“The entire world! 2026 marks my 20th year with our community theatre. I’ve seen so many faces come and go over the years, made so many memories, and learned so many things. Who I am today was molded by all of these experiences and years on the stage.” - Kyler DanowsKi, Director anD boarD member “I love that our theatre brings the community together and offers shows that can speak to everyone. We truly strive to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all. It’s such a privilege to be part of something that brings people joy, creates shared experiences, and connects our community in such a meaningful way.” - Kalee mangrum, Director anD boarD member “Purchase Players means everything to me. It sparked my son’s love for theatre, which then sparked my love for theatre, and eventually pulled my husband into doing sound. Now it’s something we get to share as a family, and that means the world to me.” - Jessica gong, frequent actress anD volunteer What Does the Theatre Mean to Us? “We went through several script alterations, literally up until about two weeks prior to opening night,” Kyler says. “We were essentially the guinea pigs - we decided what worked, what didn’t work, what could be done without, and what could be added here and there to add extra spice to an already hilarious story.” “The pressure…oh the pressure…we went through was unlike any other show I have directed, or probably will ever direct. We were on an entirely new playing field with this one.” Callie Drury, who played the role of Maude Jenkins in all three productions, also felt the pressure during the lead-up to the show’s debut on December 5, 2025. “For me, it truly felt different from any of our previous shows,” she says. “There was a heightened sense of responsibility, a feeling that everything needed to be just right, paired with the excitement and pressure of being the very first to premiere it.” “We knew we were setting the tone, and we wanted to make a lasting impression for everyone who would follow. That combination of nerves, pride, and purpose made the experience incredibly special and unforgettable.” When champagne glasses were clinked to celebrate the world premiere of the show (the first world premiere in the theatre’s history), it became a kind of coda to a story of a theatre and group of people who have collectively overcome the kinds of challenges that might cause others to give up. In 2020, Purchase Players joined the world in shutting down to battle the global COVID-19 pandemic. A whole year of shows, and revenue, down the drain. Callie Drury INTHEVUE.COM | FEBRUARY 2026 59 Jessica Gong
