Sunnyvale Community Players launches Studio Series for directors of color

Players’ 55th season

Murderous barbers and magical nannies are part of the Sunnyvale Community Players’ 55th season, announced last week.

The season opens in September with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” followed by Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” in October. In February 2024, the Players are set to stage Disney’s “Mary Poppins” as the company’s junior show. The regular season closes in April with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

In January the Players are staging the first show in the company’s new Studio Series, which will give new and aspiring directors of color the opportunity to direct for the first time under the mentorship of seasoned directors.  The series’ inaugural play is “The Last Five Years,” a modern musical that chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up from the groom’s point of view and from break-up to meeting from the bride’s.

Season tickets are available at https://www.sunnyvaleplayers.org.

Public Safety awards

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety recognized staff and residents for their outstanding service in 2022 at a May 16 awards ceremony.

Detective Matthew Hutchison was named Officer of the Year, while Public Safety Specialist Sali Dia got the nod as Professional of the Year.  Josie Silva won Dispatcher of the Year honors.

Distinguished Service Awards went to Lt. Jose Ramirez, Public Safety Officer Jeffrey Leu and Neighborhood Preservation Specialist Jhoanne Navarro-Tran. Communications manager Marianne Siu, senior office assistant Victoria Ketell and public safety specialist Sonia Bokla all received certificates of recognition.

Sunnyvale residents Nancy Pitre, Presley Pitr, and Yury Yamoryk were recognized with Citizen Life-Saving Awards. Volunteer of the Year honors went to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member Julie Hill.