Greetings, Players!

We are happy to finally be able to announce the revised schedule for our upcoming season. You may remember that we had announced a new comedy, Off The Hook, as our season opener, but we were unable to secure the rights to it. Taking its place will be the delightful romantic comedy Private Eyes, written by Steven Dietz. Described as “a comedy of suspicion”, this play within a play within a play will keep the audience guessing about what’s really going on with its many twists and convolutions. Exploring the themes of love, lust, and illusion, this play is full of surprises. Performance dates are Nov. 10, 11, 17, 18 19, 24, and 25. Directors are still being interviewed; we’ll be able to tell you who the director will be next month.

We would like to thank Jackson Royal, Chair of the Play/Director Selection Committee, and all of the committee members for their hard work choosing the offerings for the upcoming season, and then scrambling to find a replacement for Off The Hook. The members of this past year’s committee are Lida McGirr, Jamie Shea, Ellie Hutchins, and Lenny Clarke. They had their work cut out for them this year!

Sometime in early to mid August we will be sending out our season brochures, and will need help stuffing the envelopes. If you would like to help out, call Corrinne Kinsman (artcor68@earthlink.net) to find out the date. We’ll make it a fun evening, with conversation, cameraderie, and maybe even snacks!

We would like to extend a big Thank You to all of those who helped to remove the old rigging at 51 Walden in order to prepare for the installation of the new rigging. The following people worked: Rick Shamel, John Althouse, Charlie Atherton, Iain Bason, Kate Blair, David Bearg, Nat Bearg, Sally Bull, Gisele Ganz, LeRoy Newbold, Rik Pierce, Cathie Regan, and Susan Tucker. They deserve high praise for doing a dirty job in very hot weather!

Concord Players member Nancy Curran Willis, Artistic Director for Second Stage Theatre Company, proudly announces the 2nd season will open July 19th and run through August 5th at the New Repertory Theatre in Newton Highlands, and then move to The Firehouse Center in Newburyport from August 10th through 20th. SSTC is presenting Tony Award winning playwright Richard Nelson’s outrageous farce, An American Comedy, directed by Jim Murphy. Jim will be directing The Price for Concord next season. Don’t miss this wonderful summer splash - take the cruise and visit them in Newton or Newburyport. For New Rep tickets call 617-429-5000. For Firehouse tickets call: 978-462-7336 for more information.

Jennifer Kirby is playing the role of Phoebe (Poopay), and Candy Goff is portraying Jennifer in the Quannapowitt Players’ production of Communicating Doors, which is directed by Michael Jacaobs. Performances are September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30. Tickets are $12, and are available by calling the box office at 781-942-2212.

New Concord Players member Thomas Caron is producing and directing a production of Cymbeline Refinished (A Tall Tale of Old Texas), by William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Included in the cast is John Kinsman. Performances run August 4 - 27 (Fridays at 6 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 6 PM, and Sundays at 4 PM). The venue is The Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Riverside Park in New York, and admission is free. If you’re in The Big Apple this month, stop by and see it!

Betsy Connelly is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on August 14. We hope you have a speedy recovery, Betsy! She would like me to pass along the message that she will be unavailable to deal with costumes after August 12, so if you need to rent or borrow one, speak to her before that. For the rest of August, Sally Bull will help with costume needs, but she requests that you only ask if it’s an emergency. Sally’s email address is Sallybull@erols.com. Pat Kane will be back in town at the end of the month, and will be available to deal with costume needs then.

That’s all the news for now! Please send your news to me at: Sara Ballard, 9 Stacey Circle, Concord, MA 01742, or E-mail me . The next newsletter deadline is August 22.