logo In the Wings
The Newsletter of The Concord Players
July 2019                              Amanda Casale, Editor 
THE WINTER'S TALE
Why Shakespeare?  
 
Why, for over 400 years, do thousands of theater companies around the world perform a Shakespearean play each year? Why do audiences come and still pack houses to see Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Romeo and Juliet for the 3rd, 4th or 5th time? Why did Shakespeare last when so many others have come and gone? The answer is simple: Shakespeare provides the perfect marriage of themes and emotions that people from many generations and various walks of life can easily relate to, with rich, complex, wordsmithing the likes of which have yet to be seen since.  
 
So why should you come out to see Concord Players' outdoor production of The Winter's Tale outside of the library on July 27th and 28th or August 3rd and 4th at 5pm? There are three excellent reasons: The Winter's Tale is not one of Shakespeare's more commonly produced works, so this will give you an opportunity to see an absolutely wonderful Shakespearean play that perhaps you have not seen before.  Although you may not know what it is like to be the King of Sicilia, many of us can relate to feelings of jealousy,  irrational anger, saying things in the heat of an argument we will later regret, being betrayed by someone we thought of as a friend, and the need for redemption and forgiveness. If even one of these themes awakes a memory from your own life, then this play, these characters will speak to you. And finally... it's completely FREE!! So, plenty of reasons and no excuses. Come down and join and see if love and forgiveness will truly win the day. Hope to see you there!
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS! 
Four old friends are four new board members!   
 
Carol Antos, who has served the Players in many roles, most notably as one of our most beloved Costume Divas, will bring her extraordinary talents to the group. We know her of course by the stunning costumes she has created for the Players, but she brings myriad other talents to this new role. Carol has years of experience as an event planner, a fundraiser, and an expert in strategic planning. Not only that, she's lots of fun! Thank you, Carol, for sharing even more of your time with us.
 
If you've been on the Concord Players' boards any time in the past few years, you'll recognize Connie Benn who can delight with her comedic talents, or affect an elegant, regal persona on stage. Whether funny or fashionable, silly or serene, Connie has a transformative impact when she sings. She rivals the skylarks with an expressive soprano that stops everybody in its tracks on the first note. Don't let your board responsibilities keep you off the stage, Connie!  
 
Tracy Wall is back! After five one-year terms as president (a special dispensation at an Annual Meeting permitted the fifth) she took a well-deserved one-year hiatus. We coaxed her back, though, and are so happy she is here. One can't possibly quantify the value of Tracy's leadership to the organization. She is a devoted Costume Diva with many DASH awards under her belt. She is a talented producer, committee chair, fundraiser (helping to raise $500k for 51 Walden), event planner, and graphic designer. Her hiatus wasn't really time off, though, as she is already knee-deep in plans for the celebration of Concord's 100th Anniversary celebration (which she is co-chairing with Paul Murphy). Welcome back, Tracy.
 
Nick Miller has been an actor since middle school and graduated with a BA in Theater from Muhlenberg College.  While living in LA, Nick took the occasional acting class but his focus was centered around building his career as a dog trainer.  It wasn't until Nick and his wife moved to Boston in 2009 that he reconnected with doing theater again regularly.  He worked with The Happy Medium Theater Co, a fringe group that produced shows out of The Factory Theater.  A highlight of his time with them was being part of their production of Dog Sees God - which won the IRNE for Best Production by a Fringe Group.  Nick and his family moved to Concord in the summer of 2017 and since then has had the opportunity to be involved in shows at both The Umbrella and The Concord Players.  He will be a wonderful addition to the Concord Players Board! 
MALE CAST MEMBERS NEEDED FOR
FUNNY GIRL
We are looking for a few men to join the cast of Funny Girl. Currently we are seeking to cast Nick Arnstein (the male lead) and several ensemble men. Auditions will be held at 51 Walden on Wednesday, July 31st at 7pm. Actors should prepare a song from musical theater in the style of the show, but NOT FROM Funny Girl. Those who wish to be considered for the dance ensemble should be prepared for a short dance audition (bring taps if you own them). Those interested in the role of Nick Arnstein should be prepared to learn music from the show on the night of the auditions.   
 
For more information about the show or to sign up for an audition, please go to the Concord Players website.  If you cannot attend the audition or cannot be there at 7pm and are interested, please still let us know!  You can send any questions to funnygirl@concordplayers.org. 
3rd ANNUAL SIZZLIN' SIDEWALK SALE 
Join the Concord Players for the third annual Walden Street Sizzlin' Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, August 10th from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
 
The town of Concord closes off Walden Street for the day and the merchants, as well as the public, enjoy food, bargains, and entertainment around the downtown area.  

 
The Players will make their appearance on the sidewalk in front of Sotheby's and provide musical entertainment - planned and unplanned - while announcing our exciting upcoming 100th Anniversary season.  
 
 
We are looking for volunteers to sing and staff our space throughout shifts of the day.  Musical entertainment is being coordinated by Amanda Casale - whether it be singing along to karaoke tracks, a cappella, or your own suggestions.  Please let her know if you can participate by emailing amanda.m.casale@gmail.com .
 
We can also use your help with setting up and staffing throughout the day so please contact Andrea Roessler at ajroessler@gmail.com to let her know your availability.
CONCORD PLAYERS MEMBER NEWS
Membership Renewal:  It's membership renewal time, so sometime in the next couple of weeks, please expect your membership renewal form in the mail.  We hope you will rejoin us, particularly THIS year, as we celebrate our 100th birthday.  If you've moved since last year, please email Corinne at corinne.kinsman@gmail.com. Or, if you are not a member and would like to know more information, she would still love to hear from you. 

Legally BlondeConcord Players members Amanda Casale and Joshua Telepman have been cast as Elle Woods and Dewey/Elle's Dad/ Ensemble, respectively, in the Footlight Club's November 2019 production of Legally Blonde!  Get your tickets now on the Footlight Club website.
 
Silent SkyConcord Players members Grace Sumner and Nick Miller have been cast in Quannapowitt Players' A Silent Sky, directed by Nancy Curran Willis with costume design by Kathy Booth.  Performances begin September 27th.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS AT 51 WALDEN
Picnic in the Park:  The Concord Band will be performing at the 2019 Picnic in the Park on Thursday, July 4th, from 3:00-4:00pm.  The event runs from 10:00am-4:00pm, with many other fun activities.  The event is rain or shine, and more details can be found on the Concord Band website.
2019 Fruitlands Summer Concert Series:  The Concord Band continues their Thursday night summer concert series each Thursday at 7:15pm at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA.  July 4th is themed "America Strong", July 11th is themed "Spectacular Broadway", July 18th is themed "Strike up the Bands", and July 25th is themed "A Summer Retrospective".  More information can be found on the Concord Band website.
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