The Herricks Players, a community theater group with a rich history, is preparing for their latest production, “The Sound of Music.”
With a large and enthusiastic cast, the organization is hoping to bring the local community together for a show that has a special place in the hearts of many. Lauren Marzo, Herricks Players publicity manager, spoke passionately about the group, its new production and the impact of the pandemic on community theater.
The Show
“ ‘The Sound of Music’ is one of those timeless shows that appeals to audiences of all ages,” Rich Buckley, show director, said. “The Herricks Players are excited to bring this classic, true story to life, and even more thrilled that the cast features many children and adults from the community.”
The response to auditions for the show was overwhelming. More than 80 people auditioned, 40 of whom were children from the local Herricks community and surrounding areas.
“We were surprised by the number of kids who showed up—many of whom had never done a Herricks Players show or any show before,” Marzo shared.
To accommodate the enthusiasm, Buckley decided to double-cast the children’s roles, giving even more young performers a chance to participate.
“We have two sets of children’s casts, each performing in two shows, and they’re all incredibly talented,” Marzo noted. “It’s a tough show, with lots of singing and performing in nearly every scene, but these kids are doing an amazing job.
The decision to produce ‘The Sound of Music’ was an easy choice for the Herricks Players; it wasn’t just about creating a successful production.
“People know the movie with Julie Andrews, an Oscar-winning movie from 1965; the Broadway version also won many Tony Awards,” Marzo said.
For the Herricks Players, the show also serves as a way to strengthen connections within the community.
“When you do a show that people can relate to, like “The Sound of Music,” the talent comes out for it,” Marzo emphasized. “We’re expecting this to be a huge success.”
The Crew
Behind the scenes, the Herricks Players rely on a volunteer crew to bring their productions to life. From stage management to set design, these volunteers work tirelessly, often on tight budgets, to ensure that the show runs smoothly.
“Our crew is all volunteers. They’re here every night building sets, setting up lighting and managing stage operations,” Marzo explained.
The group may bring in professional lighting and sound equipment for the show, but everything else is done on a lean budget to ensure that most of the money raised through ticket sales can go back into the community.
“This is more than just a show. It’s also a fundraiser. If we make any money at all from ticket sales, it goes straight into the Herricks Community Fund,” said Marzo.
The commitment to giving back is a core aspect of the Herricks Players’ mission, with every performance designed to support the local community in some way.
The Herricks Community Fund
The Herricks Community Fund, which has been active for more than 30 years, plays a vital role in supporting the Herricks Players.
The fund is integral to various initiatives within the Herricks community, including programs for seniors, youth and education.
“The fund supports everything from senior nutrition programs and youth councils to teacher grants and college scholarships,” Marzo said. “They even put on a huge carnival every year, which raised $82,000 this past June, the most they’ve ever raised.”
That money is then used to support initiatives like the Herricks Players, helping them with startup costs for their productions.
“Without the community fund, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Marzo added. “It’s like a behind-the-scenes angel investor. They give us the funding we need and then we give back to them by raising money through ticket sales.”
The Herricks Community Fund’s work underscores the deep connections within the community. As a Herricks resident herself, Marzo is grateful for the support. “I’ve lived here for almost 20 years, and I feel so fortunate to live in a community that supports one another like this,” she said. “It’s truly special.”
Post-Pandemic Effects
Like many arts organizations, the Herricks Players were deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID, we had to cancel all of our performances, including a show we were just about to start,” Marzo recalled. The group returned with a production of Bye Bye Birdie, but attendance was lower than expected.
“We were seeing fewer seniors and a smaller general audience, likely because some people still felt uncomfortable being in a crowd,” she explained.
The effects of the pandemic on community theater have been noticeable, with attendance remaining lower than pre-pandemic levels. Marzo is optimistic that The Sound of Music will mark a return to form for the Herricks Players.
“The last show we did before COVID was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and the theater was packed. We haven’t seen that level of attendance since,” Marzo noted. “But I think ‘The Sound of Music’ is going to change that. People love this show, and I think it’s the one that will fill the seats again.”
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Herricks Players have remained resilient, continuing to bring the joy of live theater to their community.
“It’s been tough, but we’re hopeful. We’re ready to bring everyone back together again,” Marzo said.
Performance Dates
Show dates for “The Sound of Music” are Friday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m; Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.
Performances are at the Herricks Community Center Theater, located at 999 Herricks Road in New Hyde Park. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.herricksplayers999.org for more information.
