Our History
The Abbey Players have performed more than 200 plays and musicals since our inception. We've presented a wide array of performances, including plays like Rumors and The Laramie Project and musicals like Pippin and Chicago. Click here to see a full history of our productions. Key moments in our history include:
1949 |
The Anselmian Abbey Players are founded by Fr. Thomas Flaherty, O.S.B., and English Professor Edward J. Comiskey. For the first four years of the Abbey Players, they co-direct the performances beginning with 1949's Career Angel.
|
1953 |
Professor Comiskey takes over the full directorship of the Players.
|
1950's |
The Players collaborate with Mount St. Mary College in Hooksett as well as other area colleges to stage a variety of productions.
|
1981 |
The Abbey players begin performing in the newly built Dana Center. Previously they had performed in the Chapel Art Center, the North Lounge of Cushing, and at one time, in their own building.
|
1988 |
After 35 years as Director, Professor Comiskey retires.
Professor Landis Magnuson joins the English department in the fall of 1988, becoming the Director of the Abbey Players. His first production with the Players is House of Blue Leaves.
|
1999 |
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization, the Edward J. Comiskey Center, a fine arts building on campus, is dedicated in Professor Comiskey's honor.
|
2019 |
Professor Magnuson announces his retirement from Saint Anselm College after his final production with the Abbey Players, All My Sons.
|
2020 |
Professor Daniel Bird Tobin takes over as the new Director of the organization with a modified premier season. As he took the reins during the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheads a series of play readings to open his tenure with the Abbeys.
|
2022 |
Professor Elizabeth Daily becomes the Interim Director of the Abbey Players for Season 74. Her first production with the Abbeys is The Diviners.
|
2023 |
Professor Jesse Saywell becomes the Director of the Abbey Players for Season 75.
His first full production with the Abbeys is the fall play Clue! On Stage. |