Friendship Players
A diverse group of interested people met for the first time in the parlor of Fallston United Methodist Church in the mid-1990's to discuss the possibility of creating a theater troupe to raise funds for the church. The Friendship Players (named after FUMC roots as Friendship Church) performed for the first time in the fall of 1997. This premier dinner theater featured "Down to Earth," a comedy, forming the foundation for the group's endeavors and subsequent productions. The Players are "down to earth" (no prima donnas allowed) and talented. The annual event, historically in the fall, features six entertaining performances, and a meal that receives rave reviews as well.
In preparation for opening night, the cast and crew rehearse from early July to October, with auditions in April. This span of time allows The Players to build a foundation for the Friendship in their name. The cast comes from the Church and the northern Maryland community, many having experiences elsewhere, including professional troupes. Most come back annually to return to familiar relationships and venue. New actors are always welcomed. The ages have ranged from five to eighty years. The group thrives on the chemistry among the actors and the audience as well.
The dinner theater has become a major fundraiser for the Church. The supportive community "waits in line" to make reservations for this relaxing event, featuring a bountiful feast and an escape into the drama/comedy on the stage.
Director, Friendship Players
Announcing Our 2010 Production: Foibles and Folly
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood Colorado
The cast of characters for this year's play has been selected, we had our first read-through at the end of May, and regular rehearsals will start in June.
This light-hearted comedy will charm you with its eclectic cast of lovable characters and its gentle message about acceptance of others. Distinctive Manor is true to its name—it's a dilapidated apartment building and the home of several eccentric people who are truly set apart by their own "distinctive manner." When the three McGowans move in—an absent-minded scientist, his equally eccentric scientist brother and his very critical teenage daughter, Amanda—they blend right in. When the residents are confronted with an unexpected crisis, they discover they have more in common than they realized. Besides working with the tenants to tackle their problems, Amanda has her journal entries, her father's scientific experiments, her Uncle Brian's ruminative wisdom and the comical interactions among tenants to help her grow up and learn to see beyond others' peculiarities.
For this year's performance, we are welcoming back a number of our regular troupe, along with several of the very talented younger performers from the local community who were on stage for last year's performance of Altar Egos (which was produced by special arrangment with Eldridge Publishing Company). We will also be pleased to be introducing you to the newest adult member of our cast. Rehearsals have been ongoing since May, and we are looking forward to offering you a fun and entertaining afternoon or evening!
Performance dates:
Friday, October 1, 7:00 PM (Show only, dessert and beverage)
Friday, October 8, 6:00 PM
Saturdays, October 9 & 16, 6:00 PM
Sunday matinees, October 3 & 17, 2:00 PM
Reservations: $25
Table of 10 for $225
Show only $15
Reservations begin August 22, 2010. Call Phil or Jane (410)877-7630 to reserve your seats.
We look forwarding to seeing you!