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The Oswego Players first show of the season, "Dial M for Murder," which premiers at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8., opens an exciting chapter in the history of the organization.
"Dial M," a classic mystery brought to the screen by Alfred Hitchcock, opens the 75th year of continuous operation of this all volunteer group. As far as can be determined, it is the oldest continually operating amateur theater in the United States, and one in which no one receives remuneration.
The dedication of founders back in 1938 such as Frances Marion Brown, for whom our stage is named, Leslie Davis, John O'Connor, Frank Wells, Norman Manor and others kept the Players afloat even during the difficult war years of 1941-1945. Their answer to the shortage of men was to stage a nearly all female cast play, "Cry Havoc."
Later, the volunteer tradition was carried on by Virginia Ranous, Donald McCann, William Garlock, Bill & Mary Anthony, Al Rickert and Nona Turano, to name just a few. All worked hard to keep the spirit and purpose of the Oswego Players strong in good times and bad and have left their mark over the past 74 years.
One of the hallmarks of the strength and commitment of the group was evident in their renovation of the old Fort Ontario Quartermaster building, bringing the structure from certain destruction to further glory as the Oswego Civic Arts Center in the 1963. It has been the proud home of both the Players and the Oswego Art Association since.
Please join us as we celebrate this 75 year milestone. Check our website at oswegoplayers.org and our fliers for the rest of our 75th season. The Players are proud to say we do our very best to fulfill our mission as stated by Frances Marion – "To bring good theater by local casts to Oswego and its environs, and have fun doing it." The "old guard" always looked forward to Frances Marion seeing their efforts and hearing her signature endorsement, "You done good!"
And, of course, without our enthusiastic audiences, this celebration would not be possible. We thank you.
