By Seth Simmers
A short time ago, the Daily News Record released their 2024 Best of the Valley contest winners and the Off Broadway Players performed respectively well, securing a top three ranking in the Best Stage Theater category. Over time the Off Broadway Players continues to obtain high praise for their exceptional work in developing a reputable theater company. While it’s humbling to be recognized among the very best, I can’t help but wonder what makes our theatre so special? Is it mystique perhaps or maybe something the Band Boosters put in the popcorn?
All jokes aside! For now, there’s clearly something to be said about the Off Broadway Players. While I know in part what makes our theatre great, my conspiracies were proven and my mind was enlightened by the words of our patrons and actors. Here’s what they said:
One of our regular patrons and passionate live theatre goers expressed her satisfaction with our quality productions and spot-on casting choices. She said she always comes expecting quality and leaves fulfilled!
Another patron of ours conveyed his delight with how our performers make strong acting choices and develop their characters. He also noted that he always falls in love with a well-developed character the actor has created.
A friend of mine and first-time patron came to see To Kill A Mockingbird a few months ago. Prior to that show, she’d only seen a few high school plays and didn’t know what to expect. What she received, in her words, was a pleasant and enjoyable experience. She stated how impressed she was with the casting choices and how believable each character was. She also noted how inspiring it was to see everyone working as a team.
While it’s no surprise that we, the performers, absorb much praise for our work, it’s equally important to acknowledge the dedication and labor-intensive efforts of our director(s), crew, set builders, technicians, etc. The Off Broadway Players recognizes the importance of teamwork. Regardless of one’s role in the theater, the experience a person has, or any number of other things, every contributor is a part of the team.
The Off Broadway Players is home to wonderful teachers and mentors who openly express the value of learning and the importance of growth in personal development, as well as theatrical skill. Many performers have joined us with little to no acting credits to their name. You may have seen them as Ralphie in A Christmas Story, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, and Scout, Dill, Rev. Spikes, and Calpurnia in To Kill A Mockingbird. I compare the joy of watching them grow to a mother watching her child take their first steps.
Mary Louise Johnson joined the Off Broadway Players in 2023 and I in 2018, but we both shared the same first impressions. Our first read-throughs were daunting, and our confidence levels were somewhere far underground. We figured we’d be one and done on stage, if we made it that far. But with tremendous patience, encouraging words, and shared wisdom, we’ve continued to grow and bond as a team and as a family.
Finally, this article wouldn’t be complete without giving thanks and acknowledging those who are very near and dear to our hearts. We salute and give a shout-out to the Town of Broadway for welcoming us here; to J. Frank Hillyard Middle School for providing space and resources; to local businesses for their sponsorships and advertising; and you, our loyal patrons, for your kind words, attendance, and donations. Without each one of you, we wouldn’t reap the rewards and local recognition. Thank you!
As you can see, teamwork really does make the dream work! But I encourage you, don’t just take my word for it, come experience it for yourself! Come join us for the Off Broadway Players’ final weekend of Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses, directed by Terri Hoover, August 2nd and 3rd at 7:00 pm and August 4th at 3:00 pm. During the show ask yourself this question… Are the occurrences at Lovers’ Landing Beach Hotel a result of true love, mystique, or something they put in the barracuda drinks?
Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses
by Michael Parker, Susan Parker
Presented by special permission from Concord Theatricals
Directed by Terri Hoover
The Lovers’ Landing Beach Hotel, a popular wedding destination, has acquired a certain mystique as the home of Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses. Recently inheriting the hotel from her late father, Audrina Brown quickly discovers that her Uncle Bubba, the hotel manager is running a variety of “extra-curricular activities” on the property. It’s a mystery. It’s a love story.
Friday, July 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Friday, August 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Adult $17.00; Seniors $15.00; Student $15.00
Tickets will be available at the door. General Admission. No Reserved Seating.
This is a great article!! So happy and proud of Seth and all the performers! They do a wonderful job of entertaining the audience!
Their hard work is evident in the performances. So glad this area has such a dedicated group!!❤️
This is a great article! As a frequent patron of the Off Broadway Players, I can agree with all the wonderful things stated here. The selection of plays, the production details, the producers, backstage crew, and the very talented actors work together like a well oiled machine. Every play I see, I always go back a second time to enjoy it again!
Great article, Seth! You know you are one of my favorite actors!
I saw Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses and enjoyed it very much. It was funny and very well cast.