Write a commentThe Peter Mahan family has been part of the Oswego Arts Community for many years. Peter, Kelly and their son, Stephen, will all appear in the Oswego Players Christmas season production of "It's a Wonderful Life," directed by Troy Pepper.
Peter has been active with the Oswego Art Association since 1989 and has served that organization well in many capacities, including president and vice president; an office he currently holds. For the first couple of years, the Mahan's didn't realize there was a theater in the same building; such was their involvement with the Art Association. That changed when their children became involved with a home school theatre group, and discovered their love for performing.
When the family saw auditions for the Players' "Cheaper by the Dozen" about 10 years ago, they discovered the wonderful world of community theater. Wife Kelly and daughter, Bryana, both captured roles, while son David helped with tech and Peter did the photography. From then on the family was "hooked." Kelly and Bryana teamed up again as mother and daughter in "Anne of Green Gables." When the Players were short on adult roles, the children continued their passion with parts in a number of Oswego Children's Theatre productions.
When the late Harold Nichols directed "I Remember Mama" for the Players, Kelly played Mama, David was Nels, Jon played a nephew, and Peter was talked into playing the doctor, his performing debut. Stephen, at age 9, pulled the curtains.
"Our family has done a lot of plays together," Kelly said. "If you have one of us, you pretty much have all of us available to help in one way or another. It was a great way to stay connected to our kids in their teen years, fostered family relationships , and gave them a lot of poise and confidence that has served them well in their lives."
Kelly has served the group by assuming the reigns of the 75th Anniversary of Players Fundraising Committee. She has been instrumental in this effort to raise the funds required to update and upgrade the Arts Center Building.
Stephen, at 15, has played several adults in his time with Players. In "Wonderful Life" he has several roles. His favorite to date, however, is Officer Klein in "Arsenic and Old Lace," as he got to use an Irish accent. When not on stage, he manages to work backstage or in the light booth to stay involved.
Performances will take place on the Frances Marion Brown theatre stage in the Oswego Civic Arts Center, Fort Ontario Complex. Production dates are 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8 and 14 and15. As usual, a matinee will be performed at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec.16. Tickets are $10/adults, $8/seniors and $7/students. Reservations are recommended, and available at the Players' box office, 315-343-5138. For more information on the oldest all volunteer amateur theater group in the United States, visit the Players website at http:/www.oswegoplayers.org.
