Heddie Kent

1932, I was still in school - too young to be in the play, but my mother was on costumes, my father whistled the robin outside Beth's window when she died, and my Uncle Ripley Gage played Mr. Lawrence. In 1942, The War ruined my chances of playing Jo, which ambition had kept me alive for ten years! My backstage life began in 1952 when I took my father's job of whistling the robin. In 1962,I was IN the play (first and last time). I played Hannah - not very well, I think, but I was happy. Then in 1972 I had my hardest job: Producer. In 1982, I was most flattered to be in a very distinguished group of six people to whom that year's prodution was dedicated! I also did set dressing and props that year. Ten years ago, we were into the second production that used David Fielding Smith's script, which we are using again this year. So now in 2002 HERE WE GO AGAIN!! Seventh time, in 80 years. WHEW!!

Heddie is an institution at The Concord Players. She has been a member since 1936. She's only had a few parts on stage (Hannah in Little Women in 1952), but she has been involved in many productions from backstage as part of props or stage crews. Musicals are her favorite challenges! The choreography of 16 quick set changes, some to be accomplished by 5 or 6 people in 3 or 4 seconds in the dark, are the most exciting part of the whole production for her.

"I don't remember how many shows I've worked on, or how many sets I've helped to dress. I couldn't count the number of props I've collected and kept track of (although I do know that the trickiest one was a live horse!)

She was honored with the Ruth McIntire Award for Community Theater Service by the New England Theater Conference.