By Laurie O’Neill — Laurie@concordbridge.org
“Simplify, simplify.”
Those oft-quoted words by Henry David Thoreau might describe why the Concord Players are holding a two-day indoor tag sale on September 14 and 15, offering an array of items from their basement storage space at 51 Walden Street.
“It’s a necessary purge project,” says Andrea Roessler, who wears many hats at the Players, ranging from vice president of operations to set dresser.
“We just can’t keep it all,” she says of the stock of vintage clothing, luggage, housewares, and tools, plus arts and crafts supplies, silk flowers, furniture, lamps — and many other pieces too numerous to mention. All are currently housed in the historic 1887 building, the former town armory.
Why are the Players letting go of a set of old band uniforms, a witch’s cape, an antique pitchfork, old scripts, and even strips of wall molding?
“We have to do this,” says Roessler.
Work to install a new ventilation and air conditioning system for the main hall reduced the amount of storage space in the basement by a third, she says. Sale proceeds will offset construction-related expenses including rebuilding the costume room and purchasing new shelving and racks.
Treasure hunting
Roessler and her team sorted through rooms filled to overflowing with items that either played a role in a production or were waiting to be cast. It has been an enormous but gratifying project that would earn professional organizer Marie Kondo’s approval.
Many of the Players’ possessions have been donated to the group over the years, but some vintage clothing is too small for today’s bodies, “and we’ve hung onto other things but have never needed them,” Roessler says.
Most of what’s for sale isn’t “show specific,” she notes, such as an old cola cooler, antique toaster, evening gowns and tuxes, and a pair of vintage adding machines.
Some items will be free, though the Players would appreciate a donation. The group will donate leftover items to area organizations including schools and theater groups.
The sale will take place indoors at The Center for Performing Arts at 51 Walden on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Come support the Players,” Roessler says. “You might find an awesome treasure!”
