On Saturday, August 21, 2010, the Canal Fulton Players at the UMC Family Theatre opened their 2010-2011 season with a highly energetic fundraiser, which was held in the Fellowship Hall Theatre in front of eight enthusiastic supporters. More would have come but due to vacations and other event conflicts, the cast of fifteen gave its best for those who could come. The silent auction, the dessert bar, and the admissions garnered the Players enough money to start the season with a bang.

Leading the way was Jackie Piatt, Gracyn Loper, Kristina Currans, and Katelyn Zeitz. Jackie sang several songs and showed her pure operatic voice which has been heard in Once Upon a Mattress and Annie. Gracyn graced us with the help of Lauren Stover with two popular songs. Kristina also delivered two popular songs. Katelyn not only sang but she also did a comedy routine with David Van Gaasbeek in which Katelyn learned a great deal about baseball. She also danced and was part of young female quartet with Gracyn, Kristina and Lauren. Jackie joined forces with Olivia Durell and Amiee Jarzenski for a thrilling acapella trio. Olivia also delivered a beautiful solo while Amiee sang the blues.
Matt King, who also emceed, delivered a very good rendition of a Beatle song while Theresa Graves brought back the big band era and the seventies with her voice. Breaking with tradition, the Players introduced Josh Rowe and Tyler Brewer as break dancers. George Dorer also
pantomimed a very emotional Italian father in Jackie’s solo. Accompaniment music came from Jan Boston and Dan Graves. All in all, the night brought forth a variety of comedy, dance and song which had everyone applauding at the end.

The silent auction, which had twenty seven contributions, helped the Players immensely while the dessert bar, which had eight providers from the community, was descended on with relish by all those who attended.

Dave Van Gassbeek announced the 2010-2011 season halfway through the show. The plays for 2010-2011 are:
   October 22-24, 20-31 The Lion in Winter, directed by Dave Van Gaasbeek
   December 11 A Christmas Variety Show
   March 4-6, 11-13 Caught in the Net, directed by Sandra Schmeltzer
   May 7-9, 14-16 Pride and Prejudice, direction will be announced
   June 23-26 The Sound of Music, rights are being negotiated.

The cast of Much Ado About Nothing, which was performed on August 28-29 from the St. Helena III, was also introduced. Led by Don Pedro (Jason Rigon), Claudio (Bryan Steffee), Beatrice (Anita Artzner), Leonato (Gary Gallagher), Dogberry (Lisa Van Gaasbeek), Friar Francis (Ray Olivera), Ursula (Sarah Price) and Margaret (Stacey Pasternak), the cast of Much Ado danced to the music given by the casts of Annie and Once Upon a Mattress. Camaraderie and family were paramount on this date and even though it rained, the sun was shining in the Fellowship Hall.