The JC Players, a local community theater based in Middle Village and Glendale, returns to the stage after halting performances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group will be reviving one of their previous performances of “Seussical: The Musical,” which they presented seven years ago. “Seussical: The Musical” takes the audience through the many of the children’s stories written by Dr. Seuss, including “Yertle the Turtle,” “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and more.
Director Barbara Auriemma, who has been with the JC Players for more than two decades, said that she wanted to pick a fun and lighthearted play.
“Seussical was a very good audience draw. You could be a child, a senior, and everyone enjoyed the show,” Auriemma said of the previous Seussical production seven years ago. “It’s just a fun show. It isn’t the time to do anything too deep. We just want everyone to have a smile on their face.”
Most of the cast this year also did the show with the JC Players seven years ago. However, some new additions include the youngest members around the age of 7.
Auriemma said that the revival of the theater company has been most beneficial for the youngest cast members, who struggled in the past few years being isolated from school and other activities.
“The break was difficult. We have some young people in the cast who suffered from social anxiety and this has been the best thing for them,” Auriemma said.
The three-year break from performing was hard on the whole theater company, Auriemma said. Most people were extremely saddened to take a break from the stage, but are thrilled to be going back to what they love.
“So many people have been looking for something to do,” Auriemma said. “I think people need this at this point in their lives.”
The company started in 1995, by a pastor of the Glendale-Maspeth United Methodist Church. Auriemma has been a member since 1996, and has directed every main-stage production since ’97.
“I feel a connection with this theater,” Auriemma said. “I have worked with other theaters in the neighborhood, but when you lead something it is very fulfilling.”
Auriemma mentioned that she hopes this production will bring some much-needed joy to the community after a rough three years brought on by the pandemic.
“If we could make someone laugh and put a smile on their face, we’ve accomplished everything,” Auriemma said.
The show kicks off Friday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. in the Glendale-Maspeth United Methodist Church. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and children. For more information on showing dates and tickets, visit jcplayers.com or call 917-647-7526.
