It was in 1989 that June Hamilton, the director of the Bloomfield Hills Schools Department of Recreation and Community Services, decided to add an artistic element to their sports-heavy curriculum. She was assisted by a Community Arts Advisory Committee, composed of school principals, teachers, and prominent community leaders. “Town Hall” meetings were held, and the decision was made to create a community choir, a youth theater program, and a full-blown community theater.

Bloomfield Players’ first production, The Music Man, garnered 160 auditioners of all ages, producing a cast of 56, and featuring Larry Miller and Judy Zorn as the leads. It was overwhelmingly received and a new “theatrical star” was born!

Producing one or two musicals a year, BP draws a wide variety of participants, and is dedicated to family-oriented theater. Only three productions to date have had totally adult casts. June was adamant about getting many children into the shows. We may have staged the only productions with “children’s choruses” in South Pacific (Bali Hai natives) and The Sound of Music (there was an orphanage at the abbey). Our first Annie was reviewed by one reporter, writing, “I have never seen so many orphans on stage, but it worked!”

BP casts often include family members (even exchange students) performing together. Many parents start out as chauffeurs, but end up on stage, even after their children may have moved on. Just ask the Lurias, Devines, Dittuses, Beldens, etc.

Our relationship with the Bowers School Farm has been put to good use. In our Li’l Abner, a live pig and chickens joined the cast on stage, with predictable outcomes…

When June retired in 2002, a group of members led by Kay-Ellen Murphy worked with Mike Cowdrey, the current director of the Recreation Department, to continue the BP organization as an independent nonprofit corporation. Under the leadership of our presidents, Steve Harris, Kevin Merlo, Udi Kapen, Larry Miller, Lisa Rich, Jessey Laba, and currently Jenn Friedman, and the work of so many dedicated volunteers, BP has continued its mission to provide a fun and enriching opportunity to showcase the talent of local residents and to nurture young talent through quality community theater at a reasonable price. In fact, several of our young members have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts.

Once again, we want to thank June Hamilton for her vision for Bloomfield Players, and for her leadership and involvement in every aspect of the productions. We hope we have “done her proud” and look forward to our next 30 years of wonderful entertainment for and by our community.