Shoestring Players Board Members Preview “George Washington’s Teeth” and Share Why Community Theater Matters Marie Valade (actress, playing Edie) and Kara Reynolds (producer) of the Santa Cruz Shoestring Players joined a recent radio interview to promote their upcoming production of George Washington’s Teeth by Mark St. Germain. Both serve on the company’s Board of Directors and are deeply involved onstage and behind the scenes. The show runs at the Community Performance & Art Center (CPAC) in Green Valley. A Quirky Comedy with Heart George Washington’s Teeth follows the determined women of the struggling New Bunion Historical Society in a sleepy New England town. With their lease running out and attendance dwindling, they scramble for creative ways to attract members and visitors. When a set of George Washington’s dentures surfaces in the hands of an unexpected rival, the situation spirals into an all-out comic battle. The play is a farce full of laughs, plot twists, and eccentric characters, yet it also explores history, identity, legacy, and the idea that differences can strengthen rather than divide a community. It even debunks the popular myth that Washington’s dentures were made of wood. Valade and Reynolds encouraged listeners to come for the humor, the strong ensemble acting, and the surprisingly heartfelt moments. Directed by Susan Voorhees, the production opens Thursday, October 29, 2026, with performances through November 8 at CPAC (1250 Continental Road, Green Valley). Behind the Scenes: Producing and Crewing Reynolds explained that producing a community theater show involves coordinating volunteers, managing the budget, scheduling, publicity, and ensuring the artistic vision comes together on a shoestring. It’s a hands-on role that supports everyone from the director to the cast and tech crew. They emphasized that almost anyone can join a Shoestring Players crew. Opportunities exist in set construction, costumes, props, lighting, sound, stage management, and more. No prior experience is required—volunteers are trained and welcomed, reflecting the group’s open, inclusive approach. Developing Edie and Favorite Moments Valade described her character, Edie, as one of the more colorful members of the historical society—someone who brings comic energy and unexpected personality to the group. She developed the role through script work, character backstory, and collaboration with the director and cast during rehearsals. Both women highlighted favorite scenes involving the escalating rivalry over the dentures and the absurd lengths the society members go to in order to save their museum, moments that balance broad comedy with genuine emotion. Choosing the Show and Building a Season The Shoestring Players selected George Washington’s Teeth for its blend of accessible humor, strong roles for women, historical flavor, and community appeal. Season planning typically involves reading scripts, balancing comedies, dramas, mysteries, and classics, and considering what will resonate with Green Valley audiences while challenging the company. The 2026–2027 season also includes And Then There Were None, The Nerd, and a Shakespeare adaptation. Why They Give So Much Time As board members who also act and crew, Valade and Reynolds invest heavily because community theater creates connection, creativity, and belonging. It gives people of all ages and experience levels a place to contribute, tell stories, and support local arts. The rewards—shared laughter, new friendships, and seeing a production come alive—far outweigh the hours. How to Get Involved Listeners can audition (open to all levels), volunteer for crews, join the free weekly Shoestring Readers Theatre group, or simply buy a ticket and support the company. Visit santacruzshoestringplayers.org, call (520) 399-1750, or check CPAC’s ticketing site for details and upcoming opportunities. The interview painted a warm picture of dedicated volunteers who love bringing theater to Green Valley—and invited the whole community to join the fun, either in the audience or behind the scenes.
