First of all, the playhouse has no stage. Because of insurance
concerns, they are calling it a
“platform”. But a playhouse it is, the new Morgan Hill Community
Theater, and it’s ready to open for performances on Friday, Jan.
31.
First of all, the playhouse has no stage.
Because of insurance concerns, they are calling it a “platform”. But a playhouse it is, the new Morgan Hill Community Theater, and it’s ready to open for performances on Friday, Jan. 31.
Renovated from a former 1925 church building, the $2.5 million theater is the final increment of the city’s new star, the community and cultural center, which opened in December, at Monterey Road and East Dunne Avenue.
The grand opening is being arranged in two parts by Joyce Maskell, city Business Assistance and Housing manager, who has shepherded the project through from the beginning. She – with help from other city employees – has lined up a taste of the performing arts: the Mes Amis String Trio, South Valley Civic Theatre, Opera San José, Ballet San José Silicon Valley and folk singers Alisa Fineman and Kimball Hurd. Reservations and tickets are required for this part of the evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m., since the theater holds fewer than 200 seats.
However, at 6:30 p.m. the entire city is invited to help city officials cut another ribbon, proclaim in speech and sample dessert. This part of the evening is free of charge.
Making the playhouse special are seats from the Art Deco period – the 1920s – that were found in the Campbell High School auditorium, from same period as the church. The chairs were donated and only required renovation and reupholstering, at a cost of $250 per chair.
The renovation costs are being underwritten by South Valley Civic Theatre members who have organized a “plaque sale” wherein patrons, for $300, can purchase a brass plaque with their name, or their business name, to be permanently attached to a seat arm. Donors can choose a particular chair from those that remain. $250 goes to the renovation fund and $50 to SVCT who will use the playhouse for their performances. The $300 is only for the plaque on your chosen seat. It does not automatically reserve the seat for you for performances.
The playhouse will truly open on Friday, Feb. 7 with a “very adult comedy” by SVCT, called “Lend Me An Ear”. Performer Joanne Curd stresses that this is not a family show but that they are “having a blast” during rehearsals.
Visit www.svct.org or call 842-SHOW to inquire after reserving a plaque or for tickets. Reservations for the Jan. 31 grand opening are on the community center’s website www.mhcommunitycenter.com or call 782-0008.
