R 162 |
2021 -- S 0786 Enacted 04/06/2021 |
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N |
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY PLAYERS |
Introduced By: Senator Meghan E. Kallman |
Date Introduced: April 06, 2021 |
WHEREAS, The Community Players, Rhode Island's oldest Community Theater, was |
conceived in 1920, by a troupe of "dreamers" in the City of Pawtucket, dedicated to having fun |
and encouraging an interest in dramatics; and |
WHEREAS, On May 9, 1921, The Community Players presented their first performance, |
"Milestones", at the Old Star Theatre on Main Street in Pawtucket. It was a resounding success |
that benefited the Associated Charities; and |
WHEREAS, In the fall of that same year, The Players presented "Hamilton" to |
correspond with the City's 250th Anniversary celebration. It was once again a sell-out; and |
WHEREAS, In 1971, as the City observed its tricentennial, The Players, who were |
celebrating their 50th Anniversary, provided highlights of various historic City events; and |
WHEREAS, The Players also present a yearly program of plays, that culturally enrich |
Pawtucket and the Blackstone Valley area. Membership has grown exponentially over the years |
with nearly 600 current members "offering nine nights of performances for musicals and six |
nights for non-musicals during four yearly productions"; and |
WHEREAS, Many of The Players proceeds have gone to charitable organizations |
including more than $1,000 to The Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center. They also held a |
performance benefiting the Retarded Children's Association of the Blackstone Valley, which |
honored them with a special award for their contribution, and have done performances for local |
PTA's and Women's Councils, Lion's Club, Quota Club, Kiwanis, Friends of the Library, Rotary, |
League of Women Voters, to name but a few; and |
WHEREAS, Currently located at the After the Star Theatre, The Players have had many |
homes over the years, including the old Bijou Theatre on Broad Street, The Grand Army Hall on |
Exchange Street, then to the former Jenks Junior High, the Pawtucket Senior High School |
buildings, the Oak Hill Tennis Club, the Slater Park boathouse, and auditoriums at the Pawtucket |
Congregational Church and St. Martin's Church; and |
WHEREAS, Stated best by the Players themselves, "Good Times and Bum Times, We've |
Seen Them All and, My Dear, We're Still Here Here!"; now, therefore be it |
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby joins the decades of |
volunteers, performers, behind the scenes workers, and audiences in celebrating the 100th |
Anniversary of The Community Players and wishes them many more decades of continued |
success; and be it further |
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ed Mastriano, President of The Community |
Players. |
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LC002624 |
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