From the Desk of Charles Morey, Interim Producing Artistic Director

December 2023

Dear Peterborough Players Family, 

On an early May evening in 1969, a month away from my college graduation, I drove down
Hadley Road in a severely battered ’63 VW bug. I sat down for an interview with Sally Stearns
Brown, then Managing Director and daughter of our founder Edith Bond Stearns. A few hours
later I left with an offer to be part of the 1969 season.

I had no idea that moment would have such a profound effect on my life, both professional and
personal (I fell in love with my wife 47 years ago in that old barn!) I returned in various
capacities every summer over the next twenty-five years, twelve as Artistic Director, then
sporadically thereafter. I certainly had absolutely no notion that May evening that fifty-four years
later I would return to serve the Players once again as the interim producing artistic director. But
here I am!

That old barn had all the charm it retains today but none of the advantages. There was neither
heat nor air conditioning, the audience sat on 147 uncomfortable folding chairs, the production
facilities were primitive to say the least. But it was filled with magic! The sense of family,
community and shared commitment to great theatre was palpable to audiences and artists alike.
That magic remains and must continue! That’s why I’m back with The Players and why I am
writing to you.

I’m sure you are all aware that since the on-set of the pandemic, theatres large and small face
serious financial challenges. The Peterborough Players is no exception. I won’t focus on that.

What I am focused on is creating a 2024 season that is upbeat and positive with known and
loved titles - and a big musical! It will be a season filled with laughter, joy, romance,
optimism, and inspiration, in the hope that the Players’ community will respond with full
houses of enthusiastic and happy theatre goers sharing the 91-year-old magic of the
Peterborough Players!

That’s the plan. But we need your help. This is YOUR theatre, and we count on you to keep it
strong. We literally would not be here without you. The end of the year annual fund appeal is an
enormous part of our revenue, so your generosity is crucial to our success. I deeply appreciate all
you have done for the Players in the past and ask you now for your generous donation in this
holiday season to ensure the future of the Players.

With deep appreciation and optimism.
​
Sincerely,

Charles Morey
Interim Producing Artistic Director