FEATURED ARTS
Concord’s Junior Service League performs The Bremen Town Musicians
Written By Kelly Sennott (ksennott@hippopress.com)
Images: Courtesy Photo
Most members of Concord’s Junior Service League have little to no theatrical experience, but that doesn’t stop them from producing a spring play every year. Their inspiration is their mission: to raise money for New Hampshire school children. This year’s production is The Bremen Town Musicians, a one-act children’s show directed by Karen Braz, which they perform March 17 and March 18 at St. Paul’s School.
The play, based on the original Brothers Grimm story, is about four animals — a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster — all past their prime years who decide to leave their home and find a new life in Bremen. Their plan is to become musicians. The JSL, which celebrates its 85th birthday this year, is made up of about 25 to 30 members who aim to support women and children in crisis through civic service, fundraising and volunteerism. Their spring play is a decades-long tradition that typically sees audience members during the week via school productions and at weekend public shows.
Cast and crew have been meeting regularly since January to rehearse, make costumes and get ready. All play proceeds go toward back to school supplies for local kids this fall. Braz has been directing JSL plays more than 20 years and is always touched by the dedication.
“It’s their idea, first and foremost, to give back to the community by providing live theater. It’s an experience for children who might not ever be able to see a live show,” Braz said.
“What amazes me is they are able to open up like that and just be silly. Theater isn’t in their blood. … but they’re just going for it.” JSL member Carol Clark said via phone the group tries to choose short plays an hour or less with important morals. Most of the actors are members, but some alumni, like Laura Sagris, come back every year for the spring play.
Sagris said she does it for the kids in Concord, and for her grandchildren, who get a kick out of seeing her on stage and bring flowers after every show.
“I absolutely love that we present it to children,” Sagris said. “I don’t think of it as a fundraiser — my thing is the experience the children get. … They think it’s this really big production. I’ve continued to do it now because I have grandchildren, and to have my grandchildren come see me is awesome. We do the autograph session at the public shows, and it’s hysterical.”
Costumes are borrowed from the Community Players of Concord whenever possible or made by the women themselves. The painted backdrop is rented from Charles Stewart in North Andover, Mass.
Since becoming a member, Clark said she’s learned so much about theater, from the terminology — stage right, stage left, upstage, backstage — to the process of putting up a play. She’s come a long way since her third-grade play, Hansel and Gretel, when she forgot she was on stage and didn’t speak her lines.
“I was so engrossed in the play, I just stood there,” Clark said. Braz would like to see this anniversary commemorated with a packed house.
“I don’t think the public understands how important it is to support the Junior Service League of Concord. They do nothing but charitable work all year long,” Braz said.