WELCOME!
Welcome to the website of Colonial Chorus Players. Please explore the site to learn more about us, what we do, and how to join us in our mission of providing quality theatrical entertainment and educating people of all ages in the theater arts.
NEWS & EVENTS
December 6–8, 2024
Now, more than ever, we could all use a Miracle! Join us this holiday season as the ensemble performers at WCCP bring the classic film to life as a live radio play!
February 7–23, 2025
We are thrilled to announce the cast of the Neil Simon comedy Barefoot in the Park. These actors really knocked our shoes and socks off at auditions!
May 2–11, 2025
When conservative banker Aaron and free-spirited artist Casey are set up on a blind date, will they find a way to connect despite their differences?
Ongoing
We're in the process of giving our beloved Old Hose House a makeover—and we need your help finishing our To Do list!
Follow Us on Facebook
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Accidentally on Purpose
New shirts. New photo. New LAUGHS!
Accidentally On Purpose makes their return to CCP Saturday, September 21, for an evening of wild and unpredictable improv comedy!
This CCP fundraiser begins at 7:30 PM. Doors open at 7 PM.
All tickets $20 general admission.
Advance tickets available at Eventbrite.
Tickets available at the door with cash only.
Location: The Old Hose House, 1249 Main Street, Reading.
Accidentally On Purpose is New England's finest improv comedy troupe, bringing you laughter and entertainment like no other. Join us at Colonial Chorus Players for an unforgettable night of spontaneous humor and laughter. Their talented performers will have you rolling in the aisles with their quick wit and hilarious antics. Grab your friends and come see why AOP is the talk of the town!
[Due to its improvisational nature, things can get a little R-rated. Don't say we didn't warn you!]
Sizzle video
Fundraiser for Arts Reading
In the mood for sushi or Kung Pao chicken? When you dine at or get takeout from Mandarin Reading September 6 anytime between 11:30 AM and 10 PM, a percentage of your order goes to one of the organizations CCP belongs to, Arts Reading!
If you’re dining in, print out a copy of this coupon and present it to your server when you order. Copies on phone not accepted.
For takeout, call 781-942-8200 and tell them you have a fundraiser coupon for Arts Reading, and then bring it with you when you pick up your food.
Mandarin Reading is located at 296 Salem Street in Reading. For a complete menu, visit
mandarinreading.com
READING FALL STREET FAIRE
Now in its fifteenth year, the Reading Fall Street Faire is an annual community event bringing together local restaurants, businesses, and community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly day. This year’s event is Sunday, September 8, from noon to 5 PM in downtown Reading.
The faire features food trucks, restaurant booths, live music and dance (organized by our own Bob Beckman), face painting, sidewalk chalk art, inflatables, kids’ rides, a beer garden, a dunk tank, and more! Look for our red CCP canopy at a location to be announced soon.
If you’d like to volunteer to help man the booth for an hour or two, contact Public Relations Chair Tricia Freitas at publicrelations@ccp1961.org.
HOSE HOUSE PAINTING
The Old Hose House is showing its age. To save on the cost of hiring professional painters, this summer we're assembling a crew from among our friends and members to scrape, prime, and repaint the building that has been our home since 1972.
Beginning June 8 and continuing throughout the summer until the job is finished, our painting crew—dubbed the Colonial Chorus Painters—will meet Saturday mornings from 8–11 to beat the heat. If you can’t commit to every Saturday, feel free to drop in whenever you’re available. Scrapers, brushes, and rollers will be provided, or you can bring your own.
Contact Hose House chair Scott Estabrooks at if you’d like to be on an email list of crew members.
Barefoot in the Park
October 4–20, 2024
By Neil Simon
Neil Simon’s romantic comedy set in the 1960s in a tiny Greenwich Village walkup explores the early days of marriage between blissful newlyweds Paul and Corie as they learn to “let go of expectations and embrace the beautiful chaos of life.” The 1967 film version starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda as the young couple.
MANDARIN FUNDRAISER FOR CCP
In the mood for sushi or Kung Pao chicken? When you dine at or get takeout from Mandarin Reading August 2 anytime between 11:30 AM and 10 PM, a percentage of your order goes to Colonial Chorus Players!
If you’re dining in, print out a copy of THIS COUPON and present it to your server when you order. Copies on phone not accepted.
For takeout, call 781-942-8200 and tell them you have a fundraiser coupon for Colonial Chorus Players, and then bring it with you when you pick up your food.
Mandarin Reading is located at 296 Salem Street in Reading. For a complete menu, visit
mandarinreading.com
CLOTHING DRIVE
Is your closet full of things you keep hoping will come back in style? Are you hanging onto clothes that your kids have long outgrown? CCP is partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation of New England to hold a Clothing Drive that will benefit both organizations, as well as your closet.
Here’s How You Can Help:
- Go through your closets and pull out clothing and textiles you no longer need. (See list of acceptable items below.)
- Put items in 13-gallon trash bags and label CCP.
- Bring bags to the Hose House at 1249 Main Street in Reading on or before the annual meeting on June 19.
- If you can’t attend the meeting, drop bags off on the porch and email Sharyn at srtz1@comcast.net so she can put them inside.
Acceptable Items:
- Clothing
- Outerwear
- Shoes and slippers
- Accessories (belts, socks, ties, scarves, hats)
- Backpacks
- Handbags
- Costumes
- Uniforms
- Fabric household items (bedding, tablecloths, towels, throw rugs, curtains)
Questions? Email Sharyn at srtz1@comcast.net
Musical Theater Dance Workshops 2024
Join Jan Gallagher for some fun and friendly classes designed to prepare you to shine at your next audition. All levels welcome—Jan can teach anyone to dance!
DATES & TIMES:
Mondays June 3, 10, 17, 24
- 7–7:55 PM Adult Beginner/Intermediate Tap—Slower paced for those with basic tap skills but with modifications offered to challenge more experienced tappers.
- 8–8:55 PM Ensemble Movement/Jazz—Learn how to shine in the ensemble by incorporating creative and expressive movement skills into your dancing and by learning popular jazz steps and patterns.
LOCATION:
The Old Hose House
1249 Main Street, Reading
RATES FOR 4-WEEK PACKAGE:
- $60/one class [CCP members $50]
- $120/two classes [CCP members $100]
RATES FOR DROP-INS:
- Drop-in $20/class [CCP members $18/class]
- Drop-ins are welcome the day of the class if space is available. Text Jan at 978-808-9527 to reserve your spot ahead of time. Payment must be made at the door via cash or Venmo @Jan-Gallagher-2. Become a member of Colonial Chorus Players for $25/year and save!
WORKSHOP SIGNUP & PAYMENT:
Email jangallagher222@gmail.com to sign up.
Make payment in one of two ways:
- Venmo payment to @Jan-Gallagher-2 and enter "CCP Dance" in comments.
- Send check made out to "Jan Gallagher" to Jan Gallagher, 222 Riverneck Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824.
To become a member of CCP for $25/year, visit the GET INVOLVED page.
AS SHE LIKES IT
Cast of 'As She Likes It'
“The Shrew Must Go On” by Lori M. Myers
Melanie Gold . . . . Kayla Clegg
Katherine/Kate . . . . June Dever
Harry . . . . Jack Croughwell
“A Woman’s Battle” by Sean Adams
Cassandra . . . . Ivy Ho
Andromache . . . . Jennifer Hurley
Helen . . . . Trisha Barungi
Hecuba . . . . Michelle Leibowitz
“Another Conversation” by Marjorie Bicknell
Queen Gertrude . . . . Kris Reynolds
Ophelia . . . . TBA
“Beatriz . . . If You Speak of Love” by David Nice
Beatriz . . . . TBA
Yolanda . . . . TBA
“The Lear Sisters” by Sue Lange
Claudia . . . . TBA
Reenie . . . . Kayla Clegg
Gordy . . . . Jennifer Hurley
“Haircuts” by Barbara Trainin Blank
Anne Boleyn . . . . June Dever
Isabella . . . . Ivy Ho
“The Nurse’s Rebellion” by Sandra Fenichel Asher
Juliet . . . . Trisha Barungi
Nurse . . . . Michelle Leibowitz
Lady Capulet . . . . Kris Reynolds
Shakespeare . . . . Jack Croughwell
"We had excellent talent come to audition for this show and I'm very excited about the cast we've put together,” says director Krisha Hoyt-Mackler. “I'm looking forward to working with these skilled and mindful actors to bring you an amazing show!”
ARTS READING'S DISCOVER THE ARTS DAY
October 14, 2023
10 AM–2 PM
Reading Town Common
Everyone is welcome to attend this fun and rewarding event that celebrates the arts in Reading! Now in its
fifth year, this day highlights Arts Reading members, businesses, and associates with tables to share their
worthwhile artistic attributes with you. Various performers on stage will bring you some of the most noted
talents in the community and in the area!
Participants:
- Colonial Chorus Players
- Reading Community Concert Band
- Woburn Guild of Artists
- Reading Public Library
- Reading Community Singers
- M & B Fun (Face Painting and Balloon Animals)
- First Congregational Church of Reading
- Reading Symphony Orchestra
- Creative Arts for Kids
- Nimble Thimblers
- Reading Police Department
- Communitas
- Reading Historical Commission
- Corbett Fine Art
READING FALL STREET FAIRE
This is a wildly popular downtown event that brings together local restaurants, retail businesses, and
community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly day. During the day, hundreds of visitors enjoy great food,
live entertainment, games, a beer garden, a corn-hole tournament, inflatables, and more than 100 vendor and
community group booths.
CCP will take part in the faire this year on September 10. Drop by our booth to say hello, or volunteer
an hour or two from noon to 5 PM. We’ll have info on CCP, giveaways, and a photo opp with Cinderella’s throne.
To volunteer, contact public relations chair Carla Perrotta at publicrelations@ccp1961.org.
ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE
Buckle up, folks—you’re in for a wild ride! Our favorite improv troupe Accidentally On Purpose is returning to
the Old Hose House Saturday, February 24, at 7:30 PM for an evening of unpredictable comedy!
Tickets are $20 at the door with cash, check, or Venmo only. Doors open at 7 PM. All proceeds benefit Colonial
Chorus Players.
Accidentally On Purpose’s comedy style is similar to the hit TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? with lots of
audience interaction. Due to its improvisational nature, things can get a little R-rated.
Check out this sizzle
reel to see what you're in for! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Spontaneous, entertaining, and fun, Accidentally On Purpose (AOP) has an eclectic cast of professionals
whose day jobs include author, teacher, tradesman, salesperson, and corporate executive that have been laughing
together for over a decade.
Musical Theater Dance Workshops
Join Jan Gallagher for a fun and friendly class designed to prepare you to shine at your next audition. All levels welcome—Jan can teach anyone to dance!
DATES & TIMES:
Tuesdays June 6–July 18 [no class July 4]
- 7–7:55 PM Adult Beginner/Intermediate Tap—Slower paced for those with basic tap skills but with modifications offered to challenge more experienced tappers.
- 8–8:55 PM Ensemble Movement/Jazz—Learn how to shine in the ensemble by incorporating creative and expressive movement skills into your dancing and by learning popular jazz steps and patterns.
The Old Hose House
1249 Main Street, Reading
RATES FOR 6-WEEK PACKAGE:
- $75/one class [CCP members $60]
- $150/two classes [CCP members $120]
- Drop-in $15/class [CCP members $12/class]
WORKSHOP SIGNUP & PAYMENT:
Email jangallagher222@gmail.com to sign up.
Make payment in one of two ways:
- Venmo payment to @Jan-Gallagher-2 and enter "CCP Dance" in comments.
- Send check made out to "Jan Gallagher" to Jan Gallagher, 222 Riverneck Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824.
To become a member of CCP for $25/year, go to the GET INVOLVED page on our website.
HOSE HOUSE WORK DAY
It’s time to do some Spring cleaning at the Hose House! All friends of CCP are invited to join us for our annual Work Day Saturday, May 20, anytime from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Outside we’ll be picking up debris, weed whacking, and leaf blowing.
Inside we’ll be giving the rehearsal space, bathrooms, and back room a thorough cleaning. Plus, we’ll be sorting, cleaning, and organizing all props in our Props Department!
We’ll also be collecting scrap metal, so feel free to bring whatever you want to get rid of from home.
BRING:
- rakes
- weed whacker
- leaf blower
- clippers
- work gloves
- cleaning products
- sponges/rags
- Swiffers/mops
- brooms
- vacuum cleaner
- water
Please email Hose House chair Fred Gallagher at HoseHouse@ccp1961.org to let him know you’re coming.
PAINT NIGHT FUNDRAISER
We’re overjoyed to announce that for the first time since 2019 we are back at Tin Bucket in Reading for our annual Paint Night fundraiser!
Join us Wednesday, May 31, from 7–9 PM at Tin Bucket, 12 Woburn Street, Reading. Bring friends or come make new ones—and leave with an original work of art created by YOU!
No experience necessary—anyone can paint. As Bob Ross would say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents."
Cost is $45 per person. Tin Bucket supplies all the materials and tools and donates part of the proceeds back to CCP. If you want, bring snacks and beverages to share. Wine is always welcome.
Space is limited to about 20 people, so get your ticket now at
https://www.tinbucketshop.com/event-details/colonial-chorus-paint-night-fundraiser-private-event
ASSASSINS
For the second show in our 2023–2024 season, we’re turning to Stephen Sondheim and his bold, original, disturbing, and alarmingly funny musical Assassins.
In this musical, the most notorious Presidential assassins (or would-be assassins)—John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, John Hinckley, Jr., and others—gather on stage in a panoramic story about our national obsession with celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it.
Assassins will run February 2–10, 2024, at the Old Hose House in Reading. Produced by Amy Oldenquist and Heather Rotondi.
PAINT NIGHT FUNDRAISER
We’re overjoyed to announce that for the first time since 2019 we are back at Tin Bucket in Reading for our annual Paint Night fundraiser!
Join us Wednesday, May 31, from 7–9 PM at Tin Bucket, 12 Woburn Street, Reading. Bring friends or come make new ones—and leave with an original work of art created by YOU!
No experience necessary—anyone can paint. As Bob Ross would say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents."
Cost is $45 per person. Tin Bucket supplies all the materials and tools and donates part of the proceeds back to CCP. If you want, bring snacks and beverages to share. Wine is always welcome.
Space is limited to about 20 people, so get your ticket now at
https://www.tinbucketshop.com/event-details/colonial-chorus-paint-night-fundraiser-private-event
Barefoot in the Park
October 4–20, 2024
By Neil Simon
Neil Simon’s romantic comedy set in the 1960s in a tiny Greenwich Village walkup explores the early days of marriage between blissful newlyweds Paul and Corie as they learn to “let go of expectations and embrace the beautiful chaos of life.” The 1967 film version starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda as the young couple.
Anne of Green Gables—The Musical
February 7–9, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Norman Campbell
Book by Donald Harron
When spirited, imaginative Anne Shirley (that’s Anne with an ‘e’) arrives in the town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, she quickly upends the provincial lives of the residents there, eventually finding true kindred spirits among them. This charming family musical based on L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running annual musical theatre production in the world!
First Date
May 2–11, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner
Book by Austin Winsberg
At first glance Aaron and Casey have absolutely nothing in common: He’s a conservative banker looking for a meaningful relationship, while she’s a free-spirited artist who’s a little too funky for Wall Street. When they are set up on a blind date, will they find a way to connect? The original Broadway production of this musical comedy featured Zachery Levi and Krysta Rodriguez as Aaron and Casey.
MURDERERS & MAYHEM: A CABARET FUNDRAISER
MURDERERS & MAYHEM: A CABARET FUNDRAISER
Join us for an evening of music and mayhem at this cabaret featuring infamous songs from
Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, Chicago, and other killer Broadway shows. Proceeds benefit CCP's February production of Assassins.
DATE/TIME:
Thursday, January 25, 2024
7 PM
Doors open 6:30 PM
LOCATION:
Old Hose House Theater
1249 Main Street
Reading, MA
TICKETS:
$20 General Admission
Advance tickets available on
TicketStage.
Available at the door for cash, check, or Venmo only.
UPDATED LIST OF PERFORMERS:
Adrianna Crockett-Sears
Christopher Crockett-Sears
Chris Dearbeck
Jess Dearbeck
Michelle Doucet
Lori Duxbury
Robb Laureles
Courtney Liscio
Amy Oldenquist
Heather Rotondi
Stephen Rotondi
Declan Geoffrion Scannell
Milo Wiston
Sarah Wolman
Trivia Night Fundraiser
AMAZON WISH LIST
We're in the process of giving our beloved Old Hose House a makeover! All summer we've been working on
repainting, reorganizing, and redecorating inside—and our work will continue into the fall. Outside, we’ve
painted lines for parking spaces and put up a new flagpole, and we're hoping to hang a historic plaque to
celebrate our status as a property on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’d like to contribute to our efforts, please consider purchasing an item on our Amazon Wish List.
Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. Please note: All items
will be shipped to the home of our Hose House Chair, Scott Estabrooks, because the Hose House itself is
unoccupied during the day. Thank you!
Tick, Tick… Boom! Auditions
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed by Andrew Rhodes
Musical Direction by Shawn Gelzleichter
Choreography by Lindsey McGovern
Produced by Fred Gallagher and Heather Hamilton
Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
- All cast, crew, and creative team members must be fully vaccinated in order to participate in a CCP production. Masks will be worn during rehearsals with the intention of performing without masks.
- Masks must be worn at all times while inside the Hose House.
- Audience members must wear masks during performances.
As you know, the COVID situation is constantly evolving. We’ll revisit the policy as appropriate, but in the meantime, we appreciate your time and commitment to keeping our community and team members safe.
Best,
CCP Executive Board
August 29, 2021
Guys and Dolls Auditions
Colonial Chorus Players announces auditions for
GUYS AND DOLLS
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed by Andrew Rhodes
Musical Direction by Shawn Gelzleichter
Choreography by Lindsey McGovern
Produced by Fred Gallagher and Heather Hamilton
Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Set in the Manhattan of Damon Runyon’s short stories, Guys and Dolls is a musical romantic comedy about high-rolling gamblers Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson and the beleaguered women in their lives, nightclub performer Adelaide and straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown. Guys and Dolls takes us from the bustle of Times Square to the dance clubs of Havana as it demonstrates the great lengths to which a guy will go when he truly falls in love with a “doll.”
PRODUCTION DATES
May 13, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
May 14, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
May 15, 2022 @ 2 PM
LOCATION
Auditions and rehearsals at
the Old Hose House, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA.
Performances at Parker Middle School, 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
All roles are open to inclusive casting to all ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.
- Nathan Detroit (lead, male, F5–D4, age 35–45): A good-hearted gambler and craps game organizer who could never hit the big time. Loves Adelaide but can’t commit.
- Male ensemble (ages 16+, should sing well): Crap Shooters, Liver Lips Louie, Waiters, Sightseers, Mission Band members (Calvin)
- Hot Box Girl dancers (ages 16+, should sing and dance well)
- Female ensemble (ages 16+, should sing well): Mission Band members (Agatha, Martha), Sightseers
Please note that two separate auditions will be held: One for Hot Box Girl dancers and female ensemble only, and the other for Nathan Detroit and male ensemble members only. Sign up for the appropriate audition and arrive 15 minutes beforehand to complete any necessary forms. Auditions will be done as a group, so plan on staying for the entire time. Sorry, we cannot accommodate walk-ins, but last-minute signups are acceptable.
- Tuesday, February 1 @ 7 PM for Hot Box Girl dancers and female ensemble (e.g. Mission Band members, Sightseers)
- Wednesday, February 2 @ 7 PM for Nathan Detroit and male ensemble (e.g. Crap Shooters, Liver Lips Louie, Waiters, Mission Band members, Calvin, Sightseers)
CCP COVID POLICY (subject to updates)
- All cast, crew, and creative team members must be fully vaccinated in order to participate in a CCP production. Masks will be worn during rehearsals with the intention of performing without masks.
- Masks must be worn at all times during rehearsals unless actively singing.
- Audience members must wear masks during performances.
Auditions will consist of vocals plus choreography for Hot Box Girls. Please prepare 32 measures of a song and bring sheet music for the accompanist. Actors are encouraged to sing a song that is close to the style of the show, but should feel free to use one that best demonstrates their vocal ability. For the choreography portion, the choreographer will teach a short routine to the group and then in smaller groups everyone will perform the choreography. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for dancing.
Please bring a completed Audition Form, Rehearsal Conflicts Calendar, and a headshot and résumé if you have them.
AUDITION FORM
Please print and fill out our Audition Form and bring it with you to your audition.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Rehearsals will be based on availability of the cast and will likely be held two to three days a week. Please note that not all cast members are called to all rehearsals. Rehearsals begin in early March. Please print the Rehearsal Conflicts Calendar, fill out all your conflicts for March, April, and May, and bring it with you to your audition.
CAST OFFERS
Following auditions you will be contacted via phone no later than Thursday, February 3, 2022, and will have 24 hours to accept your role if offered one.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Adult cast members must pay a production fee of $40 and also become a member of Colonial Chorus Players by paying annual dues of $25. Teens must pay a production fee of $25. Additionally, all cast members agree to sell a minimum of $50 of advertisements for the show program and at least 10 tickets.
CORI BACKGROUND CHECK
If we have teens under age 18 in the cast, all adult cast members and production team members will complete a CORI background check.
CCP GENERAL POLICIES
This document contains general policies and expectations for all productions of Colonial Chorus Players. Please read before auditioning. Copies will also be available at auditions.
QUESTIONS?
Contact producers Fred Gallagher at frddg3@comcast.net or Heather Hamilton at hamilton.heather67@gmail.com