First recorded by American jazz legend Louis Armstrong in 1967, the song “What a Wonderful World” sets the upbeat tone for the Santa Clara Traveling Troupe’s free performance at Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd., at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22.
The Traveling Troupe is an outreach of the Santa Clara Players, so its experienced performers, now numbering seven, will be familiar to many. Their one-hour performance, suitable for teens and adults, includes skits, songs, readings and poetry about family, friends—and rainbows.
“What fun it is to be part of the Traveling Troupe!” said San Jose resident Pat Cross, who has acted with SC Players for more than a decade. “The teamwork is amazing, and I love having the opportunity to perform in a wide variety of pieces and bring our performances to so many different organizations and audiences.”
“Our mission is to bring live theater to the community—to local church, social, and civic groups in Santa Clara County,” said native Santa Claran Kathy Gutto, one of the founders of the traveling entertainers in 1985. “I love the chance to be part of an ensemble that develops great programming and great friendships.”
Originally called the One-Act Players, it had to shut down in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Then in 2025, Cross, Gutto and Santa Claran Kristine Berg reformed the all-volunteer group, changing the name to Santa Clara Traveling Troupe, to reflect its now diverse programming.
“I love being able to sing, act, and play with these artistic Troupe members, who have become much more than friends as we share our time, creativity, and talents with each other,” said Berg.
All the members testify to a love of theater and of belonging to the Traveling Troupe, which performs year-round.
“The theater is my soul food, so being a part of the Troupe keeps my spirit well fed and happy,” said Helena G. Clarkson from Palo Alto.
Clarkson calls the Traveling Troupe her chosen theater family. As needed, she acts, directs, writes, sings—and handles phone calls.
Morgan Hill resident Elizabeth Lowenstein first performed with the Santa Clara Players in the 1990s. Jeff Swan, also from Morgan Hill, started with SCP in 2010.
“I enjoy the friendship of the Troupe members, which grows with every rehearsal and performance, along with a rewarding sense of giving back to the community,” said Swan.
Sunnyvale resident Paul Riskin joined as pianist in 2025.
“It’s exciting to work and perform with such a creative and talented group of actors, singers, musicians and writers,” said Riskin. “There is real collaboration as we develop and rehearse our shows, experimenting with and choosing the pieces that will blend into cohesive and engaging performances.
“And the appreciation from our audiences is always rewarding.”
After the Traveling Troupe performed at West Valley Library in San Jose last March, Adult Services Librarian Helen Kahn said they would be welcome back as often as they wished.
“They offer such a variety of entertaining performances,” said Kahn. “It’s a great introduction into what people can find in the theater, which is part of the library’s cultural offerings.”
The 2026 – 2027 season of the Santa Clara Players opens Oct. 30 – Nov. 14 with “I Am a Camera,” a semi-autobiographical drama set in Berlin, Germany, in the 1930s. Visit the SCP website for information.
In the meantime, whet your appetite for the theater with the Santa Clara Traveling Troupe at Central Park Library Sept. 22.
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