Update submitted by Bill Wrinn regarding the generous sponsors for the upcoming Annisquam Village Players production of “Gloucester Story”. Coming to the Maritime dock in August! Stay tuned. More information at http://www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNISQUAM VILLAGE PLAYERS ANNOUNCE SPONSORS FOR “GLOUCESTER STORY”
Generous Contributions by Local Businesses Enabling Free Shows for Community
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (May 31, 2023) – The Annisquam Village Players, America’s longest continually running community theatre, announced today it has secured the top sponsorships for this summer’s production of “Gloucester Story,” being performed Aug. 10-13 in honor of Gloucester’s 400th+ celebration.
Securing the Presenting Sponsor is Andrée Robert of Engel & Völkers. She and her team of real estate experts specialize in the brokerage of premium residential property and commercial real estate. As a leading global service company, E&V currently operates in over 1,000 locations in more than 30 countries spanning five continents. More information about her services can be found at https://andreerobert.evrealestate.com .
Cape Ann Savings Bank and Seashore Comfort Solutions both secured Stage Level Sponsorships to support the shows.
These sponsors join Gloucester 400+ and Maritime Gloucester, who have also pledged support for this historic production.
Established in 1846, Cape Ann Savings Bank has been a mainstay in Gloucester’s local economy and has become an integral part of Gloucester’s story. Today, with over $900 million in assets, the bank continues to meet the needs of its customers, standing as a safe and sound mutual savings bank. They continue to strive to offer the modern and convenient products and services today’s modern banking customers require. More information about Cape Ann Savings Bank can be found at https://www.capeannsavings.bank.
Seashore Comfort Solutions, provides a full range of heating and cooling services to residents and businesses around Cape Ann and Boston’s North Shore. The team of highly trained licensed professionals offer expert service with years of experience in the heating and cooling industry. They specialize in heating and cooling system installation, service, repair and maintenance. More information about Seashore Comfort Solutions can be found at https://seashorecomfortsolutions.com.
Additional sponsorships are available, including show program ads, “Shout Outs” to cast and crew, and a special Schooner Level sponsorship in honor of the 400th+ celebration.
“We can’t say enough how much our sponsors make all that we do possible,” said AVP Director, Terry Sands. “The passion and support for the arts by the businesses in Gloucester and Cape Ann is very strong. And we feel very lucky to benefit from their generous contributions. Because of our them, it’s going to be a great show!”
“Gloucester Story” was performed in Gloucester several times in 1953 and in subsequent years. And, for a short period of time, it became a popular pick for summer stock theaters. This summer the AVP will transform the original two-act play into a musical for the first time. In keeping with the celebration’s community theme, the show will incorporate original musical numbers from local musicians Daisy Nell, Peter Souza, and Corey Wrinn. Longtime AVP Music Director Marcia Groom will lead the musical effort. Free tickets are available starting July 10.
Known as the Plumber Playwright of Gloucester, Stockbridge (1895-1973) crafted “Gloucester Story” to reflect the Cape Ann fishing industry in 1905 when schooners still ruled the seas and dory fishing claimed many lives. It tells the tale of a young son of a fish merchant dreaming about a life at sea, only to get his wish and some of the tragedy that came with it.
The play was published in 1953 in response to a 1952 Cape Ann Festival of Literature and Drama competition, sponsored by Broadway Playwright/Librettist Russel Crouse, for the best play about Gloucester from a resident of Gloucester. A life-long upper Main Street resident, Stockbridge had spent his youth working on the fishing docks before becoming a career plumber. He drew upon that experience, local lore, and the environment to create a story that genuinely depicts the livelihoods, personalities, and superstitions of that era. It is entirely fictional but the names, businesses, and plot motivations dealing with the folklore are all factual.
For more details about “Gloucester Story,” the life of Clayton Stockbridge, or the upcoming auditions, please visit www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.
Good Morning Gloucester 