Walking into what most long time North End residents know as the Port Gamble post office, was like stepping back in time. Most people didn't know until this holiday season that there is a hidden treasure just sitting up all alone being unused and that is the Old Historic Theater that is up stairs. When I was little my mom use to clean for Pope and Tablet. I was able to do what most kids couldn't and that was being able to play and ride my bike upstairs. A private wonderhood growing up, a place to be able to sneak into and play the day away. I was lucky like my mom and her sisters were. When she was little the theater was their wonderland. The town of Port Gamble was where my mom was brought home from the hospital. Living there most of her childhood. Her father was born in the Hospital that use to be on the hill there, He even attend the small school that was once in the perfect lawn at the end of town. My Great grandparents ran the store and until the shell museum was added, they would play in all the things that were stored up there, like Hospital beds, bar shop chairs and so much more. A great place to explore as a child. I have such an amazing family history in the North end and this makes me feel so proud. I love that have roots in a town as special as Port Gamble.
The Roving Players was formed as a loosely organized group in 1987 producing mostly Shakespearean and original scripts. What began as a two show season expanded to include dinner theater, and several full length productions a year. After their incorporation in 1994 they decided to add Children's Creative Dramatics Workshop, founded Poulsbo's Renaissance Nights in the Park, formed an improv group, and started touring our productions to several neighboring communities.
They are continuing with regular theatrical season, have expanded the Children's Workshop to three sessions and now feature local youth in one production a year. Also they have a collection of short plays available for special occasions or events.
The Players did their first production in the historic Port Gamble Theater when they trot out a three-weekend run of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” I loved being part of the history when I was able to be part of the Opening night on December 3rd.
It’s such a fun place to be able to watch this production It’s been used for a few things over the years, it’s still set up for a movie theater, but I was told that it’s the first full run of a play that’s been in there since before the late 1950's. My mom and aunts took dance lessons there when they were growing up there in the same room at the movie theater.
Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and the dire fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Scrooge is faced with his own story of growing bitterness and meanness, and must decide what his own future will hold: death or redemption.
The play is running through next weekend. The Actors were great especially the Children. My favorite was of course Scrooge! Played by the amazing actor Scott Snively. All the places that you were to laugh out you laughed, every place you were to feel angry or cry you did. It was a wonderful start to my holiday season. I know we are all so busy but this is a play to not miss out on this holiday season.
On a side note, it was wonderful to be asked to come see this show. I look forward to being in the crowd at many other opening nights. Most of the pictures I borrowed from the talented Brand Camp.
I'm sure that all the shows that they put on will be just as wonderful. I am proud to say that the Roving Players are from my town! We have so many talented people in our neighborhoods! I know I say this pretty often but we are all so lucky to be a part of this amazing North End!
I am excited and feel so blessed to have been part of a Historic event like this and I am grateful that I was part of it. I owe a lot to the Roving Players.
