UNE Players Return to the Biddeford City Theater

It's no mystery why the University of New England Players' first production at Biddeford's City Theater in 29 years was a smashing success on Nov. 21st and 22nd.

The play was Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None."

The cast and crew of students ‚Äì a mix of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, majoring in everything from English to political science and marine biology to occupational therapy ‚Äì rehearsed in every space and at every time imaginable on UNE‚Äôs University Campus in Biddeford.  They juggled various student schedules as well as space availability, but all worked hard to make it happen.

Then on the Saturday before the production - with the moving of set furniture, props, and the beginning of the technical work - the cast and crew were welcomed into their new home at City Theater for the final  week.

Nearly 600 people turned out for the show over the two-night run.

"It was a lot of fun, and it was the first time I had performed in a real theater," said Ashley Taylor '10, an occupational therapy major who played the role of Vera Claythorne. "In high school we performed in the cafeteria."

Taylor added that this was her first year in UNE players and that she had decided to try out just to relieve some stress. "When I came I never imagined I would get a relatively important role. I didn't know anybody and didn't think we get as close as we did, but we did. It really helped us all to get into our roles. It was a really great experience, and I'm so greatful to everyone who helped us out."

"It was a blast," said Brandon Hotham '12, a first year psychology major who played the role of Philip Lombard. "It was nice to see that there is a place for theater at UNE, and it was great to find other people as interested in theater as I am and to work with them."

"We had great turnout from the UNE community," he added.

The return to City Theater was a homecoming for the play's director, Bob Pecchia, who has worked for 29 years in UNE's Admissions Office. It was back in the spring of 1981 when Pecchia was directing a UNE student production of William Shakespeare‚Äôs ‚ÄúThe Taming of the Shrew‚Äù that Pecchia had the opportunity to open the production at City Theater.  The cast and crew back then enjoyed a successful three-night run in the classic facility.

City Theater is a century old Biddeford, listed as a Historical Landmark with the National Trust.  The theater was completely renovated during the period 1977-97 and is run by City Theater Associates, a non-profit organization. It seats an audience of about 500.

Now with a successful return of the UNE Players, Pecchia looks forward to future productions at the theater.