LOCAL THEATRE GROUP WILL SET UP HOME AT NEW SHANNONDELL PLAYHOUSE

Leading Retirement Community Opens Its Doors To
The King of Prussia Players

Top row (left to right) : Dr. Larry Anderson, Players Playhouse Procurment Chairman Michelle Elbin, Players Board Member, Katie Clements, Players Secretary, Dr. Andrew B. Maksymowych, Players Board Member, William Ross, VP of Operations for Shannondell
Bottom row (left to right) : Julie Kuerschner, Players Board Member, Dr. Roseann Jamelli, Players Board Member 

AUDUBON, Pa. – February 20, 2006 – The stage is set.  Hit the lights.  Cue the music. Draw the curtains.  The show is about to begin. 

 

Today the King of Prussia Players is excited to announce its new permanent home at Shannondell at Valley Forge, the leading retirement community in the Philadelphia region.   The move, which will take place this summer, provides a unique opportunity for both entities to grow and prosper in the future.

 

In order to bring the benefit of the arts and theatre to residents in the Lower Providence area and surrounding communities, the King of Prussia Players and Shannondell embarked on this endeavor with mutual interest.

 

“The start of our relationship with Shannondell was quite serendipitous,” notes Dr. Larry Anderson, chairman of the playhouse procurement committee of the King of Prussia Players.  “Once Shannondell told us that they wanted this relationship to help us thrive and not just survive – we were thrilled for the move.”

 

Shannondell’s newly constructed Performing Arts Theatre, which will seat approximately 500 people, has a projected completion date of July 2006. 

 

The playhouse will be equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, installed by Clair Brothers Systems.  The nationally renowned design company is known for its work on the Ed Sullivan Theater (New York, N.Y.) and Walt Disney World (Orlando, Fla.) - just to name a few.

 

“We are thrilled to provide a new home and fresh beginning for the King of Prussia Players,” said Jim Sorom, CEO at Shannondell. 

“By constructing a new auditorium and welcoming an established theatre group, we plan to continue our tradition of refined convenience for our residents and ultimate entertainment for the residents of Lower Providence and surrounding community.”

 

What makes this move timely is that this year the King of Prussia Players will celebrate its 50th anniversary.  The gala celebration will kick off with its first musical performance at Shannondell, “The Music Man,” in July 2006.

 

The community-based theatre group will perform five productions at Shannondell annually.  Additionally, it will also host children’s workshops in the summer.

 

The King of Prussia Players, founded in 1956, has always been a part of the Upper Merion Area School District. For the past 25 years, all shows have been performed at Upper Merion High School, where the Players also help to maintain theatrical equipment and participate in the school’s performing-arts program.

 

The new location will not only provide superior technology for the Players, it will also expand its current audience.  Current patrons of the theatre group will continue to enjoy the shows, since they will be less than five miles from the high school.

 

The Players will continue to have a performance relationship with Upper Merion Area School District beyond the move this summer. Two productions each year will continue to be held at Upper Merion High School, and the Players will continue to assist with the school’s theater program.

 

About the King of Prussia Players

Since 1956, the King of Prussia Players has existed to bring quality theatre productions to the communities of King of Prussia, Pa., and the surrounding area. The community theatre group strives to make theatre a rewarding and educational experience for all.  All shows from now until June 2006 are performed at Upper Merion Area High School, Crossfield Road, King of Prussia.  For more information, visit the Players' website at www.kofpplayers.org or call (610) 277-9505.

 

About Shannondell at Valley Forge

Shannondell is a continuing care retirement community that redefines retirement living. Set amidst the rolling hills of the Delaware Valley, the historic 140-acre Shannondell Farm has been transformed into the area’s most magnificent retirement campus.  With two 110,000 square foot clubhouses, Shannondell sets a new standard for retirement living with great entertainment, first class services, resort-style amenities and numerous activities.  For more information, visit www.shannondell.com.

 

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