LAKEPORT — The Soper Reese Community Theatre has officially opened its doors during an “Interlude” between phases of construction. A champagne reception honored volunteers, donors and contributors on Saturday, Jan. 26.
“This is about all of you who stepped up and made this happen,” said Mike Adams, who chairs the construction subcommittee for Soper Reese renovation.
The renovation committee recently completed Phase 1 of construction, which included a new stage and seating, sound system and lights. Other areas of Phase 1 construction were not visible but no less important; they included electrical, heating and air.
The reception took place just prior to Winter Music Fest, an annual production that showcases musical talents. Well-known singers and musicians performed in a wide variety of genres that well-represented the high caliber of talent that graces Lake County stages. Performances took place Saturday evening and on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27.
During a brief presentation prior to Saturday”s performance, Adams gave special thanks to renovation committee chairman John Ross and his wife Barbara, who is on the management subcommittee.
With Saturday”s reception and during the weekend performances, the Soper Reese opened its doors for the first time in several years. Posters in the Soper Reese lobby promoted other upcoming performances that will make use of the reopened venue.
In 1997, the Lake County Arts Council purchased what was then the Lakeport Theater. Jim and Florence Soper donated $300,000 ? 100 percent of the cost ? needed to buy the theater. The theater is named in honor of the Sopers and of Bob and Margaret Reese, former owners of the Lakeport Theater.
In 2006, the Sopers offered to make an additional donation by issuing a challenge to the community to raise funds for the Soper Reese. The Sopers will match $300,000 in local donations with an additional gift of $200,000.
The names of various donors on display at the downtown theater and are on the Lake County Arts Council Web site, www.lakecountyartscouncil.com.
The Soper Reese will remain open during an “Interlude” between now and Phase 2 of construction. Phase 2 will include renovation of the lobby, new handicapped-accessible bathrooms and restoration of the front of the theater.
Upcoming performances in the Soper Reese include the “Poetry Out Loud” high-school recitation contest on Sunday, Feb. 17, a Clear Lake Performing Arts presentation, “Opera to Pops,” on Sunday, Feb. 24; and “Solid Gold Cadillac” by Lakeport Community Players during two weekends in March.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
