The Main Street Players, the town's own live community theater, is proud to be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, being one of the longest-running community theaters in South Florida.
Having begun as the Miami Lakes Players Guild in 1974 and going through many incarnations, the Community Theater of Miami Lakes, d/b/a Main Street Players, settled into their present venue in 2003 with the help and generosity of The Graham Companies.
Miami Lakes resident Clara Lyzniak played a crucial role in negotiating this non-profit group’s present location and several years ago became the group’s president.
Elections were recently held for the 2014 season and Lyzniak agreed to continue in her position, leading the group for a 7th term. She has been with the Players since 1997, starting when her son Jason was performing on stage. She is instrumental in running the organization, producing many shows and sometimes even performing herself. Lyzniak is quick to point out that the organization wouldn’t function without the hard work of the other members and all volunteers.
Long time artistic director and board member Robert Coppel has been an integral member of The Main Street Players in bringing cutting edge theater as well as many classic favorites including at least one musical each season. Other board members reelected this year are vice president Liz Dikinson, secretary Melissa Gonzalez, treasurer Harold Korenstein, and members-at-large Michael Fernandez, Stephen Gair and Charles James.
A more in depth history of the theater group and current show information can be found on the website www.mainstreetplayers.com or by calling 305-558-3737. The Main Street Playhouse is located at 6766 Main Street, Miami Lakes, one block east of Shula’s Hotel.