Vermillion Players celebrate anniversary with special show
By Karen Blatter
pontiac@pantagraph.com
PONTIAC -- Jamie Ramseyer slipped away from other children playing a card game at a picnic table and snuck through a screen door that led to the back stage of the Vermillion Players.
Standing just inside the door, Ramseyer, who was dressed as Jiminy Cricket, listened intently to a man on stage singing "The Impossible Dream."
"That's my dad," he said in a whisper. "I want to hear him sing."
It wasn't the first time that Ramseyer, 11, of Saunemin, heard his dad, Tom, sing, but this time was special.
Casts of the community theater group have been singing songs and acting on the banks of the Vermilion River in Chautauqua Park for 40 seasons.
This weekend marks the anniversary with a special show, "Ah, Yes! I Remember It Well," which is a medley of songs from the group's past shows.
Group founded in 1965
The group has mounted about three shows each year since it was created in 1965. Nearly 3,000 people have performed on the stage, which itself has a rich history: it is more than 100 years old and was used during Chautauqua meetings.
Director and 28-year veteran Danny Grider said the current show hopes to bring back almost 40 years of memories to its audience.
"We want people to say they remember," he said.
Harry and Uretta Lovell wanted to begin a children's theater group; Vermillion Players had its first season in 1965. The group opened to adults a few years later.
Grider said a lot has changed through the years, but some things remain.
The stage was expanded several times, lights were added and the sound system revamped. Performers still use tents as dressing rooms and sit around outside picnic tables to await their cues.
The theater still floods when the river goes over its banks.
The building is not air conditioned. Large side windows can be opened and ceiling fans circulate the air.
Sometimes bugs still get in.
"There was nothing like being on stage and fighting off June bugs," Grider said of performing before the windows were screened. "We just love it here. We love the building ... This is our home."
Until the group bought plastic lawn chairs, audience members brought their own seating.
'It's really cool'
Ramseyer has been in 11 shows, most recently portraying Jiminy Cricket in "Pinocchio." He wore the costume again for the anniversary show's costume parade.
"I think (Vermillion Players) is awesome," he said. "It's really cool for kids around here to be able to come and perform."
Danielle Oester, 16, of Flanagan, has been in the group for seven years. Being on stage has heightened her love of singing and dancing.
"I love being here," she said, as she helped her sister Jessica with make-up. "I love music and theater. This has added to my love. You really have a good time."
