1999 Westchester Holiday Parade, December 12, 1999
Kentwood Players presented our first play in April of 1950. Our participation in this parade was thus considered the kickoff of the 50th anniversary year.
Dec. 12 1999...Kentwood Players marches and rides down Manchester Boulevard in the first annual Westchester Holiday parade.
Dec. 12 1999...Westchester Holiday parade.
Spring, 2000...L.A. City Councilperson Ruth Galanter (left) presents a plaque honoring Kentwood Players 50 years of entertainment to President Charlotte Schildkret.
Later in the year the County Board of Supervisors also presented Kentwood Players with a plaque honoring 50 years of theater in Los Angeles.
Westchester Fourth of July Parade
July 4th, 2000... Kentwood Players march again. In order to honor Kentwood Players 50 years, the Westchester Chamber of Commerce invited us to provide a member to serve as grand Marshal of the first ever Westchester 4th of July parade. Long-time member Hal Fisher portrayed Uncle Sam. A large contingent of Kentwood members marched in costume in a special section of the parade, down Loyola Blvd.
Westchester Fourth of July parade. Long-time member Hal Fisher portrayed Uncle Sam.
July 4, 2000... Kentwood Players in the Westchester Fourth of July parade.
July 4, 2000...Kentwood Players members who are also veterans cruise down Loyola Boulevard appropriately enough in a restored army jeep.
July 4, 2000...Westchester Fourth of July parade.
International Arts Festival
August 5 & 6, 2000...Continuing their outreach to the community Kentwood Players had a information booth at the 6th annual International Arts Festival held in Westchester Park.
August 5 & 6, 2000...Kentwood Players Booth at the International Arts Festival held in Westchester Park.
Twice a day for 2 days Kentwood Players is seen in an old fashion melodrama directed by Charlotte Schildkret. Pictured (among others) are Adina Silo (far left) and Dave Parke (center) as the EVIL villain.
Anniversary Gala
Sept. 16, 2000...Then the big celebration, the Grand Gala, the gathering of the Clan!!!
Over 130 current and former members dating back to the early 1950s gathered to celebrate the Kentwood experience. A catered barbecue was served followed by entertainment provided by the singers who had performed in previous shows. Some were reprising their original roles.
Longtime member Ed Cotter (left) and Gala Chairman Sheldon Metz (right) perform songs from Man of La Mancha.
Alphonso Freeman entertains his fellow Kentwoodians with more songs from Man of La Mancha.
Pamla and John Abramson electrify the crowd with songs from Follies.
The audience contained current and former members from all of the last 5 decades. Many stories were exchanged and many friendships were renewed!
Alison Mattiza (left) Miss Adelaide (Guys and Dolls 1995) duets with another Miss Adelaide, Alice Lunsford (Guys and Dolls 1970) in a perfect example of Kentwood solidarity.
Mel Oshins entertains his Kentwood friends by reprising his role in Fiddler on the Roof.
Kentwood Pioneers... Enjoying the Gala are members who joined Kentwood in the 1950's and 1960's.
A Pair of Jacks... Long time members Jack Lyons (left) and Jack Weintraub (right) have more than 60 Kentwood years between them and a combined on-stage record of more the 30 Kentwood shows.
2000 Westchester Holiday Parade
Kentwood members end the anniversary year as they began it...going out into the community marching in the year 2000 Westchester Holiday Parade. During the parade the marchers passed out leaflets reminding the onlookers that Kentwood Players is a community organization, and membership is open to all who love theater! We hope they were listening.
Come and Join Us!!!
Kentwood members in the year 2000 Westchester Holiday Parade.
Kentwood members in the year 2000 Westchester Holiday Parade.