Central Park Players has a rich history of mounting productions that have been both artistically and financially successful. New to CPP? Take a look at what we’ve done over the past 60+ years, we hope it will inspire you to join us!
Past Productions
Please stay tuned as we go back in time and share details, photos and news articles related to our rich history of productions on our new website.
64th Season | 2022-2023 Season
Witch
Mischief is afoot in the sleepy village of Edmonton and the fate of the world is at stake in this smart modern fable.
When the emotionally conflicted son of the local lord and an ambitious newcomer come into conflict, help presents itself to both of them in the same guise—as the Devil himself.
But while these two young men take advantage of the Devil’s bargain to accomplish their own questionable ends, someone else in town stands her ground—Elizabeth, an outcast whom everyone believes to be a witch.
Jen Silverman boldly transforms this classic play by Jacobean playwrights William Rowley, Thomas Dekker and John Ford, using a contemporary lens to make the machinations of the distant past strikingly relevant to today.
This play was brought to life by:
- Trudi Kitchka as Elizabeth Sawyer
- Michael Hassett as Scratch
- Richard Holmberg as Sir Arthur Banks
- Aaron Poncé as Cuddy Banks
- Dustin Day as Frank Thorney
- Aurora Shewmake as Winnifred
Performed October 7, 8, 9, 14 & 15, 2022

Directed by Andrew Kitchka
Assisted by Kevin Smith
Produced by Darcie Beekman
Newsies, Jr.
When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.
Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein
JR. Script Adaptation by David Simpatico
Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White.
Photographs by Katy Wolffis.
This play was brought to life by:
- Jack Kelly: Evan Bolla
- Katherine Plumber: Sophia Kelley
- Crutchie: Rory Ponce
- Davey: Jordan Smaka
- Joseph Pulitzer: Kyle Penland
- Les: Marissa Roll
- Medda Larkin: Hannah Reier
- Wiesel: Charlie Beute
- Morris Delancey: Jonah Beute
- Oscar Delancey: Keith Woolery
- Teddy Roosevelt: Ace Treat
- Darcy: Maggie Holmberg
- Race: Emily Drost
- Hazel: Julia Bolla
- Specs: Darion Fearnley
- Romeo: Marshall McCasky
- Albert: Tyler Anderson
- Tommy Boy: Joy Taylor
- Pigtails: Morgan Sahr
- Nancy: Shannon Walsh
- Muriel: Kendall Haynes
- Jojo: Lyric Ponce
- Spot Conlon: Marin Keeler
- Ada: Emily Stefanits
- Ethel: Eden Navis
- Olive: Ella Chasco
- Bunsen: Keegan Troccko
- Seitz: Cohen Ketner
- Hannah: Shelly Marsh
- Snyder: Ashley Tesmer
- Dorothy: Alyssa McCasky
- Bill / Pat: Doniela Arias
- Police Chief: Oliver Shunta
- Woman: Amanda Leany
- Scab 1: Charlotte Clover
- Scab 2: Hope Shunta
- Scab 3: Sevanah Clover
- Ensemble: Artison Fearnley, Madelyn Jackson, Josiah Van Engen
- Offstage Chorus: Grace Pearce

Performed July 29-30, 2022
Directed by Amy Lalick-Prinzi
Assisted by Meg Sebastian
Produced by Diane Reeths
Music Directed by Gabi Tomes
Choregraphed by Samantha Farrar















63rd Season | 2021-2022 Season
Bess Z Awards
- Best Show: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,
Trudi Kitchka, Director | Lisa Hilliard, Assistant Director | Darcie Beekman, Producer | Karen Fredericksen, Music Director | Rachel Fetterley, Choreographer - Lead Male Performance: SCOTT MURPHY, Wadsworth in Clue
- Lead Female Performance: EMILY KINDERVATER, Mary Jo in A Piece of My Heart
- Major Supporting Male Performance: MICHAEL HASSETT, Snoopy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
- Major Supporting Female Performance: KELLENE ARNOLD, Sally Brown in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
- Minor Male Performance: BRUCE BAKER, Multiple roles in Holiday Chestnuts: A Festive Collection of Seasonal Shorts
- Minor Female Performance: DIANE REETHS, Poinsettia in Holiday Chestnuts: A Festive Collection of Seasonal Shorts
- Cameo Performance: EMILY DROST, Singing Telegram Girl in Clue
- Outstanding Design: SCOTT MURPHY, Set Design for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
- Family Theatre Student: Evan Bolla
- Family Theatre Phyllis Pelligrino: Darcie Beekman
- Outstanding Dedication: Laurie Strait & Susan Maxwell
- Volunteer Service: Michael Baribeau
- Presidential: Karen Frederiksen
- Cron Lifetime Achievement: Barb DeVries (posthumously awarded)
Photos by Katy Wolffis.













A Piece of My Heart
A Piece of My Heart is the inspiring true stories of six courageous women sent to Vietnam, and their heart-wrenching struggle to make sense of a war that irrevocably changed them, and a nation that shunned them.
The drama centers on a career Army woman, an American Red Cross volunteer, a Navy Nurse, two Army nurses, an entertainer, and the men that surround their lives.
The play portrays each woman before, during, and after her tour in the war-torn nation and ends as each leaves a personal token at the memorial wall in Washington.
- Director: Margo Walters
- Assistant Director: Lisa Hilliard
- Producer: Diane Reeths
Performed May 13, 14, 15, 20 & 21, 2022.
This play was brought to life by:
- Steele: Cathy Gartland
- Whitney: Robin Beebee
- Martha: Julie Bratton
- Sissy: Jennifer Reeths
- Lee Ann: Lydia Amaya
- Mary Jo: Emily Kindervater
- American Men #1 Adam Bell
- American Men #2 Scott Murphy
Photos by Katy Wolffis.













You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship.
- Director: Trudi Kitchka
- Assistant Director: Lisa Hilliard
- Producer: Darcie Beekman
- Music Direction by Karen Fredericksen
- Choreography by Rachel Fetterley
Performed March 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12, 2022.
This musical was brought to life by:
- Charlie Brown: Andrew Kitchka
- Linus Van Pelt: Kristopher Arnold
- Schroeder: Riley Van Ess
- Snoopy: Mike Hassett
- Lucy Van Pelt: Katy Wolffis
- Sally Brown: Kellene Arnold
- Woodstock Ensemble: Lulu Fetterley & Abby Forrest










It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
This one night only fundraiser featured talent and leadership from 92.1 FM WGHN and Central Park Players, as well as other local community leaders.
Aired live in front of a “studio audience” on December 17, 2021.


Holiday Chestnuts: A Festive Collection of Seasonal Shorts
This festive original production featured a variety of fun holiday plays.
- Poinsettia vs. the Christmas Cactus: A Yuletide Smackdown, by Jonathan Grahm
- How I Met Your Santa, by Daniel Guyton
- Death of a Snowman, by Daniel Guyton
- A Christmas Chaos, by Michael Wehrli
- Oy Vey Maria, by Mark Harvey Levine
- Christmas Breaks, by Patrick Gabridge
- A Tree in the House, by Kari Catton
- Elf Break Room, by Natalie Carmolli
- Director: Natalie Carmolli
- Assistant Director: Tammy Shake
- Producer: Joy Lamphere
Performed December 8, 9, 10 & 11, 2021.

Clue
It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well . . . dead. So whodunnit?
Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.
- Director: Darcie Beekman
- Assistant Director: Tammy Shake
- Producer: Joy Lamphere
Performed October 15, 16, 17, 22, & 23







62nd Season | 2020-2021
Godspell, Jr.
A group of disciples help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, are employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
- Director: Peter Drost
- Assistant Director: Laurie Strait
- Producer: Richard Millman
- Music Director: Lauren Mixter
Performed July 29, 30 & 31, 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season was canceled. During this time, CPP stayed in touch with its patrons through virtual theatre, social media and instructional videos.
Homebound Holiday Extravaganza Fundraiser
This video compilation, edited and published by Joe Andersen, brought together many familiar faces through a virtual platform. Published on December 18, 2020; the free event was available through the holiday season on YouTube.
- The Night Before Christmas – Read by Bruce Baker
- Mele Kalikimaka – Mike Hassett
- Santa Baby – Michaela Kerkstra
- Santa Tell Me – Rory Ponce
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Lyric Ponce
- We Need a Little Christmas – Holmberg Sisters (Abbie, Emily & Maggie)
- Silent Night – Cameron and Taylor McKinnon
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bell Rock Mash-up – Kristopher and Lena Arnold
- Polar Express When Christmas Comes To Town – Keagan Welty
- O Holy Night- Mark Martin
- Joy To The World – Michelle, Kevin, and Anna Prince Family
- Winter Wonderland – MyKenzie Miller – Board Member of Central Park Players
- Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Staley Singers (Rob & Emily with children, Brenna, Keira, Rowynn & Emmett)
- Let it Snow – Shannon Barnard and Madelyn Jackson
- All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth – The DeBoers (Ray, Shelby & Olivia)
- Holly Jolly Christmas – Andrew Kitchka – Board Member of Central Park Players
61st Season | 2019-2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season ended early and we were unable to stage our final show of the season, Alice in Wonderland.
Old Ringers
In this adult bawdy comedy, four senior women try to fight the shrinking economy and their shrinking pocketbooks by opening up a home phone sex service after receiving an unsolicited obscene phone call!
- Director: Andrew Kitchka
Performed March 6, 7, 8 13, & 14, 2020
Little Women
- Director: Lisa Hilliard
Into the Woods
- Director: Peter Drost
60th Season | 2018-2019
Lion King, Jr.
Based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film of the same name and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Lion King is the story of Simba, an adventurous and energetic lion cub who is next in line to be king of the Pride Lands, a thriving and beautiful region in the African savanna.
- Director: Trudi Kerkstra
- Assistant Director: Andrew Kitchka
- Producer: Barb DeVries
Sylvia
Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park—or that has found him—bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag.
A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog.
The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.
- Director: Peter Drost
Performed May 10,12, 17 & 18, 2019

A Delicate Ship
A haunting love triangle triggers an unexpected chain of events in this poetic play. In the early stages of a new relationship, Sarah and Sam are lovers happily discovering each other. Sarah and Nate know everything about each other, best of friends since childhood and maybe something more.
But when Nate shows up unannounced on Sarah’s doorstep, she’s left questioning what and who she wants in this humorous and heartbreaking look at love, memory, and the decisions that alter the course of our lives.
- Director: Lisa Hilliard
Performed March 1, 2, 3, 8 & 9, 2019

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Inspired by the American classic film, this production is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a live studio audience. Back before the internet, cell phones and television were popular yet, families gathered around the radio for their entertainment. They didn’t watch shows; they listened to them, mostly.
13 actors performed over 40 different character voices in this show that brought Frank Capra’s iconic film to the stage. Set in a radio station, complete with sound effects creatively performed on stage with fun commercial breaks too. This play captured all the warmth and magic of Christmas when a loving, frustrated business man viewed what life would be like for his family, friends and community if he had never been born.
- Director: Darcie Beekman
Performed December 13, 14, 15, 15 & 16, 2018



59th Season | 2017-2018
- 2018 Shrek Jr (Family Theatre)
- 2018 August Osage County
- 2018 Arsenic and Old Lace
- 2017 The Wishing Tree/The Littlest Reindeer
- 2017 Pippin
58th Season | 2016-2017
- 2017 Aladdin JR. (Family Theatre)
- 2017 Death of a Salesman
- 2017 God of Carnage
- 2016 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- 2016 Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
57th Season | 2015-2016
- 2016 The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Family Theatre)
- 2016 The Diary of Anne Frank
- 2016 Grease
- 2015 Glitz! The Little Miss Christmas Pageant
- 2015 Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
56th Season | 2014-2015
- 2015 High School Musical (Family Theatre)
- 2015 Midsummer Jersey
- 2015 12 Angry Men
- 2014 Charlie Brown Christmas and Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Eve
- 2014 The Last Five Years (musical)
55th Season | 2013-2014
- 2014 Peter Pan Jr. (Family Theatre)
- 2014 I Never Saw Another Butterfly (Family Theatre)
- 2014 Anne of Green Gables
- 2014 Rent
- 2013 Junie B. Jones, Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
- 2013 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
54th Season | 2012-2013
- 2013 Schoolhouse Rock LIVE Jr. (Family Theatre)
- 2013 Pinkalicious!
- 2013 On Golden Pond
- 2012 Tuna Christmas
- 2012 Love Letters
53rd Season | 2011-2012
- 2012 Camp Rock, The Musical (Special Production)
- 2012 The Affections of May
- 2012 The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds
- 2011 Seussical the Musical
- 2011 Bus Stop
52nd Season | 2010-2011
- 2011 Do Wop Wed Widing Hood (Family Theatre)
- 2011 Pygmalion
- 2011 All My Sons
- 2010 Greater Tuna
- 2010 Little Shop of Horrors
51st Season | 2009-2010
- 2010 Nunsense (Special Production)
- 2010 Dear Edwina, Jr. (Family Theatre)
- 2010 Almost, Maine
- 2010 Oliver!
- 2009 A Christmas Carol
- 2009 Leading Ladies
50th Season | 2008-2009
- 2009 Escanaba in da Moonlight (Special Production)
- 2009 Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. (Family Theatre)
- 2009 Steel Magnolias
- 2009 Once Upon a Mattress
- 2008 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- 2008 The Odd Couple


