Brogan: World Premiere Showing!!

With Labor Day behind us, the day's growing a little shorter and that occasional chill in the early morning hours, can Fall be very far away?

If you needed any additional proof, on Wednesday, September 21st, the evening before Fall officially begins, the Walker Lecture Series launches their series of free events. These truly amazing tradition has been an important part of our community and affords audiences an opportunity to enjoy an array of fascinating performances. There is everything from film, travelogues, music presentations for every taste including the traditional Messiah in December.

Here is a link to their upcoming free programming: About Us — Walker Lecture Series

This Season begins with the kind of event that will have audiences talking for months or even years to come. It's a world-premiere documentary telling the story of the Community Players of Concord, NH, who are starting their 95th Season.

The Players: The 95-year History of the Community Players of Concord, NH will have its initial screening at 7:30 PM and everyone is invited to join the crowd. You do not need to be a theatrical aficionado to sit enthralled. The film, a labor of love, is filled with fascinating stories, pictures, clips and interviews with and about those who have brought thousands of hours of pleasure to Concord audiences since 1927.

Jim Webber, who attended his first Players production in 1970, has become a familiar part of the organization throughout the decades. Whether on stage - singing, acting, dancing and even playing a uke, or behind the scenes as a director, set-designer or being tasked with any of the jobs that help create the magic, Jim loves the organization.

It was his dream to create a history in an entertaining way so that future generations would understand why live theater has mattered to our city by the river. The task was daunting, but Jim's efforts were achieved by securing the support and skills of many.

Concord TV, as always, was eager to participate in something that would have the value of telling a history. Mike O'Meara from the station, helped Jim to delve through the thousands of photos and create something cohesive, that flowed and would be set to music. Everyone at Concord TV supported the venture and the Walker Lecture Series provided support and an opportunity to unveil the finished work at the start of their season, which has enriched our community since 1896.

There were dozens of interviews conducted with those who were more than happy to share their own stories or the stories they grew-up hearing. The comedies, dramas and musicals that were presented over the decades, and the local talent who helped to bring those stories to life, are legend. Even the iconic Bette Davis dropped in to enjoy a Player's production in the 1940's.

Recently Jim and Mike dropped by my television program, Capital Area Chats, to discuss their documentary. Here is a link to that show: https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/Xr8MIp6iGKk9kd2-nGV5XvtU7qurHzBe/media/739844?autostart=true&fullscreen=false&showtabssearch=false

Suffice it to say that the place to be on September 21st is the World Premiere of a memorable event in our city's history. After the screening, there will be a Q & A for those wishing to ask questions or bask in the afterglow of something remarkable.

For those unable to attend, the film will be screened on Thursday, October 6 at 7 PM at Red River Theatres in downtown Concord. There is an admission cost for this screening, which is a benefit for the Community Players.

Come join the celebration. See old friends and make some new ones, while discovering why, after almost a century, community theater is alive and thriving in Concord.