History of Willow Manor Players


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	THE HISTORY OF WILLOW MANOR PLAYERS “THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS!” It all started when Ruth Kletzing was asked to help raise money for the Upper Dublin Women’s Club back in 1962. Ruth, with her daughters Ruth Ellen & Katharine wrote, produced, directed, and appeared in the musical “The Indomitable Snowman”. It was so successful that a decision was made to do an annual production for the dual purposes of showcasing local talents and raising money for charity. Thus, began Willow Manor Players. Over the years we contributed money to various charities, including physically handicapped children, the Second Alarmers, and the Twig School for mentally handicapped children. Then, in 1974 the Willow Manor Players Executive Board decided to honor Ruth Kletzing by establishing an annual theater scholarship, in her name. The Ruth Kletzing Scholarship Fund would help local students to pursue a career in the Performing Arts. Sadly, in 1980, Ruth Kletzing passed away. Her older daughter Katharine became our matriarch. This was a role for which she was well suited, having been a founding member and an Executive Board member since the inception of WMP. For the next 21 years, she would be a major part of the heart and soul of WMP, until her passing in March of 2000. Today the role of matriarch has been passed on to Ruth Ellen, our only original member of WMP. She is a member of our Executive Board; Co-Producer of recent shows and still performs on stage. The tradition continues with the grandchildren of our founder, Ruth Kletzing. Jeanne & Charlie Oski are still actively involved with WMP in several capacities. The family has played an intrical role in the history and success of WMP; but we must recognize all of our “extended family” members. They have shared their love for WMP from the first meeting in the Kletzing living room in 1962, to the meeting held in that same living room in 2005. We thank the many who have helped WMP to bring quality, community theater to our area! Excerpts from our 2000 program book, written by Jeff Roth, who served as Treasurer for many years and is still a current member of WMP. \| History of Willow Manor Players \| Executive Board \| \| Return Home \| Scholarship Fund \| About WMP \| Sponsors & Advertisers \| Special Thanks \| Contact Us \| Mailing List \|