Shows Archive - Page 125 of 130

You Can’t Take It With You Preview (Curtain Calls 8.3, September 2012)

The History of Community Players: Part 1 (Curtain Calls 8.2, July 2012, p 3)

The History of Community Players: Part 2 (Curtain Calls 8.3, September 2012, p 3)

Community Players kicked off their celebration of their 90th continuous season of theater presentations.

First up was a membership offered baseball game and picnic on June 2nd followed on June 30th by a presentation of visiting author Dr Julie Hedgepeth Williams. She had just finished publishing a book on the Caldwell family, of Bloomington, who were survivors of the Titanic tragedy. Historian Bruce Parrish, had provided her with photos and reviews of Sylvia Caldwell, who had been an active Players member from the 20’s through the 30’s. After the presentation, cast members of the 2011 production of Titanic, The Musical, performed several songs from the show.

Next up was the opening of the theatrical season with the Pulitzer Prize winning comedy classic “You Can’t Take It With You.” This show was well received and called a delightful romp which featured an outstanding ensemble. Players first performed this show as the opener for the 1979-1980 Season.

Hairspray Preview (Curtain Calls 8.1, May 2012)

“Hairspray” was a well-received and very profitable musical for Community Players. A special performance was given for students and young adults who might not ordinarily have the opportunities to attend shows. “Hairspray” saw the return of former board member, treasurer, actor, producer, director, scene designer, and builder Chris Terven. Before this show, Chris was last at Players for the 1999-2000 season. Every so often we all need a break, so welcome back Chris, you were missed. Chris started with Players working with the annual Christmas production, which in 1989 was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Chris worked onstage and backstage.

The biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes alive in this musical retelling. Joseph—the favorite son of Jacob—is blessed with vivid dreams that foretell the future. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endures a series of adventures which challenge him to his core. Soon he finds himself belonging to Potiphar, whose wife makes advances toward Joseph that ultimately land him behind bars. However, news of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams sparks the interest of the hilariously Elvis-like Pharaoh. Soon, Joseph is out of jail and well on his way to second-in-command. Eventually, Joseph’s brothers find themselves unknowingly groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed. As they fail to even recognize him, Joseph tests their integrity. He ultimately reveals himself and the brothers are reconciled. A truly timeless Old Testament tale, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is set to a multitude of musical genres, spanning from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock and roll.

The 95th season’s final production was “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. It was the record-setting fourth production for the Community Players. The show had been performed in 1996, 2000, 2007 and now in 2018. Time has been good to the show and its popularity. The current production had a very successful run and was well reviewed with praise for the set, music, dance, and performers. This production had 14 performances and sold out every performance. This production also had understudies for both The Narrator and Joseph and they performed in those roles twice. In a Pantagraph Article by Bill Flick, a story featuring Ben Laxton, 2007’s Joseph, who is currently appearing on Broadway in “The Book of Mormon.” Ben sent his best wishes and encouragment to the 2018 cast.