The Cathedral Players' Guild: 1929 - 2006

The Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, Monsignor Joseph Schlarmann, formed the Cathedral Players' Guild in 1929. The first production was Little Red Riding Hood. The first starlet was none other than Dorothy Lindow (Schlarmann) who Msgr. Joe cast in the role of Little Red Riding Hood.

The first director of the Guild, Cornelia Palmer, held the position until 1973. During her tenure, the Guild was famous for its biblical productions, which were produced and presented annually.

In 1974, Bob Lippert assumed the directorship of the Guild. Bob first joined the Guild in 1954. In 1983, the Guild moved its productions out of the church basement and into the newly constructed McCormick Center. Productions shifted from being biblical in nature to variety shows written by Bob himself. In 1985, the guild established the annual summer musical with the production of Godspell.

Throughout the 1980's and 1990's the Guild's annual summer musical production became a highly anticipated events. Elaborate sets and other special effects enhanced the performances of the many talented players who graced the Cathedral Players' Guild stage over the years.

Ironically, The Cathedral Players' Guild ended its run in 2006, producing the same show that started the summer musical tradition some twenty years earlier, Godspell.



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