Message from the Providence Players Board President, Kevin Harnisch
At last, autumn is upon us – which means a chill in the air, scarves and sweaters, and the start of the new Providence Players season. We also celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month when we recall the following quote by Lin-Manuel Miranda:
“You are perfectly cast in your life. I can’t imagine anyone but you in the role. Go play.” So, we did!
This month we are kicking off a season of love stories. These three plays explore the power of love and the human connection in all its warmth, charm and challenges. These plays are personal, intimate and yet very relatable and we hope that you will find yourself touched by these selections.
Our first production is Love Letters by A.R. Gurney followed later in the season by Two Across by Jerry Mayer and then Shooting Star by Steven Dietz. Each play is quirky in its own way so we know you will find them intriguing and fun.
Hope you can join us!
Kevin Harnisch
President, Board of Directors
Coming Attraction: Love Letters, by A. R. Gurney, Directed by Tina Hodge Thronson
Our first offering is a play written by one of America’s most prolific playwrights. This play requires only two actors, and we are fortunate enough to have cast two of our best – husband and wife Michael Donahue and Jayne Victor.
The story is straightforward. Through decades of heartfelt and candid letters, this play reveals a deep connection that navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and personal growth. Melissa, a free-spirited artist, and Andrew, a successful lawyer and politician, share their innermost thoughts, dreams, and regrets, painting a vivid picture of lives intertwined by the power of the written word.
Please join us for this unique production.
Performance Dates and Times at the James Lee Center
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 11 – 26. Note: There will be No Friday performance on October 25. - Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
October 13, October 20. Note: There is an additional matinee on October 26.
Return Engagement:
Veteran Actors/Directors Helm the Upcoming Season
Throughout our 25-year history, Providence Players has been fortunate enough to have the talent and support of many committed members. Included in this group, as both actors and directors, are John Coscia, Barbara Gertzog and Tina Thronson. Although Tina has directed most recently, we welcome back John and Barbara to direct this season.
The first production at the James Lee Center, The Man Who Came to Dinner, was directed by Tina and had both Barbara and John in the cast.
Through the years all three have acted in and directed some of our most highly regarded productions.
Behind the Scenes: Gerry Connolly Scholarship for the Performing Arts
Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
Each year, the Providence Players offer scholarships to graduating High School seniors who plan to continue their involvement in theater arts. Presented in honor of Gerry Connolly, the $2,000 grants help defray the cost of college. Recipients must either have been a member of PPF for a year or live in our community.
Lucas Bickford graduated from W.T. Woodson High School where he was very active in theater and community support activities. In his senior year he was selected Virginia High School League Outstanding Actor. He has started his freshman year at the University of Mary Washington where he is studying Theater Arts.
Alexis West graduated this year from Meridian High School where she was Valedictory Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidate and 2024 Cappie Nominee (Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Play). She is currently a freshman at James Madison University where she is pursuing degrees in Theater and Justice Studies.
Grant Awarded to Providence Players
Providence Players is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a 2025 ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant to further its mission to bring quality community theater to our area. PPF is among 58 ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant recipients based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.
PPF President Kevin Harnisch said, “We are grateful to Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors (especially Mason District Supervisor Jimenez, Providence District Supervisor Palchik), and ArtsFairfax for supporting PPF. The ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant is an important representation of local leadership’s investment in the work we do to make theater come alive and involve community members in this effort.”
“The arts and culture sector is growing in Fairfax, and ArtsFairfax is doing everything possible to raise public funding for the arts, to empower the arts sector with resources, and to amplify the opportunities available to artists and local residents,” said Stuart Holt, President & CEO of ArtsFairfax.
Operating Support Grants are foundational to the stability of local nonprofit arts and culture organizations. By distributing Fairfax County funds for the basic operation of arts and culture programs, services, and facilities (to local nonprofits in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church), ArtsFairfax ensures the vitality of the arts in our community.
ArtsFairfax is the nonprofit designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency. Dedicated to the belief that arts are essential to a thriving community, the ArtsFairfax mission is to expand support for and access to arts and culture opportunities for the more than 1.2 million residents across Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. By offering informational, financial, and programmatic services, ArtsFairfax promotes the role of arts and culture to deepen social engagement, create a sense of place, and fuel economic growth. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) since 1964, ArtsFairfax provides these services to all who contribute to and experience arts in Fairfax County, and is funded in part by the County, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals.
Member Updates
Bobby and Danine Welsh – our friends and long time (now transplanted) members apparently can’t stay away from the theater. They will be appearing in Mark Twain’s comedy Is He Dead with Lamoine (Maine) Community Arts. Break legs you two!- Welcome New members: Welcome to Providence Players! Priti Kapoor.
- Renewing members include: Bill Bodie, John Barclay Burns, Angela Cannon, Patrick & Ingrid David, Christian Faulkner, Kathleen Fitzgerald & Nora Rice, Robert Hannan (and Family), Sharon Kourtz, Daniel Lavanga, Sarah Mournighan, Kathi & David Ranowsky and John Smith.
- If your membership is lapsed and you wish to renew, you can click here.
Want to join in the fun? Here are two ways to let us know!
- Send an email directly to members@providenceplayers.org and we will pass along your interest to the Directors.
- Complete the Member Interest survey. To get started just click the link below, take 5 minutes, fill out the form and hit send! We will review your interests and reach out to you when opportunities present themselves.
Click here to fill out the volunteer form.
We look forward to working and playing with you!
Final Curtain?
(Have an update you would like to share with your fellow members? Please send an email to members@providenceplayers.org with the subject line “Member Update” and we will include it!)
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