News

Thank you for joining us for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the historic Majestic Theater in Gettysburg. This year marks 35 years since the original production of the show was first mounted at Central School in Chambersburg. Carl Schurr & Wil Love created a magical adaptation that has certainly withstood the test of time.

We are blessed to have the support of so many in our community. This season was also supported and attended by many members of Playhouse royalty. Terry Benson, the son of Totem Pole founders Karl Genus and Muriel Benson attended a performance this summer and pioneers John and Pam Putch, Carl Schurr and Will Love and Rowan Joseph all found their way back to the “enchanted forest. Ray Ficca even appeared on our stage once again in ON GOLDEN POND.

This season saw the return of a number of Totem Pole Playhouse favorites. Paris Peet, Blair Ross, Clay Arthur, Darren Server, Amy Gibbs, Catherine Blaine, Taylor Warren and Jessica Welch all returned to share their talents. along with veterans, James Fouchard, Kay Yaukey, Len Pfluger and Shannon B. Sturgis.

We made many new friends in 2023, with Tim Seib, Ralph Scott Mallory Hawks, Khalil LeSaldo, Jeff Wolf, Lance Windish and the magnificent cast of the record-breaking MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. We also welcomed Cadence Roll, Callie Tisdale, our outstanding local youth in our production of ANNIE! and Tommy Barra making his stage debut in ON GOLDEN POND.

We have done our best to create programs that give back to the community with “pay what you can” performances, presenting our children’s show free of charge to the public and making scholarships available to campers in the summer through the support of several local businesses. A Christmas Carol is made accessible to over 1200 Franklin & Adams County students at our December early morning matinees due to the generosity of many student sponsors.

2023 holds many fond memories. Our wonderful Grand Soiree in May kicked off our season. Robin Wakefield and Lindsay Griggs along with other members of our fantastic board created a magical evening for all to enjoy. Wilson College President and Totem Pole Board Member Wes Fugate made a surprise appearance in ANNIE! and Drew Adams had a stellar walk-on role in our premiere production, as well.

Thank you to our fantastic 2023 Season Sponsors The Drager Family, WellSpan Health, F&M Trust, Valley Agency Insurance, GDC I.T. Solutions and Walker & Spang and also our ticket sponsor, Mister Eds Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium and Patriot Federal Credit Union for sponsoring our Youth Summer Camp Programs. We also thank the Pineapple Group for once again sponsoring A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Lastly, congratulations to our colleague Jeffrey Gable – Founding Executive Director of the Majestic Theater upon his retirement. He has been a good and generous friend to Totem Pole Playhouse.

Moving toward our 75th Anniversary in 2025 the Caledonia Theatre Company is so very grateful and proud to continue the tradition of bringing live theatre to Totem Pole Playhouse and the region.

Happy Holidays!

David Hemsley Caldwell | Artistic Director
The Caledonia Theatre Company @ Totem Pole Playhouse
Welcoming the past to celebrate the future!