Special Photo Exhibit, Proclamation from Rochester’s Mayor & Announcement of Mimi Kennedy as Honorary Chairperson
Rochester’s oldest theatre officially kicked off its centennial season on January 26, 2025, at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center with the opening of a special gallery exhibit — Rochester Community Players: 100 Years in Photos! Rarely seen photographs spanning RCP’s first century provided a visual timeline of performances, programs, and people who brought Rochester’s oldest community theatre group to life and kept it going into the 21st century.
A proclamation from Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans declaring “…January 26, 2025, to celebrate the Rochester Community Players 100th Anniversary” was presented to RCP President Michael Krickmire by Deputy Mayor Michael Burns. Concluding the Proclamation were these statements from the Mayor: “For 100 years, Rochester Community Players has fostered a hands-on appreciation for the dramatic arts in Rochester, both establishing and contributing to our long history and reputation as a center for the arts. Over the past century, Rochester Community Players has encouraged the creativity and developed the talents of many, a testament to the passion and commitment of local thespians, who will assuredly continue to inspire and entertain us for 100 years to come.”
Another highlight of the event was the announcement of actress Mimi Kennedy as the Honorary Chairperson of RCP’s Centennial Season Celebration. With deep roots in Rochester and a celebrated career in theatre, television, and film, her honorary role is a fitting tribute to the organization’s enduring legacy. In a video message, Mimi Kennedy credits the foundational experiences she gained with RCP as instrumental to her growth as a performer.
Ending the program portion of the event was a “sneak preview” scene from Born Yesterday directed by John R. Jaeger and performed by Brad Craddock, Helena Shumway and Lucas Hadley-Telfer followed by drawings for complimentary tickets to RCP’s centennial productions.
Guests continued to enjoy the gallery exhibit, live music provided by Jim Schmitt, refreshments, and display of early programs and other items. As summed up by RCP President Michael Krickmire, “This year is more than an anniversary; it’s a celebration of shared creativity, community, and the generations of artists and audiences who have been part of Rochester Community Players during its first 100 years. We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable achievement.”
Channel 13 report of RCP’s Centennial Season Kick-off Event – WHAM TV (Ch. 13) https://13wham.com/news/local/rochester-community-players-theater-group-celebrates-100-years#