If you have ever done any of the above projects, you have dealt with contractors. I know how it works, I was one myself. No matter how you schedule a project, be it small or large, it always takes more time to finish. There is always something else that has to be done before everything is done.
That’s what is happening at the Soper-Reese. We were supposed to have all of our next phase of construction done by the end of June. We almost made that date. Then we looked at finishing in July. Now we are in August and we are still doing outside work. But we do have some wonderful news.
There are new outside doors and steps along Martin Street with ramps to make it easier for exiting by wheelchairs. New ramps inside make it easier to access the stage and emergency exits. We have more lighting capacity for better effects on stage. The back curtain has been fully rigged with a valance for a finished look. The stage is now completed from wall to wall with handrails installed for better safety. These great improvements make your theater experience even better.
We reopened our doors in July to the public with a memorial for Joan Holman, the well respected advocate to the Arts in the county. There was a huge turnout for this well loved actress and tireless supporter of the Clear Lake Performance Arts symphony.
Mid month we had a wonderful turnout for the first annual Lake County Singer Songwriter’s Festival produced by radio station KPFZ. Local talent was showcased for a Sunday afternoon of entirely original music.
And we have new shows coming this month all of them are sure to be entertaining.
The Golden Follies are returning with a brand new show. These very talented ladies will be singing and dancing to Broadway show tunes this weekend along with special stars, the “Ladies of the Lake” dance ensemble. There will be two shows this year for the Follies, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m., and Aug. 9, at 2 p.m.
The Taste of Lakeport will be on Aug. 21 with the entire downtown of Lakeport participating in a wine and food extravaganza. Look for the Soper-Reese and stop by to say hello.
The young people who brought us “The Complete Works of Shakespeare – Abridged,” are coming back with a new show, “The Great Books – Abridged” (all the books you were supposed to read in high school but were afraid of trying). It will be a very physical, crazy, high energy romp through the library shelves on Aug. 30 at 2 p.m.
The Soper-Reese is an all-volunteer venue and as such, we are always looking for new volunteers to help out so duties at the theater never become a burden for anyone. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please come to our next performance and fill out a volunteer form. You can also call us and we will be happy to talk to you. Call 707-263-0577, the Soper-Reese, your community theater.
Bert Hutt is artistic director of the Soper-Reese Community Theater.
