St. Marys Community Players

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St. Marys Community Players

St. Theatre in St. Marys began in the late 1940's with Rev. Parson's rendition of The Desert Song. Marys Little Theatre. Marys Community Players. Marys.

Marys Community Players (SMCP) is a vibrant not-for-profit and award-winning community theatre group that has been illuminating the stage since its inception in 1974. There were only three costumes rented for that production, as more than 60 volunteers from St. Marys and area designed, cut and sewed the rest of the costumes from old drapes, curtains and sheets (it sounds as if they took a page fro

m Scarlett O'Hara's 'cape from the drapes' in Gone With the Wind!). The performance of The Desert Song was a huge success, releasing the "theatre bug" into the town and ultimately leading to the formation of the St. After setting the goal of their membership campaign at 1000, the group was no doubt delighted when the first day found 800 signed on and a full waiting list by the end of the week! Successful dramas filled the next ten years, some good enough to compete in the prestigious Dominion Drama Festivals. The advent of television stole the attention from live theatre and a talented theatre community lay dormant. It wasn't until October of 1974 that the Little Theatre was re-born as St. Since that time, the group has produced years of excellent comedies, dramas and musicals, including Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, Music Man, On Golden Pond, The Odd Couple, The Mouse Trap, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Mame and many others. [For more recent productions, see the Photos of Past Productions page link at the top of this page.]

In 1981, a contest was held to design a logo for SMCP. Peggy McQuirk's logo was outstanding in combining the theatre mask with the letters in our name

Community Players is blessed with a host of dedicated people who offer their talents in production areas such as producing and administration, costuming, hair design, set design, construction, decoration and "front-of-house" ushering and ticket selling. These jobs are every bit as important to the success of any production as the more obvious directors, actors and musicians. The door is always open to anyone who is interested in taking part in community theatre in St. Come on out to audition for a role, help backstage (where another "show" simultaneously goes on quietly in the dark!), or join the audience. Whatever your choice, we feel sure that you will enjoy the experience.

09/01/2026

Our construction crew is busy building our set designer, Ray Doerksen's, fantastic concept for the set design of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, bringing the familiar world of the Peanuts comic strip to life on stage. "I wanted the audience to feel as though they had stepped directly into the pages of the cartoon, using the bold primary colours, playful graphics, and exaggerated proportions that are so recognizable from the original comic strip."

The set incorporates larger-than-life, highly stylized elements while still including enough detail to make the world feel alive. Familiar landmarks such as Snoopy’s iconic red doghouse, Schroeder’s piano, and Lucy’s “Psychiatric Help” booth help establish each character’s world and personality. At the centre of it all is a playground carousel, which will become a key design and storytelling element throughout the production. Rather than simply being a piece of playground scenery, the carousel acts as a pivot point for the action, transforming the stage and helping move us from one scene, moment, and character to another. Its constant presence gives the production a playful sense of movement and ties the individual stories together.

Ray continues: "The overall design blends 2D comic-strip graphics with three-dimensional set pieces and props, creating a visual style that is both cartoon-like and theatrical. My goal was to capture the innocence, humour, imagination, and simplicity of the Peanuts world, while giving the actors a vibrant and flexible environment in which to bring these beloved characters to life."

Our Peanuts Playground is taking shape, thanks to our incredible construction crew!

Directed by Peter Van Wart, with Musical Direction by Jocelyn Nicholson, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is produced by Stephen Brockwell and Marie Stevens, with Set Design by Ray Doerksen, Lighting by Alan Grogan, Sound by Vanni Azzano, and Costumes by Fern Pridham and promises to deliver an evening steeped in delightful whimsy, evoking the nostalgia of the classic comic strip with an unassuming charm and the coziness of pure comfort!

Performances begin Oct 22-Nov 7.
Town Hall Theatre, here in the Town of St. Marys
Tickets go on Sale in early September at https://bit.ly/cbfbsmcpweb or in person at
Troyer's Spices in Downtown St. Marys
110 Queen St. E. Phone: (226) 661-8777
⭐️⭐️MANY THANKS to our
LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR 2027: The Westover Inn
https://bit.ly/westoverfb

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark
LLC.
www.concordtheatricals.com

08/30/2026

Good Grief!
Happiness is great musical theatre! We are so excited to welcome the Peanuts Gang to St. Marys!
Musician Opportunity Announcement. We are looking for you!

SMCP is preparing for the staging of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which will run from October 22 to November 7 at the Town Hall Theatre.

St. Marys Community Players (SMCP) is a vibrant not-for-profit and award-winning community theatre group that has been illuminating the stage since its inception in 1974.. We invite you to be part of our talented team for this heartwarming show!
https://www.stmaryscommunityplayers.ca

We have several positions available as rehearsals begin, and we welcome discussions with individuals skilled in playing the following instruments:

Woodwinds: Flute, piccolo, clarinet, and soprano/alto saxophone.
Bass: Acoustic or electric bass.
Percussion: Drum kit.

Proficiency in reading music, willingness to collaborate with the Director and Musical Director, and a flexible rehearsal schedule are essential.

THIS IS A PAYING GIG. If interested, please reply to [email protected] today!

Directed by Peter Van Wart, with Musical Direction by Jocelyn Nicholson, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is produced by Stephen Brockwell and Marie Stevens, with Set Design by Ray Doerksen, Lighting by Alan Grogan, Sound by Vanni Azzano, and Costumes by Fern Pridham and promises to deliver an evening steeped in delightful whimsy, evoking the nostalgia of the classic comic strip with an unassuming charm and the coziness of pure comfort!

Performances begin Oct 22-Nov 7.
Town Hall Theatre, here in the Town of St. Marys
Tickets go on Sale in early September at https://bit.ly/cbfbsmcpweb or in person at
Troyer's Spices in Downtown St. Marys
110 Queen St. E. Phone: (226) 661-8777
⭐️⭐️MANY THANKS to our
LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR 2027: The Westover Inn
https://bit.ly/westoverfb
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark
LLC.
www.concordtheatricals.com

08/27/2026

Good Grief!
Happiness is great musical theatre! We are so excited to welcome the Peanuts Gang to St. Marys!
Meet the cast of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!

Dave Humphrey is our CHARLIE BROWN
Rachel Napolitano is LUCY VAN PELT
Marc Motiejunas is SCHROEDER
Hannah Bennett is SALLY BROWN
Matt Schell is LINUS VAN PELT
and Mia Leone is SNOOPY

The beloved comic strip written by Charles Shultz comes to life in the classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole gang is here: the very bossy Lucy is hopelessly in love with the Beethoven-loving piano prodigy Schroeder, who doesn’t even give her the time of day. Then there is the perfectionist Sally with all of her philosophies on life. While philosophizing, she mocks her younger brother Linus, who is by far the brightest of the troupe, but who adores the cozy sanctuary of his baby blanket. Snoopy is larger than life with his Red Baron monologue and his love of food! Then there is the beloved Charlie Brown, whom Lucy refers to as a “blockhead”. Most of the gang constantly ridicules him, but in the end, the characters know he is a “Good Man” after all; they come to recognize his inherent goodness and cherish the bonds of camaraderie they share.

✈️ ✈️ ✈️
Directed by Peter Van Wart, with Musical Direction by Jocelyn Nicholson, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is produced by Stephen Brockwell and Marie Stevens, with Set Design by Ray Doerksen, Lighting by Alan Grogan, Sound by Vanni Azzano, and Costumes by Fern Pridham and promises to deliver an evening steeped in delightful whimsy, evoking the nostalgia of the classic comic strip with an unassuming charm and the coziness of pure comfort!

Performances begin Oct 22-Nov 7.
Town Hall Theatre, here in the Town of St. Marys
Tickets go on Sale in early September at https://bit.ly/cbfbsmcpweb or in person at
Troyer's Spices in Downtown St. Marys
110 Queen St. E. Phone: (226) 661-8777
⭐️⭐️MANY THANKS to our
LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR 2027: The Westover Inn
https://bit.ly/westoverfb

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark
LLC.
www.concordtheatricals.com

08/25/2026

Two SMCP Alum Birthdays to share! Leasa Barclay & Matt Schell
!
Leasa stole the show as Inspector Harriet Goring in Ken Ludwig's The Games Afoot, our fall 2018 production directed by Tania Harvey and produced by Christin Bossenberry. The following year, she joined the fall 2019 cast of The Fantasticks, playing Mortimer, directed by Christin Bossenberry and produced by Marie Stevens.

Matt Schell joined SMCP as Stage Manager for our production of Over the River and Through the Woods and has since become a vital part of the SMCP company. Then Matt moved on stage as Gary Fluck in our award-winning production of Norm Foster's Hilda's Yard, directed by Costin Manu and produced by Marie Stevens & Stephen Brockwell. Make sure you catch Matt as Linus in our upcoming production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, on stage at the Town Hall Theatre, October 22-November 7!

Happy Birthday Leasa and Matt!

Tickets for Charlie Brown go on sale early September online at
https://bit.ly/cbfbsmcpweb
OR
in person at our Ticket Outlet:
Troyer's Spices in Downtown St. Marys
110 Queen St. E. Phone: (226) 661-8777
⭐️⭐️MANY THANKS to our
LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR 2027: TheWestover Inn
https://bit.ly/westoverfb

08/21/2026

Happiness is great musical theatre! We are so excited to welcome the Peanuts Gang to St. Marys and our first table read and sing of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!

With charm, wit and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends Lucy, Linus, Schoeder, Sally and of course, Snoopy. This r***e of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, captures childhood worries, quiet hopes, and the universal desire to belong and be understood. Musical numbers include “My Blanket and Me,” “The Kite,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.” Guaranteed to please audiences of all ages! Because in this day and age, we all need a little nostalgic Happiness!

Directed by Peter Van Wart, with Musical Direction by Jocelyn Nicholson, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is produced by Stephen Brockwell and Marie Stevens, with Set Design by Ray Doerksen, Lighting by Alan Grogan, Sound by Vanni Azzano and costumes by Fern Pridham, promises to deliver an evening steeped in delightful whimsy, evoking the nostalgia of the classic comic strips with an unassuming charm and the coziness of pure comfort!

October 22 to November 7, 2026
Town Hall Theatre

Tickets go on sale early September online at
https://bit.ly/cbfbsmcpweb
OR
in person at our Ticket Outlet:
Troyer's Spices in Downtown St. Marys
110 Queen St. E. Phone: (226) 661-8777
⭐️⭐️MANY THANKS to our
LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR 2027: The Westover Inn
https://bit.ly/westoverfb

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark
LLC.
www.concordtheatricals.com

The Beat Magazine 2025

08/13/2026

Calling all theatre enthusiasts! Mark your calendars!

SMCP's AGM is Saturday, September 12

St. Marys Community Players (SMCP) is a vibrant not-for-profit community theatre group that has been illuminating the stage since its inception in 1974. Over the decades, SMCP has blossomed into one of the premier amateur theatres in Southwestern Ontario, captivating audiences with its diverse array of award-winning productions, from classic plays to contemporary performances.

And We Are Growing!
The St. Marys Community Players invite you to be a part of our vibrant 2027 season. We are always seeking dedicated Board Members, Directors, Set and Costume Designers, Producers, Stage Managers, and enthusiastic Volunteers to join our creative family. Be part of our supportive, fun theatre environment where your talents shine, be it on stage or behind the scenes. Join us and help make theatre magic!

Come and join us at our AGM as we share our plans for the future and announce our 53rd, 2027 Season!

Please register at
[email protected]

Doors open at 2:00. Meeting commences at 2:15, with a Social Hour following, where you can mix and mingle with the Board, Members, and Volunteers.

St. Marys Town Hall Theatre175 Queen St. East St. Marys.

“The best in each of us, nourishing all of us.”

08/05/2026

A Happy Photogenic Birthday to SMCP's resident photographer, Jayne Fuller of Jayne Fuller Photography, who brings her sassy wit, charm and talent to our stage for all our productions' company photographs and wonderful images for our Media Day, which are used in our program and in local newspapers and social channels. Have a look at some of Jayne's fabulous work below!
From left: BOEING BOEING Spring 2026, Directed by Ralph Small, produced by Stephen Brockwell & Read Paxton and Hilda's Yard, Fall 2025, Directed by Costin Manu, produced by Marie Stevens & Stephen Brockwell.

07/27/2026

SMCP loves to promote the arts in St. Marys and welcomes Laughing Cactus Productions to our town whose focus is presenting intriguing new works that are people-first. Although currently headquartered on Treaty Three land, they have hosted several DIY pop-up play readings in various cities,and now they will land in the Town of St. Marys on Friday, August 7, at Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters with a new play reading of Ruby in the Dust. Laughing Cactus believes in breaking down cultural barriers and in making live arts accessible to everyone.

Based on the 1931 Black Tuesday Riot in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Ruby in the Dust tells the story of two fractured families that come together during dark times. Balancing humour with heart, it follows the lives of coalminers and dust farmers, and the people who rely on them and includes two SMCP Alum Derek Roberts (Hilda's Yard) and Ryan Stewart (Opening Night, The Ghost Island Light) in the cast.
Seating is limited, so get to Snapping Turtle early for a 6:30 curtain for this Pay What You Can event and support new play development and the arts in St. Marys.
Who knows, you just might see a Laughing Cactus play on stage at the Town Hall Theatre in the future.

Check out their website: http://laughingcactusproductions.com/

07/24/2026

A very happy birthday to SMCP Alum Karen Ballard, last seen as the ultimate Italian Grandmother, Aida Gianelli, who's sole ambition in life is to make sure her Grandson NIck is well fed in our Spring 2025, 51st season production of Joe DiPieto's "Over the River and Through the Woods, Directed by Phyllis Leighton and Produced by Ray Doerksen & Greg George. As well as duties on our Script Reading Committee, Karen played one of the "clowns" in our Spring, 2023, 49th Season production of "The 39 Steps," Directed by Liane Gregory-Sterritt and produced by Stephen Brockwell & Ray Doerksen. Tengo Famiglia, Karen!!

07/23/2026

BELATED Birthday wishes to SMCP Alum Erin Graham McArthur, last seen as the Rowena Tollifsen, in our 2022, 48th Season production of Peter Colley 's The Ghost Island Light, directed by Tania Harvey and Produced by Liane Gregory-Sterritt & Maggie Whitcroft.
The Ghost Island Light is a tale of an older lighthouse keeper and his beautiful young society wife who have taken up a position on a remote lighthouse on a windswept, barren rock. We discover the older keeper has taken this isolated position to keep his flirtatious young wife away from temptations of the mainland. This is complicated by the arrival of a handsome young assistant keeper, and the malignant ghostly presence of a former keeper's wife who had killed herself out of loneliness and is out for revenge on all the keepers of the light.

Address

175 Queen Street East
St. Marys, ON
N4X1B1

Website

http://www.stmaryscommunityplayers.ca/

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