THE PLAYERS THEATRE CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS
“Is it Art or What?”

The Big Red Chair on Tamiami Trail

The Players Theatre has placed their own ‘art’ along North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota for the holidays. A 12-foot tall red rocking chair, adorned with a holiday wreath, faces the Trail and will remain there through the month of December.

The chair was built initially by Players’ Technical Director Matt Nitsch and Scenic Design Manager John C. Reynolds for a Lily Tomlin skit presented during The Players Senior Follies show in October. “This incredible chair needs to be seen,” said Michelle Pingel, The Players’ managing director. “The Players is now celebrating its 80th season and we wanted to make a big happy holiday statement. The chair is enormous but whimsical and definitely eye-catching. It is art, but it also represents the comfort and warm feelings of the season – a very necessary reminder during these worrisome financial times.”

The inside of the Theatre makes a statement as well. Volunteers led by Ron Wheeler and Doug Nelson have transformed the lobby with decorated trees, wreaths and garland. In keeping with the trailer park tradition of the current Players’ production of A Country Christmas Carol, the box office window boasts a trimmed Texas long-horn skull. Nancy Apatow, April Glos, Eileen Hartman, Barbara Johnson, Kaylene McCaw, Bob Nosal, Helen Pell, Alana Ryder, Ken Shelin and Bob Trisolini donated hours of their time stringing popcorn and cranberries, and creating tree ornaments. Also on the decorating team were Players Studio students Amber, Ashley and Nichole Altiero, Ellie and Gwen McCall, Gracie Miracle and her father Bill Heeb.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!