Monroe Community Players get 80 new chairs for studio

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
·2 min read

MONROE — Monroe Community Players has 80 new chairs in its studio at the Mall of Monroe.

The new chairs, a donation from Paul W. and Kim Smith, debuted at the Players’ recent production of “The Antiheroes.” Audiences also can try out the new seats at two shows this month. The Players will stage “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. Players also will stage a readers theater version of "A Christmas Carol" Dec. 15-17.

The new chairs are shown at the Monroe Community Players' space at the Mall of Monroe.
The new chairs are shown at the Monroe Community Players' space at the Mall of Monroe.

The Smiths made the donation in honor of Paul’s parents, the late Bill and H. Marie (Betrus) Smith, who started Monroe Community Players in 1948 with friends and family. This is the organization’s 75th year.

Monroe Community Players' old studio chairs are shown.
Monroe Community Players' old studio chairs are shown.

"The old seats were plastic. They were not comfortable, but we were thankful to have them when we needed them. We sold them. Paul said he knew his dad would want the audience to be comfortable," the Players’ Nancy Williams said. "It is the support and kindnesses of our theater family that keeps community theater alive in Monroe County. MCP continues to raise money to improve the studio theater and to purchase dimmer packs for the new light board as well as a complete sound system."

A plaque in the studio theater lobby recognizes Paul W. and Kim Smith’s donation.

Paul W. and Kim Smith donated 80 new chairs to Monroe Community Players in memory of Paul's parents, Bill and Marie Smith.
Paul W. and Kim Smith donated 80 new chairs to Monroe Community Players in memory of Paul's parents, Bill and Marie Smith.

Through the years, the Smiths’ sons, daughter, daughters-in-law and some grandchildren have performed in MCP productions.

“At age 9, Paul W. played Winthrop in the musical ‘The Music Man,’ directed by Bill Smith and George Stoner,” Williams said.

“Many famous people have their roots in community theater," Kathleen McBee, board member said.

The William D. and H. Marie Beatrice Smith Scholarship for the Theatrical Arts was established by the Players in 2009. It is managed by the Community Foundation of Monroe County and is available to all ages for classes and workshop for acting, singing, dancing or technical skills at recognized facilities in southeast Michigan. The Smith family have been strong supporters of Monroe Community Players over the years, the Players said in a news release.

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“Marie continued as house manager and greeter in her later years and always kept Paul, Alison and Bernie up to date on our productions. They continue to keep their eye on MCP even today. We so appreciate them," Williams said.

For more information or to purchase tickets tickets, visit MonroeCommunityPlayers.org.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Community Players get 80 new chairs for studio