- Cumberland Theatre
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Cumberland Theatre Company Type non-profit Industry Entertainment Founded 1988 Headquarters Cumberland, Maryland Area served Western Maryland Key people Mr. Stuart Czapski, President, Mrs. Pam Griffith, Vice-President
Mrs. Karen Persons, Treasurer, Mrs. Kim Cendo, SecretaryServices Theatre Website www.cumberlandtheatre.com Contents
The Cumberland Theatre
The theatre has been in existence for 23 years and performs musicals, plays, and dramas. It is owned and operated by a volunteer board of trustees and is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The Cumberland Theatre is located at 101 North Johnson Street, Cumberland MD. The theatre is also supported by volunteers who serve on various committees and work as front of house staff. In the first couple years of the theatre it was used only as a summer theatre but now performs plays through December. The Cumberland theatre was moved to what used to be an empty Church in 1991. The Church was renovated and became the new Cumberland Theatre. Funds for the renovation were raised by Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Giarritta, as well as the state of Maryland. The theatre is run by General Manager, Dr. Nicholas Giarritta, Managing Director, Gary Goodson, and Artistic Director, Don Whisted, who has been with the theatre for 19 years(About Us). "Over the years the theatre schedule has grown from a 3 show summer season to four to six shows a year. Our current schedule has us presenting five shows spaced throughout the year on an ongoing basis(Whisted).
History
The Cumberland theatre has been performing plays since 1988. It is a non-profit organization run solely by a volunteer board of trustees. The board of trustees is a quintessential aspect of this theatre. They help with fundraising as well as delegating its committees to operate the theatre; for instance running the front of the house(About Us).
Initially, it started as a project of Frostburg State University, as a way to rejuvenate the summer theatre program, but has since become independent from the University. The theatre program was inactive during the summer time and this President Herb Reinhard wanted to change. With some coercion, by a theatre faculty member at the University, Professor David Press, the president was convinced that the region could benefit with assistance from the university. The idea would help the economy of downtown Cumberland by establishing a professional theatre, “associated with the university.” Three quintessential founders were President Reinhard, who backed Dr. Press and Dean Phillip Allen(About Us).
A board of Trustees was later established by Dr. Allen, with the help of President Reinhard and Dr. Press, which was chaired by Shirley Giarritta. This board was open to almost anyone who wanted a position and soon held members from the University, County and City administration, local businesses, and local residents. The Cumberland Summer Theatre was incorporated, after much fund-raising, in 1987(About Us).
The new Summer Theatre started in 1988 and 1989 as a rotating repertory theatre. To begin Dr. Press acted as the Artistic Director as well as the Producing Director. In the next season, Dean Allen assumed the role of Executive Director and the Producer while Dr. Press remained the Artistic Director. By the third season, the first full time Producing Director and general manager, Mr. Pat Julian, was selected(About Us).
The First establishment of the theatre was in the Downtown Mall, however in 1991, it was moved to a renovated church building. Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Giarritta, “with assistance from the State of Maryland”, were able to purchase the church for the theatre’s new site(About Us).
In 2003 the auditorium was named “The Nicholas and Shirley Giarritta Playhouse” to “commemorate their many contributions to the theatre throughout its history.”(About Us). Also in 2003, “Emmy Award winning, and Academy Award nominated actor William H. Macy honored the theatre by agreeing to serve on the Board of Trustees"(About Us).
Genres
The Cumberland theatre has shown a variety plays. The theatre performances are mostly suitable for the whole family, yet it is advised to check the recommendations to be sure(Ratings & Synopsis). The artistic director posts a brief synopsis of the play and usually a subjective rating. The ratings are based on the "language and themes contained in the shows(Ratings & Synopsis). The wide variety of show genres include, comedy, drama, horror/thriller, musical, colonial, autobiographical, romance, crime, and mystery(Ratings & Synopsis). "Over the years musicals have proven to be generally the most popular, followed by comedies and thrillers(Whisted). Furthermore, "the theatre has produced many shows featuring stories specific to different minorities. Some examples are; “The Diary of Anne Frank”, “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “Hairspray”, “The All Night Strut”, and “To Kill A Mockingbird”"(Whisted).
Past Plays
(Past Seasons)
October 2010by Richard O'Brien
July 2010
Book: Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan
Music & Lyrics: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics: Scott Wittman
2009
by Claudia Shear
Book by Joseph Stein, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Music by Jerry Bock
by Neil Simon
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
by Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield
Plaid Tidings
by Stuart Ross
2008Conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden & Frank Wildhorn
Book & Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Music by Frank Wildhorn
by Michael Frayn
by Tennessee Williams
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Tony Reich
2007
Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek, Book by Terrence McNally
by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman
by Willy Russell
Ten Little Indians (And Then There Were None)
by Agatha Christie
Cinderella
Music by Richard Rodgers, Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
2006
Camping With Henry & Tom
by Mark St. Germain
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice
by Noel Coward
by Ira Levin
by William Shakespeare
2005
by Jay Presson Allen
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard
Lindsay & Russell Crouse
Pippin (musical)|Pippin
Book by Roger O. Hirson,
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
by Albert Hackett & Frances Goodrich
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens, adapted by Tony Reich
2004
My Way
by David Grapes & Todd Olson
Play It Again Sam
by Woody Allen
Shenandoah
Book by James Lee Barrett, Peter Udell & Philip Rose
Music by Gary Geld, Lyrics by Peter Udell
Frankenstein
based on the novel by Mary Shelley
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens, adapted by Tony Reich
2003
Sweeney Todd
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler
by Neil Simon
Big River
Music & Lyrics by Roger Miller, Book by William Hauptman
Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird
by Christopher Sergel
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens, adapted by Tony Reich
2002
Guys & Dolls
Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser, Book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows
Concept by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento & Jerry Herman
Bye, Bye Birdie
Book by Michael Stewart, Lryics by Lee Adams, Music by Charles Strouse
by William Shakespeare
by Patrick Hamilton
2001
Forever Plaid
by Stuart Ross
by John Schimmel, Cass Morgan, Jim Wann,
Debra Monk, John Foley, Mark Hardwick
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Book & Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Lowe
by Joseph Kesselring
2000
Concept by Jerome Robbins, Book by Arthur Laurents,
Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
by Noel Coward
Oliver
Music, Lyrics & Book by Lionel Bart
by Hamilton Dean & John L. Balderston
1999
Book & Lyrics by George Haimsohn & Robin Miller
Music by Jim Wise
by Michael Frayn
Music by Richard Rodgers, Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
by William Shakespeare
The All Night Strut
by Fran Charnas
Dial 'M' For Murder
by Frederick Knott
1998
Nunsense Jamboree
by Dan Goggin
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
by Edward Albee
Blood Brothers
Book, Music & Lyrics by Willy Russell
by Neil Simon
A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline
by Dean Regan
The Woman In Black
by Stephen Mallatrat
1997
Concept by John Michael Trebelak
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
The Lion In Winter
by James Goldman
Book by W. S. Gilbert, Music by Arthur Sullivan
by Ken Ludwig
Ain't Misbehavin' - The "Fats" Waller Musical
Concept by Murray Horowitz & Richard Maltby, Jr.
by Anthony Shaffer
1996
Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones, Music by Harvey Schmidt
by Tennessee Williams
Cabaret
Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Don't Dress For Dinner
by Marc Canolletti, Robin Hawdon
A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline
by Dean Regan
Sherlock Holmes
by William Gillette & Arthur Conan Doyle
1995
Forever Plaid
by Stuart Ross
Private Lives
by Noel Coward
Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Wilson, Story by Franklin Lacey
Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris
Conception & English Lyrics by Eric Blau & Mort Shuman
Music by Jacques Brel
by Neil Simon
by Agatha Christie
1994
Nunsense II
by Dan Goggin
by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears & Ed Howard
Man Of LaMancha
Book by Dale Wasserman, Music by Mitch Leigh, Lyrics by Joe Darion
Love, Sex and The I.R.S.
by Willaim Van Zandt & Jane Milmore
Book, Music & Lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos & Robert Gerlach
1993
by Peter Shaffer
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Run For Your Wife
by Ray Cooney
Murderer
by Anthony Shaffer
1992
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
Book by Burt Shevlove & Larry Gelbart
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Social Security
by Andrew Bergman
I Do!, I Do!
Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones, Music by Harvey Schmidt
Dracula
by Hamilton Dean & John L. Balderston
1991
by Dan Goggin
Other People's Money
by Jerry Sterner
Lend Me A Tenor
by Ken Ludwig
1990
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Book by Larry L. King & Peter Masterson
Music & Lyrics by Carol Hall
Steel Magnolias
by Robert Harling
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Additional Music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers & Julie Styne. Continuity by Ned Sherrin
1989
by Neil Simon
Music by Burt Bacharach,
Book by Neil Simon, Lyrics by Hal David
by Bernard Slade
1988
by Neil Simon
Music by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
Book by George Abbott, Richard Bissell
Lyrics by Richard Adler, Jerry Ross
by Larry Shue
Community Impact
The people in the city of Cumberland make many donations to the theatre along with private donors and patrons such as, Maryland Arts Council, Allegany County, the City of Cumberland, and the Allegany Arts Council. These donations have helped the theatre stay open.
"The theatre benefits the community by exposing a largely rural population to the joy that is live theatre"(Whisted). Local, Judy Stone said, "It is also nice to see the growing performing abilities of our local students mixed with the new cast members". She also reported in a letter to the editor of the Cumberland Times, "We are very lucky to have a theater of this caliber here in town. My husband and I urge you to support the Cumberland Theater"(Stone).
Students at Frostburg State University benefit from this theatre, as they still are able to participate in its shows. "The cast of the current show features several current students and alumni. Many former students are working throughout the theatre industry"(Whisted).
The Board of Trustees
The Cumberland Theatre is a non-profit organization, entirely owned by a volunteer board of trustees. “Tremendous effort and tireless fund-raising resulted in the incorporation of the Cumberland Summer Theatre in 1987” (About Us). Frostburg President Herb Rinehard showed concern about the dormant summer theatre situation in Cumberland; which led to the cooperation of current theatre professor David Press and Dean Phillip Allen in beginning the Cumberland theatre. Professor Press played a vital role in convincing president Rinehard to spark local economics in Cumberland by locating the theatre there. With help from Dr. Phillip, professor Press established the board of trusteesled by Shirley Giarriatta. In 1999 Mrs. Giarriatta and Mr. Nicholas Giarriatta bought and renovated a church on Johnson street, which is to this day known as the Cumberland theatre. Mr. Gary Goodson serves as the managing director and Mr. Whisted is one of the main directors/producers. In 2003 Emmy award winner and Academy award nominated actor William H. Macy agreed to serve on the board of trustees(About Us).
"In 2010, the elected trustees were: President- Mr. Stuart Czapski, Vice President- Mrs. Pam Griffith, Treasurer-Mrs. Karen Persons, Secretary-Mrs. Kim Cendo; and the general board members are: Mrs. BettyJo Gehauf, Mrs. Shirley Giarritta, Mrs. Robyn Hager-Sine, Mrs. Dottie Kight, Ms. Cherie Krug, Mrs. Phyllis Lyon, Mr. William H. Macy, Mrs. Janet Nolan, Mrs. Heather Perfetti, Mrs. Amanda Ruthenberg, Mrs. Patricia Sell, Mrs. Andee Thompson. The day to day operations of the theatre are managed by Don Whisted, the Artistic Director.
Location
"The theatre opened originally in donated space in the Schwarzenbach building on the downtown Cumberland Mall. The theatre is now housed in a renovated 1950’s building that was formerly an Assembly of God Church. The building houses our costume and scene shops and storage as well as the theatre house. The theatre seats 198 people"(Whisted).
Works Cited
"About Us - Cumberland Theatre." Home - Cumberland Theatre. Web. Dec. 2010. <http://www.cumberlandtheatre.com/shop/page/6?shop_param=>.
Actorsequity.org | About Actors' Equity Association." Actors' Equity – Representing American Actors and Stage Managers in the Theatre. 2010. Web. 06 Dec. 2010. <http://www.actorsequity.org/AboutEquity/aboutequityhome.asp>.
"Past Seasons - Cumberland Theatre." Home - Cumberland Theatre. Web. Dec. 2010. <http://www.cumberlandtheatre.com/shop/page/8?shop_param=>.
"Ratings & Synopsis - Cumberland Theatre." Home - Cumberland Theatre. Web. Dec. 2010. <http://www.cumberlandtheatre.com/shop/page/9?shop_param=>. .
Stone, Judy. "Cumberland Theater's Production Memorable » Archive » Cumberland Times-News." Homepage » Cumberland Times-News. Web. Dec. 2010. <http://times-news.com/archive/x1540429620>.
"Three Actors” Equity Players Head Cast of CT’s ‘Hairspray’ » Local News » Cumberland Times-News." Homepage » Cumberland Times-News. 2 July 2010. Web. 06 Dec. 2010. <http://times-news.com/local/x1671036922/Three-Actors-Equity-players-head-cast-of-CT-s-Hairspray>.
Whisted, Don. "The Cumberland Theatre." Personal interview. 6 Dec. 2010
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