Fifty years ago, Staples student Christopher Lloyd urged English teacher Craig Matheson: “Let’s put on a show.”
The rest is history.
That premiere — “You Can’t Take It With You” — spawned Staples Players. Over the next 5 decades Players produced dramas, musicals, Shakespeare, one-acts, classics and original shows. The organization won countless awards, and international acclaim. It propelled hundreds of alumni to careers in acting, directing, playwriting, set design, lighting, costuming, even entertainment law.
This weekend, Players celebrates that legacy. Matheson; successors Al Pia, Judy Luster and current director David Roth; technical wizards Steve Gilbert, Don Budy and Joe Ziegahn; choreographers Bambi Linn, Joanne de Bergh and Joanne Kahn, and scores of Staples stars — all will be spotlighted in what is sure to be a show-stopper of mythic proportions.
Peter Hirst (left) -- who played Everyman in the 1967 production of "War and Pieces" -- works with current Player Adam Bangser, who reprises that role. At right is Craig Matheson, who directed the original, award-winning drama. (Photo by Kerry Long)
This Friday at 7:30, everyone is invited to a retrospective with current Players (tickets: www.StaplesPlayers.com).
On Sunday at 5:30, alumni gather for a special event. Legends will reprise past roles; there will be photos, video and dance galore, along with pre- and post-receptions (tickets available, starting tomorrow: www.StaplesPlayers.com).
“Staples Players is really a story of people being in the right place at the right time,” Roth says. “It came together because of committed people, in a town committed to the arts. We all look forward to celebrating everyone who has made Players what it is: something valuable to kids, and the entire community.”
Staples Players rehearse for this weekend's 50th anniversary celebration. From left: Alexa Babbin, Chris McNiff, Nora Kennedy, David Ressler, Brittany Uomoleale and Jahari Dodd. (Photo by Kerry Long)
