December 11, 2023

Dear Friends of the Arts,

As I sat immersed and guffawing in the audience of the Concord Players’ recent production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” at 51 Walden, an amusing yet poignant parallel struck me. Like the comically crumbling set on stage, our beloved 51 Walden, this beacon of community arts, is showing its age and needs our collective care, specifically roof repairs, exterior painting, and a ventilation/AC system.

You might recall the quip I made last year about the magic that fuels 51 Walden – our people, our community. This year, I want to shine the spotlight on our building itself, a tireless yet silent performer in every play, musical, concert, opera, and class it hosts.

51 Walden, a historic gem of our town and for our town, has been a constant center of Concord’s artistic life for over 100 years. It’s where the Concord Players, Orchestra, and Band transform scripts, notes, and rehearsals into breathtaking performances. Each creak of the floorboards, each echo in the green room, speaks volumes of our shared history and the thousands of artistic dreams realized under its roof.

But now, our beloved building needs more than applause to continue its role. Like the set in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” 51 Walden faces its challenges – aging infrastructure, the need for modern updates, and the continuous quest to be a welcoming home for the arts. The irony isn’t lost on me – as we chuckled at the play’s chaotic set falling apart in front of our very eyes, our own building whispered its need for attention.

This is where you, our valued patrons and friends, come in. Your support has always been the cornerstone of our success. As we navigate the complexities of maintaining this historic space, we need your help more than ever. Your contributions will go directly towards vital repairs and updates, ensuring that 51 Walden remains a vibrant center for the arts.

Let’s turn this moment of life imitating art (or is it the other way around?) into a triumphant act of community support. Your generosity will help keep the curtains rising at 51 Walden, allowing future generations to experience the joy, inspiration, and sense of community that only a place like this can offer.

Join us in this essential mission. Your donation, big or small, is an investment in preserving a vital piece of Concord’s cultural heritage. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of 51 Walden continues to thrive and inspire.

With heartfelt thanks and anticipation for our next act together,

Nick T. Miller

President, 51 Walden Board