THIS WEEK WITH MCP ...
NEXT ON STAGE ...
Don't miss the first show of our 2024 Season, Proof. the performances are February 23rd, 24th, 29th, and March 1st and 2nd at 8:00 PM and February 25th at 2:00 PM in the Mason Community Playhouse.
Get your tickets
HERE
!
IN THE NEAR FUTURE ...
Trivia Team of Theatre Nerds
Nov 16th and 30th at 7pm
James' Third Base
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 23rd
Membership Committee Meeting
November 27th at 7pm
IT/Tech Committee Meeting
November 28th at 7pm
Playbook Book Club
November 29th at 7:30pm
Coffee Corner
December 2nd at 9am
Save the Date
to CELEBRATE
in 2023!
December 1
Caroling in Mason
(Note Change of Date)
Director Jim Cronin and Producer Tess Catlin are excited to announce the cast of the first show of the 2024 Season. Auditions for the show were held October 21st and 22nd. Jim was afforded choices for every role from those attending. The cast will be a very balanced two veterans to two newcomers. In the veteran camp, the role of Catherine will be portrayed by Abby Farmer while Claire LaNicca will appear as Claire. MCP is thrilled to welcome Andy Crawford as Robert and Michael Knorr as Hal.
McPost will highlight each of the cast members after the first of the year. Performances are February 23rd through March 2nd. Tickets are available now!
Check for the link in NEXT ON STAGE.
Greetings MCP Family,
It is that time of year again to put forward nominations for the 2024 MCP Board of Directors. In December, Jim Cronin, Jay Fultz, Tim Geering, Peyton Hahn, and Sonya Neff will be completing their 2-year terms. We thank them all for their years of service on the board and to MCP. This opens up 5 positions on MCP's Board of Directors to serve a 2-year term starting in January of 2024. If you have a nomination for the board, please email that nomination HERE. Please include a short paragraph in support of your nominee. Please send your nominations to MCP's Vice-President by Thursday, December 14th, so we can obtain confirmation and acceptance from those nominees in time for the banquet.
I look forward to reading some outstanding nominations.
Jim Cronin, Vice-President
The December 50th Event is Caroling. It was previously scheduled for December 9th and was to occur in the neighborhoods around the Playhouse. There has been a change of date and location! Instead, MCP is going to be caroling in downtown Mason during the city's Tree Lighting Event on Friday, December 1st. The event is from 6pm-8pm on that date.
Join in the fun as we turn back the hands of time and revisit the days when we used to carol or perform at Christmas in Mason. We plan to start at one end of the street and stop and carol in front of some of the stores along the route. Attire is simple, wear something warm and a Santa Hat or Elf Hat or Reindeer Antlers or similar. There will be an MCP Scarf for a bit of flair. Music will be provided. There will be one rehearsal scheduled to accommodate those who are interested. In order that the correct number of scarves can be ordered and a rehearsal date can be planned, please e-mail Gail Rudolph by Monday, November 13th, to let her know that you plan to carol on December 1st. The Geerings will host an After Party that evening for all carolers, as well.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
SEND GOOD THOUGHTS...
Please keep in thought and prayer Jess Bunn, Becca McLaughlin, Gaylene May Schumacher, and Joel Lind. These members are experiencing some ongoing health issues.
Jess Bunn has happily been released from the hospital and is continuing her recovery at home.
And, please keep praying for
Carol Wright,
in her continuing health struggles.
If you know someone hurting, who could use good thoughts or prayers, please let the McPost Staff know and we will share it here.
Jess is doing really well, but she is stuck at home and restricted from driving. She also has a new diet that she will need to follow. She would love to have visitors. If you would like to do so, please e-mail Dana Davis here, so that Dana can help arrange that for her. If you would like to help with supplying some food for Jess, the best option would be a Kroger Gift Card, so that she can have groceries delivered to her door. If you would like to support Jess in this way, please get a gift card to Laureen Catlin. You can hand it to her, drop it off at 5140 Minuteman Court, Mason, or mail it to that address. She will see to it that Jess gets those cards for her use. And don't forget that we will need to celebrate Jess' birthday properly when she is ready to do so. We are looking for a date, and will publish that here and in an e-mail, when a date and time can be arranged!
Joel was released from the hospital, but is now at Doverwood Skilled Nursing Facility, 4195 Hamilton Mason Rd, Hamilton, 45011, for up to six weeks of rehabilitation. Though he loves to have visitors, he is often really tired. Sending him a card or letter really helps to cheer him up. You can send c/o Doverwood at the address above.
His need for petroleum jelly to mitigate the symptoms of his skin disease is still great. If you wish, you can donate a jar or two of 13 oz. Vasoline or a generic brand. There is a bin on the exterior of the Playhouse or, if it would help, you can purchase online and have it delivered to the Catlins at 5140 Minuteman Ct in Mason. They will see to it that your donation gets to Joel.
The Costume Party that was held after the first Saturday performance of Gender Bender 5.0 was well attended. There were some great costumes! This issue of McPost is so chock full of news that including photos just isn't possible. That's never stopped us! Click here to access the gallery of pics from that evening!
Cast, staff, and crew of Above the Sand are invited to a reunion on Saturday, November 18th, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held at Warped Wing, located at 5650 Tylersville Road in Mason. Host Sara Davis wanted to be sure that everyone associated with the show was extended an invitation. If you are seeing this information for the first time, and would like to attend, please let Sara know. You can e-mail her here. If you have any questions, she is happy to address those, also.
Join MCP in being Timeless!
Timeless is a musical revue filled with songs that never go out of style. This show celebrates songs which resonate with people throughout their lives. Music from different eras that are timeless and near and dear the hearts of performers. Age is not a limiting factor for this production. Timeless is an age-blind cabaret. If you missed an opportunity, or are awaiting the chance to sing a bucket list song, this show is for you. This production shifts away from typical casting norms and focuses on talent at every stage of life. We are looking for people who have dreamed of performing their beloved songs.
Timeless will be performed in April with auditions in January.
Is that Mary Stan Fizer seated aboard a riding lawn mower!?! Sure is! Thanks to funding from the 50 for 50 Campaign and the research and shopping of Tim Geering, MCP is the proud owner of its own riding mower. It is tucked away neatly in the shed that was built for it not long ago. It will really help with taking care of the approximate acre of land that the Playhouse sits upon. We know it is the end of season (they come a little cheaper at that time), but we are thrilled to have this addition to the equipment. Maybe you could be a part of the team that mows on a rotation next grass growing season. If you are interested, just let Mary Stan or Tim know that you want to help.
But that's not all! You may have noticed equipment around the Playhouse throughout this week. The equipment belongs to the professional painters who have been doing something that is long overdue for a block building. The exterior of the Playhouse has now been sealed and painted. It was one of the biggest priorities of the campaign because regular painting keeps water from seeping into the interior.
And that brings us to one more thing ... we need to call upon the membership one more time this year. There will be a Work Day on Saturday, December 9th beginning at 10am in the Playhouse. There are a few tasks remaining on the punchlist for the Phase One portion of the Renovation Plan. The Reno Team would sure like to knock those down and call it good. We could use your help. Please keep that date open on your calendar, if you can. A sign-up will be available soon.
PlayBook 2023
This year's remaining titles and dates are:
November 29, 2023:
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
January 24, 2024:
Gypsy, A Memoir
by Gypsy Rose Lee
As always, the planning of a season takes time. That's why MCP is reaching out to directors to ask for submissions for the 2025 Season.
The Play Reading Committee accepts directorial submissions throughout the year. Also, they will archive all submissions considering them for at least three years when they develop a slate of shows for Board approval each season. But they want directors who are specifically interested in being considered for 2025 to submit by February 1, 2024.
You can submit to direct by filling out this form at this link.
Then e-mail the form, and a copy of the play to this e-mail address.
MCP's 50 for 50 Campaign Needs Your Support!
It cannot be successful without every member helping to promote it. The campaign's goal is to raise $50,000 by December 31st of this year.
You can donate now!
Just click here!
Or make out a check to Mason Community Players for the amount you would like to donate. Be sure to write "50 for 50" on the memo line. You can hand the check to Treasurer Susan Berger or mail it to P.O. Box 300, Mason, OH 45040.
This is not just a fundraiser designed to solicit donations from members. Ask your family and friends to donate. Ask a local business. Remember that we are a 501c3 corporation and the gifts are tax deductible.
This is the YEAR to make the goal! Let's do this!
Don't Miss These MCP Members Appearing in Area Shows:
Mollie Bryson, Abby Farmer, Tosha Gibson, Caitlyn Sanderson, and Emily Tilling are appearing in Big Fish at Loveland Stage Company. Remaining performances are November 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7:30pm and November 12 & 19 at 3pm.
Tickets are available here!
Jay Fultz, Paul Henkler, Sonya Neff, and Amy Sullivan will be appearing in and Trish Cooper and Nathan Courtney are among the directors for A Seussified Christmas Carol at Tri-County Players. Performances are December 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30pm and December 3 and 10 at 3pm.
Tickets are available here!
Are you an MCP member who is participating in a show with another theatre group? Let us know the details by sending an e-mail to this address and we will publish the information here in the newsletter.
TICKETS ON SALE ...
SEASON TICKETS
ON SALE NOW!
Get your Season Tickets for 2024 today. Anyone who purchases a Season Ticket for next year before December 31, 2023 will receive a $10 Concessions voucher to be used throughout the season.
Click here to access MCP's ticket sales page.
Click on the Event Packages button or scroll down beneath the individual 2024 show tickets to access the Season Ticket portal.
MCP's 2024 Season:
Proof
February 24 - March 2
Timeless, A Musical Revue
April 12
- 20
God's Favorite
June 21
- 29
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
September 6 - 14
The Mousetrap
November 15 -23
The final Work Day for Renovation in the Playhouse is December 9th beginning at 10am.
Please plan to help out this one last time in 2023!
'Tis the Holiday Season. Thanksgiving is this month. And, in just nine short weeks, the 50 for 50 Campaign will come to a close.
The Board has designated the funds to paint the exterior of the Playhouse, which is very much needed, but there is still a lot of items and tasks that need to be funded. Perhaps you would like to make a specific donation instead of a general one.
A few items have been identified as being critical to continued progress in the Playhouse. An Amazon Business account has been created with a Wish List. Click here to see the list of items and make a purchase. Perhaps you can donate a costume wardrobe, a rack, or a cover. We really need to put all our costumes in their home and that cannot happen without these items. Perhaps you can donate some solar lights that will help with visibility on the exterior of the building. Perhaps you would like to donate a sign that is needed on the property.
Another option is to donate supplies. If you click on this link, it will take you to the recurring supply list ... tape, hand soap, batteries, air filters, toilet tissue, garbage bags, etc. And the best news is that anything you donate will be shipped directly to the Playhouse (not to you, who then must figure how to get it to the Playhouse).
You can still encourage your family and friends to donate through Give Butter. And, you can make a donation in that way, too. The link is here!
The wish list just provides more options. Both lists will be ongoing and will be updated in the future with new items. All gifts and donations are very much appreciated! Please consider sending a holiday gift to MCP!
MCP was featured in one of the recent issues of Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle. Founder Linda Geering and Current President Lara Gonzalez were interviewed by columnist Nan Paraskevopoulos. The article focuses on MCP past and present. You can access the online version here! It includes 23 photos plucked from our 50 years. Enjoy!
MCP submitted a Silent Auction Basket for the Kiwanis Veteran Day's Pancake Breakfast which contained two 2024 Season Tickets, a book representing each show from the upcoming season, two mugs, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Thanks to those that came out to represent out group: Diane Caruso, Michele Deremo, Laureen Catlin, Phil Catlin, Linda Geering, Tim Geering, David Grimm, Eric Grimm, Becca McLaughlin, Ben Riesenberg, Mary Beth Benken-Riesenberg, Mike Riesenberg, Gail Rudolph, and Gaylene May Schumacher.
Expressing Gratitude...
Thank You ...
... To Tim Geering
, who coordinated the Pancake Breakfast event, which was the November 50th Anniversary gathering.
... To Gail Rudolph, who is taking on the task of coordinating the December 50th Event - Caroling at the Tree Lighting in Mason. Be sure to contact her and offer to sing!
... To the Production Staff of Proof
, led by Producer Tess Catlin and Director Jim Cronin. They had their first meeting this past Thursday, and they are on their way to creating another great MCP show!
When are you sending us
your
story for 50 for 50? Your story can be funny or inspiring or sweet or proud. It can be from on stage or backstage. It's YOUR story. The only restrictions are no vulgar language and don't hurt others. It is that simple. Share what you have discovered being a part of MCP.
Do not make Laureen or Robert or Tess have to write the next story! Get ready, get set, write!
Please consider sending a story!
There are only six slots left for stories for this year. We know there are great stories out there! We could really use your help in finishing out our 50th year with some wonderful memories!
Submit your MCP story today via this
e-mail
!
Warren County's Oldest Continuously Operating
Community Theatre...
One Year on Mason Road,
50 Years in Mason
50 Stories for 50 Years
It's a Wonderful "Habit"
By: Mary Taylor
When I was a single mom, my kids and I did some theater together. (See the photo of me and my daughter Emily in Music Man below.) I also had the chance to play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl in 1986. Almost 20 years then went by without theater in my life, although I continued to sing, particularly in 4-part acapella harmony with Sweet Adelines.
In 2005, Emily suggested to me that I needed to get back into theater again. So, one Sunday night, as I was coming out of church at St. Susanna’s, I remembered reading that a Mason theater group was having auditions at St. Susanna School that night. So I walked into the school, and they sent me first to the music audition with Sara Davis. I sang “Climb Every Mountain” and the next day they called and offered me the role of Mother Abbess! The Sound of Music experience was thrilling, and I was hooked ... back in the “habit” again.
I subsequently performed in many MCP shows, including three more in a nun’s habit ... Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Nunsense. My roles with MCP were all in musicals, although I have a goal to audition for a straight play sometime before I’m too old!
Included in the musicals were Fiddler on the Roof (Golde), My Fair Lady (Mrs. Pearce), Once Upon a Mattress (the Nightingale), A
Grand Night for Singing, Sweetheart Revue, Love Lost Revue, Damn Yankees, Scrooge, the Musical, and All Together Now.
I learned so much about the production of a musical when I worked as the stage manager for both Guys and Dolls and Copacabana.
MCP has taught me many things, but the most valuable gift I’ve received is the “Community” in our name. Whether it’s learning music and lines, building sets, working on costumes, ushering, or parking cars at the tennis tournament, I continue to be grateful every day for this Community!
ED NOTE: Shown above is Mary as the Mother Abbess. Below she is pictured with her daughter, Emily, as Fanny Brice, with her "daughters" in Fiddler, as the Nightingale from Mattress and with her good friend, Pete Padolik in her most recent appearance as Sister Mary Hubert.
This newsletter will be sent to you each Sunday evening. It is the hope of the leadership of MCP that this will be an easy communication for you to refer to throughout that week and that you will not have as many messages from the group in your inbox over the course of the week. You can always reach out to us at any time with suggestions.
513-398-7804
newsletter@masonplayers.org
www.masonplayers.org
The Mason Community Post is edited by Laureen Catlin with support from Assistant Editor Robert Terry, Staff Writer Tess Catlin, and IT Technician Phil Catlin.