In 1977, while working part-time as piano accompanist for a dance class at New Life Presbyterian Church, Esther Handleman Vail noticed that the sanctuary provided a ready-made set for Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. A lifelong Savoyard, Esther recruited a cast of no-experience amateurs from the New Life choir and Upper Monroe neighborhood, and directed the first production in May 1977. A year later, the cast enthusiastically regrouped for The Mikado, and other productions of G&S operettas soon followed. When it became apparent that this would be a continuing enterprise, Esther came up with the name Off-Monroe Players (from New Life’s location on Rosedale Street just off of Monroe Avenue).
Under Esther’s leadership, the group agreed to charge no admission (which kept budgets in the low two figures), and to welcome anyone who wished to participate. The members also shared Esther’s belief that a group of grassroots amateurs gathering to learn, rehearse, and perform the works of Gilbert & Sullivan could make a valuable contribution to the community’s cultural life; and that if the performers had fun, the audience would, too.
In the time since then, Off-Monroe Players has performed all the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, as well as works by other composers and playwrights (including Rochester talent), children’s theatre productions, and such G&S-related items as A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol and Hot Mikado. OMP has had enough community support to perform two or three productions a year, and to form the Gilbert & Sullivan Revue. On the group’s 20th anniversary, Mayor William Johnson recognized the group’s cultural contributions by declaring September 20, 1997 "Off-Monroe Players Day" in Rochester. In 2008, OMP joined Geva Theatre Center’s Theaterfest, performing Gayden Wren’s play with music Very Truly Yours, Gilbert & Sullivan to enthusiastic audiences.
In recent years, OMP moved to a larger hall; its budgets, number of performances, and audience have grown; its productions have become more elaborate, often including a small orchestra.
But in all essentials, OMP remains a reflection of Esther Vail’s vision.
Last updated: 02/11/12