Gillis for her imaginative choreography. And, special thanks to Becky Kilcline for her gorgeous, rich costuming.
We also, unbelievably and with heavy hearts, gathered to say farewell to our dear General Manager, Bill Whitehead, Jr., who passed away in late November. Bill’s partner Warren, his sister Gerri, and niece Jaime hosted a heart-swelling reunion of Bill’s huge theater family to share stories and an incredible video compilation of Bill’s performances created by Richard Griffin. We join all who will miss Bill’s presence, humor, hugs, and warmth.
Many thanks to Bill Applegate, Sharon Carpentier, Peter Lamberton, Liz Messier and others who stepped in to ensure emails, bills, ticketing, box office, newsletter and program were handled ably, and continue to keep our business on track.
The Players is ready to keep you warm this winter! The next two fantastic main stage shows are in rehearsal, Shakespeare study classes will start soon, Strictly Shakespeare will continue, our Green Room schedule is packed, and the Midwinter Party plans are heating up! As always, we look forward to seeing everyone at 400 Benefit Street!
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 at players1909@gmail.com with your name or refer a friend!
From The Vice President
First — a big thank you to the Vice President’s Committee for their heartfelt assistance in organizing the Celebration of Life for General Manager Bill Whitehead. More than 100 of Bill’s friends and family attended the standing-room only service in the main theater. The afternoon was filled with stories and love for our friend Bill.
Second — Up next is the Mid-Winter party hosted by the Vice Presidents’ Committee. Be sure to join us in the Green Room as we shake off the winter blues with food, fun and camaraderie. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 24th at 7:00pm. More details to follow, so be sure to check The Players website.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Becky Minard and Sharon Carpentier
A couple of announcements from the DEI Committee: Roger Lemelin’s Shadow Mask Storytellers workshop will be performing on February 23rd at 7:00 PM. The efforts of these high school students will be showcased for parents, friends and members of The Players community.
It’s a free event, and we are hoping for a strong showing from our members, as it is one of our first efforts at opening our doors to younger people, some of whom are demonstrating their performance skills for the first time. Refreshments will be served. This workshop is made possible through funding from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA).
RISCA has offered The Players one of the limited slots in their upcoming program – Initiating Equity Work for Small, Mid-size, and Volunteer-Led Organizations – at the “deep engagement level”. The DEI committee is excited about the opportunity to ask a DEI professional questions about our efforts so far, as well as the specific challenges we face in becoming a more open and diverse organization.
