By T. Michele Walker
Photos provided
Paula Pender & Shawn Genther
in the 2012 production of “Six
Dance Lessons in Six Weeks.”
September/October • 2021 • GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 29
The Charlotte Players have
refused to allow a
pandemic to stand
in the way of their 60th
anniversary. Making the
best of a challenging
season, the non-profi t
community theater
has done its best to
remain open while
keeping its theater
patrons safe with social
distancing, masks, and
loads of sanitizer.
Their production of “Men
Are Dogs,” which closed
Sunday, June 20, was written and
directed by New York playwright Joseph
Simonelli. This production marked the offi cial
end of the Charlotte Player’s 60th season and
is a testimony to the spirit that is live theater.
The Charlotte Players are fortunate
to be collaborating with such
an esteemed playwright as
Simonelli who said that he
is happy to be back at the
Charlotte Players. He last
directed his Valentine’s
Play, “With This Ring,” at
The Charlotte Players in
February. It’s collaborations
such as this that spell out a
bright future for the company.
Honoring their pledge made
in 1961, “The show must go on,”
The Charlotte Players have moved
from venue to venue throughout
the years, including the Elks Club, a
bowling alley, the high school, a crumbling
storefront on the harbor, all while rising to the
challenge of producing quality theater for the
community.