Keeping Community Theater Alive
Good news! You don’t have to trek up to Wilmington or Philadelphia for high quality theater performances. With a vibrant lineup of Broadway musicals, comedies, drama and holiday shows planned for its 2021 season, there’s something for everyone. More good news? By design, it’s affordable with ticket-prices below what you’d pay in a large city!
What started out as a 1973 living room conversation between its 15 charter members, Possum Point Players theatre company now boasts a membership of over 200, and an active mailing list of over 5,000 volunteers and audience members! The variety of performances the “Possums” (as they refer to themselves) have produced is impressive! This year’s lineup starts with “Broadway Springs Back”, an upbeat tribute concert with scenes about hope written by Delawareans. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a Tony Award comedy in 2013 is in May. In June, Silent Sky, the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, a female astronomer in 1900 who mapped out the stars in the sky – without having access to Harvard’s
telescope!
In July, there will be the Junior Possums’ production of crowd favorite, “Annie.” Junior Possums is a company of children from sixth grade through high school. PPP is actively involved in educational outreach for young people, holding an annual summer camp for future starlets or
directors!
September brings “The Producers” to our coastal community, and for the family, “Elf – The Musical” will be usher in the holidays.
If Shakespeare is more your taste, the Possums also offer frequent interactive readings from the Bard’s works, during which you can try your own hand at acting! For fans of classic radio shows like Fibber McGee and Molly, the “PPP Radio Theater” recreates a studio-like scene, with audience interaction.
Over the years, the Possums have mentored volunteers of all sorts of backgrounds and talents. There are actors, of course, but there are also costume designers, set designers, carpenters, lighting and makeup artists and sound technicians – all involved because of their love for theater and pleasing audiences. Many crew members came to be a Possum with some sort of background in amateur theater, while dozens of others learned on the job. Thousands of volunteer hours have been logged over the years, which has helped the nonprofit qualify for grant funding and government support.
PPP has been recognized throughout the state of Delaware for its mission to educate and diversify theater. They’ve collaborated with many other cultural organizations, such as Rehoboth Art League and Southern Delaware Choral Society. It has transformed the face of live theater in
Sussex County – so Delawareans: come see what all the fuss is about, and support this thriving local enterprise!
(Note, all 2021 performances are being held outdoors adjacent to their Georgetown facility, “Possum Hall,” following social distancing protocols currently underway.)