2021 -- S 0786

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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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

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     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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