We are truly fortunate that c. douglas carter had a vision in 1960 for a program that would reach across the community. the fact that it has continued for sixty years demonstrates the quality of programming and personnel that have been a part of the production!

The first production was porter at the door, written by a local playwright, with music written by robert mayer. this show was repeated in 1985 for the program’s 25th anniversary.

There have been nine directors over the sixty-one years: robert mayer, jane carter handley, janie musten, maggie griffin (36 years), carole midura, diana marshall- shoaf, linda moody, chad edwards and nick zayas (current director). Larry Hurych was the program’s set designer for over 40 years!

The 50th anniversary summer enrichment musical theatre production in 2010, peter pan, the musical was dedicated to the memory of c. douglas carter, the founder of the program. peter pan, the musical was presented in honor of the years of dedicated service to the students involved in the program by maggie griffin, director and larry hurych, set designer.

Grease was produced in 1988, and again in 2008; forty years later. only a few other shows have been repeated over the last fifty. they are porter at the door (1960 & 1985), lil’ abner (1970, 1986 & 2007), once upon a mattress (1972 & 2002), hello dolly (1979 & 1991), anything goes
(1980 & 1995), annie (1989 & 2004), barnum (1990 & 2013), wizard of oz (1992 & 2003) and oliver (1997 & 2014).

In 1984, the production was plain & fancy. the students had the opportunity to participate in a field trip to amish country for a background experience before performing in this show.

Thousands of students have participated in these productions over the last sixty years. many have developed close relationships that have lasted far beyond the five weeks preparing for the productions. one of the outstanding outcomes of this program is that students from all across the county get to know each other, work as a team, develop respect for diversity, and support one another during the process. 

There has been a history of rich, engaging and entertaining musicals. the last 50 years of productions demonstrate this: